Fagara discolor Engl.
Fagara discolor Engl., also known as Zanthoxylum discolor Engl., is a flowering plant belonging to the Rutaceae family. This plant is native to East and Central Africa particularly in countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
Common names
The plant goes by different names depending on the region and language. Some of the commonly used names include Red stinkwood, Nyasaland satinwood, Shiny leaf or mukimbi among others.
Uses
The plant has essential oils which are used for medicinal purposes. Some communities use the plant's leaves to treat stomach ailments and the bark to treat fever. The fruits and leaves of the plant are also used as a spice in some cuisines to add flavor to dishes.
The plant is also used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive shiny leaves and the production of fragrant flowers.
General appearance
The Fagara discolor Engl. plant is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. The tree has glossy, dark green leaves that have a unique scent. The plant produces small white or yellow flowers in clusters which are followed by tiny fruits that turn from green to red or black when ripe. The bark of the tree is smooth and gray, becoming rough and fissured as the tree matures.
Growth Conditions for Fagara discolor Engl.
Fagara discolor Engl. is native to Africa and thrives in tropical and subtropical climates that mimic its natural habitat. To successfully grow Fagara discolor Engl., the following growth conditions must be considered:
Light
Fagara discolor Engl. requires ample sunlight to thrive. Therefore, it should be grown in areas with full sun exposure. The plant needs about 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient light can result in stunted growth, and the plant may not flower or bear fruit.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for Fagara discolor Engl. is 20-30°C. The plant cannot withstand frost, so it must be grown in areas with mild winters. It can tolerate occasional temperature spikes but should not exceed 35°C. High temperatures can cause leaf scorching and affect the plant's overall health.
Soil
Fagara discolor Engl. requires well-draining soil, and it should be grown in sandy or loamy soil. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic, ranging between 6.0-7.5. The plant can tolerate mildly alkaline soil, but it may not perform optimally. It is recommended to mix compost or organic matter to improve soil fertility and moisture retention.
Watering
The plant needs regular watering, and the soil should be kept evenly moist throughout the growing season. Overwatering can lead to root rot, and under-watering can cause the plant to shed leaves or have poor growth. It is important to typically water the plant every 2-3 days, and decrease watering frequency during winter.
Fertilizer
Although the plant can grow in poor soil conditions, regular fertilization can improve growth and yield. It is recommended to add slow-release fertilizer to the soil at the beginning of the growing season, and half-way through it. The fertilizer should be high in nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, and should be mixed with the soil before planting or spread around the base of the plant every other month.
Conclusion
Fagara discolor Engl. requires specific growth conditions to thrive and produce healthy fruits. Proper care and maintenance of the plant can promote growth, yield and overall health.
Cultivation of Fagara discolor Engl.
For successful cultivation of Fagara discolor Engl., it is recommended to plant it in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant should be placed in a spot that receives partial shade, as it cannot tolerate direct sunlight for extended periods.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering, especially during the summer months when the soil tends to dry out more quickly. However, care should be taken not to overwater the plant, as it can lead to waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization
Fagara discolor Engl. should be fertilized regularly to promote healthy growth and flower development. A balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be used during the growing season. It is recommended to fertilize the plant every two to three weeks.
Pruning
Fagara discolor Engl. should be pruned regularly to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning should be carried out after the plant has finished flowering. Deadwood and weak branches should be removed, and the plant should be shaped as desired. It is important to use sharp, sterile pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Fagara discolor Engl.
Fagara discolor Engl., also known as syn. Zanthoxylum discolor, is a shrub or small tree that belongs to the Rutaceae family. It is native to Tanzania, Kenya, and Mozambique and is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. Propagation of Fagara discolor can be achieved through two primary methods: seeds and cuttings.
Propagation from seeds
Fagara discolor seeds are produced in large quantities in the wild and can easily be collected for propagation. The seeds should be harvested when ripe and sown immediately after collection. However, the seeds have a hard outer coat that needs to be scarified before planting. Scarification can be achieved by nicking the seed coat with a knife or soaking the seeds in hot water for a few minutes before planting. Seeds can be sown in pots or directly in the ground. Pots should be filled with well-draining soil, and the seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1 cm. The pots should be kept in a warm and moist location until germination, which typically takes anywhere from 14 to 60 days.
Propagation from cuttings
Propagation from cuttings is another viable method for Fagara discolor. Softwood cuttings, taken from young branches, are preferred since they root faster. The cuttings should be about 10 cm long and should be stripped of their lower leaves. A rooting hormone can be applied to the cut end of the stem to increase the chances of rooting. The cuttings should be planted in pots filled with well-draining soil and kept under mist or in a humid environment to prevent water loss. Roots should develop within a few weeks, and the plants can be transplanted into larger pots or directly in the ground.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to keep the soil moist during the initial stages of growth to promote successful establishment.
Disease Management
Fagara discolor Engl. is generally a healthy and disease-resistant plant. However, under certain conditions, it may be affected by some diseases such as:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes sunken spots on leaves, stems, and fruits of Fagara discolor. To manage anthracnose, affected plant parts should be removed and destroyed. Application of fungicides can also help to control the disease.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes round or irregularly shaped spots on leaves of Fagara discolor, which may eventually lead to defoliation. To manage leaf spot, affected plant parts should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides can also be applied to control the disease. Good sanitation practices such as pruning to improve air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can also help to prevent the disease.
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that causes the roots of Fagara discolor to rot, leading to poor growth and even death of the plant. To manage root rot, affected plants should be uprooted and destroyed. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Pest Management
Fagara discolor Engl. is generally not affected by serious pest problems. However, it may be attacked by some pests such as:
- Scale insects: These pests suck sap from the leaves of Fagara discolor, causing the leaves to turn yellow and eventually drop. To manage scale insects, affected plant parts should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be regularly sprayed with insecticides.
- Mealybugs: These pests also suck sap from the leaves of Fagara discolor, causing deformation and stunting of the plant. To manage mealybugs, affected plant parts should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be regularly sprayed with insecticides. Introduction of natural enemies such as ladybugs and lacewing larvae can also help to manage the pest.
- Mites: These pests feed on the underside of the leaves of Fagara discolor, causing the leaves to become bronze or yellow and eventually drop. To manage mites, affected plant parts should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be sprayed with insecticides.
