Overview of Erythrina burana Chiov.
Erythrina burana Chiov. is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family of Fabaceae. It is widely distributed in southern and eastern Africa, with its presence mainly in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The plant is commonly referred to as the African coral tree or the flame tree due to its bright red-orange flowers that bloom during the dry season.
Appearance of Erythrina burana Chiov.
The African coral tree grows up to 15 meters high with a straight, cylindrical trunk that is usually 40-70 cm in diameter and is covered in a dark gray bark. The leaves are alternate and trifoliate, with each leaflet being oval to lanceolate in shape and measuring up to 20 centimeters long.
The flowers of the African coral tree bloom in the dry season, and they are grouped in compact racemes that measure up to 25 cm in length. The flowers are bright red-orange, and their shape resembles that of a pea flower, with a long, curved, and pointed upper petal and two shorter lower petals. After blooming, the tree produces a characteristic fruit that is a flat, broad, and oblong pod that measures up to 40 cm long.
Uses of Erythrina burana Chiov.
The African coral tree has several uses in traditional medicine, where it is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. The bark and the roots of the tree are used to treat various ailments such as fever, malaria, stomach-ache, and snake bites. The bark is also used to prepare a red dye for clothing and mats.
In addition to its medicinal properties, the African coral tree has useful wood that is lightweight, strong, and easy to carve. The wood is used to make canoes, furniture, tools, and musical instruments. The tree's deep roots make it ideal for soil conservation, erosion control, and land stabilization.
In conclusion, Erythrina burana Chiov. is a deciduous tree that is widely distributed in southern and eastern Africa. It is commonly referred to as the African coral tree or the flame tree due to its bright red-orange flowers that bloom during the dry season. The plant has medicinal properties, and its wood is used for different purposes, including carving canoes, furniture, tools, and musical instruments.Light requirements
Erythrina burana Chiov. thrives in a full sun to partial shade environment. The plant prefers bright sunlight for most of the day but can also tolerate a few hours of shade. When grown in indoor settings, supplementing with artificial light can help promote its growth.
Temperature requirements
The plant prefers a warm climate with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. However, it can also tolerate a wider range of temperatures, from 15°C to 35°C. During winter, the temperature should not go below 15°C to avoid harming the plant's growth.
Soil requirements
Erythrina burana Chiov. requires well-draining soil. The ideal soil should have good water retention capacity, be rich in nutrients, and have a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5. The plant grows best in a moist environment except during winter where water should be limited as low soil moisture can cause root rot. Adding organic matter increases the soil quality by providing nutrients to the plant.
Cultivation methods
Erythrina burana Chiov. can be propagated using seeds or stem cuttings. For propagation using seeds, they should be collected from mature pods that have dried on the plant. The seeds can be soaked in warm water for a few hours before planting. Stem cuttings can be taken from mature plants with at least three nodes and treated with rooting hormones before planting. The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients. It should be grown in an area that receives full sunlight or partial shade to encourage growth.
Watering needs
Erythrina burana Chiov. requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. The plant needs to be watered deeply to ensure that the roots get enough water. However, care should be taken not to overwater the plant, which can lead to root rot. It is best to wait until the soil has partially dried out before watering the plant again.
Fertilization
Erythrina burana Chiov. responds well to fertilization. Fertilizer should be applied during the growing season to promote healthy foliage, flowers, and fruits. Organic fertilizer can be applied to the soil around the plant, and a foliar spray can also be used. However, care should be taken not to over-fertilize the plant, which can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Erythrina burana Chiov. requires regular pruning to promote healthy growth and reduce the risk of diseases. Pruning should be done during the dormant season to avoid damaging the growing tips. Dead or diseased branches should be removed, and the plant should be pruned to maintain its shape and size. Regular pruning also helps to improve air circulation around the plant and prevent overcrowding.
Propagation of Erythrina burana Chiov.
Erythrina burana Chiov. is a leguminous plant species that belongs to the genus Erythrina. The propagation of the plant is possible through different methods such as seed propagation, stem cuttings, and grafting.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is a common and easy method of growing Erythrina burana Chiov. Seeds can be sown in a well-draining potting mix consisting of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. The seeds should be soaked in warm water for a few hours to soften the hard seed coat before sowing. Plant the seeds about 1 cm deep, and water gently. Maintain the soil moisture level by watering frequently, but avoid over-watering to prevent root rot. Germination of Erythrina burana Chiov usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Stem cuttings
Erythrina burana Chiov. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with mature leaves and cut it at a length of about 15-20 cm. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem, leaving only a few leaves at the top. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder, and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Water the cutting lightly and cover it with a plastic bag or dome to create a humid environment. After a few weeks, the cutting should form roots and can be transplanted into a larger pot or garden bed.
Grafting
Grafting is another method used to propagate Erythrina burana Chiov. It involves fusing a scion (a top part of the plant with desirable characteristics) onto a rootstock (a bottom part of the plant with good root system). To graft Erythrina burana Chiov., select a healthy scion and rootstock that are similar in size. Cut a V-shaped notch in the rootstock and a matching V-shaped cut in the scion. Join the two pieces together and wrap the graft union tightly with grafting tape. Keep the graft site moist by misting the plant and water the soil regularly. The union between the scion and the rootstock should establish in 2-3 weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Erythrina burana Chiov. Plant
Erythrina burana Chiov. plant is susceptible to various diseases and pests, which may affect its growth and yield. Proper management practices are necessary to control and prevent these problems. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf spot disease: This disease is caused by fungal pathogens and results in the formation of circular or angular spots on the leaves. The spots may turn yellow or brown and cause defoliation if the infection becomes severe. To manage leaf spot disease, avoid overcrowding of plants, maintain good air circulation, and use fungicides.
Powdery mildew: This fungal disease is characterized by the formation of a white powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It can cause stunted growth, deformation of leaves, and premature leaf drop. To manage powdery mildew, prune infected parts of the plant, remove fallen leaves and debris, and use fungicides.
Root rot: This disease is caused by fungal pathogens and results in the rotting of roots and the base of the stem. It can cause wilting, yellowing of leaves, and plant death. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant, improve soil drainage, and use fungicides.
Pests
Aphids: These pests are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant. They can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, prune infested parts of the plant, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and introduce natural predators.
Spider mites: These pests are tiny arachnids that feed on the undersides of leaves, causing yellowing, discoloration, and eventually death of the affected leaves. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or a high-pressure water spray to dislodge them, and improve air circulation around the plant.
Cutworms: These pests are the larval stage of moths and cut the stem of the plant at the soil level. They can cause wilting and death of young plants. To manage cutworms, remove any plant debris in the garden, use collar around the base of the plant, and use insecticides.
In summary, Erythrina burana Chiov. plant is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. However, with proper management practices such as pruning, removing debris, using natural predators, and using appropriate insecticides and fungicides, it is possible to prevent and control these problems effectively.
