Plant Description
Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. var. elliptica (Sprague) Sillans, commonly known as the sausage tree, is a tropical tree species belonging to the family Bignoniaceae. It has a distinctive, sausage-shaped fruit that is woody in texture and can grow up to 1 meter long and weigh up to 10 kilograms. The tree can reach a height of up to 20 meters and has a wide branching canopy. The leaves are simple, dark green, and leathery in texture, and the flowers are bell-shaped and maroon in color.
Plant Origin and Distribution
Kigelia africana is native to the tropical regions of sub-Saharan Africa, where it is commonly found in woodland and savanna habitats. It grows in a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clayey soils, and prefers moist conditions. The tree has also been introduced to other parts of the world, including Australia and parts of Asia, where it is cultivated as an ornamental plant.
Common Names
The tree is commonly known as the sausage tree due to the shape and size of its fruit. It is also known by a variety of other names, including the cucumber tree, the tree of life, and the Worsboom tree.
Plant Uses
Kigelia africana has a long history of use in traditional African medicine, where it is used to treat a variety of ailments, including skin diseases, malaria, and rheumatism. The bark, leaves, and fruit of the tree are all used medicinally. In addition to its medicinal properties, the sausage tree is also used for a variety of other purposes. The fruit is edible and is used to make jams, jellies, and alcoholic beverages. The wood of the tree is dense and durable and is used for carving, furniture making, and construction. The flowers of the tree are also used to make a cosmetic lotion that is believed to have skin-healing properties.
Light Requirements
Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. var. elliptica (Sprague) Sillans is a tree that grows well in full sun to partial shade. The tree prefers bright sunlight for optimal growth and development. If grown in a shaded area, the tree may produce fewer flowers. It is important to note that while the tree prefers sunlight, it can also tolerate periods of drought.
Temperature Requirements
Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. var. elliptica (Sprague) Sillans is a subtropical tree that prefers warm temperatures. The tree has a temperature range of 15°C to 40°C (59°F to 104°F) with a humidity range of 30% to 80%. Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) may damage the leaves and flowers while temperatures above 40°C (104°F) may cause stress to the tree and affect its growth rate.
Soil Requirements
Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. var. elliptica (Sprague) Sillans is adaptable to a variety of soils, including sandy and loamy soils. However, the tree prefers soils that are well-drained and slightly acidic with a range of pH 5.5 to 6.5. The tree cannot tolerate waterlogged areas and heavy clay soils, which may cause root rot and affect its growth.
Cultivation Methods
Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. var. elliptica (Sprague) Sillans, also known as the Sausage Tree, is native to sub-Saharan Africa. This tree can grow up to 20 m in height. For cultivation, it is suitable for tropical and subtropical regions with a long dry season. It requires a rich loamy soil that is well drained and can tolerate a range of pH. It prefers full sun and can tolerate temperatures of up to 45°C.
Watering Needs
The Sausage Tree requires moderate watering during the growing season. Overwatering can lead to root rot, and underwatering can lead to shedding of leaves. It is advisable to water the plant when the soil around it is dry. During the dry season, the plant may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization
The Sausage Tree requires regular fertilization during the growing season to promote healthy growth. It prefers a complete fertilizer (NPK) with a balanced ratio of 8-8-8. Fertilizer application should be done in early spring and again in early summer. Be careful not to over-fertilize as it can lead to burning of the roots.
Pruning
Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. var. elliptica (Sprague) Sillans requires little pruning, except for removing damaged or dead branches. Pruning can be done during the dormant season. This tree has a tendency to develop low branches, and it may be desirable to remove them to create a clear stem.
Propagation of Kigelia Africana
Kigelia Africana (Lam.) Benth. var. elliptica (Sprague) Sillans, commonly known as sausage tree, is a tropical tree native to Africa. The tree can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagating Kigelia Africana is through seeds. The seeds should be extracted from fresh fruits as soon as they ripen. The outer covering of the seed should be removed, and the seed should be immediately sown in a mixture of well-draining soil and sand. The seeds should be kept moist and warm, and the container should be kept in a shaded area until the seeds germinate.
Propagation by Cuttings
Kigelia Africana can also be propagated by cuttings. Softwood cuttings taken from the tips of young branches are the best for propagating this tree. Cuttings should be taken during the growing season and should be about 15-20 cm long. The leaves should be removed from the lower part of the cutting, and a rooting hormone should be applied to the base. The cutting should be inserted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until it roots and starts to grow.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is a reliable method for propagating Kigelia Africana and is commonly used for commercial production. The rootstock used for grafting should be established in a container before grafting. The scion should be selected from a healthy, disease-free tree. The scion should be about 15 cm long, and all the side branches should be removed. The bark of the rootstock should be slit, and the scion should be inserted into the cut. The graft should be wrapped with grafting tape and covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity until it's established.
Disease and Pest Management for Kigelia Africana (Lam.) Benth. var. Elliptica (Sprague) Sillans
Kigelia africana is a hardy plant, resistant to many pests and diseases. However, some pests and diseases may affect its growth and productivity. These include:
Diseases
Fungal diseases: Kigelia africana is susceptible to several fungal diseases, including Anthracnose, Botryosphaeria canker, and Powdery mildew. These diseases can cause leaf spots, stem blight, cankers, and defoliation. To manage fungal diseases, cultural practices like pruning and removal of infected plant parts are essential. Applying fungicides may also help to control the spread of fungal diseases.
Viral diseases: The plant is also prone to viral diseases such as tomato spotted wilt virus and cucumber mosaic virus. These viruses cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and distortion of fruit. To manage viral diseases, the use of virus-free planting materials and insect vectors control are essential steps.
Pests
Scale insects: Scale insects can infest the plant by sucking sap from the stems and leaves, causing the plant to wilt and stunt. To manage scales, pruning infected plant parts, and using insecticides is crucial. The use of beneficial insects such as ladybugs can also help control scales.
Spider mites: Spider mites feed on the plant resulting in stunted growth and foliage discoloration. To manage spider mites, regular monitoring of the plant, pruning of affected plant parts, and applying insecticides will control the infestation.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs can infest the plant by feeding on the sap from the stems, leading to wilting and stunted growth. To manage mealybugs, physical removal by fingers or cotton swabs, application of insecticidal soaps, and the use of beneficial insects like ladybugs can help control their populations.
Proper cultural practices, regular monitoring, and early pest and disease detection are crucial in managing these issues. Adequate nutrition, water, and light are also essential in maintaining a healthy and productive Kigelia africana plant.
