Origin and Common Names
Lannea egregia Engl. & K.Krause, commonly known as African corkwood, is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Anacardiaceae. It is native to tropical Africa, particularly in the countries of Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
General Appearance
The African corkwood is a medium-sized deciduous tree that can reach up to 25 meters in height. It has a smooth grey to brown bark, which becomes corky and deeply fissured with age. The leaves are alternate and compound, composed of 3–5 ovate leaflets that are 4–12 cm long. The tree produces small, yellow or greenish-white flowers in loose clusters, which develop into roundish fruits that are 2.5–5 cm in diameter.
Uses
The African corkwood has several practical uses. Its solid wood is used to make furniture, flooring, and construction materials. The corky bark is used for insulation and as a soft, absorbent material for packing and stuffing. The leaves, bark, and roots of the plant have been used in African traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including coughs, dysentery, fever, and snake bites. The plant has also been used as a source of gum, dyes, and tannins.
Light Requirements
Lannea egregia tolerates a wide range of light conditions. It can grow in full sun or partial shade. However, it is recommended to plant it in an area with filtered light, such as under a tree or beside a building, to avoid scorching its leaves during hot summer days.
Temperature Requirements
Lannea egregia is native to tropical regions and can handle high temperatures. It thrives in an average indoor temperature between 18°C to 25°C. It is susceptible to frost damage, so it should be grown in an area with a minimum temperature of 7-10°C.
Soil Requirements
Lannea egregia grows best in well-draining, moist, and fertile soil. It prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. Sandy loam or clay loam soils are the best for its growth. It does not grow well in heavy clay soils that are waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Lannea Egregia Engl. & K.Krause
Lannea Egregia comes from the family Anacardiaceae. You can propagate it through seeds, grafting, or cuttings. The best time to propagate the plant is when the plant is in its dormant state, i.e., in the fall or winter seasons. You can also grow Lannea Egregia in a well-drained pot with rich potting soil. Keep the plant in a place with good air circulation and adequate light.
Watering Needs for Lannea Egregia Engl. & K.Krause
Lannea Egregia can adapt to different water conditions, but one should be careful not to overwater the plant. It's advisable to allow the soil to dry up before rewatering the plant. Too much watering can lead to root rot and fungal growth, posing severe damage to the plant.
Fertilization for Lannea Egregia Engl. & K.Krause
You can use either organic or inorganic fertilizers to feed your Lannea Egregia plant. However, you must be very careful with the amount you use as it can affect the plant's growth and development. The best way to fertilize the plant is to mix the fertilizer with water and apply it to the plant's base. Fertilize the plant during spring and summer seasons.
Pruning Lannea Egregia Engl. & K.Krause
Pruning is essential to keep Lannea Egregia plants in good shape. It involves removing dead, diseased, or damaged parts of the plant. Pruning should be done preferably during the dormant period, but you can still conduct it in the growing seasons. Prune the plant to control its growth, maintain its shape, and remove unwanted branches.
Propagation of Lannea Egregia
Lannea egregia Engl. & K.Krause, also known as African mango or wild mango, is a medium-sized tree that is native to Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo. It belongs to the family Anacardiaceae and is widely cultivated for its edible fruits and medicinal properties. Propagation of Lannea Egregia is essential for the tree's growth and production of fruits. The following are the methods used for its propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used for the propagation of Lannea Egregia. The seeds are collected from ripe fruits that have fallen to the ground. The seeds are then cleaned and soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing. The seeds are sown in a nursery bed filled with a mixture of sand and loam soil. The nursery bed should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The seeds usually germinate within 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings are ready for transplantation after 3-4 months when they reach a height of 30-40 cm.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation of Lannea Egregia can also be done using cuttings. The most suitable time for taking cuttings is during the rainy season when the tree is actively growing. Semi-hardwood cuttings of about 20-30 cm in length with 2-3 nodes are taken from the mother tree. The leaves on the bottom half of the cutting are removed, and the cuttings are dipped in rooting hormones. The cuttings are then inserted into a rooting medium, such as sand and loam soil, and kept moist under high humidity. The cuttings usually root within 4-6 weeks and are ready for transplantation after 6-8 months.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another method used for the propagation of Lannea Egregia. This method involves the formation of roots on a stem while still attached to the mother plant. A section of the stem is selected, and a ring of bark is removed around it. A rooting hormone is applied to the exposed area, and the wound is wrapped in moist sphagnum moss. The moss is then covered with a plastic bag, and the branch is left to root. After 2-3 months, roots will have formed, and the rooted section can be cut and planted in a pot or directly in the ground.
In conclusion, Lannea Egregia can be propagated using seeds, cuttings, and air layering. These methods are straightforward and can be done by anyone interested in propagating this tree species.
Disease and Pest Management for Lannea Egregia Engl. & K.Krause
Lannea Egregia Engl. & K.Krause, commonly known as Marula, is a tree species native to the savannas of Southern Africa. While it is a drought-resistant tree that is adaptable to different soil types and can thrive in many environments, it is still susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Here are some common issues that might affect the Marula tree:
Diseases
Leaf Spot: Leaf spots are circular or angular brown or yellow lesions that develop on the leaves of the Marula tree due to fungal or bacterial infections. If left untreated, they can cause defoliation and weaken the overall health of the tree. To manage leaf spot, it is recommended to prune the affected leaves and use fungicides as prescribed by a professional.
Wood Rot: Wood rot is a fungal disease that causes the decay of the Marula tree's wood. This can lead to the loss of structural stability over time and make the tree more susceptible to breakage. The best way to manage wood rot is through early detection and control. This can involve pruning away the infected areas and applying fungicides as directed by an expert.
Pests
Fruit Flies: Fruit flies are a significant pest for the Marula tree, as they can cause severe damage to the fruit and reduce the crop yield. To control fruit flies, it is recommended to use organic traps or insecticides that are safe for the tree and the environment.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can infest the Marula tree's leaves and cause yellowing and dropping. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to spray the tree's foliage with a mix of water and horticultural oil or insecticidal soap as advised by a professional.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are sap-sucking pests that attach to the Marula tree's branches and leaves, causing yellowing and stunted growth. To manage scale insects, it is recommended to prune the affected branches and use insecticides or ladybugs that feed on them as advised by an expert.
Overall, proper care and maintenance of the Marula tree, including regular pruning, irrigation, fertilization, and pest and disease management practices, can help keep it healthy and productive throughout its lifespan.
