Entandrophragma candollei Harms
Entandrophragma candollei Harms, also known as White Afara, is a hardwood tree species that belongs to the family Meliaceae. This tree species is native to tropical West Africa, particularly from Sierra Leone and Liberia to the Cameroon.
Common Names
Entandrophragma candollei Harms is known by various common names in different regions. Some of these common names include White Afara, African satinwood, Gaboon wood, Ghana white mahogany, and Ivory Coast mahogany, amongst others.
Uses
Entandrophragma candollei Harms is a commercially important timber species due to its high-quality lumber. The wood is moderately heavy, hard, and durable, making it suitable for a wide range of construction and furniture-making purposes. Carvers also use the wood to create intricate patterns and sculptures.
In addition to its commercial use, the plant has medicinal properties. The bark of Entandrophragma candollei Harms is used in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments, including stomach aches, diarrhea, and fever. The leaves of the plant are also used to make a soothing tea that is believed to have healing properties.
General Appearance
Entandrophragma candollei Harms is a large tree that can grow up to 50 meters tall and 2 meters in diameter. The tree has a straight trunk and a dense, rounded crown with large, dark green leaves that have a glossy texture.
The flowers of Entandrophragma candollei Harms are white and have a fragrant scent. The fruit is large, woody, and capsule-shaped, with five compartments containing winged seeds.
The bark of Entandrophragma candollei Harms is grey-brown and has deep longitudinal fissures. The inner bark is reddish-brown and exudes a resinous sap when cut or damaged.
Overall, Entandrophragma candollei Harms is an important tree species with economic, medicinal, and ecological significance in its native range.
Light Requirements
Entandrophragma candollei Harms typically thrives in areas with moderate to bright light. The plant needs bright but indirect sunlight, which can be provided by placing it near a well-lit window or under artificial grow lights. Direct sunlight may cause leaf scorching or wilting, so it's important to provide shade during the hottest part of the day if necessary.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Entandrophragma candollei Harms is between 18°C and 30°C. The plant can be grown outdoors in regions where average temperatures fall within this range. However, it can also be grown indoors with temperature and humidity control to ensure optimal growth. Avoid exposing the plant to extreme temperatures, as this may cause stress or damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Entandrophragma candollei Harms grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a range of 6.0 to 7.5 being optimal. The plant prefers moist but not waterlogged soil, so ensure proper drainage. Adding compost or well-aged manure to the soil can improve its texture and nutrient content.
Cultivation Methods
Entandrophragma candollei Harms is a tropical tree species that requires specific environmental conditions to thrive. The plant requires full sunlight and a well-drained soil mixture suitable for tropical plants to ensure successful cultivation. The climate should be warm throughout the year with humidity between 60% to 80% to achieve optimal growth. The plant's seeds should be placed in the soil mixture with the pointy end facing downwards, and gently covered with soil.
Watering Needs
Entandrophragma candollei Harms requires regular watering, especially during times of drought. The plant prefers moderate to heavy watering to maintain soil moisture levels, but it is essential not to overwater to avoid issues like root rot. The soil should always be moist to the touch and avoid allowing the topsoil to dry completely between watering.
Fertilization
Fertilizing is necessary for the optimal growth of Entandrophragma candollei Harms. Choose a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilization should be done twice a year, preferably during the beginning of the rainy season. It is essential to water the plant thoroughly after fertilizing to allow the nutrients to seep into the soil and reach the roots.
Pruning
Pruning your Entandrophragma candollei Harms plant is vital for shaping the tree and keeping it healthy. It is recommended to remove dead, damaged, or weak branches to encourage growth and maintain the plant's overall health. It is also necessary to remove any branches that are rubbing against each other to prevent injury. Pruning should be done during the tree's dormant period to avoid cutting any new growth that may have sprung during the growing season.
Propagation of Entandrophragma candollei Harms
Entandrophragma candollei Harms, commonly known as White mahogany, is a timber tree species found in tropical Africa. The following are the propagation methods for Entandrophragma candollei Harms:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Entandrophragma candollei Harms is through seeds. The seeds require no special treatment before planting, but it is essential to collect them from healthy and mature trees.
Before planting, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat. The seeds are then sown in a pot or nursery bed containing a well-draining soil mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, and sand.
Seedlings should emerge within 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings grow to about 7 inches in height, they can be transplanted into bigger pots or directly into a planting hole in the field.
Cuttings Propagation
Although not commonly used, Entandrophragma candollei Harms can be propagated through cuttings. It is essential to use semi-hardwood cuttings taken from the previous season's growth.
The cuttings are usually about 6-8 inches long, and the lower leaves are removed. The cuttings are then dipped in rooting hormone powder and planted in a pot or nursery bed with the growing medium similar to seed propagation.
The cuttings are kept in a warm and moist environment, such as under a plastic cover or in a misting bed, until they root and develop into a healthy plant. The cuttings usually take longer to root compared to seedlings.
Air-Layering Propagation
Air-layering is another method of propagating Entandrophragma candollei Harms. This method is suitable for mature trees with a trunk diameter of more than 10 inches.
A branch is selected, and a ring of bark and cambium is removed from the branch. A rooting hormone is applied to the exposed wood, and the wound is covered with moist sphagnum moss. The moss is wrapped with plastic to keep it moist and secure.
After six to twelve weeks, roots should develop from the exposed wood. The rooted branch can then be removed from the parent plant and planted in the field.
Overall, seed propagation is the most common and straightforward method of propagating Entandrophragma candollei Harms. Cuttings and air-layering can be used, but they require more skill and effort.
Disease and Pest Management for Entandrophragma candollei Harms
Entandrophragma candollei Harms is a species of tropical tree found mainly in West Africa and considered an important source of timber. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause serious damage to the tree and reduce its productivity. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that affect the plant and the management strategies for each:
Diseases
Root Rot: This is a fungal infection that can cause wilting, yellowing of the leaves, and eventually the death of the tree. The best way to manage this disease is to avoid overwatering, ensure proper drainage, and use well-drained soil. Infected trees should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the fungus.
Leaf Spots: These are caused by fungal or bacterial infections and can cause discoloration and drying of the leaves. The use of fungicides can help manage these diseases, but it is essential to ensure that they are applied correctly and only when needed to avoid the development of resistant strains.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal infection can cause a white powdery substance to appear on the leaves, affecting their ability to carry out photosynthesis. To manage this disease, prune and dispose of affected parts of the plant, avoid overwatering, and use of fungicides when needed.
Pests
Mealybugs: These are small, white, fluffy insects that can cause stunted growth, yellowing of the leaves, and eventually kill the tree. To manage these pests, wash the leaves with water or neem oil to remove them physically, or use insecticidal soaps or oils to control their populations.
Mites: These pests are tiny and hard to detect, but they can cause curling and yellowing of the leaves. To manage this pest, use insecticidal oils or soaps, prune and dispose of affected plant parts and ensure the tree is well-watered to increase its resistance to infestation.
Caterpillars: These pests can cause serious defoliation to the tree. Physical removal by handpicking, use of pheromone traps, and appropriate insecticides are some of the ways to manage infestations.
Proper disease and pest management practices are essential for maintaining the health of Entandrophragma candollei Harms. Integrated pest and disease management strategies are also effective in preventing the development of resistant strains of pests and diseases.
