Origin and Common Names
Lannea stuhlmannii (Engl.) Engl. var. oblongifoliolata Engl. is a species of plant in the family Anacardiaceae and is native to tropical Africa. It is commonly known as the "Mbambakofi" or "Imbabatunyu" in Swahili.
Uses
The Mbambakofi plant has several uses, especially in traditional medicine. The bark, leaves, and roots are used to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, stomach pain, and malaria. The bark of the plant is also used for tanning leather. Additionally, the plant is used for firewood and charcoal production in some regions.
General Appearance
The Mbambakofi plant is a small to medium-sized tree with a straight trunk that can grow up to 20 meters tall. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and compound with three to six pairs of leaflets. The plant produces small, fragrant flowers that are greenish-yellow in color and are followed by small fruits that turn red when ripe. The fruit is edible and has a sour taste, and it is used to make a refreshing drink in some regions.
Light Requirements
Lannea stuhlmannii (Engl.) Engl. var. oblongifoliolata Engl. grows well in full sun to partial shade conditions. It requires a minimum of six hours of sunlight every day to thrive. However, it can also tolerate some shade, making it an excellent choice for gardens with dappled shade or filtered sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The growth of Lannea stuhlmannii (Engl.) Engl. var. oblongifoliolata Engl. is highly dependent on temperature. It does well in warm to hot temperate environments with temperatures ranging from 20 to 32 °C. These plants are adapted to tropical climates and prefer warm and humid conditions. They are not frost-tolerant and cannot withstand temperatures below 10 °C.
Soil Requirements
Lannea stuhlmannii (Engl.) Engl. var. oblongifoliolata Engl. prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The pH range between 5.6 and 7.5 is ideal for the best growth of this plant. They can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as the soil is well-draining. It also prefers moist but not waterlogged soil.
Cultivation of Lannea stuhlmannii (Engl.) Engl. var. oblongifoliolata Engl.
Lannea stuhlmannii (Engl.) Engl. var. oblongifoliolata Engl. also known as the Marula tree is typically cultivated from seeds or seedlings. Plant the seeds during the rainy season, and ensure that they are sown at a depth of approximately 2 cm and covered with soil. For seedlings, use a potting mix consisting of river sand, compost, and topsoil.
Watering Needs
The Marula tree prefers well-drained soils and requires moderate watering especially during the dry seasons. However, young plants require a little more attention and may require frequent watering. Proper watering reduces the incidence of shedding leaves and encourages healthy growth.
Fertilization
The Marula trees are responsive to fertilization, and it is recommended to apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer around the perimeter of the tree at the beginning of the rainy season and ensure to use a fertilizer high in phosphorus content. A dose of compost in the early stages of growth is also recommended.
Pruning
Pruning of Lannea stuhlmannii (Engl.) Engl. var. oblongifoliolata Engl. is done to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. It is advisable to prune the tree during the early stages of development to create an ideal structure. For older trees, prune during the tree's dormant season, but it is wise not to remove more than 25% of the canopy.
Propagation of Lannea stuhlmannii var. oblongifoliolata
Lannea stuhlmannii var. oblongifoliolata can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. Here we will discuss the various propagation methods in detail.
Propagation through Seeds
The seeds of Lannea stuhlmannii var. oblongifoliolata should be harvested when they turn brown. You can extract the seeds and plant them in a mixture of soil and sand. The seedbed should be kept moist and warm to encourage germination. The seedlings can be transplanted to a permanent site after they reach a height of about 10 cm.
Vegetative Propagation
Lannea stuhlmannii var. oblongifoliolata can be propagated through stem cuttings, air-layering, or grafting.
Stem Cuttings
You can take stem cuttings of Lannea stuhlmannii var. oblongifoliolata during the dormant season. The cuttings should be about 15 cm long and should include a few nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the cutting and dip the end in rooting hormone. Plant the stem cuttings in a well-draining soil mixture and keep them moist until they root.
Air-layering
Air-layering is a common propagation technique for Lannea stuhlmannii var. oblongifoliolata. Select a branch that is about 1 cm in diameter and make a ring-shaped cut around it. Apply rooting hormone to the cut and wrap it in moist sphagnum moss. Keep the moss moist and wait for roots to develop. Once the roots have formed, you can cut the branch and plant your new Lannea stuhlmannii var. oblongifoliolata plant.
Grafting
Grafting is a more advanced technique that involves joining two plant parts together to create a new plant. In the case of Lannea stuhlmannii var. oblongifoliolata, you can graft a scion onto rootstock of a closely related species. The two parts should be of similar diameter to ensure a good fit. Secure the two parts together and keep them moist until the graft has taken.
Disease Management
Lannea stuhlmannii (Engl.) Engl. var. oblongifoliolata Engl. is generally tolerant to many diseases if adequately taken care of, but some diseases may affect it. The most common diseases likely to affect the plant are:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum. It attacks the leaves and causes brownish-yellow circular spots that become necrotic. It is crucial to adopt regular crop rotation, planting disease-resistant varieties, and maintaining plant hygiene by collecting and destroying damaged plant parts to prevent its spread. Fungicides can also be used to manage the disease.
- Leaf blight: Leaf blight is caused by the fungus Phoma. It is characterized by the appearance of flecked areas on the leaves that turn brown and fall off, causing severe defoliation. Management strategies include removing the all affected leaves and spraying fungicides.
- Root rot: Root rot is a disease caused by soil-borne fungi such as Fusarium and Pythium. It is characterized by the browning and decay of the roots, leading to the wilting of the plant. The best prevention is to plant in well-drained soil, avoid over-watering and waterlogging of soil.
Pest Management
The following are the most common pests that may attack Lannea stuhlmannii and ways to manage them:
- Spider Mites: These tiny, spider-like creatures suck sap from the leaves, causing chlorosis and wilting. The use of insecticidal soaps and oils is the most effective way to manage spider mites.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars typically feed on the leaves, causing small holes and defoliation. The caterpillars can be controlled using Bacillus thuringiensis, which is a biological pesticide. Also, handpicking and destroying them can be very effective.
- Scales: They typically feed on the leaves and stems, causing significant damage. Insecticidal soaps and oils are an effective solution to manage scale insects.
It is essential to monitor the plant regularly to spot any potential disease and pest infestations early enough. Proper care and maintenance, including the removal of any dead or diseased plant parts, good irrigation methods, and appropriate pest management, will help maintain a healthy Lannea stuhlmannii plant.
