Overview
Lannea sessilifoliata Engl. is an evergreen tree that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. It is native to tropical West Africa and can be found in countries such as Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. It is commonly known as the West African lannea, wild grape, or nuim.
Appearance
The West African lannea tree grows up to 12 meters tall and has a trunk diameter of up to 40 cm. It has a dense, rounded crown and the bark is smooth and brown. The leaves are about 10-16 cm long, alternate and compound, with 4-6 pairs of leaflets. The flowers are small, yellow, and form elongated panicles. The fruit is a small, round drupe that is green when young and turns red when ripe. It contains one seed and has an edible pulp.
Uses
The West African lannea tree has several uses. The leaves and bark of the tree are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, malaria, and gastrointestinal disorders. The fruit has a sweet and sour taste and is used to make jam, juice, and wine. The tree is also used for shade, ornamental purposes, and as a source of timber for making furniture, tool handles, and musical instruments. The bark and leaves are also used for tanning leather.
Risks
While the West African lannea tree has medicinal uses, it is important to note that improper usage can be harmful. The bark and leaves contain tannins, alkaloids, and flavonoids that can have toxic effects. Overconsumption or ingestion of concentrated extracts can lead to serious health issues. It is important to consult a licensed healthcare provider before using any traditional medicine containing the West African lannea tree.
Light Requirements
The Lannea sessilifoliata Engl. plant requires a significant amount of light in order to grow properly and reach maturity. It is recommended that this plant is placed in direct sunlight for most of the day. In low light conditions, the plant may experience stunted growth and a lack of foliage.
Temperature Requirements
Lannea sessilifoliata enjoys warm to hot temperatures. This plant should be kept in a location where the daily temperature falls between 21°C to 35°C for optimal growth. The plant can also tolerate cooler temperatures, down to 10°C, but may show slowed growth during this time.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers nutrient-rich soils that are well-draining. It can grow well in sandy soils, rocky soils, and clay soils. However, it prefers soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate soils that are slightly acidic or alkaline. It is recommended that an organic fertilizer is applied to the soil in order to boost plant growth and health.
Cultivation methods for Lannea sessilifoliata Engl.
Lannea sessilifoliata Engl. is a drought-resistant plant that thrives in both sandy and rocky soils. The species can be grown in pots or directly in the ground, and it requires little care once established. The plant can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, but it prefers well-draining soils.
Watering needs for Lannea sessilifoliata Engl.
While the plant is young, it needs to be watered regularly until its roots are well-established. After this, it can tolerate long periods of drought. If you're growing your Lannea sessilifoliata Engl. indoors or in a pot, be sure to allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions.
Fertilization for Lannea sessilifoliata Engl.
Lannea sessilifoliata Engl. doesn't require much fertilizer, but regular application of organic fertilizers can help the plant grow stronger and healthier. Use a slow-release fertilizer before the growing season, and apply a balanced water-soluble fertilizer every six weeks during the summer months.
Pruning Lannea sessilifoliata Engl.
Lannea sessilifoliata Engl. doesn't require much pruning, but regular trimming can help keep the plant healthy and prevent it from spreading too much. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. If necessary, shape the plant to your desired size and remove any suckers to keep the plant looking neat.
Propagation Methods of Lannea sessilifoliata Engl.
Lannea sessilifoliata Engl. can be propagated through various methods which include:
Seed Propagation
This propagation method involves the collection of seeds from the parent plant and sowing them in a nursery bed. The seeds should be planted in well-draining soil and covered lightly with soil. It is important to ensure that the soil is kept moist during the germination period which usually takes about 2-4 weeks. Once the seedlings are about 5-10cm tall, they can be transplanted to individual pots or directly to the field.
Cuttings
Lannea sessilifoliata can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from healthy and mature plants during the dormant season. The cuttings should be about 10-15cm long and should have at least 2-3 nodes. The basal end of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder before being inserted into a well-draining rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept moist and under shade for about 2-3 weeks until they start developing shoots. Once the cuttings have rooted and developed enough shoots, they can be transplanted to individual pots or directly to the field.
Air-layering
Air-layering is another propagation method that can be used for Lannea sessilifoliata. This method involves making a cut on a branch of the plant and wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss or soil. The cut area is then covered with a plastic bag to create a humid environment that facilitates root development. Once roots have formed, the branch can be cut and planted in individual pots or directly to the field.
Budding and Grafting
Budding and grafting are advanced propagation methods that can be used to propagate Lannea sessilifoliata. These methods involve joining a scion from the desired parent plant onto a rootstock. Budding is usually done during the growing season, while grafting is done during the dormant season. Proper care must be taken to ensure that the graft union heals well and the plant develops well.
Disease and Pest Management for Lannea sessilifoliata Engl.
Lannea sessilifoliata Engl., commonly known as the monkey-bread tree, is a plant native to parts of Africa. Although considered hardy, this plant species is still susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are some common issues that might affect your Lannea sessilifoliata and how to manage them.
Common Diseases for Lannea sessilifoliata Engl.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects leaves, starting from the lower parts of the plant and working its way up. It causes yellow or brown spots on the leaves, sometimes with a visible ring. The disease can spread quickly in damp conditions.
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease caused by too much moisture in the soil. It affects the roots, which become brown and mushy, leading to poor plant growth and eventually plant death.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease affects the tree's fruits, causing them to rot and blacken. Symptoms may include circular sunken spots on the fruit, with concentric rings and black fungal spores. The disease can also affect the tree's leaves, twigs, and branches.
Common Pests for Lannea sessilifoliata Engl.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, and waxy insects that suck sap from Lannea sessilifoliata's leaves and stems. They can cause leaf yellowing and dropping, and honeydew excretion can encourage mold growth.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, reddish-brown insects that feed on the leaves' undersides, creating webbing and causing yellow or brown stippling on the leaves. In severe cases, the leaves will drop, and the plant may die.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can create serious damage to Lannea sessilifoliata's leaves and stems, eating the plant's vital parts and causing defoliation. One type of caterpillar (Prodenia litura) feeds on the fruit, boring into them and causing rot.
Pest and Disease Management for Lannea sessilifoliata Engl.
Cultural Practices: Prevention is the best way to manage pests and diseases in Lannea sessilifoliata. Keeping the plant healthy through proper watering, fertilization, pruning, and sanitation will enhance its ability to withstand pests and diseases. Avoid overwatering the plant and keep the surrounding areas free of debris and weeds.
Biological Controls: Biological control involves using natural enemies of pests and diseases to control them. For instance, ladybugs, lacewings, and other insects feed on mealybugs and spider mites, while parasitoids and predators feed on several types of caterpillars.
Chemical Controls: If pests and diseases are uncontrollable using cultural or biological methods, chemical pesticides can be used. However, they should be avoided as much as possible because they might harm non-target insects and cause environmental pollution. Always follow the instructions on the label.
Conclusion: By following these tips and monitoring your plant regularly, you can ensure that your Lannea sessilifoliata is healthy, thriving, and free of pests and diseases for years to come.
