Origin
Keayodendron bridelioides is a tree species that is native to tropical West and Central Africa. It can be found in countries such as Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and Nigeria.
Common Names
The common names for Keayodendron bridelioides include African corkwood, keayode, and keayodendro.
Uses
The bark and wood of Keayodendron bridelioides have been traditionally used by indigenous communities for a variety of purposes. The bark is rich in tannins, which makes it valuable for tanning hides and skins. The wood is hard and durable, making it ideal for construction, furniture making, and carving. The leaves and fruits of the tree are also used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments.
General Appearance
Keayodendron bridelioides is a tall, evergreen tree that can reach up to 35 meters in height. The tree has a straight and cylindrical trunk, and its bark is dark brown and rough. The leaves are simple, large, and alternate, with a leathery texture and prominent veins. The tree produces small, yellowish-green flowers that are clustered in panicles. The fruits are large, brown capsules that contain winged seeds.
Growth Conditions of Keayodendron bridelioides
Light: Keayodendron bridelioides is a shade-loving plant that thrives under partly to full shade conditions. These plants prefer dappled light or filtered sunlight that is not too strong or direct.
Temperature: Keayodendron bridelioides is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid environments. It grows best in temperatures between 20°C to 30°C, but can tolerate slightly higher temperatures if the humidity levels are high. These plants should be protected from frost and cold winds.
Soil: Keayodendron bridelioides prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. These plants thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged, as waterlogging can cause root rot and damage to the plant. These plants do well in soils that have good aeration and are capable of retaining moisture.
Fertilizer: Keayodendron bridelioides requires regular fertilization throughout the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 20-20-20 should be applied every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. These plants are sensitive to over-fertilization, so it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and only apply the recommended amount of fertilizer.
Water: Keayodendron bridelioides needs regular watering during the growing season to keep the soil moist. During periods of active growth, these plants should be watered at least once a week. In the winter, when the plant is dormant, watering should be reduced to prevent waterlogging and root rot. These plants do not tolerate drought and should be watered immediately if the soil becomes dry.
Propagation: Keayodendron bridelioides can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds should be sown immediately after harvesting in well-drained soil and kept moist until germination. Stem cuttings should be taken during the growing season, treated with rooting hormone and planted in well-drained soil.
Cultivation Methods for Keayodendron Bridelioides
Keayodendron bridelioides can be grown from seeds or cuttings. If growing from seeds, it is recommended to use fresh seeds and plant them in a mixture of peat and perlite. The seeds need to be kept moist and warm until germination occurs. If growing from cuttings, take a stem cutting from a healthy plant, dip the end into rooting hormone powder, and plant it in a container filled with a mixture of sand and perlite. Keep the soil moist until roots start to develop.
Watering Needs for Keayodendron Bridelioides
Keayodendron bridelioides prefers to be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. It is essential to avoid letting the soil dry out as it can cause damage to the plant. During the warm months, water more frequently, and reduce watering in the colder months when the plant is not actively growing.
Fertilization for Keayodendron Bridelioides
Keayodendron bridelioides benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every two to three weeks, following the package's instructions. During the colder months, reduce feeding to once every two months. Avoid over-fertilization as it can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning Keayodendron Bridelioides
Prune Keayodendron bridelioides during the warmer months to encourage growth and shape the plant. It is recommended to prune after flowering as this will promote bushier growth. Remove any dead, damaged or diseased branches with a clean, sharp pair of pruning scissors. Avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant at one time, as this can cause stress to the plant.
Propagation of Keayodendron bridelioides
Keayodendron bridelioides (Mildbr. ex Hutch. & Dalziel) Léandri is a rare and endangered tree species found only in the high altitudes of Cameroon and Nigeria. Propagation of this plant is challenging due to its slow growth and low seed germination rate.
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagation for Keayodendron bridelioides is through seeds. However, the seeds have a low germination rate, and it can take up to a year for the seedlings to emerge. To increase the chances of germination, the seeds should be sown immediately after harvesting in a well-draining soil mix. They should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist in a warm, humid environment with temperatures between 20-25°C. Wet sphagnum moss can be placed over the soil to help retain moisture.
Asexual propagation
Another method of propagation for Keayodendron bridelioides is through asexual propagation. The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or air-layering. However, these methods are challenging as the plant has a slow growth rate, and the woody stems are difficult to propagate. Moreover, rooting hormones might not work well with Keayodendron bridelioides.
Care for seedlings
After germination, the seedlings should be kept in a bright, warm environment and transferred to individual pots once they have four to six leaves. The soil should be well-draining, with a pH range of 6-7. Fertilization should be done with a balanced fertilizer, and the plants should be watered frequently to keep the soil moist. Care should be taken to avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot.
Disease and Pest Management for Keayodendron bridelioides
Keayodendron bridelioides, also known as the African whitewood, is a plant species native to West Africa. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can cause significant damage. Below are common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggested methods to manage them.
Common Diseases
1. Leaf spots: This is a fungal disease that causes brownish spots on leaves. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and dispose of them immediately. Avoid overhead watering and keep the plant foliage dry. Fungicides may also be used as per the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. It can be managed by using fungicides and pruning affected leaves or stems. Avoid overcrowding plants to promote better air circulation.
3. Verticillium wilt: This is a soil-borne fungal disease that causes wilting, branch dieback, and yellowing of leaves. It is a severe disease that can cause plant death. To manage this disease, remove infected plants and avoid planting susceptible plants in the infected soil.
Common Pests
1. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small insects that suck sap from plants. They appear as a white cottony substance on the plant's stems and leaves. They can be managed by using insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or rubbing alcohol.
2. Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on plant sap, causing leaf yellowing and curling. They can be managed by using insecticidal soaps or neem oil. Avoid using chemical pesticides as they can harm the plant's natural enemies such as predatory mites.
3. Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that can cause severe damage to plants by feeding on leaves. They can be managed by handpicking them or using biological control agents such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
Implementing good cultural practices such as maintaining proper plant hygiene and avoiding water stress conditions can help prevent the incidence of diseases and pests in Keayodendron bridelioides plants. When managing diseases and pests, always read and follow the instructions on the pesticides' labels carefully.
