Description of Lannea djalonica A.Chev.
Lannea djalonica A.Chev. is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. It grows up to 5 meters tall and has grayish-brown bark that is smooth or slightly fissured. The leaves are alternate, and compound with irregularly serrated leaflets. The terminal leaflet is the largest and can grow up to 15cm in length.
The plant is native to tropical Africa and is commonly found in the woodlands, savannas, and dry forests of West Africa, particularly in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Nigeria. It is also found in Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Common Names
Lannea djalonica A.Chev. is known by various common names including Lanée, Lanaya, Dialon, Saponé, Gourou, Shittim-wood, and Screwpine tree.
Uses
The bark, fruit, and root of Lannea djalonica A.Chev. have many medicinal properties. The decoction of the roots, bark, and leaves is used in traditional African medicine to treat dysentery, diarrhea, malaria, and fever. The dried bark is also used as a spice in traditional dishes in West Africa.
The fruit of the Lannea djalonica A.Chev. is edible and has a sweet and sour taste. It is eaten fresh or dried and used to make jellies, drinks, and jams. It is also used to make local beer and a sweet, nutritious paste called "kerre."
The wood of the Lannea djalonica A.Chev. is strong and durable. It is used for making tools, furniture, and building construction. The plant also has cultural significance, and the bark and branches are used in certain West African rituals.
General Appearance
Lannea djalonica A.Chev. is a small-to-medium-sized tree or shrub with a flattened crown and a thick trunk. The canopy is dense, and the tree usually grows with multiple stems. It has compound leaves with serrated leaflets and small, fragrant flowers that bloom in clusters. The fruit is a drupe that is green at first and ripens to a bright red color.
In general, Lannea djalonica A.Chev. is a versatile plant that has many uses, from medicine and food to construction and culture. Its distinctive appearance and multiple benefits make it a valuable resource for the people of West Africa.
Growth Conditions of Lannea djalonica A.Chev.
Lannea djalonica A.Chev. is a West African plant that requires specific growth conditions to thrive. Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure the plant grows to its full potential.
Light
Lannea djalonica A.Chev. requires plenty of sunlight to grow. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. The plant should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for Lannea djalonica A.Chev. is between 20°C and 30°C. The plant is not frost-tolerant and should be kept away from freezing temperatures. In areas where the temperature drops below 10°C, it is best to keep the plant indoors or in a greenhouse.
Soil
The plant grows best in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil must be rich in organic matter and have good drainage capacity.
Water
Regular watering is essential for the growth and development of Lannea djalonica A.Chev. The plant should be watered regularly, but not over-watered. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. It is best to water the plant in the morning or evening to minimize evaporation.
Fertilizer
Lannea djalonica A.Chev. benefits from regular fertilization with balanced fertilizers. A slow-release fertilizer should be applied in spring and again in fall. It is important not to over-fertilize the plant as this can lead to excessive growth, which may be detrimental to its overall health.
By providing the right growth conditions, Lannea djalonica A.Chev. can thrive and become a beautiful addition to any garden or indoor space.
Cultivation Methods for Lannea Djalonica A.Chev.
Lannea djalonica A.Chev. is a plant that grows naturally in West Africa and is known for its many medicinal properties. It can be grown in tropical and subtropical regions across the world. Here are some cultivation methods for this plant:
- Planting: Lannea djalonica A.Chev. prefers well-drained soils and full sun. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.
- Spacing: Space Lannea djalonica A.Chev. seedlings at least 3 meters apart to provide enough growing room and circulation for the plant.
- Temperature: Lannea djalonica A.Chev. grows well in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C.
- Pruning: Regular pruning is not necessary for Lannea djalonica A.Chev., but it can be beneficial to remove any dead or diseased stems.
Watering Needs for Lannea Djalonica A.Chev.
Lannea djalonica A.Chev. requires a moderate amount of water to grow and thrive. Here are some watering tips for this plant:
- Water Lannea djalonica A.Chev. regularly during the growing season, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Reduce the watering frequency during the winter months.
- Provide extra watering during periods of drought or hot, dry weather.
- Avoid overwatering or allowing the plant to stand in water, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization for Lannea Djalonica A.Chev.
