Overview
Lonchocarpus cyanescens (Schumacher & Thonn.) Benth. is a plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as tree oyster, blue bean tree, or changa. This plant is popularly used in traditional medicine and has shown potential as a source of bioactive compounds for pharmacological applications.
Origin
The tree oyster is native to various parts of tropical Africa, including Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Cameroon. It typically grows in dense forests, areas with high rainfall, and well-drained soil.
Common names
Lonchocarpus cyanescens goes by many common names, including:
- Tree oyster
- Blue bean tree
- Changa
Uses
The tree oyster is widely used in traditional African medicine for various ailments, including fever, cough, malaria, and wounds. The bark and roots are usually decocted, and the resulting extract taken orally. The plant's stem bark has been reported to have antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. The leaves and seeds have been used to treat diabetes and hypertension, respectively.
Lonchocarpus cyanescens is also being investigated for its potential as a source of bioactive compounds for pharmacological applications. Researchers have identified various flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids from the plant, which have demonstrated antitumor, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo.
General appearance
The tree oyster is a large tree that can grow up to 40 meters tall. It has a single trunk and a broad crown of leaves. The leaves are pinnate, with 7-9 leaflets that are 9-18 cm long and 5-8 cm wide. The bark is grayish-brown, smooth, and slightly fissured. The flowers are small and white, while the fruit is a flat, woody legume that is 10-15 cm long and 2-3 cm wide. The fruit turns blue-purple when ripe and contains 1-2 seeds.
Light Requirements
Lonchocarpus cyanescens requires bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. It is important to avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight as it may damage the leaves. The plant can also tolerate some shade but too much shade may lead to stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures ranging between 20°C to 30°C. It is important to note that temperatures below 18°C may slow down the growth rate of the plant, while temperatures above 35°C may damage the leaves. It is recommended to keep the plant in a warm, humid environment to facilitate growth.
Soil Requirements
Lonchocarpus cyanescens requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged as this may lead to root rot. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic, between 5.5 to 6.5. It is recommended to add some perlite or sand to improve drainage and avoid compacted soil.
Cultivation of Lonchocarpus Cyanescens (Schumacher & Thonn.) Benth.
The cultivation of Lonchocarpus cyanescens (Schumacher & Thonn.) Benth. is relatively easy, but it requires specific environmental conditions for optimal growth. This shrub grows best in tropical areas with warm temperatures and high humidity levels. The plant requires well-drained soil with moderate fertility. It can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or grafting.
Watering Needs of Lonchocarpus Cyanescens (Schumacher & Thonn.) Benth.
Lonchocarpus cyanescens (Schumacher & Thonn.) Benth. requires regular watering to maintain its growth and prevent wilting. However, the frequency of watering should depend on the environmental conditions and the type of soil. The plant needs to be watered deeply at least once a week during the growing season. During periods of drought or high temperatures, it may require more frequent watering. It is essential to avoid overwatering the plant to prevent root rot and fungal diseases.
Fertilization of Lonchocarpus Cyanescens (Schumacher & Thonn.) Benth.
Lonchocarpus cyanescens (Schumacher & Thonn.) Benth. requires moderate fertilization to maintain its growth and productivity. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is ideal for this plant. Fertilizer should be applied in early spring and late summer, with a light application during the growing season. However, it is essential to avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as this can result in excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning of Lonchocarpus Cyanescens (Schumacher & Thonn.) Benth.
Lonchocarpus cyanescens (Schumacher & Thonn.) Benth. requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, before the start of the growing season. The plant should be pruned to remove dead or damaged branches, and to thin out crowded branches. It may also be necessary to trim back overgrown branches to encourage new growth.
Propagation of Lonchocarpus cyanescens Plant
Lonchocarpus cyanescens (Schumacher & Thonn.) Benth. is propagated through seeds and cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds should be collected from mature pods of the Lonchocarpus cyanescens plant. Mature pods will usually have dried up and turned brown or grey in color. After collecting, the seeds should be soaked in warm water for about 24 hours. This will help to soften the hard seed coat and make it more permeable to water and nutrients. After soaking, the seeds can be sown into pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 2 centimeters. The pots should be kept in a warm, bright place, but out of direct sunlight. Germination should occur in about 2 to 4 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots when they are about 10 centimeters tall.
Propagation through Cuttings
Lonchocarpus cyanescens can also be propagated through cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood stems of the plant, preferably during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be about 10 to 15 centimeters long and have 2 to 3 nodes. The leaves should be removed from the bottom half of the cutting, and the cut end should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings should be inserted into pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. The pots should be covered with a clear plastic bag to help retain moisture and create a humid environment for the cuttings. The cuttings should be kept in a bright, but shaded area, and regular misting should be done to prevent the soil from drying out. The cuttings should root in about 4 to 6 weeks and can be transplanted into individual pots when they have developed a strong root system.
Disease Management
The plant Lonchocarpus cyanescens (Schumacher & Thonn.) Benth. is susceptible to various diseases. The following are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common disease that affects the leaves of Lonchocarpus cyanescens. It is caused by a fungal infection, which results in brown or black spots on the leaves.
To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy any infected leaves to prevent further spread of the disease. Additionally, avoid watering the plant overhead and ensure that there is proper ventilation to reduce humidity levels. Fungicides may also be used to manage the disease.
Root Rot
Root rot is another common disease that affects Lonchocarpus cyanescens. It is caused by a fungal infection that attacks the roots of the plant, causing them to rot.
To manage root rot, ensure that the plant is not overwatered. Additionally, only use well-draining soil and provide adequate drainage for the plant. Fungicides may also be used to manage the disease.
Pest Management
The plant Lonchocarpus cyanescens (Schumacher & Thonn.) Benth. is also susceptible to various pests. The following are some common pests and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are common pests that feed on the sap of the leaves and stems of Lonchocarpus cyanescens. They can cause the plant to become weak and stunted.
To manage aphids, remove and destroy any infected leaves. Additionally, spray the plant with a solution of water and soap or neem oil. Ladybugs and lacewings are also natural predators of aphids and can help manage the infestation.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that are difficult to see with the naked eye. They feed on the sap of the leaves, causing the plant to become weak and discolored.
To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to remove the pests. Additionally, spray the plant with a solution of neem oil or insecticidal soap. Ladybugs and predatory mites are also natural predators of spider mites and can help manage the infestation.
