Origin
Lannea schimperi (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Engl. var. stolzii (Engl. & Brehmer) R.Fern. & A.Fern. is a plant species that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. It is native to the East African region, particularly in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and Tanzania.
Common Names
Lannea schimperi (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Engl. var. stolzii (Engl. & Brehmer) R.Fern. & A.Fern. is commonly known as Gonari in Ethiopia, and Mugaa in Kenya. It is also sometimes referred to as African stinkwood.
Uses
Lannea schimperi (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Engl. var. stolzii (Engl. & Brehmer) R.Fern. & A.Fern. has a variety of medicinal uses throughout Africa. In Ethiopia, it is often used to treat digestive problems, and the stem bark is used as a pain reliever for rheumatism. In Kenya, the plant is used to treat wounds, skin infections, and as an analgesic. The bark and leaves are also used to make a traditional liqueur.
General Appearance
Lannea schimperi (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Engl. var. stolzii (Engl. & Brehmer) R.Fern. & A.Fern. is a large deciduous tree with a height of up to 20 meters. It has a straight, cylindrical trunk that is dark grey and rough in texture, while the leaves are dark green and have a lanceolate shape. The plant produces small, greenish-white flowers that are borne on panicles. The fruit is a small, brown drupe that is about 1 cm in diameter, with a thin, hard seed inside.
Light Requirements
Lannea schimperi var. stolzii requires full sunlight exposure to grow. It cannot thrive in shaded areas, as it needs ample sunlight to photosynthesize and produce energy for itself.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires warm temperatures to grow properly. It needs temperatures ranging from 25 to 30°C in the day and 15 to 20°C at night. The plant tends to be frost sensitive and will not grow well in areas that experience frost conditions.
Soil Requirements
Lannea schimperi var. stolzii needs well-draining soil to grow properly. The soil should have good fertility and high organic matter content. It can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy soils and loamy soils. The optimal soil pH for growth should range from 6.0 to 7.5. The plant is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering.
Cultivation
Lannea schimperi var. stolzii is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention once established. It can be grown outdoors or indoors in a well-draining and nutrient-rich soil mix. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60-80°F (15-27°C). It prefers partial to full sun, but it can also tolerate shade for a few hours during the day.
Watering Needs
Watering requirements for Lannea schimperi var. stolzii depend on the growing conditions. In general, it prefers moderate watering during the growing season and less frequent watering during the dormant season. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important not to let the soil stay too wet. It's best to wait until the top inch of soil dries out before watering again.
Fertilization
Lannea schimperi var. stolzii benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. The best time to fertilize is in the spring and summer months. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season or when the plant shows signs of stress.
Pruning
Pruning of Lannea schimperi var. stolzii should be done during the winter months when the plant is dormant. It's best to remove dead or damaged branches to encourage new growth. The plant can be trimmed to maintain the desired shape and size. Pruning is not essential for this plant, but it can improve its overall health and appearance.
Propagation of Lannea schimperi var. stolzii
Lannea schimperi var. stolzii can be propagated either through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Lannea schimperi var. stolzii should be collected from mature fruits in the wild during the season. The collected seeds should then be cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool and dry place until planting.
Before planting, the seeds can be pretreated by soaking them in hot water for 24 hours to break their hard seed coat and enhance germination. The seeds should then be planted in seedling trays or pots filled with well-draining soil mix. The trays or pots should be kept in a warm and humid place and watered regularly. Germination can take up to several weeks or even months.
Once the seedlings have grown at least to a few inches tall, they can be transplanted into individual containers and later into the field.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from mature and healthy branches of Lannea schimperi var. stolzii during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 6 to 8 inches long and should have at least two nodes.
The bottom part of the cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone to enhance rooting. The cuttings should then be planted in well-draining soil mix in individual containers. The containers should be covered with a plastic bag or kept in a humid environment to prevent water loss and encourage rooting. Once the new roots have formed, the cuttings can be transplanted into the field.
Disease and Pest Management of Lannea schimperi (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Engl. var. stolzii (Engl. & Brehmer) R.Fern. & A.Fern.
Lannea schimperi (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Engl. var. stolzii (Engl. & Brehmer) R.Fern. & A.Fern. is a plant that is susceptible to a range of pests and diseases. Some of these common pests and diseases include:
Pest Management
Mites: Mites are a common pest that can cause damage on the plant by feeding on its tissues. To manage mites, you can either introduce natural predators such as ladybirds or lacewings, or use insecticidal soap to control their populations.
Aphids: Aphids are another pest that can cause damage to the plant. These small insects suck sap and can cause deformities on the leaves and stem. To control Aphids, you can use natural predators, such as ladybirds or parasitic wasps, or use insecticidal soap.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies and can cause damage to the plant by feeding on its leaves. To control caterpillars, you can introduce natural predators such as birds or use BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) insecticide.
Disease Management
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, you can remove the infected leaves and use fungicidal sprays to control its spread.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is another fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves and stem of the plant. To manage this disease, you can remove the infected parts and dispose of them properly. Applying fungicidal spray can also help control the spread of this disease.
Bacterial wilt: Bacterial wilt is a bacterial disease that causes the sudden wilting and death of the plant. There is no cure for this disease, so the best way to manage it is to prevent its spread. Avoid planting infected plants and use crop rotation techniques to prevent the spread of bacteria in the soil.
Regular monitoring of the plant for signs of pests and diseases can help prevent severe damage to the plant. Using proper cultural practices such as planting in well-draining soil, avoiding overwatering, and proper spacing of plants can also help curb disease and pest attack on the plant.
