Description of Lannea buettneri Engl.
Lannea buettneri Engl. is a tropical tree species that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. It is also known by several common names such as West African Lannea and Burmese Lannea.
Origin
Lannea buettneri Engl. is native to West Africa, but it also grows in several other regions such as Southern Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. It thrives in various habitats, including dry and moist forests, savannas, and disturbed areas.
General Appearance
Lannea buettneri Engl. can grow up to 25 meters tall and has a dense, rounded crown. Its bark is dark brown and rough, and the tree produces a dense, non-fibrous wood that is used for various purposes such as making house poles and tool handles.
The leaves of Lannea buettneri Engl. are compound, with 4-11 leaflets that are elliptic-lanceolate in shape. The tree produces small white or greenish-yellow flowers that form in clusters at the tips of the branches.
The fruit of Lannea buettneri Engl. is a fleshy drupe that is about 1-2 cm in diameter. It is edible and has a sweet, sour taste. The fruit's flesh is used to make jams and jellies, and the seeds are also edible and can be roasted and ground into a coffee substitute.
Uses
Lannea buettneri Engl. has various uses in traditional medicine. Its bark and leaves are used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and fever. The fruit is also used to treat stomach problems and as a laxative.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Lannea buettneri Engl. is also used for various other purposes. The tree's wood is used for fuel and woodworking, and the fruit is used to make a dye for fabric. The tree is also used for shade and ornamental purposes.
Light Requirements
Lannea buettneri Engl. prefers bright indirect sunlight for growth. The plant can tolerate direct sunlight for short periods but prolonged exposure can damage the leaves and hinder growth. Therefore, it is advisable to place the plant near a window with eastern or western exposure. The plant can also grow well under fluorescent light in the absence of natural light.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Lannea buettneri Engl. growth is between 16 and 27 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 16 degrees Celsius can cause stunted growth and leaf drop. Temperatures above 27 degrees Celsius can cause wilting, leaf scorching, and death of the plant. Therefore, it is important to keep the plant away from air conditioning units and heating vents, which can cause sudden changes in temperature.
Soil Requirements
Lannea buettneri Engl. requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 for optimal growth. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good waterholding capacity. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite can provide the right soil structure and drainage. It is advisable to avoid using heavy soils and clay soils as they can cause waterlogging and root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Lannea Buettneri Engl.
Lannea buettneri Engl. is a tropical plant found in Africa and requires well-draining soil for growth. The plant prefers a sandy loam soil mixture that is rich in organic matter. The seeds can be germinated in a greenhouse or sown directly into the soil. The plant requires a warm and humid climate and daily sunlight exposure for healthy growth. It is best to plant Lannea buettneri Engl. during the rainy season to facilitate fast root formation and establishment.
Watering Needs for Lannea Buettneri Engl.
Lannea buettneri Engl. requires regular watering to ensure the soil is always moist but not waterlogged. The plant can tolerate short periods of drought, but it will not grow well under such conditions. When watering, it is advisable to water the plant's base to avoid watering the foliage directly, which may lead to the development of fungal infections.
Fertilization for Lannea Buettneri Engl.
To promote healthy growth, it is advisable to fertilize Lannea buettneri Engl. regularly. The plant requires an evenly balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The plant requires fertilization during the rainy season when it is actively growing. Over-fertilizing the plant can lead to weak and spindly growth, so it is crucial to follow the recommended dosages.
Pruning Lannea Buettneri Engl.
Pruning Lannea buettneri Engl. is essential to ensure healthy growth and promote optimal fruit production. Pruning should be done during the plant's dormant period to avoid stressing the plant. The process involves removing broken, diseased, or dead foliage or branches. Additionally, it would be best to remove any low-hanging branches that obstruct the growth of the plant and prune any crossing branches to create a well-structured plant.
Propagation of Lannea buettneri Engl.
Lannea buettneri Engl. is predominantly propagated by seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Lannea buettneri require pre-treatment before sowing to hasten germination. The pre-treatment method involves soaking the seeds in hot water for several hours. The best time to sow the seeds is at the beginning of the rainy season. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil and kept moist. The germination process typically takes about two weeks.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are taken from healthy, disease-free plants during the wet season. The cuttings should be at least 15cm long with a diameter of about 6mm. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in well-drained media. The media should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Rooting usually occurs within 3-4 weeks, after which the new plants should be transplanted into larger containers or in the field.
It is important to note that although Lannea buettneri can also be propagated through air layering and grafting, these methods are less commonly used compared to seed and stem cutting propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Lannea buettneri Engl.
Lannea buettneri Engl. is a species of flowering tree native to central and southern Africa. Like all plants, it is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common problems that may affect Lannea buettneri and some suggestions for managing them.
Pests
Several types of insects and mites can attack Lannea buettneri. Some of the most common include:
- Leaf miners: These are small insects that lay their eggs on the leaves of the plant. When the larvae hatch, they burrow into the leaf tissue and create tunnels, which can cause discoloration and ultimately weaken the plant. To manage leaf miners, remove and destroy affected leaves.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause leaves to become discolored and stippled. They are often difficult to see with the naked eye. To manage spider mites, prune affected branches and use a miticide to control the infestation.
- Borers: These insects tunnel into the trunk or branches of the plant and can cause significant damage. To manage borers, prune affected branches and use a pesticide specifically formulated to target them.
- Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause leaves to become curled and distorted. To manage aphids, use a strong jet of water to wash them off the plant or apply an insecticidal soap.
Diseases
Lannea buettneri is also susceptible to a variety of fungal and bacterial diseases. Here are some of the most common:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spots and cankers on the branches of the plant. To manage anthracnose, prune affected branches and use a fungicide to control the disease.
- Bacterial leaf spot: This disease causes water-soaked spots on the leaves of the plant, which can ultimately lead to leaf drop. To manage bacterial leaf spot, remove and destroy affected leaves and use a copper-based fungicide to control the disease.
- Root rot: This fungal disease can cause the roots of the plant to rot, which can ultimately lead to the death of the plant. To manage root rot, make sure the plant is planted in well-draining soil and avoid over-watering.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, remove and destroy affected leaves and use a fungicide to control the disease.
It is important to monitor Lannea buettneri regularly for pests and diseases and to take action as soon as a problem is detected. By following these management strategies, you can help ensure the health and vitality of your Lannea buettneri plants.
