Origin
Lannea stuhlmannii (Engl.) Engl. var. tomentosa Dunkley is a deciduous native tree species that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It is commonly found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, including Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya.
Common Names
The plant is locally known by several names, including 'Chaparro' in Spanish and 'Kinyaari' in Swahili.
Uses
Lannea stuhlmannii (Engl.) Engl. var. tomentosa Dunkley is used for multiple purposes in traditional African medicine. The bark and roots of the plant are boiled in water and consumed as a treatment for various ailments, including malaria, stomach pains, and respiratory infections.
The plant also has significant cultural importance. In Tanzania, the plant is considered a sacred tree, and it is believed that under its shade, prayers are more effective.
Lannea stuhlmannii (Engl.) Engl. var. tomentosa Dunkley is also used in reforestation programs and as a shade tree for coffee and tea plantations.
General Appearance
Lannea stuhlmannii (Engl.) Engl. var. tomentosa Dunkley is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. It has a smooth grey bark that sheds in small flakes, revealing a darker red-orange colour underneath.
The leaves of the plant are alternate, compound, and pinnate, with an average length of 15 cm. The leaflets have a broad oval shape and are between 5 to 8 cm long and 2 to 5 cm wide.
The flowers, which bloom between March and June, are reddish-brown with a distinct sweet scent. The fruit is a small drupe about 1 cm wide, which turns from green to brown as it matures.
Light Requirements
Lannea stuhlmannii (Engl.) Engl. var. tomentosa Dunkley requires full to partial sunlight exposure. It can tolerate shade but it is not optimal for growth and development. Therefore, it is recommended to cultivate this plant in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day for better growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Lannea stuhlmannii (Engl.) Engl. var. tomentosa Dunkley is native to tropical and subtropical regions and grows well in warm conditions. An ideal temperature range for its growth and development is between 20°C and 35°C (68°F to 95°F). This plant cannot withstand frost and cold conditions.
Soil Requirements
The soil requirements for Lannea stuhlmannii (Engl.) Engl. var. tomentosa Dunkley are not strict, but it prefers a well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in various types of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but it requires a pH level between 5.5 and 7.5. It is important to avoid waterlogged or compacted soils, as this can impede the growth of the plant.
Cultivation of Lannea stuhlmannii (Engl.) Engl. var. tomentosa Dunkley
Lannea stuhlmannii (Engl.) Engl. var. tomentosa Dunkley is a tropical plant species that requires comparatively warm temperatures and adequate sunlight for growth. The plant can be easily cultivated in a nursery or a home garden using appropriate planting techniques.
Planting Requirements
For planting Lannea stuhlmannii (Engl.) Engl. var. tomentosa Dunkley, use appropriate planting methods. Prepare the soil with a mixture of organic matter and compost to improve nutrient quality. Plant the seedling in a shallow hole and fill with soil. Tamp around the base of the plant to firmly hold it in place.
Watering Needs
The watering requirements of Lannea stuhlmannii (Engl.) Engl. var. tomentosa Dunkley are essentially minimal. Irrigate the plant once a week or whenever the soil appears dry. Maintain a moderate humidity level in the air for healthy growth. Water the plant in the morning to prevent the accumulation of moisture in the evening.
Fertilization
Applying fertilizers to the plant encourages better growth and development. Choose a balanced mix with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer once every two to three months during the growing season. Spread the fertilizer in a circular motion around the plant and blend with the topsoil. Water the plant thoroughly after applying the fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the plant's health and growth. Prune the plant annually during the dormant season to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Cut the branches that rub against each other to prevent wounding. Trim the branches that compete for sunlight or growing space. Use sterilized pruning shears to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Lannea stuhlmannii var. tomentosa Dunkley
Lannea stuhlmannii var. tomentosa Dunkley is a deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub that is native to sub-Saharan Africa. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through various methods, including seeds, stem cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by Seeds
The easiest and most common way to propagate Lannea stuhlmannii var. tomentosa Dunkley is through seeds. The seeds of this plant have a hard coating that must be broken down before planting. One way to do this is to soak the seeds in water for 24-48 hours before sowing. The seeds can then be sown in a well-draining soil mixture and placed in a warm, sunny location. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is a reliable method for Lannea stuhlmannii var. tomentosa Dunkley. Cuttings should be taken from the current season’s growth during the early fall before the first frost. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and have at least two nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, dip the cut end into a rooting hormone, and plant it in a well-draining soil mixture. The cuttings should be kept moist and placed in a warm, shaded area until roots have formed.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation by layering is a method that involves encouraging a stem to root while it is still attached to the parent plant. This method works well for Lannea stuhlmannii var. tomentosa Dunkley as it has a tendency to produce long, flexible stems. Select a healthy, low-hanging stem and gently wound the section of stem where rooting is desired. Apply rooting hormone to the wound and cover the stem with soil or moss. Keep the soil moist and wait until roots develop before cutting the stem from the parent plant.
Disease Management
Like any other plant, Lannea stuhlmannii var. tomentosa is also prone to various diseases that can hamper its growth and development. Some of the common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Mildew: It is a fungal disease that attacks the foliage of the plant. It causes a whitish-gray coating on the leaves and can lead to defoliation.
- Anthracnose: It is another common fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant. The symptoms include brownish spots on the leaves and stems which later become black and sunken.
- Leaf spots: Caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leaf spots present as small, circular to irregular shaped necrotic lesions.
To manage these diseases, a combination of cultural and chemical strategies can be employed. Cultural practices include planting tolerant cultivars, removing infected plant parts, watering early in the day so that the plant dries before nightfall and practicing crop rotation. Chemical strategies include using fungicides and bactericides, but these should be used as a last resort and strictly according to their labels.
Pest Management
Lannea stuhlmannii var. tomentosa is host to a range of pest species including:
- Mealybugs: They attack the leaves and stems of the plant, causing it to wilt. The plant may also develop a sticky honeydew on the leaves and stems.
- Leaf miners: These are insect pests that tunnel into the leaves of the plant. Their presence is indicated by squiggly lines on the leaf surface.
- Caterpillars: They feed on the plant's leaves, causing them to lose their vigour and become stunted. Large infestations can cause defoliation and reduced yield.
To manage these pests, cultural control practices such as maintaining good hygiene by maintaining cleanliness in and around the garden, removing plant debris, and practicing crop rotation can be employed. Also, biological controls like introducing natural predators or parasites of the pest can be effective in the long term. Chemical controls such as insecticides and pesticides should be applied only when absolutely necessary and according to the label instructions.
