Entandrophragma cedreloides Harms
Entandrophragma cedreloides Harms, commonly known as African mahogany or Khaya, is a large deciduous tree species that belongs to the family Meliaceae, which is native to tropical regions of Africa.
General Appearance
The tree species can grow up to a height of 40 to 50 meters with a trunk diameter of up to 2 meters. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown in color when young but turns into a rough pattern when matured. The leaves are big, sharp-pointed, and pinnately compound, consisting of 5-8 pairs of leaflets on the young trees and up to 20 pairs on mature trees.
The flowers are produced in panicles and are green to yellowish-green in color. The fruits are capsule-like with 5 valves that split open, and they contain winged seeds that are sparsely hairy.
Common Names
Entandrophragma cedreloides Harms is commonly known by different names depending on the region it grows. The different common names include African mahogany, Nigerian mahogany, Khaya, dry zone mahogany, Ghana mahogany, and Benin mahogany.
Uses
Entandrophragma cedreloides Harms is a timber tree species with excellent wood quality that is used in different applications. The wood is reddish-brown in color, with a straight grain, and is resistant to decay and termites. The wood is used in making furniture, high-quality doors and windows, veneer, boat decks, and flooring. It is also used in making musical instruments such as guitars and drums.
The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat different ailments. The bark is used to treat fever and stomach disorders, while the leaves are used as a remedy for coughs and respiratory problems.
Furthermore, the plant has cultural and spiritual significance in some African societies, where it is believed to have protective powers, and it is used in rituals and as a symbol of wealth.
Light Requirements
Entandrophragma cedreloides Harms grows best in areas with bright to moderate light. It can tolerate partial shade but should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In areas with higher temperatures, it is better to protect the plant from direct afternoon sun to avoid foliage burn.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for Entandrophragma cedreloides Harms is between 20-30°C (68-86°F). It can survive in both higher and lower temperatures, although it may grow slower or faster depending on the conditions. Temperatures below 15°C (59°F) can be lethal for the plant, and it is susceptible to frost damage.
Soil Requirements
Entandrophragma cedreloides Harms requires well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5-7.5. It prefers soils rich in organic matter, and it is intolerant of waterlogged soils. Sandy and loamy soils are ideal for growth, whereas heavy clay soils should be avoided. Mulching around the plant can help retain moisture and maintain soil temperature.
Cultivation of Entandrophragma cedreloides Harms
Entandrophragma cedreloides Harms is a hardwood tree native to tropical Africa. The tree has commercial importance due to its high-quality wood. Cultivation of the tree begins with choosing suitable soil and proper planting techniques.
The ideal soil for growing Entandrophragma cedreloides Harms should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The tree should be planted in a spacious environment where it gets enough sunlight and has good air circulation.
The tree is propagated from seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature trees for better germination. The seeds should be sown in a nursery bed with proper irrigation and maintenance. The seedlings are transferred to the main field after 6 to 12 months.
Watering Needs
Watering Entandrophragma cedreloides Harms is an essential part of its care routine. The tree requires regular watering to establish and maintain good growth. The tree should be watered frequently during the planting phase to help the roots establish. A mature tree also requires regular watering during the dry season to prevent stress. It is advisable to water the tree early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid water loss through evaporation.
Fertilization
The application of fertilizer to Entandrophragma cedreloides Harms is necessary to maintain a balanced nutrient ratio for optimal growth. Before application, soil tests should be done to determine the soil's nutrient status. The tree requires a fertilizer with a high nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium ratio for better growth.
Fertilizer should be applied during the planting phase and throughout the tree's maturity. Application of fertilizer should be done early in the rainy season to increase the soil's moisture content and facilitate nutrient absorption by the roots.
Pruning
Pruning Entandrophragma cedreloides Harms is necessary to shape the tree and maintain a desirable structure. The tree should be pruned annually to remove deadwood and damaged branches. The ideal period for pruning is during the dry season to allow better visibility of the tree's parts. The tree should be pruned using sharp tools to prevent damage to the tree's bark. The pruned parts should be disposed of in recommended areas to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Entandrophragma cedreloides Harms
Propagation is essential for the successful cultivation of Entandrophragma cedreloides Harms, commonly known as African mahogany. This tree species can be propagated through different methods, such as seeds, cuttings, and air layering.
Seeds
The most common method of propagation for E. cedreloides is through the use of seeds. It is important to note that the seeds must be collected from mature fruits, preferably from healthy trees with desirable characteristics. The seeds should be cleaned and soaked in water for at least 24 hours to soften the seed coat and allow for easier germination.
Seeds can be sown in trays or pots filled with a well-draining potting mix, covered lightly with soil, and kept moist in a warm and humid environment. Germination can take up to four weeks, and seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots when they have developed a few leaves.
Cuttings
E. cedreloides can also be propagated through cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from healthy and disease-free trees during the dormant season. Cuttings should be about 20-30 cm long, with at least two nodes, and treated with rooting hormone to increase the chances of success.
Rooted cuttings can be transplanted to individual pots and grown under favorable conditions until they are ready to be planted in the field.
Air Layering
Air layering is a propagation method that involves creating a new tree from the branches of a parent tree. This method is useful for E. cedreloides because it allows for the production of genetically identical plants with desirable characteristics.
The process involves selecting a branch that is about 2-3 cm in diameter and creating a small notch on the underside. The area is then covered with moist sphagnum moss and wrapped in plastic to maintain humidity. Roots should develop within 6-8 weeks, and the young plant can be separated from the parent and transplanted to its growing site.
Overall, the propagation of E. cedreloides requires careful attention to detail in order to ensure the successful establishment of healthy and productive trees.
Disease and Pest Management for Entandrophragma Cedreloides Harms
Entandrophragma cedreloides Harms, commonly known as African Cedarwood, is a valuable plant species in Africa. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests, which can affect its growth and productivity. Hence, proper disease and pest management practices are necessary to maintain healthy plant growth and ensure sustainable production.
Common Diseases Affecting Entandrophragma Cedreloides Harms
Some of the common diseases that affect African Cedarwood include:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves. The leaves may also curl and drop prematurely, leading to reduced photosynthesis and stunted growth.
- Canker: Canker is a fungal disease that causes sunken, cracked, or discolored areas on the bark or branches. It may also lead to wilting or dieback of the affected parts.
- Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to become soft, brown, and mushy. This disease can cause serious damage to the plant, leading to wilting, yellowing, and death.
Pest Management for Entandrophragma Cedreloides Harms
African Cedarwood is also susceptible to pest attack, which can cause serious damage to the plant. Some of the common pests that attack this plant species include:
- Termites: Termites can cause serious damage to the roots and stems of the plant, leading to reduced nutrient uptake and wilting.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and wilt.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can feed on the leaves, flowers, and fruits of the plant, leading to defoliation and reduced productivity.
Methods of Managing Diseases and Pests
To manage diseases and pests in African Cedarwood, the following measures should be taken:
- Cultural practices: Cultural practices such as crop rotation, pruning, and proper disposal of infected plant material can help to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
- Biological control: The use of natural enemies such as predators, parasites, and pathogens can help to control pest populations and reduce their impact on the plant.
- Chemical control: The use of pesticides such as fungicides and insecticides can help to control diseases and pests. However, care should be taken to ensure that these chemicals do not harm beneficial organisms or the environment.
Overall, proper disease and pest management practices are crucial for maintaining healthy African Cedarwood plants and sustaining their productivity.
