Origin
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. scassellatii (Chiov.) Friis is a plant species that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. It is native to Africa and is mainly found in the central and western regions of the continent.
Common Names
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. scassellatii (Chiov.) Friis is commonly known as "Dzele" in the Ewe language of Ghana. It is also known as "Omoigui" in Nigeria, "Kilanda" in Angola, and "Mbidia" in Cameroon.
Uses
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. scassellatii (Chiov.) Friis has various uses. The bark of the plant is used for medicinal purposes as an antimalarial and antibacterial agent. The leaves are used to treat fever, diarrhea, and stomachaches. The fruit is edible and can be used to make a sweet drink. The plant can be used for timber production due to its durable wood.
General Appearance
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. scassellatii (Chiov.) Friis is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. It has a straight trunk and a dense, spreading crown. The leaves are compound and resemble those of an ash tree (Fraxinus spp.), hence the species name "fraxinifolius." The flowers are greenish-white and are borne in clusters at the end of branches. The fruit is a small berry with a red or orange color.
Light Requirements
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. scassellatii is a tree species that requires moderate to high amounts of light. It can tolerate both full sun and partial shade conditions. In areas with low light intensity, the tree may grow more slowly and have thinner branches. Areas with high light intensity tend to produce a more robust and sturdy tree.
Temperature Requirements
The Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. scassellatii tree species can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It grows best in temperatures that range between 20°C and 30°C. The tree may not grow well in extreme hot or cold temperatures and may wither or die if exposed to such conditions for an extended period of time. Additionally, frost can severely damage or kill the tree.
Soil Requirements
The Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. scassellatii tree species prefers well-draining, fertile soils with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.0. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, clay, and loamy soils. However, the tree may not thrive in nutrient-poor soils, and it may require fertilizer applications to achieve good growth. Additionally, the tree is sensitive to salt and may not grow well in soils with high salt levels.
Cultivation
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. scassellatii (Chiov.) Friis is a slow-growing tree species that thrives in well-drained soil. It is native to Africa and is commonly found in rainforests and savannas. It is best cultivated in regions with a tropical climate such as West and Central Africa.
The tree can be planted from seeds or propagated through cuttings. Seeds should be sown in well-prepared beds and covered with a light layer of soil. Cuttings, on the other hand, should be taken from young branches and planted in a mixture of sand and soil. It is important to water the planting beds regularly until the plants are established.
Watering Needs
Watering is crucial for the growth and development of Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. scassellatii (Chiov.) Friis. The tree needs regular watering, especially during the dry season. Watering should be done deeply, once or twice weekly depending on the weather conditions. It is important to ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged, as this can cause root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. scassellatii (Chiov.) Friis responds well to organic fertilizer. The tree should be fertilized once every six months, preferably during the rainy season. Compost or well-rotted manure can be used as organic fertilizer. It can be applied around the base of the tree, ensuring that it does not come into contact with the trunk.
Pruning
Pruning is an important part of the care of Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. scassellatii (Chiov.) Friis. It should be carried out to remove dead or diseased branches or to shape the tree. Pruning should be done during the dry season to minimize stress on the tree. Sharp and sterilized tools should be used to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. scassellatii (Chiov.) Friis
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. scassellatii (Chiov.) Friis can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed propagation
Seeds of Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. scassellatii (Chiov.) Friis are sown in prepared nursery beds or containers filled with a well-drained growing medium. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm. The nursery should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. The seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location in the field or garden after they have developed a few true leaves.
Cutting propagation
Cuttings of Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. scassellatii (Chiov.) Friis can be taken from mature plants during the dormant season. The cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants. The cuttings should be about 15-20 cm long and should have at least 2-3 nodes. The bottom of the cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and then planted in a well-drained growing medium. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a humid environment until they root and start to grow.
Grafting propagation
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. scassellatii (Chiov.) Friis can also be propagated through grafting. In grafting, a scion from a desired cultivar is grafted onto a rootstock of a related species. The scion and rootstock are joined together and wrapped with grafting tape. The grafted plant should be kept in a humid environment until the graft union has healed. Once the graft has healed, the plant can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Disease Management
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. scassellatii is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Leaf spot: characterized by the appearance of small dark spots on the plant's leaves, which might sometimes expand and join to cause serious defoliation. The disease can be managed by practicing good sanitation, removing and destroying infected plant parts and using fungicides like mancozeb.
- Canker: this is caused by fungi that affect the plant's stems, usually resulting in the yellowing and wilting of leaves and other plant parts. Proper sanitation and pruning of infected plant parts are effective in managing cankers.
- Root rot: caused by waterlogging, poor drainage, and soil-borne fungi. It affects the plant's roots, causing them to rot and eventually leading to the death of the plant. To manage root rot, ensure good drainage and avoid over-watering or under-watering the plant. Applying fungicides like metalaxyl or thiophanate-methyl can also be helpful.
Pest Management
The plant is also vulnerable to pests such as:
- Scale insects: these tiny insects attach themselves to the plant's stems and leaves, sucking sap from them and causing yellowing and wilting. The use of insecticidal soap or neem oil is useful in managing scale insects.
- Mealybugs: similar to scale insects, mealybugs also suck sap from the plant and can cause severe defoliation if not managed. Regular use of insecticidal soap or neem oil can keep their populations under control.
- Caterpillars: these larvae of moths feed on the plant's leaves, causing severe damage if not controlled. Picking caterpillars off the plant and using Bacillus thuringiensis or spinosad can be useful in managing caterpillar infestations.
In addition to proper sanitation practices, regular monitoring of the plant's health, and the use of appropriate pesticides, it is essential to maintain a healthy growing environment for Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. scassellatii. Providing optimal growing conditions such as the right soil pH, adequate sunlight, and appropriate watering can go a long way in promoting the plant's health and reducing its susceptibility to diseases and pests.
