Overview of Kigelia africana
Kigelia africana, also known as the sausage tree, is a unique, large, and fast-growing deciduous tree that belongs to the Bignoniaceae family. It is native to Africa, found in the savannas, riverbanks, and woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa.
General Appearance
The tree can grow up to a height of 20 meters with a broad, dense crown that provides ample shade. Its trunk can reach a diameter of up to 2 meters, and it has a grey-brown bark that is thick, fibrous, and deeply furrowed. The leaves of the Kigelia africana are compound, pinnate, and shiny, measuring up to 50 cm in length with 6-10 paired leaflets.
The most distinct feature of the Kigelia africana is its fruit. The sausage-like fruit can grow up to a meter in length, weight up to 6 kg, and make for a fascinating sight. The fruit has a hard, woody shell, and the inside contains numerous flat, elliptical seeds embedded in a reddish-brown pulp.
Common names
Kigelia africana is known by several common names, depending on the region. Some of the most common names include sausage tree, cucumber tree, worsboom, Sausage Tree, Huru, Muratina, and Mujonso.
Uses
Kigelia africana is a highly valued tree among various African communities. Its fruit, bark, and leaves have a wide range of medicinal, cultural, and practical uses. The pulp of the fruit has been traditionally used in Africa for treating various skin ailments, including ringworm, acne, and eczema. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat rheumatism and joint pains.
The bark and leaves of the sausage tree are used in Traditional African Medicine to treat various ailments like ulcers, headaches, malaria, and syphilis. The tree's bark contains compounds that have antifungal and antibacterial properties and is used to make herbal teas to boost the immune system, improve blood circulation, and alleviate inflammation.
Aside from its medicinal properties, the sausage tree has several cultural uses. The fruit is used to make ornaments, musical instruments, and jewelry. The tree also attracts pollinating bats and various birds, making it a popular sight among eco-tourists.
The sausage tree's wood is durable, termite-resistant, and is often used to make furniture, yokes, and canoes. The leaves are used as cattle feed, and the tree's shade serves as a perfect spot for relaxation during the hot African afternoons.
In conclusion, the Kigelia africana is an incredible tree with various uses and a unique appearance that makes it a must-see for anyone visiting Africa's savannas, riverbanks, or woodlands.Light Requirements
Kigelia africana typically grows in areas with a lot of sunlight, so it requires full sun for optimal growth. This plant can tolerate partial shade but may produce fewer flowers and fruits. In areas with low sunlight, the plant may grow taller to reach the available light, resulting in weaker stems.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical regions and requires warm temperatures to grow properly. The ideal temperature range for Kigelia Africana is between 20°C to 35°C. When temperatures drop below 10°C, growth is likely to slow down, and the plant may start to decline.
Soil Requirements
Kigelia Africana grows well in fertile, well-draining, and moist soil. The soil should have a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. It prefers sandy or loamy soils as they allow for proper drainage and air circulation around the roots. Soil with poor drainage may lead to root rot, which can kill the plant.
Cultivation methods
Kigelia africana, commonly known as the sausage tree, is a tropical tree native to Africa. It can grow up to 20 meters in height and 1.5 meters in diameter. The plant prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. The best time to plant the tree is during the rainy season when the soil is moist.
Watering needs
Kigelia africana needs regular watering during the first year of planting to establish a healthy root system. Afterward, the tree can withstand periods of drought. However, it is essential to provide adequate watering during the growing season to ensure the tree thrives. Watering should be done deeply, and the soil should be allowed to dry out between watering sessions.
Fertilization
The sausage tree is a heavy feeder, and it requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. Organic fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are suitable for the tree. Fertilization should be done during the growing season, and the soil should be adequately watered after application.
Pruning
Kigelia africana requires minimal pruning. However, the tree can benefit from pruning to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Pruning should also be done to shape the tree's canopy and maintain its height. Pruning can be done during the dormant season to minimize stress on the plant. It is essential to use clean and sharp pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Kigelia Africana
Kigelia africana, commonly known as the sausage tree, can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. The most common propagation methods used for Kigelia africana are through seeds and vegetative techniques like cuttings and air layering.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Kigelia africana are large, woody, and brown. They should be collected from ripe fruits that have fallen from the tree. The fruits should be left to rot or keep the seeds in warm water for a few days to soften the seed coat for ease of germination. The seeds should be washed and sown in well-draining fertile soil without any treatment.
After sowing, the seeds should be kept in a warm and moist environment, like a greenhouse, where the temperature is maintained at 25°C. Germination usually takes around two weeks to two months1. Please note that seedlings may take years to mature and flower.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is often preferred as the resultant trees grow faster and retain more characteristics of the parent plant. Two common vegetative propagation techniques for Kigelia africana are cuttings and air layering.
Cuttings: Cuttings should be taken from well-developed, healthy trees during the dormant stage. Hardwood cuttings should be 20-30cm long, while softwood cuttings should be 10-15cm long. The cuttings should be planted in a rooting medium like sand or peat moss with proper irrigation.2
Air Layering: Air layering is a more complicated process than cuttings. It involves rooting the selected stem while it is still attached to the parent plant. A cut is made on the stem and wound with rooting hormone powder. The wound is covered with moist sphagnum moss and a plastic bag to keep it moist. Roots will start developing in four to eight weeks, and the rooted stem can then be detached from the parent plant and planted in a new location.2
Regardless of the propagation method you choose, it is important to keep the young plants well-watered and avoid direct sunlight for the first few months.
References:1South African National Biodiversity Institute - Kigelia africana
2International Tropical Fruits Network - Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth. Sausage tree
Disease Management
Kigelia africana is relatively resistant to most diseases, but fungal infections may occur. Anthracnose is a common fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on leaves, stems, and flowers. It can be controlled by removing the affected parts and applying a fungicide. Powdery mildew may also occur, resulting in a white powdery coating on leaves and stems. The disease can be treated with a fungicide spray.
Bacterial canker is another disease that can affect Kigelia africana. It is characterized by sunken lesions on the bark and stems. The disease can be prevented by planting disease-free seedlings and practicing good sanitation measures. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed immediately to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
Pest Management
Several pests may affect Kigelia africana, including aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs. These insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and deformation of flowers.
One way to manage pests is through cultural practices, such as maintaining good hygiene around the plant. This includes removing dead or decaying plant parts, keeping the area around the plant free of weeds, and avoiding over-fertilization. Introducing natural predators of the pests, such as ladybugs and lacewings, can also help control their populations.
Chemical control can be used as a last resort if infestations are severe. Insecticides containing neem oil or pyrethrin can be effective against most pests. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and avoid using chemical pesticides excessively as it can harm beneficial insects and pollinators.
