Overview of Entandrophragma cylindricum (Sprague) Sprague
Entandrophragma cylindricum (Sprague) Sprague, also known as African mahogany or Khaya senegalensis, belongs to the family Meliaceae. It is a large deciduous evergreen tree commonly found in the tropical forests of Africa. The tree has a straight trunk, which can grow up to 60 meters tall and 2 meters in diameter. It has a rounded crown and a smooth, light tan bark that peels in long strips.
Description of African Mahogany
The leaves of African mahogany are alternate, compound, and pinnate, with each leaf having 5 to 9 leaflets. The leaflets are 6 to 11 cm long and 3 to 6 cm wide, with serrated margins. The tree produces small white or yellow flowers that are fragrant. The fruit is a capsule that contains numerous winged seeds.
Common Uses of African Mahogany
African mahogany is a valuable timber tree that is highly sought after for its beautiful and durable wood. The wood is hard, heavy and reddish-brown in color. It is used for making a variety of high-quality furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and decorative veneers. The wood is also used in boat building, turning, carving, and in the construction of musical instruments such as guitars, drums, and marimbas.
The tree has also been used in traditional medicine in Africa for treating various ailments such as malaria, dysentery, and fever. The bark and roots possess antimalarial and antipyretic properties, while the leaves are used for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Conclusion
Entandrophragma cylindricum (Sprague) Sprague, commonly known as African mahogany or Khaya senegalensis, is a significant tree species that is highly valued for its wood and medicinal properties. The tree is native to Africa and has a straight, tall trunk, compound leaves, and fragrant white or yellow flowers. The wood of African mahogany is used for making high-quality furniture, musical instruments, and decorative veneers, while the tree is used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments.
Light Requirements
Entandrophragma cylindricum requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and development. It can tolerate some shade but requires adequate sunlight to produce flowers and fruits. Inadequate light can lead to stunted growth and poor quality fruits.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in warm tropical and subtropical regions with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C or higher. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but does not do well in cold environments. Extreme temperatures below 10°C can cause damage to the plant, and frost can be fatal.
Soil Requirements
Entandrophragma cylindricum prefers deep, well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soil types, but sandy loam or loamy soils are ideal. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged as waterlogged soils can cause root rot. The pH of the soil should be between 5.5 and 7.5 for optimal growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
Entandrophragma cylindricum (Sprague) Sprague, also known as Sapele, is a tree species native to tropical Africa. It is a fast-growing tree that can be propagated through both seeds and stem cuttings.
If propagating through seeds, it is recommended to soak them in water for 24 hours before sowing them in a seedbed. The seedlings should be transplanted to containers or planting sites after they have grown to about 15-20cm in height.
When propagating through stem cuttings, cuttings of about 20-30cm in length and 2-3cm in diameter should be collected from healthy plants during the dormant season. Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone powder and plant them in a well-prepared potting mix or soil in a shaded area until they root.
Watering Needs
Entandrophragma cylindricum requires regular watering during its initial establishment period. It is essential to water newly planted saplings regularly until they are firmly established, after which the watering frequency should be gradually reduced.
However, the plant should not remain in very wet soil for an extended period, as this may cause root rot. The soil should ideally be moist but well-drained, and the tree should be watered deeply once or twice a week.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is vital for Entandrophragma cylindricum's healthy growth and development. During the first two years after planting, the tree should be fertilized every four months with a balanced fertilizer blend containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
After the tree reaches maturity, a slow-release fertilizer should be applied around the base of the tree. It is best to fertilize the tree during the growing season when it is producing new shoots and flowers.
Pruning
Pruning is crucial in maintaining the shape and size of Entandrophragma cylindricum. It should be done during the dormant period, preferably early spring or late fall, when the tree is not producing any foliage.
The aim of pruning is to eliminate any dead, diseased, or damaged branches and to ensure that the tree maintains a healthy shape. It is also essential to remove any suckers or low-growing branches to promote upward growth.
Propagation of Entandrophragma cylindricum
Entandrophragma cylindricum, also known as Sapele or African mahogany, can be propagated by several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and air layering.
Seed propagation
Seeds from mature fruits can be collected and sown in a propagation bed or directly in the field. The seeds should be removed from the fruit pulp and washed thoroughly. They can be soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat, which will aid germination. After soaking, the seeds can be sown in a well-prepared seed bed with good drainage and covered with a thin layer of soil. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Cutting propagation
Entandrophragma cylindricum can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Hardwood cuttings of 30-35 cm length and 1-2 cm diameter can be taken from the parent plant during the dormant season. The lower leaves should be removed, and the base of the cutting should be dipped in hormone rooting powder. The cuttings can be planted in a well-drained potting mix or directly in the field. Regular watering and misting are required until the cuttings establish roots, which may take several months.
Air Layering
Air layering is another method of propagation for Entandrophragma cylindricum. This method involves making a small cut in the bark of a mature branch, applying rooting hormone to the area, and wrapping the cut with damp sphagnum moss. The area is then covered with plastic wrap and secured with tape. The moss should be kept moist, and roots will develop in 2-3 months. Once roots have developed, the branch can be cut from the parent plant and planted in a well-drained potting mix or directly in the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Entandrophragma cylindricum
Entandrophragma cylindricum, commonly known as the African mahogany, is a valuable timber tree native to tropical Africa. While it is a relatively hardy species, it may still fall prey to a variety of pests and diseases. Here are some common ones and tips on how to manage them:
Diseases
Phytophthora root rot: This fungal disease can cause wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the tree. The fungus thrives in wet soil, and can spread rapidly if not controlled. To manage this disease, avoid planting in poorly-drained soil, ensure good air circulation around the tree, and apply a fungicide when necessary.
Canker: Canker is a bacterial disease that causes sunken lesions on the bark and wood of the tree. It can girdle branches and kill them, and may eventually kill the whole tree. To manage canker, prune off infected branches and avoid wounding the tree. You may also apply a copper fungicide to help control the disease.
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that causes spots on the leaves which may turn yellow and drop off. While it won't usually kill the tree, it can weaken it if left unchecked. To manage leaf spot, prune off infected leaves and ensure good air circulation around the tree. You may also apply a fungicide if necessary.
Pests
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can defoliate the tree, and may cause significant damage if left unchecked. To manage them, look for signs of caterpillars on the leaves and manually remove them. You may also apply a chemical insecticide if necessary.
Termites: Termites can cause significant damage to the tree by chewing through the bark and wood. To manage them, ensure good soil drainage and avoid planting the tree near other termite-infested trees. You may also apply a chemical insecticide to the soil around the tree.
Scales: Scales are small insects that feed on the sap of the tree, and can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage them, look for signs of scales on the leaves and branches, and manually remove them. You may also apply a horticultural oil to suffocate the insects.
By identifying and managing pests and diseases in a timely manner, you can help ensure the health and longevity of your Entandrophragma cylindricum tree.
