Overview
Entandrophragma tomentosum A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel is a large tree species that belongs to the family Meliaceae. It is commonly known as the African mahogany or Khaya mahogany and has significant economic, cultural, and medicinal importance in Africa.
Appearance
The African mahogany tree can grow up to 50 meters in height with a trunk diameter of up to 2 meters. The bark is grayish-brown, smooth, and often marked with vertical lines. The leaves are dark green, alternate, and pinnately compound, measuring up to 30 centimeters in length. The flower is a pale yellow-green color and the fruit is a woody, pear-shaped capsule that contains up to 40 seeds.
Origin
The African mahogany tree is native to tropical regions of West and Central Africa, including Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Common Names
The African mahogany is known by various names, including Khaya mahogany, Nigerian mahogany, Benin mahogany, Lagos mahogany, Ghana mahogany, and Senegal mahogany.
Uses
The wood of the African mahogany tree is highly valued for its durability, strength, and attractive color, making it a sought-after timber species for furniture, flooring, paneling, and boat building. The leaves, bark, and seeds of the African mahogany are also used in traditional African medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including malaria, fever, and headaches. In addition, the tree has cultural significance in many African communities and is often used in rituals and ceremonies.
Light Requirements
Entandrophragma tomentosum A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel, commonly known as African mahogany, prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It thrives in well-lit areas, but can also grow in shady conditions. The plant must receive direct sunlight for at least a few hours every day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species is well-adapted to hot tropical climates and prefers a temperature between 20°C to 30°C, with a minimum temperature of 10°C. It can tolerate occasional temperature drops, but it cannot withstand frost or extended periods of cold weather. High humidity is also essential for its growth.
Soil Requirements
African mahogany prefers well-draining, deep loamy soils, which are rich in nutrients. It can also grow on sandy soils, but requires organic matter to be added to the soil. The pH of the soil should be neutral to slightly acidic with a range of 5.5 to 7. The plant is prone to root rot, so the soil must not be waterlogged. Proper drainage is important to prevent over-watering and root disease.
Cultivation Methods
Entandrophragma tomentosum A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel, commonly known as African Mahogany, is a tropical tree species that requires a warm and humid environment. It can be grown in a wide range of soils, but it thrives best in well-drained soils with good water retention capacity.
It is recommended to plant Entandrophragma tomentosum A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel during the rainy season to ensure adequate moisture for the tree's growth. The tree should be planted in an area with partial or full sun exposure.
Watering Needs
Entandrophragma tomentosum A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel requires regular watering for proper growth and development. During the dry season, the tree should be watered twice a week, while only occasional watering is required during the rainy season.
The soil should be kept moist but not saturated to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to the development of root rot.
Fertilization
Proper fertilization is essential for the growth and development of Entandrophragma tomentosum A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel. The tree should be fertilized with balanced fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the ratio of 4:2:2 or 3:1:2.
The fertilizer should be applied in a circle around the tree, avoiding direct contact with the trunk. The application should be done at the beginning of the rainy season and repeated every three months throughout the year.
Pruning
Entandrophragma tomentosum A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel requires periodic pruning to promote healthy growth and development. The tree should be pruned during the dry season to reduce the risk of infection and disease.
Dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be removed as soon as possible to prevent the spread of infection to other parts of the tree. The pruning should be done using sterilized pruning tools to avoid the transmission of diseases.
Propagation Methods for Entandrophragma tomentosum A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel
Entandrophragma tomentosum A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel, commonly known as African mahogany or sapele, is a tropical tree species under the family Meliaceae. It is valued for its high-quality timber used in furniture, interior finishing, and musical instruments. The species is native to West and Central Africa and is commonly found in moist semi-deciduous forests.
Propagation of Entandrophragma tomentosum A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel can be done through several methods such as seeds, stem cuttings, and grafting.
Seeds
Propagation through seeds is the most common and easiest method for Entandrophragma tomentosum A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel. Seeds can be collected when the fruits are ripe, which is usually between September and November. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting to improve their germination rate. They should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist. Germination can take between 1-3 months.
Stem Cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings involves taking stem cuttings from mature and healthy trees. The stem cuttings should be about 15-20 cm long and should have 2-3 nodes. The leaves on the lower nodes should be removed, and the stem cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining soil mixture. The cuttings should be kept moist, and rooting should occur within 2-3 months.
Grafting
Grafting can also be used to propagate Entandrophragma tomentosum A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel. This method involves joining a scion from a mature tree onto a rootstock from a seedling. The scion should be about 10-15 cm long and should be taken from a mature and healthy tree. The rootstock should be about 6-8 months old and should be of the same species. The graft should be wrapped with grafting tape to hold it in place, and it should be kept moist until it establishes, which can take between 2-3 months.
Disease Management for Entandrophragma tomentosum A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel
Entandrophragma tomentosum is generally a healthy tree species. However, some diseases may affect their growth, yield, and survival rate. Here are some common diseases that affect Entandrophragma tomentosum and ways to manage them.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the leaves causing spots on the upper side of the leaves. The affected areas of the leaves later turn brown and drop off. The disease may cause early defoliation, leading to reduced photosynthesis, which affects the normal growth of the tree. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves and prune out dense foliage to increase air circulation. Chemical control with fungicides may also be necessary in severe cases.
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of Entandrophragma tomentosum. It causes the roots to rot, impairing their function of absorbing water and nutrients. The symptoms of root rot disease include yellowed foliage, stunted growth, and premature leaf drop. To manage root rot, plant healthy stock, avoid overwatering, and encourage good drainage. Application of fungicides may also be helpful.
Pest Management for Entandrophragma tomentosum A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel
Entandrophragma tomentosum is susceptible to pests that may cause significant damage to the plant. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are pests that feed on the foliage, creating tiny, yellow or white speckles on the leaves. The infested leaves may change color and fall off, leading to stunted growth. To manage spider mites, spray with a good-quality miticide, and maintain good plant nutrition and soil moisture to promote healthy growth.
Scale Insects
Scale insects suck sap from the tree, causing the foliage to yellow, and even die off. In severe cases, the tree may eventually die. To manage scale insects, prune out infested parts, and place sticky traps to control infestations. Application of insecticidal soap may also be helpful.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are pests that feed on the sap of the tree, leaving behind a sticky residue that irks ants. The presence of ants may further aggravate the problem by protecting mealybugs from natural predators. To manage mealybugs, apply insecticidal soaps, and encourage natural predators such as ladybirds.
