Origin of Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. vaughanii (Dunkley) Friis
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. vaughanii (Dunkley) Friis is a species of plant that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae, which is native to Africa. It is commonly found in countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon.
Common Names of Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. vaughanii (Dunkley) Friis
This plant is known by several common names, including African whitewood, African birch, and Akom.
Uses of Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. vaughanii (Dunkley) Friis
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. vaughanii (Dunkley) Friis is a valuable plant with numerous uses. In West Africa, the bark and leaves of the plant are used for medicinal purposes to treat several ailments such as malaria, fever, and jaundice. The bark is also used to treat toothache and diarrhea. The wood of the plant is used to make furniture, canoes, and other household items due to its strength and durability. In addition, the plant is used as an ornamental tree due to its beautiful appearance.
General Appearance of Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. vaughanii (Dunkley) Friis
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. vaughanii (Dunkley) Friis is a medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow up to 40 meters tall. The bark of the tree is smooth and gray, while the leaves are simple, alternate, and glossy with a dark green color. The tree produces small white flowers arranged in clusters, and the fruit is a globular drupe that turns from green to brown when it matures. The wood of the tree is pale yellow and has a slightly aromatic smell.
Light Requirements
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. vaughanii requires a moderate amount of light to grow. They can tolerate full sun or partial shade as long as the light is not too intense. Direct sunlight for long periods may cause leaf burn, while low light conditions may lead to stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species prefers warm and humid conditions to grow properly. The ideal temperature range is between 20°C to 35°C. Temperatures of less than 10°C could be dangerous to the plant, and frost can cause severe damage or even death. During the growing season, the plant should be shielded from strong winds, which could damage new growth.
Soil Requirements
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. vaughanii can grow in different types of soil, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. However, the soil must be well-drained and have a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant cannot tolerate water-logged soils, which could lead to root rot. To ensure optimal growth, it is important to add organic matter to the soil to improve its fertility and water retention capacity.
Cultivation Methods
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. vaughanii (Dunkley) Friis can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. It prefers well-drained soils and partial shade. The plant grows well in hot and humid conditions, with a temperature range of 20-30°C. It can tolerate seasonal changes, but it is sensitive to frost and waterlogging.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering during the growing season, especially during dry and hot periods. Watering should be reduced during winter to avoid waterlogging, which can damage the roots. The soil should be kept slightly moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. vaughanii (Dunkley) Friis can benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season. Nitrogen-based fertilizers can promote vegetative growth, while phosphorus and potassium can encourage flowering and fruiting. Organic fertilizers can also provide essential nutrients and improve soil quality.
Pruning
The plant requires minimal pruning, mainly to remove damaged or diseased branches. It can also be pruned to maintain a desired shape or size. Pruning should be conducted during the dormant season to avoid stressing the plant. It is also necessary to sterilize pruning tools to prevent the spread of pathogens.
Propagation Methods of Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius subsp. vaughanii
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. vaughanii (Dunkley) Friis can be propagated in three different ways:
1. Seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagating Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius subsp. vaughanii is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from the tree during the fruiting season, which is usually during the dry season. The seeds can be stratified for about 30 days before being sown. After stratification, the seeds should be sown in trays filled with a mixture of sand and topsoil or in seedling bags. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of the soil mixture, and the trays should be kept moist and warm. The seedlings will emerge after about 14 to 21 days. The seedlings should be watered regularly and transplanted to individual bags or pots when they are about 5 to 6 months old.
2. Stem Cuttings
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius subsp. vaughanii can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the rainy season when the tree is actively growing. Select healthy branches that are about 20 to 25 cm long with at least 2 to 3 nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower third of the cutting, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. The cuttings should be planted in a mixture of sand and topsoil, kept moist and warm, and covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. The cuttings will root after about 8 to 10 weeks and can be transplanted to individual bags or pots after 3 months.
3. Air Layering
Air layering is another propagation method for Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius subsp. vaughanii. Select a healthy branch that is about 1 to 2 cm in diameter and make a cut about 2 cm wide and 1 cm deep on the branch. Apply rooting hormone powder to the cut, and wrap the cut area with a ball of moist sphagnum moss. Cover the moss ball with a plastic bag and tie the ends to keep the moss moist. After about 6 to 8 weeks, roots will form, and the branch can be cut off from the parent plant and transplanted to individual bags or pots.
Disease Management
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. vaughanii is susceptible to several diseases that can negatively impact its growth and development. The following are some of the common diseases and ways to manage them:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes the leaves to wilt and appear water-soaked. The fungus can also attack the stems and fruits of the plant. To manage this disease, it is essential to remove and destroy infected plant debris and improve air circulation around the plant.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by fungi that live in the soil. It can cause the plant to wilt, and the leaves may turn yellow. The roots would also appear brown and mushy. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil has good drainage and avoid overwatering.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small, circular spots on the leaves of the plant. These spots can coalesce and cause the leaves to yellow and fall prematurely. To manage leaf spot, it is advisable to remove and destroy infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
Pest management
Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius Baker subsp. vaughanii is also prone to attack by various insect pests. Here are some of the common pests and ways to manage them:
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are white, cottony insects often found on the undersides of leaves. They suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. To manage mealybugs, you can remove them manually or use insecticidal soap.
- Scale insects: Scale insects are small, armored pests that also suck the sap from the plant. They can cause the leaves to yellow and drop. To manage scale insects, use insecticidal soap or oil to suffocate them.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellow stippling on the leaves and fine webbing on the plant. They are often found on the undersides of the leaves. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or oil or increase the humidity around the plant to discourage their proliferation.
