Description of Isoberlinia angolensis var. lasiocalyx
Isoberlinia angolensis var. lasiocalyx is a species of tree within the family Fabaceae. It is native to the woodlands and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa, specifically Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The species is commonly referred to as "Mukwa" or "Mukwa Mbila" in the local Bantu languages.
Uses of Isoberlinia angolensis var. lasiocalyx
The wood of the Mukwa tree is highly valued for its durability and resistance to termite and fungal attacks. It is often used for construction, furniture, and carving. The bark of the tree is utilized for medicinal purposes in the treatment of coughs, diarrhea, and fever. Additionally, the fruits and seeds of the tree provide a source of food for both humans and wildlife.
General Appearance of Isoberlinia angolensis var. lasiocalyx
Isoberlinia angolensis var. lasiocalyx is a tall deciduous tree, growing up to 30 meters in height. The bark is grey and fissured, with a rough texture. The leaves are pinnate, with 7-11 lanceolate leaflets, and are a glossy green color. The flowers are small, yellow, and borne in dense clusters. The fruit is a hard-walled legume, up to 15 cm in length, which contains 2-3 seeds.
Light Requirements
Isoberlinia angolensis (Welw. ex Benth.) Hoyle & Brenan var. lasiocalyx Hoyle & Brenan is a tree species that requires bright sunlight for proper growth. It is a heliophilic species and can tolerate full sunlight exposure without any damage. Moderate shade can be tolerated, but prolonged shade may significantly reduce the growth rate and productivity of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
Isoberlinia angolensis (Welw. ex Benth.) Hoyle & Brenan var. lasiocalyx Hoyle & Brenan is a tree species that prefers warm to hot climates. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but the ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 20°C to 30°C. The species can withstand occasional short periods of frost, but prolonged cold weather can be detrimental to the plant's growth.
Soil Requirements
The growth of Isoberlinia angolensis (Welw. ex Benth.) Hoyle & Brenan var. lasiocalyx Hoyle & Brenan is significantly influenced by soil quality. The species prefers well-drained sandy soils with a high proportion of gravel or a mixture of sand and clay. The plant requires soils that are rich in nutrients and organic matter. The species can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soil conditions. The soil depth should be adequate to accommodate the tree's root system, which can extend several meters into the soil.
Cultivation methods
Isoberlinia angolensis var. lasiocalyx is a deciduous tree that requires full sunlight for proper growth and development. It can be propagated either through seeds or cuttings. When cultivating through seeds, it is important to soak the seeds in water overnight before planting them in well-draining soil. The tree can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil.
Watering needs
The Isoberlinia angolensis var. lasiocalyx requires regular watering during the growing season to maintain healthy growth. Watering should be done deeply, but the soil needs to dry out between each watering session. During the dry season, it is essential to provide enough water to keep the tree from dehydrating.
Fertilization
Proper fertilization will significantly boost the growth and development of Isoberlinia angolensis var. lasiocalyx. Use a fertilizer that is rich in phosphorus and potassium. Fertilizer should be applied once every three months, starting from the beginning of the growing season through to the end of the season. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizer to avoid over-fertilization that may harm the tree.
Pruning
Regular pruning is essential to keep Isoberlinia angolensis var. lasiocalyx in good shape, especially when it comes to shaping young trees. Prune the tree during the dormant season, which is usually between late winter and early spring before new growth starts. Remove diseased, damaged or dead branches using a sharp pruning saw or shears. When pruning, it is essential to maintain the tree's natural shape and structure.
Propagation of Isoberlinia angolensis var. lasiocalyx
Isoberlinia angolensis var. lasiocalyx can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and cutting propagation.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Isoberlinia angolensis var. lasiocalyx can be used for propagation. The seeds are collected during the dry season when the fruits are fully mature and dry. The seeds should be planted in well-draining soil mixed with sand and kept in a warm and humid environment.
A pre-germination treatment can be done by soaking the seeds in hot water for 24-48 hours to soften the hard seed coat, or scarification of the seed coat may also be done. This will help facilitate the germination process.
Once the seedlings have emerged, they can be transplanted to individual pots, and once they are established, they can be planted in their permanent location.
Vegetative Propagation
Isoberlinia angolensis var. lasiocalyx can also be propagated through vegetative propagation. This method involves taking stem cuttings or suckers from the mother plant and planting them in well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment until they develop roots. Once they have established roots, they can be transplanted to individual pots, and when they are strong enough, planted in their permanent location.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation involves taking a stem section from the mother plant and planting it directly into the soil. This method can be done during the rainy season when the soil is moist and warm.
The stem section should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm and humid environment until the roots have developed. Once the cutting has established roots, it can be transplanted to individual pots and planted in its permanent location once strong enough.
Propagation of Isoberlinia angolensis var. lasiocalyx is relatively easy, and all of these methods have been successful in establishing new plants.
Disease Management
Some of the common diseases that might affect Isoberlinia angolensis var. lasiocalyx include:
- Root rot: This disease is caused by various fungi and bacteria. It causes the roots to rot, leading to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and ultimately death of the plant. To manage this disease, avoid over-watering, ensure good drainage, use disease-resistant cultivars, and remove infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes spots on the leaves, which can eventually lead to defoliation. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves, ensure proper air circulation, and apply fungicides.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark spots on the leaves and can cause defoliation. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves, ensure proper air circulation, and apply fungicides.
Pest Management
Some of the common pests that might affect Isoberlinia angolensis var. lasiocalyx include:
- Termites: These insects feed on the wood of the plant, causing damage to the roots and stem. To manage termites, use termite-resistant cultivars, use physical barriers such as mesh wire around the base of the plant, and use chemical treatments such as termiticides.
- Caterpillars: These insects feed on the leaves, causing significant damage to the plant. To manage caterpillars, remove infected leaves, use physical barriers such as mesh netting, and apply insecticides.
- Mealybugs: These insects suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves. To manage mealybugs, remove infected leaves, use physical barriers such as mesh netting, and apply insecticides.
