Overview of Lannea cinerascens Engl.
Lannea cinerascens Engl. is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. This plant is commonly known as West African Lannea, Mitete, or Redwood. It is native to the African continent, specifically in the tropical regions of West and Central Africa.
Appearance of Lannea cinerascens Engl.
Lannea cinerascens Engl. typically grows to a height of 10-15 meters. It has a greyish-brown bark and a spreading crown with leaves that are pinnately compound, and can grow to a length of up to 30cm. The plant bears small greenish-yellow flowers that are usually unisexual and appear in clusters. The fruit of Lannea cinerascens Engl. is small, globular or ovoid, and about 1cm in diameter.
Uses of Lannea cinerascens Engl.
Lannea cinerascens Engl. is an important plant to the people of West and Central Africa, where various parts of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. The bark, leaves, and roots are used to treat a wide range of illnesses such as fever, diarrhea, and stomach pains. Additionally, the bark of Lannea cinerascens Engl. is used for its astringent properties while the fruit is used to make curries in West Africa. Finally, the plant is used in traditional rituals and ceremonies in some cultures.
Light Requirements
Lannea cinerascens Engl. thrives in full sunlight exposure. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. Insufficient light can cause stunted growth and weak stems.
Temperature Requirements
Lannea cinerascens Engl. thrives in warm to hot temperatures. It is best grown within a temperature range of 21°C to 35°C. If the temperature falls below 13°C, the plant may suffer frost damage. On the other hand, extreme heat above 35°C can cause leaf burn and reduced productivity.
Soil Requirements
The soil used for planting Lannea cinerascens Engl. must be well-draining and rich in organic matter. It should have a pH range of 6.1 to 7.5. The plant requires moderate moisture levels, so it is essential to provide adequate drainage to avoid waterlogging. Additionally, Lannea cinerascens benefits from the addition of compost or well-rotted manure to the soil before planting.
Cultivation Methods for Lannea Cinerascens Engl.
Lannea cinerascens Engl. is typically propagated from seeds, and the best time to plant them is during the rainy season. It's essential to choose a well-draining soil rich in organic matter, and the ideal pH range should be 6.5 to 7.5. The soil should also be kept moist at all times, but not waterlogged.
Watering Needs for Lannea Cinerascens Engl.
Lannea cinerascens Engl. requires regular watering, especially during the dry season when natural rainfall is not sufficient to maintain optimal levels of moisture. The plant should be watered at least once a week, and the soil should be kept slightly damp throughout the growing season. It's crucial to avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot and other problems.
Fertilization for Lannea Cinerascens Engl.
Regular fertilization is an essential part of caring for Lannea cinerascens Engl. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is ideal. Apply the fertilizer during the rainy season every three months to improve plant growth and development. Always follow the recommended dosage to avoid overfertilization, which can damage the plant.
Pruning for Lannea Cinerascens Engl.
Lannea cinerascens Engl. typically requires minimal pruning, mainly to maintain its shape and remove dead or damaged branches. Pruning should be carried out during the dry season when the plant is dormant. Always use sanitized pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases. Additionally, it's essential to remove any suckers that may sprout from the base of the plant as they can negatively affect the growth of the main stem.
Propagation of Lannea cinerascens Engl.
Lannea cinerascens Engl., also known as the kidney-shaped leaf tree, can be propagated through both sexual and asexual means. Below are the various methods to propagate the plant:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Lannea cinerascens Engl. Seeds can be directly sown into the ground or in containers filled with a well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm, and germination can take up to two weeks. The ideal temperature for seed germination is 20-25 °C.
Cuttings Propagation
Lannea cinerascens Engl. can be propagated from cuttings collected from softwood or semi-hardwood stem cuttings. Cuttings should be collected from mature, healthy plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm in length, and the leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed. The cuttings should be coated with rooting hormone powder and placed in a container filled with well-draining potting mix. The container should be placed in a warm location with bright, indirect light. The cuttings should root in four to six weeks, and can be transplanted after eight to ten weeks.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is a propagation technique that can be used to propagate Lannea cinerascens Engl. Air layering involves making a small incision into a mature stem and applying rooting hormone gel to the area. Next, the incision is wrapped with damp sphagnum moss and covered with plastic wrap. Roots should begin to form after six to twelve weeks. Once the roots are large enough, the new plant can be cut from the mother plant and transplanted into its own container or directly into the ground.
Divisions Propagation
Lannea cinerascens Engl. can also be propagated through clump division. This is typically done when the plant has become too large and needs to be divided to maintain its growth. To do this, the plant is dug up, its root ball is separated into smaller sections, and each section is replanted in a container or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Lannea cinerascens Engl.
Lannea cinerascens Engl., also known as the Marula tree, is a fruit-bearing tree commonly found in sub-Saharan Africa. While the plant is relatively hardy, it is still susceptible to certain diseases and pests, which can impact its fruit quality and yield.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Lannea cinerascens is anthracnose, a fungal disease that causes circular lesions on the fruit and leaves. This can be managed by removing any infected plant debris or fruit and practicing good sanitation in the orchard. Additionally, applying a copper-based fungicide before the flowering period can help prevent anthracnose.
Bacterial blight is another disease that can affect Lannea cinerascens. This disease causes wilting and blight of leaves and young shoots. It can be managed by practicing good orchard hygiene, avoiding overhead irrigation, and applying copper-based fungicides.
Common Pests
The fruit fly is a common pest that can affect the Marula tree. The fruit fly lays its eggs in the fruit, and the larvae feed on the fruit causing it to rot. To manage this pest, fruit can be harvested early, before the fruit fly has a chance to lay its eggs. Additionally, baited traps can be placed in the orchard to attract and kill adult fruit flies.
Spider mites are another pest that can affect Lannea cinerascens. These tiny pests can cause yellowing and browning of leaves and can reduce fruit quality and yield. To manage this pest, regular scouting of the orchard is important so that infestations can be caught early. Applying a miticide can help control spider mites.
Conclusion
Managing diseases and pests is an important part of growing Lannea cinerascens. By practicing good orchard hygiene and using appropriate fungicides and insecticides, it is possible to prevent or minimize the impact of diseases and pests on the plant's fruit quality and yield.
