Origin
Lannea kerstingii Engl. & K.Krause, also known by its common name "African Grape Tree" or "Gambeya", is a species of plant in the family Anacardiaceae. It is native to Western and Central Africa, particularly Nigeria, Cameroon and Angola.
General Appearance
The African Grape Tree is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree, growing up to 15 meters tall. It has a straight trunk that can reach up to 60 cm in diameter, with a gray-brown bark that is smooth when young but develops into a furrowed texture when matured. The branches are short, stout and frequently have hooked spines. The leaves are compound, with 5 to 9 leaflets, and are about 15–24 cm long and 6–10 cm wide. The leaves are usually bright green, but turn yellow or reddish before falling off. The flowers, which are small and greenish-white, form in clusters on terminal and axillary panicles. The fruit of the African Grape Tree is a drupe, resembling a small grape, that ripens to a purplish-black color with a juicy and sweet pulp.
Uses
The African Grape Tree has been used traditionally in African medicine for treating various ailments. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties. The bark, roots and leaves of the African Grape Tree are known to contain a diverse range of medicinal compounds, including tannins, flavonoids, and quinones. The tree is also used for its timber, which is strong and durable and used in the construction of buildings and furniture. The fruit of the African Grape Tree is edible, and is used for making jams, jellies, and wine. The fruit can also be eaten fresh and has a sweet flavor similar to that of a grape.
Light Requirements
The Lannea kerstingii plant requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth conditions. The plant can tolerate partial shade but it may affect its full growth potential. It is ideal to grow the plant in an area where it can get enough direct sunlight to thrive.
Temperature Requirements
The Lannea kerstingii plant grows well in warm tropical climates with temperature ranges of 20-30°C (68-86°F) during the day, and 17-23°C (62-73°F) at night. Extreme temperatures can stunt the growth of the plant, so it is best to avoid exposure to temperatures outside of this range.
Soil Requirements
For optimal growth conditions, the Lannea kerstingii plant requires well-draining soil. The soil should be rich in nutrients and have a pH of about 6.5 – 7.5. The plant is tolerant of a range of soil types but it prefers loamy soils with good moisture retention abilities. The soil should also be free from pests, diseases, and weeds that can affect the growth of the plant.
Cultivation methods
Lannea kerstingii Engl. & K.Krause is a shade-loving plant, which makes it suitable for growing under taller trees or in greenhouses. It is propagated through seeds or cuttings. The best time to plant Lannea kerstingii seeds is in the early rainy season. To improve germination rates, the seeds can be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting.
Watering needs
Lannea kerstingii requires moderate watering during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant. In the dry season, the plant should be watered more frequently to prevent drought stress. Irrigation systems can be set up to ensure consistent watering.
Fertilization
The plant will benefit from regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer with a 12-12-12 NPK ratio can be applied every two to three months during the growing season. Organic fertilizers such as compost can be used to improve soil fertility and structure. Fertilizers should be applied around the drip line of the plant to avoid contact with the roots.
Pruning
Lannea kerstingii will benefit from yearly pruning to remove dead or diseased branches and to shape the plant. It should be pruned during the dormant season to reduce the risk of disease. Young plants should be pruned to encourage a bushy growth habit. Older plants may require more extensive pruning to remove large branches or to control size. Sharp, clean pruning shears should be used to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation methods for Lannea kerstingii Engl. & K.Krause
Lannea kerstingii Engl. & K.Krause, commonly known as the "wattle tree," can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the easiest and most common method of propagating Lannea kerstingii. The seeds of this plant are easily available, and the process of seed propagation is simple. The seeds are collected from the mature fruits of the plant. The collected seeds should be cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool and dry place until needed for propagation. The seeds can then be sown in a suitable growing medium, such as a mixture of sand and compost. The seeds should be watered regularly and kept in a warm place until they germinate. The seedlings can then be transplanted to the desired location.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method of propagating Lannea kerstingii. This method involves taking cuttings from the parent plant and using them to grow new plants. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be at least 10cm long and should have a minimum of two nodes. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings should then be planted in a suitable growing medium, such as sand or compost. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment until they root. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted to the desired location.
Disease and Pest Management for Lannea kerstingii Engl. & K.Krause
Lannea kerstingii Engl. & K.Krause, commonly known as the Kersting's groundnut, is a plant species that is native to West Africa. As with all plant species, Lannea kerstingii is susceptible to infestation by various pests and diseases that can negatively impact its growth and yield.
Common Pests
The most common pests that affect Lannea kerstingii are the groundnut pod borer (Maruca vitrata) and the legume pod borer (Maruca testulalis). These pests typically invade the plant during the flowering and podding stages, burrowing holes into the pods and feeding on the seeds within. Other potential pests of Lannea kerstingii include aphids, thrips, and whiteflies.
Pest Management
The use of environmentally friendly and sustainable pest control methods is recommended to effectively manage pest populations on Lannea kerstingii. Cultural methods, such as planting resistant cultivars and practicing crop rotation, can be effective in reducing pest pressure. Additionally, the introduction of beneficial insects that prey on the pests can also be an effective form of biological control.
Chemical control is another option, but it should be used sparingly and with care to avoid harm to non-target organisms and the environment. Insecticides should be used as a last resort and only when non-chemical methods have proven ineffective. When using chemicals, it is important to follow all label instructions and precautions.
Common Diseases
Lannea kerstingii can be affected by several fungal and bacterial diseases, including leaf spots, stem cankers, and root rots. Fungal leaf spots are caused by various pathogens that result in small, circular lesions on the leaves. Stem cankers are characterized by sunken, discolored areas on the stems. Root rots are caused by various soil-borne fungi and often result in wilting and death of the plants.
Disease Management
The key to preventing the occurrence of diseases on Lannea kerstingii is to maintain a healthy growing environment for the plant. This includes the use of proper irrigation and drainage practices, as well as avoiding planting in soil that has a history of disease. Sanitation is also important, as fungal spores and bacteria can survive on plant debris and soil. Remove and dispose of any infected plant debris and avoid walking in wet fields to prevent the spread of diseases.
Fungicides may be used to control certain diseases, but they should be used in combination with other management strategies. The use of resistant cultivars is another effective way to manage diseases in Lannea kerstingii. Regular monitoring of the plant and early detection of any signs of disease can help prevent the spread and severity of the disease.
