Origin and Common Names
Guarea cedrata (A.Chev.) Pellegr. is a species of flowering plant in the family Meliaceae. It is native to the tropical regions of Central Africa, including Cameroon, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The plant is locally known as "mwembia" in the Lingala language and "cedro" in Portuguese.
General Appearance
Guarea cedrata is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. Its trunk can reach a diameter of up to 60 centimeters. The tree has a dense, round crown and a straight, cylindrical stem. The bark is greyish-brown in color and rough to the touch, with deep vertical fissures. The leaves are green, pinnate, and arranged in an alternate pattern along the stem. The tree produces small, white or cream-colored flowers that are borne in clusters at the ends of the branches. The fruit is a woody capsule that contains numerous winged seeds.
Uses
Guarea cedrata has a long history of medicinal and cultural uses. The bark, leaves, and seeds of the plant have been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments such as fever, pain, and inflammation. In some African communities, the bark is used in initiation rituals and as a symbol of prestige and power. The wood of the tree is valuable for carpentry and furniture-making due to its durability and resistance to termites. The tree is also cultivated as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and flowers.
Light Requirements
Guarea cedrata typically grows in areas with partial shade or dappled sunlight. Direct sunlight can lead to leaf scorch and stunted growth, so it's best to avoid planting this species in full sun.
Temperature
Guarea cedrata thrives in tropical or subtropical climates with adequate humidity. It's much less tolerant of cold temperatures and does not grow well in areas with prolonged frosts or freezes. The ideal temperature range for this species is 20°C-30°C (68°F-86°F).
Soil Requirements
This plant prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range (5.5-7.0). It grows best in moist soil with good organic matter content, but it's important to avoid water-logged soil as the roots can easily rot. Guarea cedrata can tolerate some salt content in the soil, making it a great option for coastal regions.
Cultivation methods for Guarea cedrata
Guarea cedrata is a tropical plant native to West and Central Africa. To grow this plant, it is important to replicate the tropical environment it thrives in. This plant needs well-drained soil and at least six hours of direct sunlight every day.
When planting Guarea cedrata, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball. Gently remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole. Backfill the hole with soil and gently pat it down. Water the plant thoroughly.
Watering needs for Guarea cedrata
Guarea cedrata requires consistent moisture, but it does not tolerate wet soil. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. It is essential to avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely, as this can damage the plant.
If the leaves of the Guarea cedrata start to wilt or curl, it is a sign that the plant is not getting enough water. In contrast, if the leaves turn yellow or show signs of rot, the plant is likely receiving too much water.
Fertilization for Guarea cedrata
Guarea cedrata requires fertilization during the growing season to thrive. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer will work well for this plant. Apply the fertilizer following the package instructions and avoid over-fertilizing, which can be harmful to the plant.
The best time to fertilize Guarea cedrata is in the spring when it begins to produce new growth. Repeat the application every six to eight weeks throughout the growing season.
Pruning Guarea cedrata
Pruning is not necessary for Guarea cedrata, but it can help shape the plant and improve its overall appearance. The best time to prune this plant is in the late winter or early spring, just before new growth appears.
To prune, remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. You can also shape the plant by selectively removing branches to encourage a more open habit. Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant's foliage at any one time.
Propagation methods for Guarea cedrata
Guarea cedrata (A.Chev.) Pellegr. is commonly propagated by seeds, cuttings, and air layering. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method depends on various factors such as the availability of planting materials, desired number of seedlings, and time and effort required.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common and economical method of propagating Guarea cedrata. Seeds can be collected from mature, healthy fruits that are fully ripe but still on the tree. It is important to collect seeds from healthy trees to ensure the genetic diversity of the resulting seedlings. Seeds should be cleaned and dried before sowing.
The best time for sowing seeds is during the rainy season when the soil is moist and the temperature is suitable for germination. Seeds should be sown in well-drained soil that has been enriched with organic matter. The seedlings should be kept moist and shaded until they are ready to be transplanted.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is a common method of propagating Guarea cedrata when seeds are not available or when it is necessary to produce seedlings with desirable characteristics. Semi-hardwood cuttings of Guarea cedrata can be taken from the current season's growth and should be about 15-20 cm in length. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained, sterile rooting medium.
The rooting medium should be kept moist and the cuttings should be placed in a shaded and humid location until they develop roots. Once the cuttings have developed roots, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown until they are ready to be planted in the field.
Propagation by air layering
Propagation by air layering is a method of propagating Guarea cedrata that is particularly suitable for trees that are difficult to propagate by other methods. Air layering involves creating a wound in a branch and surrounding the wound with moist sphagnum moss and then enclosing the moss in plastic wrap to create a high-humidity microclimate.
After a period of time, roots will develop at the wound site, and the rooted branch can be separated from the parent tree and transplanted into the field.
Disease Management
Guarea cedrata (A.Chev.) Pellegr. is generally resistant to many diseases, but some common diseases can still impact the plant, potentially leading to its death. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
- Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that infects the plant's leaves, stems, and fruits. Symptoms include brown or black spots on leaves and stems, leaf curling, and fruit rotting. To manage anthracnose, one can remove infected parts of the plant and practice good sanitation by not leaving fallen leaves or fruit on the ground. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects the plant's leaves. Symptoms include circular, brown spots on the leaves that enlarge over time. To manage leaf spot, one can remove infected leaves and improve air circulation by pruning the plant. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that infects the plant's leaves. Symptoms include yellow or orange pustules on the leaves that can spread to the stems and fruit. To manage rust, one can remove infected leaves and avoid watering the foliage. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Pest Management
Guarea cedrata (A.Chev.) Pellegr. can also be affected by pests that can reduce its vigor and yield. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
- Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, immobile insects that suck sap from the plant's leaves and stems, causing wilting and yellowing of the foliage. To manage scale insects, one can remove heavily infested branches and apply horticultural oil to the affected parts of the plant.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap and produce a sticky substance called honeydew. Symptoms include yellowing and wilting of the foliage. To manage mealybugs, one can remove infected parts of the plant and apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to the affected areas.
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap and can reproduce quickly. Symptoms include yellowing and wilting of the foliage. To manage aphids, one can remove infected parts of the plant and apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to the affected areas.
