Overview
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. divaricata (Baker) Brenan, also known as the African teak, is a flowering plant from the Boraginaceae family. It is native to Africa and can be found in countries such as Nigeria, Sudan, and Uganda.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as African teak due to its wood being similar in appearance to the teak tree. It is also called the Sudanese white teak and West African ehretia.
Uses
The wood of the African teak is used for a variety of purposes such as furniture, construction, and boat building. The plant has also been used for medicinal purposes in traditional African medicine to treat ailments such as fever and stomach pains.
General Appearance
The African teak is a tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. It has a rough, brown bark and the leaves are oval-shaped and pointed at the tip. The flowers are small and white and are arranged in clusters. The fruit of the plant is round and contains four seeds. The wood of the African teak is durable and has a light brown to yellowish-brown color.
Light Requirements
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. divaricata (Baker) Brenan is a plant that requires bright and direct sunlight to grow well. It can grow in partial shade, but it may affect the quality and quantity of flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature for the growth of Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. divaricata (Baker) Brenan is between 25°C and 35°C. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C, but it is susceptible to frost damage. In areas with cold winters, it is advisable to grow this plant in a greenhouse or indoors.
Soil Requirements
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. divaricata (Baker) Brenan can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it grows best in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. The plant requires moderate moisture, and excessive waterlogging should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. divaricata (Baker) Brenan, commonly known as Koko in Nigeria, is a tropical evergreen tree that grows up to 20 meters tall. It is a hardy plant that thrives in warm and humid climates with well-draining soil. The ideal pH range for the soil is 6.0 to 7.5, and the plant can be grown in full sun or partial shade.
The plant is propagated by seeds, which should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. Plant the seeds in a nursery bed, and when they reach 15-20cm tall, they can be transplanted into the field. The best time to transplant is during the rainy season.
Watering needs
Although Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. divaricata is a hardy plant, it requires regular watering to thrive. The plant should be watered deeply and consistently, especially during the dry season. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
The plant needs regular fertilization to ensure healthy growth and development. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer twice a year, during the rainy season and at the beginning of the dry season.
Pruning
Pruning is not essential, but it can help to control the size and shape of the plant. Prune the plant during the dry season to avoid water loss through pruning wounds. Cut back any dead or damaged branches and remove any suckers that may have developed around the base of the tree. Be careful not to damage the main trunk when pruning.
Propagation of Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. divaricata (Baker) Brenan
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. divaricata (Baker) Brenan, commonly known as the "koko tree," is a tropical tree species that is valued for its medicinal properties, timber, and ornamental value. The plant can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, stem cutting propagation, and air layering.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. divaricata can be harvested from mature fruits and sown directly into the soil. The best time for seed sowing is during the rainy season. The planting site should be prepared by clearing it of weeds and other debris. The soil should be moist, well-drained, and rich in organic matter. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 2-3 cm, and the distance between each seed should be at least 1-2 meters. Germination typically occurs within 7-14 days.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. divaricata can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Stem cuttings should be taken from the current-year growth and should be about 20-30 cm in length. The lower leaves should be removed, and the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone powder. The stem cutting should be planted in a mixture of sand and peat or fertile soil, kept moist, and shaded from direct sunlight. Rooting typically occurs within 3-4 weeks.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. divaricata. In this method, a branch is selected and a ring of bark and cambium tissue is removed from around the stem, leaving a bare area. The bare area is then covered with a moistened sphagnum moss or peat moss and wrapped with plastic. Roots typically form within 3-4 weeks. Once roots have emerged, the new plant can be severed from the mother plant and transferred to a suitable growing medium.
Disease and Pest Management for Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. divaricata (Baker) Brenan
Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. divaricata (Baker) Brenan is a hardy plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, certain pests and diseases still pose a threat to the plant's overall health and can lead to significant damage if not managed appropriately. Below are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal infection that appears as a white or greyish powdery substance on the leaves. It can cause the leaves to wilt and yellow, leading to stunted growth. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected plant parts and increase airflow around the plant. You can also use a fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
Rust: Rust is a fungal infection that appears as orange or brown spores on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. To manage rust, remove infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering. You can also use a fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal infection that appears as concentric circles on the leaves. It can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. To manage leaf spot, remove infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering. You can also use a fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause the leaves to curl and distort. To manage aphids, use a strong jet of water to dislodge them from the plant. You can also use an insecticide to control their population.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are small insects that spin webs on the leaves of the plant. They can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. To manage spider mites, remove infected plant parts and increase humidity around the plant. You can also use an insecticide to control their population.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, immobile insects that appear as small bumps on the leaves and stems of the plant. They can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. To manage scale insects, remove infected plant parts and use an insecticide to control their population.
By managing pests and diseases effectively, you can keep your Ehretia cymosa Thonn. var. divaricata (Baker) Brenan healthy and thriving. Regular monitoring and maintenance are important to catch any problems early and prevent them from causing irreversible damage.
