Overview
Lannea nigritana (Scott-Elliot) Keay var. pubescens Keay is a flowering plant of the family Anacardiaceae. It is a deciduous tree that is native to Africa and is commonly found in sub-Saharan countries such as Nigeria and Senegal.Common Names
The plant is commonly known by different names, depending on the country or region. In Nigeria, it is called "Kosso" or "Koso," while in Senegal, it is known as "Gora." It is also referred to as "Chrysophyllum pubescens" in some parts of West Africa.Appearance
The tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a round to spreading crown. Its bark is smooth and grey, while the leaves are alternate, pinnate, and have 6-8 pairs of leaflets. The flowers are small and yellowish-green, and the fruit is a yellow or orange drupe that is roughly 1 cm in diameter.Uses
Lannea nigritana (Scott-Elliot) Keay var. pubescens Keay is used for various medicinal purposes. Its bark and leaves are known to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and are used to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and dysentery. The plant's bark is also used to make preparations that help in the management of pain, malaria, and hypertension. In addition to its medicinal uses, the plant's wood is used for making furniture, tool handles, and construction purposes, while its fruit is edible and can be used to make jams and jellies.Conclusion
Lannea nigritana (Scott-Elliot) Keay var. pubescens Keay is a versatile plant with various medicinal and economic uses. Its natural distribution across sub-Saharan Africa makes it an important plant for the local communities, who rely on it for their healthcare needs and the development of their economic activities.Light Requirements
Lannea nigritana var. pubescens grows well under full sunlight. The plant requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth and development. In areas with intense sunlight, partial shade may be necessary to avoid wilting or sunburn.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Lannea nigritana var. pubescens is between 20 and 30°C. The plant can tolerate low temperatures of up to 15°C but cannot survive frost. When the temperature drops below 20°C, the growth rate slows down, so it's best to keep the plant in warm areas.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils that retain moisture. Lannea nigritana var. pubescens is not picky about the soil pH, but a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5 is ideal. The plant can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils, but the soil must be fertile and rich in organic matter. The plant is susceptible to root rot, so the soil must be well-drained to avoid waterlogging.
Cultivation
Lannea nigritana (Scott-Elliot) Keay var. pubescens Keay, commonly known as the African grape or the kola grape, is a deciduous tree and can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings. The tree grows best in well-draining soils and requires full sun for optimal growth. It can tolerate various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
When planting, ensure that the hole is at least twice the size of the root ball and deep enough to allow the collar to sit level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole with soil and water thoroughly to remove any air pockets.
Watering Needs
The African grape prefers moderate watering, especially during the growing season, which is usually from late spring to early autumn. Water the tree once a week or more frequently during the hot season to prevent drying out. Too much water can cause root rot, which can lead to the death of the tree.
It is essential to allow the soil to dry out between watering to avoid waterlogging, which can also cause root rot. Check the soil moisture by inserting your finger into the soil - if the soil feels dry to the touch, it's time to water the tree.
Fertilization
Lannea nigritana (Scott-Elliot) Keay var. pubescens Keay requires occasional fertilization to promote healthy growth and fruit production. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, once or twice a year during the growing season.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause excessive growth that is prone to pest and disease attack. Additionally, too much fertilizer can cause the tree to produce fewer flowers and fruit.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches and to promote a healthy and attractive tree. The best time to prune is during the dormant season, which is usually in late winter or early spring.
When pruning, use clean and sharp tools to avoid damaging the tree's bark. It's crucial to cut the branches just above the collar, where the branch meets the trunk, to avoid leaving a stub, which can attract pests and disease.
Avoid over-pruning, as this can cause stress to the tree and weaken its structure. It's essential to strike a balance between pruning enough to maintain good health and shape and not pruning too much.
Propagation of Lannea nigritana var. pubescens
Lannea nigritana var. pubescens can be propagated through seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation through seeds:
The seeds of Lannea nigritana var. pubescens should be sown in well-draining soil. The seeds should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours before sowing to promote germination. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. The seeds should germinate within 4-6 weeks.
Propagation through stem cuttings:
Stem cuttings of Lannea nigritana var. pubescens should be taken in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The stem cuttings should be taken from the parent plant and should have at least two nodes. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist and the cuttings should be kept in a bright location, but out of direct sunlight. The cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks.
Disease Management
Lannea nigritana var. pubescens Keay is a relatively disease-resistant plant, but certain conditions may make it susceptible to diseases. Common diseases that may affect the plant include:
- Leaf blight: This disease is caused by the fungus Cercospora spp. Symptoms include brown/black spots that appear on the leaves, which eventually turn yellow and fall off. To manage leaf blight, remove infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
- Rust: Rust is caused by the fungus Uromyces appendiculatus. Symptoms include yellow/orange pustules on the leaves and stems, followed by blackening and wilting of the affected plant parts. To manage rust, remove infected plant parts and treat the plant with a fungicide.
- Anthracnose: Anthracnose is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Symptoms include dark brown/black spots on the leaves, stems, and fruits, which may cause the plant parts to deform. To manage anthracnose, remove infected plant parts and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Pest Management
Lannea nigritana var. pubescens Keay is also relatively pest-resistant, but certain conditions may make it susceptible to pest attacks. Common pests that may affect the plant include:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that can suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and turn yellow. To manage aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can eat the leaves and bore into the stems, weakening the plant. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand or spray the plant with bacillus thuringiensis, a natural pesticide.
- Mites: Mites are tiny arachnids that can suck sap from the plant, causing brown/yellow spots on the leaves. To manage mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
