Overview of Leptoderris coriacea De Wild.
Leptoderris coriacea De Wild. is a legume plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Central Africa, specifically to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Common Names for Leptoderris coriacea De Wild.
The plant is commonly known by a few names, which include "Kisubi" in Kisenyi, "Molombe" or "Lombe" in Lunda-Luba, and "Kisangani Bean" in English.
Appearance of Leptoderris coriacea De Wild.
Leptoderris coriacea De Wild. is a small shrub that grows up to 1 m tall. It has a dense, rounded crown with pinnately compound leaves that have 6 to 8 leaflets. The plant's flowers are yellowish-white, and they are borne in clusters of 2 to 8 at the end of the branches.
The fruit of Leptoderris coriacea De Wild. is a cylindrical pod that is up to 12 cm long and 0.5 cm wide. The pod contains 1 to 6 seeds, and it becomes woody when mature.
Uses for Leptoderris coriacea De Wild.
Leptoderris coriacea De Wild. is used for a few purposes.
Firstly, the plant's wood is used for fuel, and sometimes as a source of construction material.
Secondly, the plant is an important source of food for both humans and livestock. The beans are eaten cooked or roasted, and they are sometimes ground into flour and used to make porridge or soup.
Lastly, some traditional medicine practitioners in Central Africa use parts of the Leptoderris coriacea De Wild. plant to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, constipation, and anemia.
Light Requirements
The Leptoderris coriacea De Wild. plant requires full sunlight to partial shade for optimal growth. It flourishes in areas with good lighting, but it can still tolerate a little shade with no problems. Therefore, it is ideal to plant the Leptoderris coriacea De Wild. plant in areas with bright light with some shading in the middle or late afternoon.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in hot and humid environments with an average temperature range of 22°C to 30°C. Therefore, it is ideal for growing in tropical and subtropical regions. It cannot tolerate frost and temperatures below 10°C. Therefore, it is essential to avoid planting it in extremely cold areas.
Soil Requirements
The Leptoderris coriacea De Wild. plant prefers well-drained and fertile soil. It can thrive in a wide range of soil types, including loam, clay, and sandy soil. The ideal pH range is between 5.5 and 8.0. Make sure to avoid waterlogged and heavy-compacted soil to prevent root rot and promote adequate root development.
Cultivation Methods
Leptoderris coriacea De Wild. thrives best in well-draining soils with pH levels ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. The plant requires moderate sunlight exposure and humid environments to grow. The best temperatures for cultivation range from 18°C to 28°C. If planting in pots, choose a spacious container with adequate drainage holes. Also, mix the soil with organic manures before planting.
Watering Needs
The plant requires frequent watering, especially during hot weather, but avoid waterlogging. Watering should be consistent but regulated to avoid water stress and dehydration. Water the plant twice weekly and increase the frequency during dry weather conditions. However, reduce watering frequency during cold seasons to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization
Leptoderris coriacea De Wild. requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and development. Use a balanced fertilizer containing N-P-K (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) nutrients. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. However, reduce fertilization frequency during the dormant season to prevent damage to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to prevent overgrowth and maintain the plant in a desirable size and shape. The best time for pruning is during the dormant season. Remove any dead or diseased branches, and trim any overgrown branches to the desired size and shape. Also, remove any weak or crossing branches to promote healthy growth and improve air circulation.
Propagation of Leptoderris coriacea De Wild.
Leptoderris coriacea De Wild. can be propagated via two methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be used to propagate Leptoderris coriacea De Wild. The seeds are collected from the ripe pods and sown immediately. Germination begins within 2-3 weeks. Seed propagation is a simple and easy way of propagation, but it may take a longer time for the plant to mature.
Vegetative Propagation
Leptoderris coriacea De Wild. can be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings must be taken during the growth period. The cuttings should have at least three nodes and should be around 10 cm in length. The cuttings are then dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in well-drained soil. The cuttings should be watered regularly, and root formation begins within 3-4 weeks.
Both methods of propagation can be successful, but vegetative propagation is quicker and results in a plant that is genetically identical to the parent plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Leptoderris Coriacea De Wild
Leptoderris coriacea De Wild., commonly known as the African rubber or African corkwood tree, is a hardy plant known for its natural resistance to pests and diseases. However, like any other plant, it is still prone to attack by certain pests and diseases that can affect its growth and overall health. This plant benefits from cultural and mechanical management techniques practiced by the gardener or grower such as pruning, sanitation, and proper irrigation to reduce or prevent the entry of pests and diseases.
Common Diseases
Cercospora leaf spot. This is a fungal disease that causes small, dark brown, or black spots on the leaves, ultimately leading to yellowing and defoliation. Through cultural practices, sanitation is crucial to limit the spread of the fungi, and affected leaves should be pruned and burned immediately. Fungal sprays such as sulfur or a copper fungicide can be used, as directed, if the disease is severe.
Damping-off. This is a fungal disease that causes the rotting of the stem and root of young seedlings. This disease can be prevented through proper soil drainage, using sterile seedling soil and pots, and controlling the watering practice to avoid over-watering.
Rust. Rust is a fungal disease that causes yellow or white spots on the leaves, followed by the formation of brown, powdery masses of spores on the underside of the leaves. Fungal sprays that contain copper can be used as directed to prevent the disease or limit its progression.
Common Pests
Thrips. Thrips are tiny insects that chew on the underside of the leaves, leading to silver and white speckling. Thrips can be managed through the introduction of natural enemies such as predatory mites or by using insecticidal sprays such as neem oil, as directed.
Scale insects. Scale insects are small, immobile insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant, causing a loss of vigor characterized by yellowing and wilting. Scale insects can be eliminated by pruning and burning all affected parts or applying an insecticidal spray such as neem oil, as directed.
Spider mites. Spider mites are tiny insects that cause fine webbing and stippling on the leaves. They can be managed by practicing proper irrigation to increase humidity or by a water wash or insecticidal spray such as neem oil, as directed.
Apart from the cultural practices mentioned, the use of pesticides and other chemicals should always be the last resort. When used, they should be used as directed to avoid causing harm to the plant or surrounding environment. Regular monitoring of the plant, prompt identification of problems, and essential control measures are necessary to maintain a healthy plantation of Leptoderris coriacea De Wild.
