Origin
Kigelia dinklagei Aubrév. & Pellegr., also known as the sausage tree, is a species of flowering tree in the family Bignoniaceae and is native to tropical Africa. It is found in several countries including Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria.
Common Names
The sausage tree is known by several other common names including the cucumber tree, worsboom, and the African sausage tree. The name "sausage tree" comes from the large, sausage-shaped fruit that the tree produces.
Uses
The fruit of the Kigelia dinklagei tree is used for various medicinal purposes. It has been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments including skin diseases, fungal infections, and even as a treatment for snake bites. The fruit is also used in traditional African medicine as a cure for diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and cancer.
The fruit of the Kigelia dinklagei tree is also used in cosmetics as it is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help to rejuvenate the skin. It is a common ingredient in skin creams and lotions in many countries.
General Appearance
The Kigelia dinklagei tree is a large, deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. It has a large, spreading crown and a thick, corky bark. The leaves of the tree are simple and are arranged alternately along the stem. They are oval-shaped and can grow up to 50 cm long.
The most distinctive feature of the Kigelia dinklagei tree is its fruit. The fruit is large, sausage-shaped, and can grow up to 1 meter long and weigh up to 7 kg. The fruit hangs from long, rope-like stalks and has a woody exterior with a fibrous, pulpy interior. The fruit has a strong, pungent odor and is not typically consumed directly by humans, although it is eaten by some animals such as elephants and baboons.
Light Requirements:
Kigelia dinklagei Aubrév. & Pellegr. requires full sun exposure to grow successfully. Therefore, it is recommended to plant it in an open space that receives direct sunlight for most of the day.
Temperature Requirements:
Kigelia dinklagei Aubrév. & Pellegr. grows best in warm to hot temperatures. It is generally tolerant of high temperatures and can withstand heat waves. However, it cannot survive frost or freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements:
Kigelia dinklagei Aubrév. & Pellegr. prefers well-drained soils with pH levels ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils, as long as they are well-draining. However, it does not perform well in waterlogged soil or heavy clay soils that retain water for long periods.
Fertilizer Requirements:
Kigelia dinklagei Aubrév. & Pellegr. requires moderate levels of fertilizer to grow optimally. It is recommended to apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer once a year during the growing season. Additionally, applying compost or organic matter can help improve soil fertility and enhance plant growth.
Watering Requirements:
Kigelia dinklagei Aubrév. & Pellegr. requires regular watering to thrive. During the growing season, it is recommended to water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and soil type. In winter, reduce watering to once every two weeks to avoid overwatering and root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Kigelia dinklagei Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Kigelia dinklagei Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a tree that can grow up to 15 meters in height. It is native to West Africa and can be grown indoors and outdoors. It requires full sun to partial shade and thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter like humus. It is best to plant the Kigelia dinklagei during the rainy season. The tree will take up to 6 weeks to sprout, and it may take several years for the tree to mature and begin to flower.
Watering Needs of Kigelia dinklagei Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Kigelia dinklagei Aubrév. & Pellegr. needs to be watered regularly but not overwatered. Water the tree every 7-10 days and increase watering frequency during the dry seasons. It is essential to water the tree at the base as watering the leaves can lead to fungal growth. Remember, flooding can kill the tree, so care must be taken while watering.
Fertilization of Kigelia dinklagei Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Kigelia dinklagei Aubrév. & Pellegr. requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth and flowering. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10:10:10 is recommended during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks, or as needed, based on the soil's nutrient requirements. For the best results, use a complete fertilizer that contains essential micronutrients like iron, manganese, and zinc.
Pruning of Kigelia dinklagei Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Kigelia dinklagei Aubrév. & Pellegr. requires minimal pruning, but it is required to remove dead or diseased stems and branches. Prune the tree after the flowering season to encourage new growth and remove any dead or damaged parts. Be careful not to over prune as this can reduce the tree's flowering potential. If the tree is growing in a limited space, it may be trained to a single trunk and maintained at a smaller size with regular trimming.
Propagation of Kigelia dinklagei Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Kigelia dinklagei Aubrév. & Pellegr., commonly known as Sausage tree, is propagated through seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Kigelia dinklagei Aubrév. & Pellegr. are collected from the ripe fruits of the tree. The collected seeds are then cleaned, scarified, and soaked in water for a day before sowing. Scarification is necessary to break the hard seed coat and allow moisture to penetrate the seed for germination.
The germination process requires a warm temperature ranging from 25 to 35°C, and the seedlings start emerging after 3 to 6 weeks. Once seedlings reach a height of 10cm, they can be transplanted into individual pots for further growth.
Propagation by Cuttings
Another method of propagation for Kigelia dinklagei Aubrév. & Pellegr. is the use of stem cuttings. The cuttings are collected from semi-hardwood and mature branches with a diameter of 1 to 2cm and a length of 20 to 25cm.
After collecting the cuttings, the leaves from the lower half should be removed. The cuttings can be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting in rooting media. After planting, the cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment with moist soil.
The cuttings start rooting after 4 to 6 weeks, and after six months of growth, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Kigelia dinklagei Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Kigelia dinklagei Aubrév. & Pellegr., commonly known as the sausage tree, is a tropical tree species native to Africa. It is known for its large, sausage-shaped fruits that can grow up to 1 meter in length. Kigelia dinklagei is a hardy plant but is susceptible to various diseases and insects that can cause damage to the tree.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases affecting Kigelia dinklagei are fungal diseases. These can cause discoloration of the leaves, wilting, and even death of the plant. Some of the common fungal diseases that affect the plant are:
- Anthracnose: A fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves and heavy defoliation of the plant. It can be managed by removing infected leaves and spraying fungicide on the tree.
- Powdery Mildew: A fungal disease that causes white patches on the leaves, stems, and fruits. It can be managed by spraying fungicide on the tree and ensuring proper air circulation.
- Root Rot: A fungal disease that causes the roots to rot, leading to stunted growth and possibly death of the plant. It can be managed by ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overwatering of the tree.
Common Pests
Kigelia dinklagei is also susceptible to insect infestations, which can cause damage to the plant. Some of the common insects that affect the plant are:
- Scale Insects: Small, circular insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems and suck out the sap. They can be managed by removing infected leaves and branches and applying insecticide on the tree.
- Aphids: Small, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sap of the leaves and stems. They can be managed by removing infected leaves and spraying insecticide on the tree.
- Caterpillars: Larvae of certain moth species that feed on the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be managed by manually removing them from the plant or by spraying insecticide on the tree.
It is important to manage any disease or pest infestation as soon as possible to prevent damage to the tree. Regular inspection of the tree and preventive measures such as proper pruning and fertilization can also help keep the tree healthy. In case of severe infestations or infections, it is recommended to seek professional help.
