Overview of Lannea garuensis Engl.
Lannea garuensis Engl. is a tree species belonging to the family Anacardiaceae. It is native to West Africa and can be found in countries such as Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mali, and Niger among others. The plant is also known by different common names, including African mango tree, lannea tree, and wild mango.
General Appearance
The Lannea garuensis tree can grow up to 20 meters in height, and it has a dark brown, rough bark that is deeply fissured. Its leaves are alternate, and they are composed of multiple leaflets which are oblong to lanceolate in shape. The flowers and fruits of the tree are produced in large panicles. The fruits are oval in shape and have a fibrous pulp surrounding the seed.
Uses
The various parts of the Lannea garuensis tree have been traditionally used for different purposes by local communities. The bark and roots are used to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and skin diseases. The fruits are edible and can be used to make jam, jelly, and other food products. They are also used in traditional medicine to alleviate constipation and intestinal problems.
Furthermore, the oil extracted from the seeds is used in the cosmetic industry as a moisturizer and a hair conditioner. The bark and the wood of the tree are used for fuel and building materials. The leaves, on the other hand, can be used as fodder for livestock.
Overall, the Lannea garuensis tree is an important resource to local communities, providing them with food, raw materials, and medicinal benefits.
Light Requirements
Lannea garuensis Engl. is a plant species that requires bright light to grow properly. The plant should be placed in a location that receives direct sunlight for at least four to six hours a day. The plant can tolerate some shade but should not be kept in total darkness.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in warm temperatures of 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F). The temperature should not drop below 15°C (59°F) as it can harm the plant's growth. Avoid exposing the plant to extreme temperature fluctuations or cold drafts as it can lead to damage or death.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in nutrients and organic matter. Use a potting mix that contains perlite or vermiculite to promote good drainage. The plant can also be planted directly in the ground if the soil meets the required conditions.
Cultivation Methods
Lannea garuensis can thrive in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Before planting, it is necessary to prepare the ground by clearing all weeds and debris, breaking up any compacted soil, and providing organic matter to increase soil fertility.
The plant should be placed in a hole that is deep and wide enough to accommodate its root ball. Backfill the hole with soil, pressing it down firmly to eliminate air pockets. Once the plant is in place, water it thoroughly and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Lannea garuensis is a hardy plant that can tolerate full sun or partial shade. However, it is best to plant it in an area that receives at least four hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering Needs
Lannea garuensis requires regular watering to stimulate its growth and development. However, overwatering can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. Therefore, it is essential to water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch.
In areas with hot and dry weather, it may be necessary to water the plant every two to three days. In cooler regions, watering every five to seven days should suffice. During the dry season, it is crucial to water the plant deeply to reach the roots.
Fertilization
Applying fertilizer can help boost the growth and productivity of Lannea garuensis. The best time to fertilize is during the plant's growing season, which is typically in the spring and summer.
A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideal for Lannea garuensis. Apply the fertilizer to the base of the plant, taking care not to sprinkle it on the leaves or stems. After fertilization, water the plant to help the nutrients seep into the soil and absorb through the roots.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of Lannea garuensis' care routine and can help maintain its shape and size, prevent diseases, and improve airflow to the branches. It is best to prune Lannea garuensis after its growing season, in the fall or early winter.
Use a pair of sharp and clean pruning shears to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Cut off any branches that are rubbing against each other as they can create wounds that allow pests and diseases to enter. To promote bushy growth, make cuts above a node or bud on the branch.
It is essential to sanitize pruning tools after each use to prevent the spread of diseases. Use a disinfectant solution or wipe the blades with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
Propagation of Lannea garuensis Engl.
Lannea garuensis Engl., commonly known as the African Indian Almond, is a deciduous tree species found in the savannah regions of Africa. The tree is known for its medicinal properties and use in traditional African medicines. Propagation of Lannea garuensis can be done through seeds or vegetative cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Lannea garuensis produces seeds during the fruiting season, which is usually observed between September and October. The seeds must be harvested at the right time to ensure successful propagation. When collecting seeds, it is essential to avoid those that are diseased or damaged. Healthy seeds need to be washed thoroughly and planted immediately to avoid losing their viability. To enhance the germination rate, scarification can be done by either mechanical or chemical means. Seeds may be soaked in hot water for about 24 hours to break the seed coat. This encourages water penetration resulting in improved germination. Once the seeds are prepared, they should be planted in a well-prepared seedbed with good drainage.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Lannea garuensis is achieved using stem cuttings and root suckers. To ensure successful propagation, healthy stems or root suckers should be selected. Stem cuttings are collected during the dormancy period when there is minimal vegetative growth. The cuttings should be about 20 to 30 cm long and devoid of flowers, leaves, and branches at the lower nodes. These cuttings should be planted in a rooting medium, ensuring the soil is sufficiently moist to avoid stress on the plant. To increase the chances of rooting, Rooting hormones can be applied to the cuttings. Avoid direct sunlight and mist the cuttings regularly to maintain a high relative humidity and prevent excessive transpiration. Root suckers, on the other hand, form spontaneously near the base of the parent plant. They can be easily separated and transplanted to a different location.
Propagation of Lannea garuensis through seed and vegetative means can result in a high survival rate if done correctly. The propagation of this tree species can provide a sustainable source of medicinal products and essential timber.
Disease Management
Lannea garuensis Engl. is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and development. The most common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes defoliation, twig and branch dieback, and cankers on the stems. To manage this disease, you can prune out infected branches and apply a fungicide.
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes circular or angular spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, you can prune out infected leaves and apply a fungicide.
- Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage this disease, you can improve drainage and avoid overwatering.
Pest Management
Lannea garuensis Engl. is also vulnerable to pest attacks that can damage the plant. The common pests that affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing distortion and yellowing of leaves. To manage these pests, you can wash them off with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap.
- Scale Insects: These are small, flat insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant, causing yellowing and wilting. To manage these pests, you can prune out heavily infested branches and apply horticultural oil.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing skeletonization and defoliation. To manage these pests, you can manually remove them or apply a biological pesticide that contains Bacillus thuringiensis.
