Overview
Guibourtia carrissoana (Exell) J.Léonard var. gossweileri (Exell) J.Léonard is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is a hardwood tree commonly found in central and southern African countries, including Angola, Cameroon, Congo, and Gabon. The plant is also known by its common names, Mozambican teak or Zambian teak.
Appearance
The Mozambican teak tree typically grows up to 30 meters in height and has a trunk diameter of up to one meter. The bark of the tree is dark brownish-red in color and has deep furrows that run vertically up the tree’s trunk. The leaves of the Mozambican teak tree are compound, dark green in color, and measure up to 15 centimeters in length. The flowers produced by this tree are small and greenish-yellow in color. The fruit is a pod that measures up to 13 centimeters in length.
Uses
Mozambican teak is a highly prized wood for furniture making, flooring, and boat building. Its high-quality wood is strong, durable, and resistant to termites and fungi. The wood is also used in the production of musical instruments, such as guitars. Apart from wood, the Mozambican teak has several medicinal properties used to treat a range of illnesses, including headaches, stomachaches, and diarrhea. The leaves of this plant are also used for their astringent properties to treat wounds and skin infections.
Cultivation
The Mozambican teak tree is known to thrive in tropical climate conditions, characterized by clear annual seasonal variations. It grows best in well-drained soil and requires moderate to abundant rainfall. Its cultivation can be done through seeds. The seeds are collected from mature pods and then sown in a nursery bed where they are grown under controlled conditions before being transplanted to the field after four to six months.
Conservation
Over the years, the Mozambican teak tree has been threatened by over-exploitation due to high demand for its timber. This has led to a significant decline in population, putting the plant at risk of extinction. It is therefore vital to implement strategic measures to conserve this unique and valuable plant species.
Growth conditions for Guibourtia carrissoana (Exell) J.Léonard var. gossweileri (Exell) J.Léonard
Light Requirements: Guibourtia carrissoana var. gossweileri typically grows in areas with full sun exposure. It does not tolerate shade well and can have stunted growth or even die if grown in overly shaded areas. Thus, it is best to plant Guibourtia carrissoana var. gossweileri in a location that receives plenty of direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements: The growth of Guibourtia carrissoana var. gossweileri is optimal in tropical climates with temperatures ranging between 23 to 30? (73 to 86?). This species does not tolerate frost and is therefore grown as a tropical ornamental plant in areas without frost. High humidity levels are also favorable for this plant's growth.
Soil Requirements: Guibourtia carrissoana var. gossweileri grows best in well-drained and nutrient-rich soils. The soil pH should be neutral, between 6.5 and 7.5. Adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to the soil can help provide the necessary nutrients for the plant. Proper drainage is crucial as this species does not tolerate waterlogged soils. Soil compaction may hinder the growth of the roots and development of the plant.
Cultivation
Guibourtia carrissoana (Exell) J.Léonard var. gossweileri (Exell) J.Léonard is a beautiful hardwood tree that is native to Central and Southern Africa. If you want to cultivate this plant, pay attention to the following:
- The plant requires a warm and humid climate, so it's best to plant it in a greenhouse or in a tropical region.
- Choose a location that receives plenty of filtered sunlight and provides protection from strong winds and cold temperatures.
- Plant the tree in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil that is slightly acidic. The soil should also be moist but not waterlogged.
- Ensure that the soil is not compacted as the plant requires good aeration for root development.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is essential for the growth and health of Guibourtia carrissoana (Exell) J.Léonard var. gossweileri (Exell) J.Léonard. Here are some watering tips:
- Water the plant regularly, ensuring that the soil is always slightly damp but not soggy.
- Reduce watering during winter when the plant is semi-dormant.
- Use rainwater or distilled water as the plant may be sensitive to chemicals in tap water
- Do not let water to accumulate in the soil because It can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilization is crucial for the healthy growth and development of Guibourtia carrissoana (Exell) J.Léonard var. gossweileri (Exell) J.Léonard:
- Apply a balanced fertilizer every three months during the growing season (spring and summer).
- Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this can cause root burns or even death of the plant.
- Use fertilizers that are specially formulated for hardwood trees or tropical plants.
Pruning
Pruning is a crucial aspect in the cultivation of Guibourtia carrissoana (Exell) J.Léonard var. gossweileri (Exell) J.Léonard, and it helps to promote its growth and health:
- Prune only during the growing season, usually in the spring or early summer, and avoid pruning during the winter months.
- Prune any dead, diseased, or damaged branches using sterilized pruning shears to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Regularly trim the plant's leaves and branches to shape it and encourage branching.
- Prune the tree to the desired size and shape, but be sure not to remove more than one-quarter of the plant's foliage at once.
Propagation of Guibourtia carrissoana (Exell) J.Léonard var. gossweileri (Exell) J.Léonard
Guibourtia carrissoana (Exell) J.Léonard var. gossweileri (Exell) J.Léonard can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and grafting. The most common method is seed propagation, but it is essential to note that seeds require some pre-sowing treatment to break their dormancy.
Seed propagation
The seeds of Guibourtia carrissoana (Exell) J.Léonard var. gossweileri (Exell) J.Léonard are recalcitrant, which means that their viability decreases if they are subjected to drying and freezing. Therefore, it is recommended to sow the seeds immediately after harvest. Before sowing, remove the fleshy aril around the seed and wash the seeds thoroughly with clean water. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, and it is advisable to keep the soil moist during the entire germination process.
Cutting propagation
Guibourtia carrissoana (Exell) J.Léonard var. gossweileri (Exell) J.Léonard can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings are recommended, and they should be taken from the current year's growth. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and have at least one or two nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the cutting and dip the base in rooting hormone before planting in a rooting medium. Keep the cuttings in a humid environment and avoid direct sunlight. Rooting should occur within 4-6 weeks.
Grafting propagation
Grafting is another propagation method used for Guibourtia carrissoana (Exell) J.Léonard var. gossweileri (Exell) J.Léonard. This method is recommended for obtaining uniform plants and preserving the desirable characteristics of the parent plant. The bark grafting method is commonly used, where the scion is taken from the desired plant and grafted onto the rootstock obtained from a closely related species or variety. The plants should be kept in a humid environment until the graft takes place, and after that, they can be planted in a well-draining soil mix.
Disease Management
Guibourtia carrissoana var. gossweileri is susceptible to a few diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes leaf spots with black edges and a gray center. It can also affect twigs and cause cankers. To prevent anthracnose, keep the plant healthy by avoiding waterlogged soil and providing proper nutrition. Infected leaves and twigs should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides can be applied preventively in early spring.
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes circular or irregularly-shaped spots on the leaves. The spots may be yellow, brown, or black with a dark border. The infected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be kept dry to prevent further spread of the disease. Fungicides can also be applied.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves, flowers, and stems. To prevent powdery mildew, keep the plant in a well-ventilated area with good air circulation. Fungicides can be applied preventively.
Pest Management
Guibourtia carrissoana var. gossweileri is generally not bothered by pests, but a few pests that may affect the plant are:
- Scale insects: These insects appear as small bumps on the leaves and stems. They suck the sap from the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the foliage. Scale insects can be removed by hand or with a soft brush. Insecticidal soaps or oil sprays can also be used.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the plant sap and cause yellowing of the leaves. They spin webbing on the leaves and stems, which can cover the plant. Spider mites can be controlled by spraying the plant with water to wash them off. Insecticidal soaps or oil sprays can also be used.
- Mealybugs: These insects appear as white, powdery spots on the leaves and stems. They suck the sap from the plant and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts ants. Mealybugs can be removed by hand or with a soft brush. Insecticidal soaps or oil sprays can also be used.
