Origin
Lannea gossweileri Exell & Mendonça subsp. tomentella (R.Fern. & A.Fern.) J.B.Gillett, commonly known as Iroko, is a tropical hardwood tree that can be found in Africa, specifically in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Common Names
Aside from Iroko, Lannea gossweileri subspecies tomentella also goes by various vernacular names such as Mkangazi/ Kigau (Swahili), Imbuia (Chewa), Umshokonja (Zulu), and Mpiki-piki (Tsonga).
Uses
The tree yields a durable, strong, and termite-resistant wood that makes it valuable for construction purposes, such as furniture, floors, panelling, and cabinetry. It is also used for carving and decorative purposes. The bark and leaves of the tree have medicinal properties and are used for treating various ailments like diarrhea and coughs. The tree's fruits are utilized for animal feed and can also be consumed by humans.
General Appearance
Lannea gossweileri subspecies tomentella is a large deciduous tree that can grow up to 40 meters tall. It has a straight stem that can reach up to 90cm in diameter, covered with grayish to brownish bark that flakes in squares or rectangles. The tree has a wide, rounded or spreading canopy, making it an ideal shade tree. The leaves are compound, each with 8 to 16 paired leaflets, and are glossy green in color with a hairy under-surface. The tree produces small flowers that are yellowish-green, followed by pear-shaped fruits that turn reddish-brown when ripe.
Growth conditions for Lannea gossweileri Exell & Mendonça subsp. tomentella (R.Fern. & A.Fern.) J.B.Gillett
The Lannea gossweileri Exell & Mendonça subsp. tomentella (R.Fern. & A.Fern.) J.B.Gillett, commonly known as Marama bean, is a plant species that typically grows in subtropical and tropical environments. The following paragraphs will delve into the typical growth conditions for this plant.
Light requirements
The Marama bean plant requires a moderate to high amount of sunlight for optimum growth. Thus, it is best suited for sunny locations with partial to full sunlight exposure. Insufficient sunlight exposure may lead to stunted growth, reduced plant vigor, and poor seed production.
Temperature requirements
The ideal temperature range for the Marama bean plant is between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). At temperatures lower than 10°C (50°F), the plant's growth is stunted, and the leaves may drop, leading to eventual plant death. At temperatures greater than 40°C (104°F), the plant's roots may suffer from water stress due to high transpiration rates.
Soil requirements
The Lannea gossweileri Exell & Mendonça subsp. tomentella (R.Fern. & A.Fern.) J.B.Gillett prefers well-draining, sandy soils, with a pH range of 5.5 to 8.5. The plant is best grown in nutrient-rich soils with moderate organic matter content. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged to avoid root rot. The plant is highly tolerant of drought, thus making it well-suited for arid and semi-arid environments.
Overall, understanding the typical growth conditions for the Marama bean plant is crucial in achieving optimal plant growth, high seed yield, and disease resistance. By providing adequate light, temperature, and soil requirements, gardeners, and farmers can grow this plant successfully.
Cultivation methods:
Lannea gossweileri Exell & Mendonça subsp. tomentella (R.Fern. & A.Fern.) J.B.Gillett is a drought-resistant plant species, commonly found in hot and dry regions. To grow this plant species, select a sunny location and prepare the soil by mixing compost or peat with the native soil. This will help improve soil fertility and drainage, which is essential for the plant growth.
Watering needs:
Watering should be done only when the soil is dry, using a moderate amount of water. This is because Lannea gossweileri Exell & Mendonça subsp. tomentella (R.Fern. & A.Fern.) J.B.Gillett is adapted to dry environments, and overwatering can cause root rot and hinder growth. During the rainy season, reduce watering to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization:
Fertilization should be done twice a year, during the growing season, preferably in the spring and early autumn. Lannea gossweileri Exell & Mendonça subsp. tomentella (R.Fern. & A.Fern.) J.B.Gillett requires moderate amounts of fertilizer to boost growth and plant health. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, or a fertilizer specifically formulated for woody plants.
Pruning:
Lannea gossweileri Exell & Mendonça subsp. tomentella (R.Fern. & A.Fern.) J.B.Gillett requires little pruning, except to remove damaged or dead branches. Pruning should be done during its dormant season, preferably in late winter or early spring, as this stimulates new growth. Use sterilized pruning tools to avoid spreading diseases, and cut close to the trunk or branch collar to avoid leaving stubs.
Propagation of Lannea gossweileri Exell & Mendonça subsp. tomentella
Lannea gossweileri Exell & Mendonça subsp. tomentella is a plant that can be propagated through several methods. These methods include:
Seed propagation
The most common propagation method for Lannea gossweileri is through seeds. Seeds can be collected from mature fruits and sown in well-draining soil. It is important to soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing to soften the seed coat and improve germination rates. The seeds can then be sown in a seed tray or directly in the ground at a depth of 1 cm. The soil should be kept moist, and the seeds should germinate within 10-20 days.
Cuttings propagation
Another propagation method for Lannea gossweileri is through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants during the growing season, preferably in the morning. The cuttings should be about 15-20 cm in length and should have at least 2-3 nodes. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few leaves at the top. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining soil mixture. Water the cuttings regularly and keep them in a warm, humid environment. The cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks.
Air-layering propagation
Air-layering is a propagation method that involves creating a new plant from a portion of an existing plant. This method is best suited for woody plants such as Lannea gossweileri. To air-layer, select a healthy branch from the parent plant and make a cut around the circumference of the branch, about 10-15 cm from the tip. Remove the bark and apply rooting hormone to the exposed area. Wrap the area with damp sphagnum moss and cover it with plastic wrap. After two to three months, roots should form around the cut area. Cut the rooted section from the parent plant and plant it in a well-draining soil mixture.
Overall, Lannea gossweileri Exell & Mendonça subsp. tomentella is a plant that can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and air-layering. Each propagation method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best method will depend on the resources available and the desired outcome.
Disease and Pest Management for Lannea gossweileri Exell & Mendonça subsp. tomentella
Lannea gossweileri Exell & Mendonça subsp. tomentella is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, appropriate care should still be taken to prevent or manage any issues that may arise.
Common diseases
One of the most common diseases that may affect Lannea gossweileri Exell & Mendonça subsp. tomentella is Powdery Mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems. To manage this disease, it is necessary to remove the affected parts and destroy them. Additionally, a fungicide or baking soda solution can be applied to the plant.
Another disease that might affect this plant is Leaf spot. The symptoms are evident as small, round, black, dead spots on the leaves. To reduce and manage this disease, it is crucial to eliminate infected plant parts and maintain good hygiene. Fungicides can also be utilized to manage this disease.
Common pests
The most common pests that may affect Lannea gossweileri Exell & Mendonça subsp. tomentella include the following:
- Spider mites
- Scale insects
- Caterpillars
- Mealybugs
To manage pests, physical removal of insects is sometimes effective. Insecticides can also be applied, but these should only be used after other methods have proven to fail. Additionally, keeping plants healthy and free from stress can prevent infestation by these pests.
