Description of Lannea afzelii Engl. var. pubescens Aubrév.
Lannea afzelii Engl. var. pubescens Aubrév. is a tall tropical tree that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. It is commonly referred to as "Mango Plum" or "African Peach." The plant is native to West Africa and can be found in Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon.
General Appearance of Lannea afzelii Engl. var. pubescens Aubrév.
The tree can grow up to 35 m tall and has a straight, cylindrical trunk that has a diameter of up to 1.5 m. The bark is dark grey or brown, scaly and rough, with younger bark being a reddish-brown color. The leaves are compound and alternate, with 5 to 11 leaflets, that are oblong in shape and have a pointed tip. The leaflets are dark green and glossy on the upper surface with a lighter green and somewhat velvety texture on the underside.
The flowers are small and greenish-white with 5 petals, and have a slight fragrance. They are arranged in dense clusters that grow out of the leaf axils. The fruit of the tree is a drupe that is roughly 3 to 4 cm wide, and the seed is surrounded by a fleshy, edible pulp that is sweet when ripe.
Uses of Lannea afzelii Engl. var. pubescens Aubrév.
The fruit of the Lannea afzelii Engl. var. pubescens Aubrév. tree is consumed by local communities and is also used for medicinal purposes. The fruit pulp is rich in vitamin C and is used to treat sore throat, asthma and diarrhea. The sap from the tree, bark, and roots of the tree is used to treat skin diseases and toothaches. The sap also produces a gum that is used for glue, and the sap from the tree can be fermented to make beer or distilled to make spirits.
The wood of the tree is durable and used for construction, furniture, flooring, and carving. The leaves and bark of the tree are also used for dyeing fabric.
In summary, Lannea afzelii Engl. var. pubescens Aubrév. is a tall tropical tree native to West Africa, commonly referred to as "Mango Plum" or "African Peach". The tree has multiple uses ranging from medicinal purposes to the production of durable wood for construction and carving.
Light Requirements
Lannea afzelii Engl. var. pubescens Aubrév. prefers a partially shady area for optimal growth. As an understory tree, it thrives in areas with dappled sunlight such as the edge of the forest or areas with scattered trees. Direct sunlight can lead to leaf scorching and stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
Lannea afzelii Engl. var. pubescens Aubrév. is native to tropical regions and requires warm temperatures for growth. The optimal temperature range for this plant is between 25-35°C (77-95°F) during the day and 20-25°C (68-77°F) at night. Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can lead to leaf drop and stunted growth.
Soil Requirements
Lannea afzelii Engl. var. pubescens Aubrév. prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The ideal soil type is loamy soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. This plant is adapted to grow on rocky substrates or shallow soils, but the soil must be able to retain moisture for optimal growth. Waterlogged soils can lead to root rot and eventual death of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Lannea afzelii Engl. var. pubescens Aubrév. is a hardy plant that can be grown outdoors in warm regions. It prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.5. The plant thrives in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. It can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or grafting.
Watering Needs
During the growing season, it is important to keep the soil around the plant moist. Watering should be done once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Established plants can tolerate some drought, but young plants require regular watering until they become established. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it is crucial to ensure that the soil has proper drainage.
Fertilization
Lannea afzelii Engl. var. pubescens Aubrév. requires regular fertilization to support healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 should be applied every two months during the growing season. During the winter months, fertilization should be reduced or stopped entirely.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and size of the plant. Lannea afzelii Engl. var. pubescens Aubrév. should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be removed at any time of the year. The plant can be trained as a small tree or a shrub depending on the desired appearance. Regular pruning will also help to keep the plant healthier and more productive.
Propagation methods for Lannea afzelii Engl. var. pubescens Aubrév.
Lannea afzelii Engl. var. pubescens Aubrév., also known as the African peach or sometimes as Anogeissus leiocarpa, is a tree primarily found in West and Central Africa. Propagation of Lannea afzelii can be done through seed propagation, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed propagation
The most common propagation method of Lannea afzelii is through seeds. Collect the seeds from mature fruit in the rainy season when the fruit ripens. The seed is then extracted and cleaned of fleshy material, dried, and stored before sowing. Sowing is done in the rainy season in well-drained nursery beds, and the seeds are covered lightly with soil. Germination typically takes about two weeks, after which the seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots and then to their final growing place.
Cuttings
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Lannea afzelii. Semi-hardwood cuttings can be collected in the rainy season, with a length of around 15 cm. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the cutting, dip it into rooting hormone, and then plant in sand or a mixture of sand and soil. After four to six weeks, roots will have developed, and the cuttings can be transplanted to individual pots or to their permanent growing place.
Grafting
Grafting is another propagation method used for Lannea afzelii. It is achieved through cleft grafting, where a scion from a mature tree is grafted to a seedling. The scion is inserted into a slit made in the seedling's stem, tightly wrapped with a grafting tape, and then covered with grafting wax. The grafted plant is then grown in a nursery and transplanted once it has established.
Disease and Pest Management for Lannea afzelii Engl. var. pubescens Aubrév.
Lannea afzelii Engl. var. pubescens Aubrév. is a tree that is mainly grown in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. Although this plant can grow well in different conditions, it is vulnerable to several diseases and pests. Managing these problems is essential for the optimum growth and development of the plant.
Common Diseases that Affect Lannea afzelii Engl. var. pubescens Aubrév.
1. Anthracnose: This disease is caused by fungi and causes the leaves of the plant to turn yellow and drop prematurely. To manage anthracnose, it is essential to remove infected leaves and branches and destroy them.
2. Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, leading to wilting and eventual death. To manage root rot, it is essential to avoid overwatering and ensure adequate drainage.
3. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that attacks the leaves of the plant, leading to a white powdery coating. The affected leaves may eventually turn yellow and fall off. To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide regularly.
Common Pests that Affect Lannea afzelii Engl. var. pubescens Aubrév.
1. Spider Mites: These pests are tiny and suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, leading to yellowing and wilting. Spider mites can be managed by applying an insecticide regularly and ensuring adequate humidity levels.
2. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are pests that leave a white, cottony substance on the plant's leaves and stems. They can be managed by removing infected areas, applying an insecticide, or using beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
3. Scale Insects: Scale insects are pests that suck sap from the plant and secrete a sticky substance. They can be managed by removing infected areas, applying an insecticide, or using beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests is critical to the growth and development of Lannea afzelii Engl. var. pubescens Aubrév. Regular inspections, proper sanitation practices, and the application of pesticides and fungicides can help keep the plant healthy and productive.
