Overview
Lannea barteri (Oliv.) Engl. is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. This plant is known for its various medicinal properties and has been extensively used in traditional medicine.
Origin
Lannea barteri (Oliv.) Engl. is native to West and Central Africa, where it can be found in countries such as Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and Nigeria. It grows in lowland and tropical rainforests and can reach a height of up to 30 meters.
Common Names
Lannea barteri (Oliv.) Engl. has various common names depending on the region. Some of the common names include:
- Osi
- Lambia
- Gum Arabic tree
- Chimba
- Botro
Uses
The different parts of Lannea barteri (Oliv.) Engl. have different uses:
- The bark is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and fever.
- The leaves are used to treat wounds and skin infections.
- The fruit is edible and is used to make jams and pastes.
- The wood is used for making furniture and other household items.
- The gum extracted from the tree can be used as a binder in the production of tablets and capsules.
General Appearance
Lannea barteri (Oliv.) Engl. is a medium to large-sized tree with a dense crown and pinnate leaves. The leaves are about 20-40 cm long and have 6-12 pairs of leaflets. The tree produces small yellowish-green flowers that are about 5-6 mm in diameter. The fruit is a drupe that is about 2 cm long and contains a single seed.
Light Requirements
Lannea barteri (Oliv.) Engl. requires partial to full sunlight for optimal growth and development. It can tolerate some shade but does not thrive in deep shade conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The preferred temperature range for Lannea barteri (Oliv.) Engl. growth is between 20°C to 30°C. The plant can tolerate higher temperatures, but growth rates may slow down during extreme hot weather conditions.
Soil Requirements
Lannea barteri (Oliv.) Engl. grows well in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soil types. The plant does best in soils with a pH range of slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 to 7.5).
Cultivation methods
Lannea barteri can be grown in various types of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. The plant thrives in well-draining soils with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5. It also grows well in tropical and subtropical regions with high humidity and rainfall.
The plant can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, or suckers. In general, the propagation method used will depend on the availability of plant material and the resources available to the grower.
When planting Lannea barteri from seeds, it's important to scarify the seeds to help increase germination rates. After scarification, seeds can be planted directly in the soil. Cuttings and suckers are typically planted in well-draining soil that has been enriched with compost or organic matter.
Watering needs
Proper watering is essential for the growth and development of Lannea barteri. The plant requires moderate to high levels of water, especially during the growing season.
The best time to water the plant is in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. This will help reduce water loss through evaporation and ensure that the plant has enough water to support its growth.
When watering, it's important to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot and other plant diseases. Additionally, water should be applied evenly across the soil to prevent waterlogging in specific areas.
Fertilization
Lannea barteri benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, typically spring or summer.
The amount and frequency of fertilizer application will depend on several factors, including the age of the plant, soil quality, and the availability of nutrients in the soil. In general, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied every three months to promote healthy growth and development.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of Lannea barteri cultivation and care. The plant should be pruned regularly to promote healthy growth, maintain a desirable shape, and remove any damaged or diseased branches or leaves.
Pruning should be done during the dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring. The goal is to remove any dead or damaged wood, shape the plant to the desired form, and promote growth of healthy new shoots.
It's important to use proper pruning techniques, including cutting at a 45-degree angle to prevent water buildup and using sharp, sterilized tools to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation Methods of Lannea barteri (Oliv.) Engl.
Lannea barteri (Oliv.) Engl., commonly known as African grape, is a valuable tree species that is widely distributed in different parts of Africa. It is a multi-purpose plant that is used for medicinal, food, and social purposes. The plant has attractive foliage, and it is easy to grow and propagate.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Lannea barteri is through seeds. The seeds are collected from mature fruits, which are usually reddish-brown when ripe. The seeds should be sown immediately after collection or stored in a cool, dry place for up to six months. Before planting, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat.
The planting medium should be well-drained soil mixed with sand or perlite. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm in rows spaced 10-15 cm apart. After planting, the soil should be moistened regularly to ensure proper germination. The seedlings can be transplanted when they are about 6 months old.
Cuttings Propagation
Lannea barteri can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Stem cuttings should be collected from mature trees during the dormant season when the plants have shed their leaves. The cuttings should be about 20-25 cm long and should be taken from young, healthy branches. To enhance rooting, the basal end of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder.
The cuttings should be planted in a rooting medium containing equal parts of sand and peat moss. The cuttings should be inserted in the medium at a depth of 5-10 cm, and the soil should be kept moist by regular watering. Rooting usually occurs in about 6-8 weeks, and the cuttings can be transplanted when they have developed a well-established root system.
Air Layering Propagation
Another method of propagating Lannea barteri is through air layering. This method involves stripping a section of bark from a mature branch and applying a rooting hormone to the exposed area. The treated area is then covered with a moist medium such as sphagnum moss or peat moss and wrapped with plastic to maintain moisture.
The plastic should be checked regularly to ensure that the medium remains moist. After about 6-8 weeks, roots should have formed in the layer, and the newly formed plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted.
Propagation of Lannea barteri is relatively easy and requires minimal expertise. Plants produced through propagation methods can be planted in the field or in containers for future transplanting.
Disease and Pest Management for Lannea barteri (Oliv.) Engl.
Lannea barteri (Oliv.) Engl. is a tree species that is known to be affected by various diseases and pests. It is important to manage these diseases and pests to ensure that the plant grows and develops properly.
Common Diseases affecting Lannea barteri (Oliv.) Engl.
One of the most common diseases that affect Lannea barteri (Oliv.) Engl. is the powdery mildew disease. It is characterized by a white powdery substance that appears on the leaves of the plant. This disease can be managed by ensuring that the plant has enough air circulation, pruning infected leaves, and applying fungicide. Another disease that affects Lannea barteri (Oliv.) Engl. is anthracnose. It causes the leaves to have brown lesions and eventually fall off. This disease can be managed by removing infected leaves, applying fungicides, and ensuring that the plant is kept dry.
Common Pests affecting Lannea barteri (Oliv.) Engl.
Lannea barteri (Oliv.) Engl. is also affected by pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and scales. Mealybugs are small insects that leave a waxy substance on the plant. They can be managed by using a soft brush to remove them and applying insecticidal soap. Spider mites are tiny insects that cause the leaves to have a stippled appearance. They can be managed by ensuring that the plant is well-watered and by applying insecticidal soap. Scales are small insects that leave a sticky substance on the plant. They can be managed by removing them with a soft brush and applying insecticidal soap or oil.
In conclusion, Lannea barteri (Oliv.) Engl. is prone to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and development. However, these diseases and pests can be managed by ensuring that the plant has proper air circulation, keeping it dry, pruning infected leaves, and using insecticides and fungicides.
