Origin
Lannea wodier (Roxb.) Adelb. var. brevifolia (Engl.) Eyles, also known as the West African lannea tree, is a plant species that is native to West Africa. It is found in a variety of countries, such as Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo, and is commonly grown in tropical regions around the world.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by a variety of names, such as Bpiyabu in Bassari, Eeti in Ibo, Kosa in Yoruba, Nganin in Wolof, and Akaraataan in Ga.
Uses
The West African lannea tree has a wide range of uses, both medicinal and practical. The bark of the tree is used as a treatment for a variety of ailments, such as fever, stomach pain, and malaria. The plant also contains anti-inflammatory properties and is used for joint pain relief. The tree's wood is highly valued for its durability and is commonly used in the construction of furniture and buildings. Moreover, the fruit of the plant is edible, and its seeds are used for cosmetic purposes and soap-making.
General Appearance
The West African lannea tree can grow up to 20 meters in height and has a rounded crown and a straight trunk. The bark is a grayish-brown color and has deep vertical fissures. The plant's leaves are alternate, and each leaf has 5-9 oblong leaflets. The inflorescence is a large, branched cluster of small white flowers that bloom in late spring. The fruit of the West African lannea tree is a small, round drupe that matures to a reddish-brown color and contains a single seed.
Light Requirements
Lannea wodier var. brevifolia thrives in full sunlight conditions. It is best grown in areas that receive six or more hours of direct sunlight per day. The plant may grow in semi-shaded areas but may become leggy and weak.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Lannea wodier var. brevifolia is 20 to 35 degrees Celsius. The plant can tolerate drought and high temperatures. However, it may not survive in areas where there are prolonged periods of frost.
Soil Requirements
Lannea wodier var. brevifolia prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils as long as there is adequate drainage. The optimal pH range for the plant is between 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils.
Water Requirements
The plant requires moderate watering during its growing period. It can tolerate short periods of drought but may not survive prolonged drought conditions. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it's important to ensure good drainage in the planting area.
Nutritional Requirements
Lannea wodier var. brevifolia prefers soils that are rich in nutrients. Fertilizing the plant with an all-purpose fertilizer once every two months can help promote healthy growth. However, the plant can grow well without additional fertilization as long as the soil has adequate nutrients.
Cultivation Methods
Lannea wodier (Roxb.) Adelb. var. brevifolia (Engl.) Eyles prefers well-draining, loamy soil and a warm, sunny environment. The plant can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and layering. It is advisable to plant the seedlings during the rainy season to avoid stress caused by lack of water.
Watering Needs
The Lannea wodier (Roxb.) Adelb. var. brevifolia (Engl.) Eyles requires moderate watering. It needs to be watered regularly during its growth phase, particularly in the summer season. Overwatering may cause root rot, so care should be taken to prevent water accumulation at the bottom of the pot or garden bed.
Fertilization
The Lannea wodier (Roxb.) Adelb. var. brevifolia (Engl.) Eyles requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. It is advisable to use organic fertilizers, which can be applied every three months, preferably at the beginning of the rainy season. Fertilizers high in nitrogen should be avoided, as they may cause vegetative growth at the expense of the flowers and fruits.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of the plant. It is advisable to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches regularly. The Lannea wodier (Roxb.) Adelb. var. brevifolia (Engl.) Eyles blooms on new growth, so pruning in the dormant season, preferably before the onset of the rainy season, may help to promote flowering. Care should be taken not to prune too much as this may reduce the plant's overall health and fruit production.
Propagation of Lannea wodier (Roxb.) Adelb. var. brevifolia (Engl.) Eyles
Lannea wodier (Roxb.) Adelb. var. brevifolia (Engl.) Eyles can be propagated through various methods. The recommended methods for propagation of this plant include seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is one of the most common methods of propagating L. wodier var. brevifolia. To propagate this plant using seeds, mature fruits are collected and allowed to dry before the seeds are extracted. The seeds are then soaked in warm water to soften the hard seed coat and improve germination rates. The soaked seeds are sown into a prepared seedbed, and they are covered with a thin layer of soil. Seed germination occurs within four to six weeks after sowing.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of L. wodier var. brevifolia can be achieved through stem cuttings, root cuttings, or layering. Stem cuttings taken from healthy plants with many young shoots are preferred. The stem cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted into a suitable rooting medium. Rooting usually occurs within four to eight weeks after planting, and the developed plants can be transplanted to the field.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation is also a common method for propagating L. wodier var. brevifolia. Cuttings are taken from the parent plant, preferably from the current year's growth, and propagated in a suitable rooting medium. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone before planting to improve the chances of successful rooting. Rooting usually occurs within four to six weeks after planting, and the established plants can be transplanted to the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Lannea wodier (Roxb.) Adelb. var. brevifolia (Engl.) Eyles
Lannea wodier (Roxb.) Adelb. var. brevifolia (Engl.) Eyles, also known as Wodier or West African Cordia, is a plant species commonly found in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of Africa. Like most plants, Wodier is susceptible to certain diseases and pests, which can affect its growth and productivity. Effective management of these diseases and pests is essential to ensure the plant's optimal growth and yield.
Common Diseases
The common diseases that can affect Wodier include leaf blight, powdery mildew, root rot, and bacterial wilt. Leaf blight is caused by the fungus Phoma exigua, which causes brown or black spots on the leaves, leading to defoliation if severe. Powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Oidiopsis taurica, appears as white or grayish powdery patches on the leaves, reducing photosynthesis, and fruiting. Root rot, caused by the fungi Fusarium, Phytophthora, and Rhizoctonia, affects the roots and the base of the stem, leading to wilting and eventual death. Bacterial wilt, caused by the bacterium Burkholderia cepacia, causes sudden wilting of the stem and leaves, leading to plant death.
Pest Management
The common pests that can damage Wodier include scale insects, mealybugs, aphids, and caterpillars. Scale insects feed on the plant's sap, leading to stunted growth, leaf drop, and death in severe cases. They also secrete honeydew, which attracts ants, wasps, and flies. Mealybugs also feed on the sap, leaving a sticky residue that attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold. Aphids suck sap from the leaves and shoots, causing leaf curling, distortion, and stunted growth. Caterpillars feed on the leaves and buds, leading to defoliation and reduced yield.
Disease Management
The following are some of the management practices that can help control the diseases that affect Wodier:
- Cultural practices: Proper planting and spacing, adequate nutrient supply, proper irrigation, and drainage can help prevent some diseases.
- Sanitation measures: Removing and destroying infected plant debris and weeds can prevent the spread of diseases.
- Chemical control: Fungicides, bactericides, or pesticides can help control the diseases when applied according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Biological control: Some microorganisms, such as Trichoderma spp. and Pseudomonas fluorescens, can protect the plant from diseases when incorporated into the soil or sprayed on the leaves.
The following are some management practices that can help control pests:
- Sanitation measures: Keeping the garden clean and removing weeds and debris can discourage pest infestation.
- Physical control: Handpicking pests or using barriers or traps can be effective against some pests.
- Chemical control: Insecticides can be used selectively to control pests when other methods fail.
- Biological control: Some natural enemies of pests, such as parasitic wasps, lady beetles, and lacewings, can provide effective pest control with minimal impact on the environment
It's essential to combine different pest and disease management practices for effective control and to alternate chemical treatments to avoid the development of resistance in pests and diseases.
