Origin
Lannea fulva (Engl.) Engl. is a plant species that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It is native to tropical Africa, specifically in countries such as Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and Angola.
Common Names
Lannea fulva is commonly known as African mahogany, red mahogany, or simply as Lannea. In the local African language, it is referred to by various names including 'ngulungu' in Cameroon and 'mugamba' in parts of East Africa.
Uses
Lannea fulva has various traditional medicinal uses among the African population, such as treating stomach ailments, coughs, bronchitis, and diarrhea. Its bark, leaves, and fruits are used to prepare herbal remedies.
The plant's wood is also highly valued for carving, furniture making, and construction purposes. In addition, it is used to make musical instruments such as drums and xylophones, due to its good resonance and acoustic properties.
The fruit of Lannea fulva is edible, and it is consumed fresh or processed into juice or jam.
General Appearance
Lannea fulva is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 90 cm. The bark of the tree is greyish-brown and rough, with vertical fissures. The leaves are compound, with up to six oval-shaped leaflets that are arranged opposite to each other. The tree produces small, pale yellow flowers that are clustered together, which later develop into round or oblong-shaped fruits that turn yellowish-brown when ripe and contain a single seed.
Light Requirements
Lannea fulva is a shade-tolerant plant that thrives in dappled or partial shade, making it an excellent choice for growing under trees or other shaded environments. However, it can also handle full sun conditions, but it requires frequent watering and may wilt in extreme heat or drought.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical regions, and it prefers warm temperatures throughout the year. Lannea fulva grows best in temperatures between 22-32°C (71-90°F). It cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 10°C (50°F), as they can cause the plant to die.
Soil Requirements
Lannea fulva prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for this plant is 5.5 to 6.5. In general, the soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as the plant is susceptible to root rot when planted in overly saturated soil. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy or clay soils.
Cultivation Methods
Lannea fulva can be propagated by seed or cuttings. For seed propagation, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before being sown in a seedling tray with well-draining soil mix. Cuttings can be taken from a healthy plant's stem and rooted in a wet medium like peat moss. The plant thrives in tropical and subtropical climates with well-drained soils, and full sun to partial shade.
Watering Needs
The plant prefers evenly moist soil and moderate humidity. It is important not to overwater or underwater the plant, as both can lead to leaf yellowing, wilting, and death. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry before rewatering. During the dry season, it may need more frequent watering.
Fertilization
For optimal growth, feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Choose a slow-release granular fertilizer with a high nitrogen content to encourage leaf growth. Use a liquid fertilizer in smaller amounts during the dry season.
Pruning
Regular pruning of Lannea fulva is necessary to maintain a desirable form, remove dead or damaged branches, and encourage new growth. The best time to prune is after the plant's blooming season or during the dry season. Use clean, sharp pruning tools to make cuts at a 45-degree angle, and avoid removing more than 30% of the plant's growth at once.
Propagation of Lannea fulva (Engl.) Engl.
Propagation of Lannea fulva can be done through seed or vegetative methods. However, seed propagation is the most common method used in commercial production.
Seed Propagation
Seeds are collected from the fruit, which is a drupe containing a single seed. The fruit can take up to a year to mature and turn brown before it is harvested.
After harvesting, the seed is extracted, cleaned, and dried. The seed has a hard outer shell, which can be scarified to improve germination. Scarification can be achieved through soaking in hot water or nicking the seed coat.
The seed is then sown in seed trays or directly into the field. If sown in seed trays, the seedlings are later transplanted to the main field when they reach a certain size.
Environmental conditions needed for seed germination include warm temperatures, moisture, and sunlight. Germination can take up to six weeks, depending on conditions.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves taking cuttings from the plant and rooting them to produce new plants. This method is not commonly used for Lannea fulva but can be used in experimental studies.
Cuttings taken from the plant should have at least two nodes and be free from diseases and pests. The cuttings are then treated with rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist to encourage root growth.
Once the cuttings have developed a good root system, they can be transplanted to the main field or larger containers.
Overall, seed propagation is the most common and reliable method for propagating Lannea fulva.
Disease and Pest Management for Lannea Fulva (Engl.) Engl.
Lannea fulva (Engl.) Engl., commonly referred to as African teak, is a hardwood tree that is susceptible to different pests and diseases. It is essential to monitor and manage the issues to ensure healthy plant growth and maximum yield.
Common Diseases
Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that causes the roots of the Lannea fulva tree to decay. It thrives in poorly drained soils or waterlogged areas. Symptoms of root rot include leaf yellowing, stunted growth, and eventual death of the tree. Effective control measures include planting on well-drained soils and maintaining proper tree hygiene by removing diseased plants.
Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the Lannea fulva tree. The symptoms include brown or black spots on the leaves, which eventually turn yellow and drop. It is important to remove and destroy infected leaves and creating an environment that promotes good air circulation.
Common Pests
Termites: These are wood-eating insects that attack the Lannea fulva tree from below the bark, causing damage to the trunk and branches. This pest is best controlled using termiticides and by using resistant species during planting.
Mealybugs: These sap-sucking insects can cause stunted growth and a reduction in the overall yield of the Lannea fulva tree. The sap excreted by mealybugs can also promote the growth of sooty mold, which can led to decreased plant health. Effective management measures include removing infested plants and the use of insecticides or natural predators.
Spider Mites: These pests are common during dry conditions and can cause yellowing and distorted leaves. The Lannea fulva tree can be treated with insecticides or through the use of natural predators such as ladybugs to control the spider mite population.
Effective management of pests and diseases is critical in ensuring the sustained growth of the Lannea fulva tree. Regular monitoring, early detection, and prompt action can help to prevent massive damage to the plant and promote healthy growth.
