Overview
Guarea leonensis Hutch. & Dalziel, also called African cedrela or odum tree, is a tree species that belongs to the family Meliaceae. It is native to West Africa.
Common Names
The tree is known by different names in various regions. In Liberia, it is called "golo" while in Ghana, it is known as "odum". It is also referred to as "African mahogany" due to its similarity in grain, texture, and color to the true mahogany.
Uses
The wood of Guarea leonensis is highly valued for its durability and is extensively utilized in the construction of furniture, flooring, and joinery. It is also employed in the creation of musical instruments, such as drums, xylophones, and guitars. Additionally, the tree's bark and leaves possess medicinal properties and are exploited in traditional African medicine to treat various illnesses such as fever and skin infections.
General Appearance
The African cedrela tree can grow up to a height of 40 meters. The trunk is usually straight and cylindrical with a diameter of up to 1 meter, and the bark is brown-gray and rough. The tree produces pale yellow flowers, which are followed by fruits that resemble small oranges with a bitter taste. The leaves are compound and alternately arranged, with each leaflet measuring approximately 8-15 cm in length.
Overall, Guarea leonensis Hutch. & Dalziel is a valuable plant resource with various commercial and medicinal applications.Growth Conditions for Guarea leonensis Hutch. & Dalziel
Light: Guarea leonensis requires partial to full sunlight to grow. They prefer bright but indirect light if grown indoor, while outdoor plants require 4-6 hours of direct sunlight.
Temperature: The plant grows well in a warm and humid environment with a temperature range of 25-30°C. They are sensitive to cold weather and should be protected from frost. The minimum temperature for the plant must not fall below 10°C as it may lead to stunted growth.
Soil Requirements: Guarea leonensis grows best in well-drained, fertile, and loamy soils. They prefer slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and able to retain moisture in the root zone.
It is important to note that this species is sensitive to drought, so adequate watering is essential for healthy growth. Fertilizing with a general-purpose fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) can benefit the plant's growth and overall health.
Cultivation
Guarea leonensis Hutch. & Dalziel grows best in tropical and subtropical regions. It thrives in a humid and warm environment with well-drained soil and partial shade.
As a native plant, Guarea leonensis can grow in both lowland and upland areas. It can adapt to different soils, from sandy loam to clay, but it prefers soils rich in organic matter.
The plant can be propagated through seed or vegetatively by stem cuttings or air layering. Seed propagation is the most common method of propagation for this plant.
Watering Needs
Guarea leonensis requires regular watering during the growing season, but it is essential to avoid over-watering, which may lead to waterlogging and root rot.
Watering should be reduced during the winter months when the plant goes into a dormant stage. Proper drainage is also necessary to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
The amount of water needed may vary depending on the soil type and climate. However, it is advisable to water the plant when the topsoil is dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Fertilization is vital to maintain the health and growth of Guarea leonensis. The plant requires a complete fertilizer that contains all the essential macronutrients and micronutrients.
It is recommended to apply fertilizer during the growing season, which is usually from spring to summer. Over-fertilization should be avoided, as it may lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced flowering.
The amount and frequency of fertilization may depend on the soil fertility and growth rate of the plant, but a standard application rate of 2-3 pounds of fertilizer per 100 square feet of soil may suffice.
Pruning
Pruning Guarea leonensis is not necessary but is recommended to maintain its shape and size. The best time to prune is during the dormant season, which is usually in late winter or early spring.
The plant can be pruned to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. It can also be pruned to maintain its shape, remove any crossing branches, or control its size.
It is essential to use clean and sharp pruning tools to prevent damage to the plant. It is also advisable to disinfect the tools before and after use to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Guarea leonensis Hutch. & Dalziel
Guarea leonensis Hutch. & Dalziel is a flowering plant species that belongs to the family Meliaceae. It is an evergreen tree that is native to tropical West Africa. The tree is valued for its medicinal properties, wood, and ornamental value. Propagation of Guarea leonensis can be done through the following methods:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common propagation method for Guarea leonensis. The seeds are collected when the fruits ripen, and the seed pods turn brown. The seeds should be cleaned and sown immediately in a well-draining potting mix. The pot should be kept in a warm and humid place with bright, indirect light. The seeds should germinate within two to three weeks. Once the seedlings have developed two or three true leaves, they can be transplanted to larger pots or directly to the field.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation can be used to propagate Guarea leonensis, but it is not commonly done. Semi-hardwood cuttings are taken from the current season's growth, and they should be about 6 inches long. The leaves on the lower half of the cuttings should be removed. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mix. They should be kept in a warm and humid place with bright, indirect light and misted regularly. Rooting should occur within six to eight weeks.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering can be used to propagate Guarea leonensis, but it is not commonly done. A section of bark is removed from a branch that is about one inch in diameter and covered with rooting hormone. A moistened moss is wrapped around the wound and covered with plastic to hold in the moisture. Roots will form within a few weeks. Once the roots are well-developed, the branch can be cut and planted in a well-draining potting mix or directly to the field.
Disease and Pest Management of Guarea leonensis Hutch. & Dalziel
Guarea leonensis Hutch. & Dalziel, commonly known as West African Birch, is an evergreen tree native to West Africa. This tree species is reputed for its vibrant and beautiful wood, making it a valued timber tree. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests, which affects its growth and yield.
Common Diseases
One of the most prevalent diseases affecting Guarea leonensis is leaf spot. This disease is caused by a fungus that thrives in moist conditions. The fungus creates small, irregular-shaped spots on the leaves, which grow bigger and have a yellow halo as they advance. Over time, the leaves fall off, leading to defoliation. To manage leaf spot, it is essential to ensure the tree is not overwatered and that there is no waterlogging. Applying fungicides can also help prevent this disease from spreading.
Canker is another tree disease that affects Guarea leonensis. This condition is caused by a fungus that enters the tree through a wound or injury. The fungus leads to the development of dead patches on the bark, which then proceed to crack. The cankers can be sunken or raised. To prevent this disease, it is essential to ensure that the tree receives proper care, such as watering and fertilizing. It is also advisable to prune the tree to remove any diseased branches and prevent the disease from spreading.
Common Pests
One of the common pests that attack Guarea leonensis is the caterpillar. These are larvae of insects such as moth and butterfly, which feed on the leaves of the tree. Caterpillar infestation can cause extensive defoliation, which can affect the tree's growth and yield. To manage caterpillars, it is necessary to apply insecticides that target the specific caterpillar species. Pruning the tree to remove any diseased branches or leaves can also help prevent caterpillar infestation.
The mealybug is another pest that can harm Guarea leonensis. These pests feed on the sap of the tree, thereby affecting its growth and health. They can also transmit viruses, leading to the tree's demise. To manage mealybugs, spraying the tree with insecticides can help control their population. Additionally, pruning infected branches and removing any debris around the tree can help prevent mealybug infestation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests is essential to ensuring the healthy growth and productivity of Guarea leonensis. It is critical to develop a pest and disease management plan that incorporates proper care, monitoring, and timely identification of infestations. Appropriate intervention measures such as watering, fertilizing, pruning, and applying insecticides and fungicides when necessary can help protect the tree from pests and diseases.
