Overview of Homalium djalonis A.Chev.
Homalium djalonis A. Chev. also known as the West African elm, is a species of flowering plant in the Salicaceae family. It is native to West Africa, particularly found in the countries of Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.
Common Names
The West African elm is also known by several other common names, including:
- Djalon elm
- Bassa bassa
- Bwaya
- Kele
- Alugilè
Uses of Homalium djalonis A.Chev.
The West African elm has several uses in traditional and modern African herbal medicine. The roots, bark, and leaves are used to treat a wide range of ailments, including stomach pains, chest pains, fever, and headaches. The leaves are also used as a poultice to treat skin infections and wounds.
The wood of Homalium djalonis A. Chev. is also highly valued for its strength and durability. It is used in construction and as a source of firewood and charcoal production. The tree is also used for shade in coffee and cocoa plantations.
General Appearance
The West African elm is a large tree that can grow up to 40 meters tall. It has a straight and cylindrical trunk with a diameter of up to 1 meter. The bark is grayish-brown and smooth, with horizontal lines and shallow fissures. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate-oblong, with a length of 7-10 cm and a width of 3-5.5 cm. The tree produces small, yellowish-white flowers and round, woody fruits that are about 1.5 cm in diameter.
Overall, Homalium djalonis A. Chev. is an important tree species in West African culture and economy, with its uses in traditional medicine and wood production.
Growth conditions for Homalium djalonis A.Chev:
Light: Homalium djalonis A.Chev is a shade-tolerant plant that grows well in partial shade to full shade conditions. It can also tolerate some direct sunlight but prefers filtered light for optimal growth.
Temperature: Homalium djalonis A.Chev is a tropical plant that thrives in warm temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures up to 35°C but does not tolerate frost or temperatures below 10°C.
Soil: Homalium djalonis A.Chev grows well in well-drained soils with high organic matter and good moisture retention. The pH range of the soil should be between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils.
Water: Homalium djalonis A.Chev requires moist soil for optimal growth but does not tolerate waterlogged soil. The plant can tolerate short periods of drought, but prolonged dry spells can lead to stunted growth.
Fertilizer: Homalium djalonis A.Chev can benefit from regular applications of balanced fertilizer during the growing season. However, excessive use of fertilizer can lead to leaf burn and stunted growth.
Propagation: Homalium djalonis A.Chev can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in well-drained soil at a depth of 1-2 cm. Cuttings can be taken from actively growing shoots and rooted in a suitable rooting medium.
Pruning: Homalium djalonis A.Chev does not require pruning but can benefit from occasional shaping to maintain a neat and uniform shape. Pruning should be done during the inactive season to avoid disrupting growth.
Cultivation of Homalium djalonis A.Chev.
Homalium djalonis A.Chev. is a shrub that grows up to 5 meters tall and is native to the tropical regions of West Africa. It prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant requires full sun to partial shade and can be grown in a variety of garden settings including containers, borders and mixed shrub borders.
Watering Needs of Homalium djalonis A.Chev.
The plant prefers moist soil but should not be over-watered. Watering should be frequent during the growing season, and less in winter. To avoid waterlogging, ensure good drainage. Mulching is recommended for water retention and weed control. Overhead irrigation should be avoided, as it can cause leaf wetting and promote fungal growth.
Fertilization of Homalium djalonis A.Chev.
It is recommended to fertilize the plant with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring. The fertilizer should be rich in nitrogen, but contain appropriate amounts of phosphorus and potassium. If the soil is deficient in micronutrients, it can be supplemented using a balanced micronutrient fertilizer.
Pruning of Homalium djalonis A.Chev.
Homalium djalonis A.Chev. can be pruned to maintain its shape. Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring, before the growing season begins. Dead and diseased branches should be removed promptly. The shrub can also be pruned to encourage flowering, by removing the old wood which will promote new growth and hence more flowers. Pruning should be done using sharp, clean pruning tools and the cuts should be made at a 45-degree angle.
Propagation of Homalium djalonis A.Chev.
Homalium djalonis A.Chev. can be propagated through various methods which include:
Seeds propagation
Seeds of Homalium djalonis A.Chev. can be used for propagation. To achieve this, the seeds should be collected from mature fruits that have fallen from the tree. The seed coat should be removed before sowing in a seedbed or seedling tray. The seedbed should be kept moist, and seedlings that have germinated should be transplanted to individual pots once they have attained a reasonable size.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation involves the use of vegetative plant parts like stems, leaves, and roots to grow new plants. Homalium djalonis A.Chev. can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in spring or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Cuttings of about 6-8 inches long should be dipped into rooting hormone before being inserted into the potting mix. The potting mix should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cuttings should be kept in a shaded area until roots have formed.
Air layering propagation
Air layering propagation involves the creation of a rooting medium on a part of the stem while still attached to the parent plant. To achieve this, a section of the stem of Homalium djalonis A.Chev. should be wounded and covered with rooting hormone. A non-degradable material like plastic should then be wrapped around the wounded section, and moist sphagnum moss should be packed around this area. The plastic should be secured over the sphagnum moss, and the moss kept wet until roots are formed.
Disease and Pest Management for Homalium djalonis A.Chev.
Homalium djalonis A.Chev., commonly known as African whitewood, is a fast-growing tree with several uses in traditional medicine, agroforestry, and furniture-making. However, as with most plants, Homalium djalonis A.Chev. is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can reduce its growth and yield.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, twigs, and fruits of Homalium djalonis A.Chev. affected plant parts show brownish spots or lesions, and the leaves may curl or drop prematurely.
Phytophthora root rot: This disease is caused by the fungus Phytophthora spp. and affects the roots and lower stem. It causes the leaves to wilt, turn yellow or brown, and eventually die. The affected roots may have a black or dark brown color.
Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of Homalium djalonis A.Chev. infected parts show a white or gray powder-like substance, and the leaves may curl or distort.
Pest Management
Termites: These are social insects that feed on dead wood and can cause extensive damage to Homalium djalonis A.Chev. trees. The affected plant parts show tunnels or galleries, and the wood may become brittle or hollow.
Scale insects: These are small insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of Homalium djalonis A.Chev. trees and suck the sap. Affected plants show a sticky substance on the leaves, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold.
Caterpillars: These are the larval stage of moths and butterflies and can damage the leaves and twigs of Homalium djalonis A.Chev. trees. Affected leaves show holes or notches.
Management Strategies
Cultural control: avoid planting Homalium djalonis A.Chev. in poorly drained soils or areas prone to flooding, as this can promote the growth of fungal diseases. Regular pruning and removal of dead or diseased plant parts can also help to reduce pest and disease incidence.
Chemical control: use of fungicides, insecticides, and miticides can help to reduce pest and disease incidence on Homalium djalonis A.Chev. trees. However, care should be taken to follow the label instructions and apply the chemicals at the right time and in the right concentration to avoid phytotoxicity or resistance development.
Biological control: some natural enemies of pests and diseases, such as predatory insects and parasitic fungi, can be introduced or encouraged in the Homalium djalonis A.Chev. environment to reduce pest and disease populations. This method is eco-friendly and sustainable.
In conclusion, Homalium djalonis A.Chev. can benefit from proper disease and pest management practices, which can improve its growth, yield, and sustainability.
