Description of Lannea schweinfurthii (Engl.) Engl. var. tomentosa (Dunkley) Kokwaro
Lannea schweinfurthii (Engl.) Engl. var. tomentosa (Dunkley) Kokwaro is a woody perennial plant that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. It is commonly known as the West African lannea or Chyulu lannea. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, including Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya.
General Appearance
The plant is a medium-sized tree, which can grow up to 20 meters tall. It has a dense, rounded crown with many branches. The bark is smooth and brown or gray in color, while the leaves are leathery and dark green, with a length of 25-45 cm and width of 8-15 cm. The tree blooms from May to July with small, greenish flowers which later develop into reddish-brown fruits.
Common Uses
Lannea schweinfurthii (Engl.) Engl. var. tomentosa (Dunkley) Kokwaro has various traditional and medicinal uses in African communities. The roots, bark, and leaves of the tree are used in folk medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, dysentery, and skin infections. The bark is also used to make beer, and the fruit pulp is eaten raw or cooked. Additionally, the wood of the tree is hard and durable, suitable for making furniture, tools, and building materials.
In conclusion, Lannea schweinfurthii (Engl.) Engl. var. tomentosa (Dunkley) Kokwaro is a useful and valuable plant species that has numerous benefits to the environment and human communities.
Growth Conditions for Lannea schweinfurthii var. tomentosa
Lannea schweinfurthii var. tomentosa is a native African plant commonly found in woodland areas of East and Central Africa. In order for it to grow and thrive, certain growth conditions must be met.
Light Requirements
The plant requires plenty of sunlight in order to grow properly. It thrives in areas that get full to partial sun exposure. For best results, the plant should receive four to six hours of sunlight each day.
Temperature Requirements
As a tropical plant, Lannea schweinfurthii var. tomentosa prefers warm temperatures between 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). It does not tolerate frost or cold conditions and may die if exposed to temperatures below 5°C (41°F).
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy and clay soils. However, the soil must be well-draining to allow excess water to drain away easily. Soil that is too wet can lead to root rot.
The soil should also be rich in organic matter to provide the nutrients the plant needs to grow. Adding compost or well-rotted manure to the soil can improve its fertility and structure, allowing the plant to grow more rapidly.
Cultivation Methods
The Lannea schweinfurthii (Engl.) Engl. var. tomentosa (Dunkley) Kokwaro plant is native to Africa and thrives best in hot, humid, and tropical climates. It can survive in temperatures ranging from 16°C to 35°C and can grow in a variety of soils, although well-draining soil is preferred. The plant does not require too much attention, and once established can withstand periods of drought.
Watering Needs
When watering Lannea schweinfurthii (Engl.) Engl. var. tomentosa (Dunkley) Kokwaro, it is essential to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal for the plant. The plant prefers consistent moisture, so it is best to water once every week or two, depending on the climate and environmental conditions. During the dry season, it may require more frequent watering. Additionally, it is essential to avoid watering the leaves, flowers, or fruits, as this can cause bacterial and fungal infections.
Fertilization
Like most plants, Lannea schweinfurthii (Engl.) Engl. var. tomentosa (Dunkley) Kokwaro requires nutrients for growth and development. Applying a balanced fertilizer with a 3:1:2 or 4:1:2 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium is suitable during the growing season. Fertilize once a month for the best results.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and health of the Lannea schweinfurthii (Engl.) Engl. var. tomentosa (Dunkley) Kokwaro plant. The best time to prune is during the dry season when the plant is dormant. Remove dead, diseased, and damaged branches as soon as you notice them. Additionally, it is best to cut back any vigorous or leggy growth. Pruning promotes new growth and helps the plant to remain healthy and robust.
Propagation of Lannea schweinfurthii (Engl.) Engl. var. tomentosa (Dunkley) Kokwaro
Lannea schweinfurthii (Engl.) Engl. var. tomentosa (Dunkley) Kokwaro, also known as the velvet-leaved Lannea, is a tree species that is native to Africa. It grows up to 14 meters tall and is characterized by its velvety leaves and fruits that can be eaten. Propagation of this species can be done through several methods.
Seed Propagation
The most common propagation method of Lannea schweinfurthii (Engl.) Engl. var. tomentosa (Dunkley) Kokwaro is through seeds. The seeds are best collected during the dry season and can be stored for up to a year. Before planting, the seed coat should be scarified to enhance germination. Sow the seeds in prepared soil or containers, and ensure they are kept moist and protected from direct sunlight. Germination can take up to a month.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation is another method that can be used in propagating Lannea schweinfurthii (Engl.) Engl. var. tomentosa (Dunkley) Kokwaro. Softwood cuttings are taken from the parent plant and planted in rooting hormone and potting mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and under shade until they have established roots, which usually takes about 2-3 months.
Air Layering Propagation
Air Layering is a propagation method that can also be used for Lannea schweinfurthii (Engl.) Engl. var. tomentosa (Dunkley) Kokwaro. The method involves girdling a branch and packing moist soil around the wound. Roots will grow from the wound and establish themselves in the soil. Once well established, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and planted in a new location.
Propagation of Lannea schweinfurthii (Engl.) Engl. var. tomentosa (Dunkley) Kokwaro can be done using any of the above methods, depending on the availability of the materials and the needs of the grower or propagator.
Disease and Pest Management for Lannea schweinfurthii (Engl.) Engl. var. tomentosa (Dunkley) Kokwaro
Lannea schweinfurthii (Engl.) Engl. var. tomentosa (Dunkley) Kokwaro is a resilient plant species that is generally resistant to many pests and diseases. However, some common diseases and pests could attack the plant, causing damage. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf Spot Diseases: Leaf spot diseases are common among Lannea schweinfurthii plants, and they often occur during wet seasons. They damage the leaves, causing spots that eventually lead to leaf death. To combat leaf spot diseases, remove and discard the affected leaves, and apply a copper-based fungicide.
Canker: Canker is a fungal disease that causes lesions and dead tissues on the plant's stems and branches. It also affects the bark, causing cracks and breaks that reduce the plant's structural support. To manage canker disease, prune and remove any infected parts of the plant, and apply a copper-based fungicide before the rainy season.
Pests
Mites: Mites are tiny pests that affect Lannea schweinfurthii plants, causing yellowing and curling of the leaves, and eventually, stunted growth. To control mites, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil on the leaves and stems of the plant.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are common pests among Lannea schweinfurthii plants, causing damage to the leaves and fruit. They are often visible during the day and can be removed by handpicking. Alternatively, apply a biological or chemical insecticide to control their population.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are sap-sucking insects that affect Lannea schweinfurthii plants, causing yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. They secrete a sticky, honeydew substance that attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold. To manage mealybugs, apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil on the leaves and stems of the plant.
Regularly inspecting the Lannea schweinfurthii plant for diseases and pests is essential for maintaining its optimal health. Timely action and the use of appropriate management strategies can help control the spread of pests and diseases and maintain the plant's vitality.
