Description of Lannea glaberrima Engl. & K.Krause
Lannea glaberrima, also known as the African grape, is a species of flowering plant in the family Anacardiaceae. It is native to Africa and can typically be found in Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Congo.
Common Names of Lannea glaberrima Engl. & K.Krause
In addition to African grape, Lannea glaberrima is also known by other common names such as Sheyibo, Bolo, and Bobolo.
Uses of Lannea glaberrima Engl. & K.Krause
Various parts of Lannea glaberrima have medicinal properties and are used to treat different ailments. For example, the plant's bark is used to treat fever, diarrhea, and stomach pains. The leaves are used to treat skin diseases, rashes and sores, while the fruits are consumed by local communities for their sweet taste. The tree itself is also a valuable source of timber. Additionally, Lannea glaberrima has ornamental value due to its attractive foliage and colorful fruits.
General Appearance of Lannea glaberrima Engl. & K.Krause
Lannea glaberrima grows up to 18 meters tall and has a grayish-white bark. The leaves are simple and alternate, measuring 10-20 centimeters in length. They are dark green above and light green beneath. The flowers appear in small clusters and are yellow-green in color. The fruit is a drupe that is fleshy, succulent, and purple-red in color.
Light Requirements:
Lannea glaberrima is a species that prefers to grow under bright, indirect sunlight. It is best to provide an area that receives partial shade, as direct sunlight may cause its leaves to wither and dry out. In locations with warmer climates, the plant may require more shade to prevent heat stress.
Temperature Requirements:
The optimal temperature for the growth of Lannea glaberrima ranges from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius (77 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day, and from 18 to 21 degrees Celsius (65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit) at night. This plant species can tolerate high temperatures and is relatively drought-tolerant, as it originates from tropical regions in Africa.
Soil Requirements:
Lannea glaberrima does well in fertile, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH for this plant is between 6.5 and 7.5. It is important to avoid soils that are too sandy or heavy, as they can affect the plant's growth negatively. Regular watering is necessary to maintain soil moisture and to help the plant to grow well.
Cultivation Methods of Lannea glaberrima Engl. & K.Krause
Lannea glaberrima Engl. & K.Krause is a plant that can be grown both indoor and outdoor. It requires a well-draining soil mixture that is rich in organic matter. The plant can thrive in full sun or partial shade.
The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 20 °C to 30 °C, and it prefers a humid environment. Ensure that the soil is not waterlogged to avoid root rot. It is recommended to grow the plant in a container that has a drainage hole to avoid waterlogging.
Watering Needs for Lannea glaberrima Engl. & K.Krause
Water the Lannea glaberrima Engl. & K.Krause plant thoroughly once a week during the growing season, and reduce the frequency in the dormant season. Before watering, ensure that the topsoil is dry. Over-watering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can make the plant susceptible to pests and diseases.
If you notice that the plant is wilted, it may indicate either over-watering or under-watering. Adjust the watering frequency accordingly.
Fertilization of Lannea glaberrima Engl. & K.Krause
Fertilize the Lannea glaberrima Engl. & K.Krause plant every two weeks during the growing season, using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Do not fertilize the plant during the dormant season.
Apply the fertilizer according to the instructions on the packaging. Over-fertilizing the plant can result in root burn, which can affect the plant's growth and development.
Pruning Lannea glaberrima Engl. & K.Krause
Prune the Lannea glaberrima Engl. & K.Krause plant in the early spring before new growth develops. Pruning helps to remove any dead, damaged or diseased branches, allowing new growth to develop healthily.
Use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant. Additionally, prune to shape the plant and improve its aesthetic appearance. Regular pruning promotes thicker foliage and a healthier plant.
Propagation of Lannea glaberrima Engl. & K.Krause
Lannea glaberrima Engl. & K.Krause can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
The plant can be grown from seeds which are collected after the fruit matures and falls to the ground in the wild. The seeds need to be cleaned and dried before sowing, as they have a short viability period. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil and keep them moist until germination.
Asexual propagation
Lannea glaberrima Engl. & K.Krause can be propagated asexually through cuttings, grafting, and air layering.
Cuttings can be taken from mature branches during the dormant season. Make sure the cutting is at least 30 cm long and remove all leaves except for the top few. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a warm, bright area until it develops roots.
Grafting can be done using young seedlings as rootstocks and mature branches as scions. The graft union should be wrapped with grafting tape to protect it until it heals.
Air layering involves wounding a section of a mature branch and packing it with a rooting hormone and moist sphagnum moss. Cover the moss with plastic wrap and wait for roots to form before detaching the newly rooted branch and planting it in a well-draining soil mixture.
Disease and Pest Management for Lannea Glaberrima Engl. & K.Krause
Lannea glaberrima Engl. & K.Krause is a tough, drought-resistant, and well-adapted plant species that grows in many parts of Africa. However, like all plants, it is also susceptible to certain pests and diseases that can take a toll on its health and yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant, along with ways to manage them effectively:
1. Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects many plants, including Lannea glaberrima. It causes leaf spots, cankers, and stem blight, leading to defoliation, reduced yield, and even plant death. Management of anthracnose involves cultural practices, such as pruning diseased twigs and branches and removing plant debris to reduce inoculum. Applying copper fungicides can also help control the disease.
2. Leaf-eating Caterpillars
Caterpillars are common pests of Lannea glaberrima, feeding on the leaves and young shoots, and in severe cases causing extensive defoliation that affects growth and yield of the plant. The best way to manage caterpillars is through the use of biological and non-chemical control methods such as the use of bacillus thuringiensis or neem oil to inhibit them from feeding and reproducing. Effective manual removal of caterpillars is equally effective at controlling it and is affordable.
3. Fruit-flies
Fruit flies are the most common pests that affect unripe fruits in all parts of the world. They lay eggs on the fruits, leading to maggot infestation and rotting. Management of fruit flies requires regular sanitation of the orchard by removing infested and rotting fruits. The use of low toxicity trap baits attracts and keeps flies at bay. These traps must be changed after every couple of days to ensure maximum effectiveness. Chemical intervention with insecticides should be a final resort only, applied as a last measure in case of heavy infestation under a professional's guidance.
4. Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that results in white powdery spots on the plant's leaves, causing a reduction in plants' overall health and yield. The management of this disease involves ensuring adequate airflow around the plant and keeping the plant leaves dry to prevent a suitable environment for fungus growth. Furthermore, regular application of fungicides is effective at controlling the disease.
Conclusion
Proper management practices for diseases and pests are crucial for enhancing the growth and yield of Lannea glaberrima Engl. & K.Krause. It is always best to use environmentally friendly means as intermediate interventions for effective pest control that are less harmful, safeguarding biodiversity and humans. Effective practices and early intervention can hinder a minor issue from rapidly manifesting and widespread over the entire orchard.
