Overview of Lannea Angolensis R.Fern. & Mendes
Lannea Angolensis R.Fern. & Mendes is a plant species belonging to the family Anacardiaceae. The plant is common across sub-Saharan Africa and is widely known for its medicinal properties. It is a small deciduous tree that grows up to 12 m high. The trunk is short and thick, with a flaky bark that is dark brown. The leaves are compound, with a length of about 20 cm and a width of 10 cm. The blade is ovate, obtuse and cordate at the base. The flowers of the plant are yellowish-green in color and are borne in congested axillary cymes. The fruit is a drupe that is reddish-brown when ripe.
Common Names
Lannea Angolensis R.Fern. & Mendes is known by various common names across the regions where it grows. In English, it is called the African mahogany or the Marula tree. In Swahili, it goes by the name Mgambo and in Tswana, the plant is referred to as the Marula.
Uses
The plant has long been used for medicinal purposes across various African cultures. The bark, roots, and leaves of the plant are used to treat various ailments such as dysentery, diarrhea, and fever. The roots have also been used in treating heart diseases, while the bark extract is used as an aphrodisiac by some communities. The Marula tree is also popular for its edible fruit, which has a sour taste and is used to make a fermented drink popularly known as Marula beer. The kernel of the fruit is also used to make a variety of products, including cosmetics, soap, and cooking oil.
General Appearance
Lannea Angolensis R.Fern. & Mendes has a distinctive appearance that makes it easy to identify. The tree has a short, thick trunk that makes it appear squat, with a rounded crown that is deeply furrowed. The leaves are compound, with an ovate blade that has an obtuse and cordate base. The flowers of the plant are yellow-green, small and borne in congested axillary cymes that appear in mid to late spring. The fruit is a drupe that is small, ovoid and reddish-brown when ripe, with a single seed in the center.
Light Requirements
The Lannea angolensis plant requires a lot of sunlight for optimal growth. It is best suited for areas where there is plenty of direct sunlight. The plant should be exposed to full sunlight for at least six hours every day to facilitate photosynthesis and growth. Therefore, it is recommended that the plant be grown in areas that are sunny and not shaded by other plants or structures.
Temperature Requirements
Lannea angolensis thrives in warm temperatures. Tropical or subtropical climates are ideal for this plant. The temperature range that is most suitable for this plant is between 20°C to 35°C. Extreme heat should be avoided, and the plant should not be exposed to temperatures below 10°C. The plant grows faster during the warmest months of the year, and growth slows down during the colder months.
Soil Requirements
The Lannea angolensis plant is not very selective with soil types. It can grow in various well-draining soils. Although it is adaptable to different soil types, it thrives well in soils that are rich in nutrients. The ideal soil pH range for this plant is between 5.5 to 7.5. The plant grows well in soils that have medium to high fertility levels, and it requires regular watering to maintain consistent soil moisture.
Cultivation methods
Lannea angolensis R.Fern. & Mendes is a hardy plant that grows well in most soil types. It prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. It grows best in full sun or partial shade. This plant is native to Africa and can tolerate hot and dry conditions.
Propagation of Lannea angolensis R.Fern. & Mendes can be done by seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer and should be planted in a soil mix that drains well.
Watering needs
Lannea angolensis R.Fern. & Mendes requires regular watering during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. During the dry season, reduce the frequency of watering to avoid over-watering and root rot. Ensure to check the moisture level of the soil regularly and adjust the watering schedule as necessary.
Fertilization
Lannea angolensis R.Fern. & Mendes responds well to regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer should be applied once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering. Use a slow-release fertilizer to avoid over-fertilizing which may lead to leaf burn and root toxicity.
Pruning
Lannea angolensis R.Fern. & Mendes requires minimal pruning. Only thin out damaged or weak branches to promote healthy growth. Additionally, pruning can be done to shape the plant or to control its size. Prune back the plant in early spring or late winter before the growing season.
Propagation of Lannea angolensis
Lannea angolensis, also known as the African peach, is a deciduous plant that propagates by means of seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Lannea angolensis need to be properly prepared before sowing. First, soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours to soften the hard seed coat. Then, remove the seeds from the water and place them in a moist medium, such as peat moss, and leave them to germinate in a warm and humid environment.
Once the seedlings have sprouted, they can be transplanted to individual pots filled with well-draining soil. The young plants should be kept in a warm, sunny location and watered regularly to encourage their growth.
Propagation by Cuttings
Lannea angolensis can also be propagated by means of stem cuttings. Take stem cuttings from healthy parent plants during the dormant season, making sure each cutting is about 30-35cm long. Strip off the lower leaves and dip the cut end of each stem into rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
Next, plant the cuttings in moist potting soil and keep them in a warm, sunny location with high humidity. Water the cuttings regularly and mist them frequently to keep the environment humid. In about 6-8 weeks, the cuttings should have developed strong roots and can be transplanted to individual pots or directly into the ground.
Diseases and Pest Management for Lannea angolensis R.Fern. & Mendes
Lannea angolensis R.Fern. & Mendes is a perennial tree species native to tropical Africa. The plant is vulnerable to a variety of pests and diseases. Proper disease and pest management strategies are essential to maintain the health of the plant and ensure its productivity.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases affecting Lannea angolensis R.Fern. & Mendes are fungal infections. These infections often attack the plant's leaves, stems, and roots. Fungus thrives in humid environments and may cause root rot or stem rot. The most common fungal infections affecting Lannea angolensis R.Fern. & Mendes include root rot caused by Fusarium oxysporum and stem rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani.
Pest Management
Pests are a significant threat to the health of Lannea angolensis R.Fern. & Mendes. The most common pests that may attack the plant are thrips, mites, caterpillars, and beetles. Thrips and mites may damage the leaves, leaving them discolored and distorted. Caterpillars may eat the leaves and damage the bark, while beetles may feed on the leaves and bark, ultimately leading to the death of the plant.
The most effective methods to manage pests include biological control, cultural control, and chemical control. Biological control involves introducing natural predators to the pests, such as parasitic wasps. Cultural control involves removing diseased or infested plant material and maintaining proper irrigation and drainage. Chemical control involves using insecticides, such as neem oil or pyrethrin, to control the pests.
Disease Management
Lannea angolensis R.Fern. & Mendes is susceptible to several fungal infections that may cause significant damage to the plant. The most effective disease management strategies include cultural control and chemical control.
Cultural control involves removing diseased or infected plant material and avoiding overwatering or poor drainage. The use of resistant cultivars may also prevent the plant from contracting certain diseases. Chemical control involves applying fungicides to the plant to kill or prevent the growth of fungi. Fungicides such as copper-containing compounds or organic sulfur compounds may be effective in controlling fungal infections.
Overall, proper disease and pest management strategies are essential to maintain the health and productivity of Lannea angolensis R.Fern. & Mendes. By taking steps to manage pests and diseases, growers can ensure that the plant remains healthy and productive for years to come.