Lannea djalonica A.Chev. benefits from regular feeding to ensure healthy growth and development. Here are some fertilization tips for this plant:
- Apply a balanced fertilizer once every two to three months during the growing season.
- Use an organic fertilizer, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve soil fertility.
- Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can cause excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowering and fruiting.
- Monitor the plant for signs of nutrient deficiency, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth, and adjust the feeding accordingly.
Pruning for Lannea Djalonica A.Chev.
Pruning is an important part of caring for Lannea djalonica A.Chev., as it helps to promote healthy growth and remove any dead or diseased wood. Here are some pruning tips for this plant:
- Prune Lannea djalonica A.Chev. during the dormant season, which is usually in early spring before new growth begins.
- Cut back any dead or diseased stems to healthy wood, making sure to disinfect your pruning shears between cuts to prevent the spread of disease.
- Remove any crossing or rubbing branches to prevent damage.
- Shape the plant as desired by removing any unwanted or leggy stems.
Propagation of Lannea djalonica A.Chev.
Lannea djalonica A.Chev. is a tree that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. It grows in savannah woodland areas and is native to West Africa. Propagation of this plant is done through seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Lannea djalonica A.Chev. are collected from mature fruits that have fallen to the ground. The fruits are picked when they are ripe and cracked open to obtain the seeds. The seeds are then washed and allowed to dry in the sun for a few days before sowing.
Before sowing, the seeds are treated with boiling water or sulfuric acid to break their dormancy. They are then sown in seed beds or nursery trays filled with sandy loam soil. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm and watered gently. Germination of the seeds takes about two to four weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Lannea djalonica A.Chev. can also be propagated by stem cuttings. The cuttings are taken from healthy and mature trees during the dormant season. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should have at least two nodes. The leaves at the bottom part of the cutting should be removed, and the cut end should be treated with a rooting hormone before planting.
The cuttings are planted in a rooting medium consisting of a mixture of sand and peat moss. The planted cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment and watered regularly. Rooting takes about four to six weeks. After rooting, the cuttings can be transplanted to individual pots or directly to the field.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is another method of propagating Lannea djalonica A.Chev. This method involves joining a scion (a desired plant variety) onto a rootstock (a plant with strong roots).
The scion is taken from a mature tree that exhibits the desired characteristics, while the rootstock is obtained from a seedling grown from seed. The scion is grafted onto the rootstock using a suitable grafting technique such as cleft grafting or whip grafting. The grafted plants are then kept in a humid environment until they establish a strong connection.
The grafted plants can be transplanted to individual pots or directly to the field. This method of propagation is used to propagate plants that have a slow growth rate or are difficult to propagate by other methods.
Disease Management:
Lannea djalonica A.Chev. is susceptible to several types of plant diseases. Here are some of the common diseases that might affect the plant and the ways to manage them:
Anthracnose:
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects a wide range of plants, including Lannea djalonica. To manage this disease, it is recommended to prune and remove infected plant parts. Additionally, fungicides can be applied to prevent the spread of the disease. It is important to follow the instructions on the fungicide label for proper application.
Crown Rot:
Crown rot is a fungal disease that affects the base of the stem or crown of the plant. The best way to manage this disease is to avoid overwatering and keeping moisture levels in check. If the disease has already infected the plant, it is recommended to remove the infected part of the plant and apply a fungicide.
Leaf Spot:
Leaf spot is another fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove infected leaves, improve air circulation around the plant, and apply fungicides to prevent further spread.
Pest Management:
Aside from diseases, pests can also cause damage to Lannea djalonica. Here are some of the common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Spider Mites:
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the sap of the plant. To manage a spider mite infestation, it is recommended to use an insecticide specifically designed for spider mites. It is important to follow the instructions on the insecticide label for proper application.
Scale Insects:
Scale insects are small, hard-shelled pests that attach themselves to the plant and feed on the sap. To manage an infestation of scale insects, it is recommended to prune and remove infected plant parts and apply an insecticide specifically designed for scale insects.
Leaf Miners:
Leaf miners are pests that create tunnels in the leaves of the plant. To manage an infestation of leaf miners, it is recommended to remove infected leaves and apply an insecticide specifically designed for leaf miners.
