Overview
Lonchocarpus eriocalyx Harms subsp. wankieensis Mendonça & E.C.Sousa is a plant native to Angola, known for its unique characteristics and medicinal properties. It is a subspecies of Lonchocarpus eriocalyx Harms, belonging to the Fabaceae family.Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Danda, Dandalo and Mora-ombele.Appearance
The plant has distinctive characteristics such as its rough bark with horizontal stripes, pinnate leaves, and purple flowers. The leaves are composed of many small leaflets which are elliptic. The flowers produced by this subspecies of Lonchocarpus eriocalyx Harms are purplish, followed by legumes around 10 cm long and 1.5 cm thick.Uses
Lonchocarpus eriocalyx Harms subsp. wankieensis Mendonça & E.C.Sousa has a variety of uses in traditional medicine. The subspecies is known for its ability to treat different diseases such as asthma, skin problems, and stomach issues. The plant's roots and leaves are used in traditional medicine to create remedies that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to its medicinal uses, the legume produced by the plant can be used as a food source, particularly for livestock. In summary, Lonchocarpus eriocalyx Harms subsp. wankieensis Mendonça & E.C.Sousa is a unique and valuable plant with distinct characteristics and important medicinal properties. Its ability to treat various diseases, in addition to its value as a food source, makes it an essential component of traditional medicine and agriculture practices in Angola.Light Requirements
The Lonchocarpus eriocalyx Harms subsp. wankieensis Mendonça & E.C.Sousa prefers to grow in full or partial sunlight. It needs a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day to thrive. It is recommended to place the plant in a location where it can receive morning sunlight and partial afternoon shade, especially in hot and dry climates to avoid leaf scorching.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to tropical regions and thus thrives well in warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 20 and 30°C. However, it can tolerate high temperatures up to 35°C. During the winter, the plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 18°C, making it suitable for growing in subtropical regions.
Soil Requirements
The Lonchocarpus eriocalyx Harms subsp. wankieensis Mendonça & E.C.Sousa prefers well-drained soils. The plant can grow in many types of soil, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it thrives best in moist soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil pH level between 6.5 and 7.0 is ideal for the plant's growth and development.
Cultivation
Lonchocarpus eriocalyx Harms subsp. wankieensis Mendonça & E.C.Sousa is a tropical plant, and as such, it requires a warm and humid environment to grow to its full potential. It is best planted in well-draining soils and in areas that receive partial shade.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Lonchocarpus eriocalyx Harms subsp. wankieensis Mendonça & E.C.Sousa depend on the growing environment. The plant prefers moist but not waterlogged soils, so it is essential to water it regularly but not excessively. During the growing season, the plant may need more water, but during the winter, it is important to reduce watering to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization
Lonechocarpus eriocalyx Harms subsp. wankieensis Mendonça & E.C.Sousa requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. A slow-release, balanced fertilizer that contains both macro and micro-nutrients is ideal for this plant. Fertilize the plant every two to three months during the growing season. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid over-fertilizing to prevent burning the plant's roots.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of caring for Lonchocarpus eriocalyx Harms subsp. wankieensis Mendonça & E.C.Sousa. Prune the plant in the spring to remove any dead or damaged branches and promote new growth. It is also essential to remove any suckers that appear at the base of the plant. Avoid pruning too much of the plant as this can affect its overall growth and appearance.
Propagation of Lonchocarpus eriocalyx Harms subsp. wankieensis Mendonça & E.C.Sousa
The propagation of Lonchocarpus eriocalyx subsp. wankieensis can be done both sexually and asexually, but the easiest and most common method is through seeds.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Lonchocarpus eriocalyx subsp. wankieensis are easily collected from the ripe dry pods. After collecting the seeds, they should be scarified with sandpaper to break the hard seed coat and enhance germination. Germination of the seeds is usually improved by soaking them in water for 12-24 hours before sowing.
The sowing of the seeds can be done directly on the ground or in individual containers filled with a suitable substrate. The ideal substrate should be well-drained, rich in organic matter, and with a neutral pH level. After sowing, the pots should be kept moist, and the temperature should be maintained between 25-30°C (77-86°F).
The seeds will germinate in 3-6 weeks, depending on the environmental conditions. After germination, the seedlings should be transplanted to individual pots or in the field, keeping a distance of at least 2 meters between plants.
Propagation by cuttings
Lonchocarpus eriocalyx subsp. wankieensis can also be propagated by stem cuttings, although this method is less common. Cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy plants during the growing season. The cutting should be at least 15-20 cm long, with 2-3 nodes, and a diameter of 1-2 cm.
The basal part of the cutting should be treated with a hormone rooting powder before planting to enhance root formation. The cutting should be planted in an appropriate substrate, such as a mix of sand and peat, and kept moist in a humid chamber.
The cutting will likely take several weeks to root, and it should not be transplanted until it has developed a strong root system and new shoots.
Disease and Pest Management for Lonchocarpus eriocalyx Harms subsp. wankieensis Mendonça & E.C.Sousa
Disease and pest management is essential to maintain healthy growth and productivity of Lonchocarpus eriocalyx Harms subsp. wankieensis Mendonça & E.C.Sousa. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes leaf spots, defoliation, and stem cankers. The infected plant parts may turn dark brown or black and eventually die. To manage the disease, remove and destroy the infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and improve air circulation around the plant. Fungicides may also be applied.
Bacterial Leaf Spot: This bacterial disease causes water-soaked, yellow-green, or dark-brown spots on the leaves, which may later turn necrotic. Over time, the leaves may fall off, leading to defoliation. To manage the disease, remove and destroy the infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply copper-based fungicides.
Root Rot: This fungal disease causes the roots to turn brown, soft, and mushy, leading to plant wilting and death. To manage the disease, improve soil drainage, avoid over-watering, and apply fungicides to the soil.
Pests
Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to wilt and curl. They may also transmit plant viruses. To manage the pests, spray the leaves with water to dislodge them, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, and release natural predators such as ladybugs.
Spider Mites: These tiny insects feed on the plant sap, causing yellowing and stippling on the leaves. Heavy infestation may lead to defoliation. To manage the pests, spray the leaves with water to dislodge them, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, and release natural predators such as predatory mites.
Scale Insects: These small, immobile pests suck the sap from the leaves and stems, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. They secrete a waxy coating, making them difficult to control. To manage the pests, scrape off the scales, apply horticultural oil, and release natural predators such as parasitic wasps.
By implementing appropriate disease and pest management practices, you can keep Lonchocarpus eriocalyx Harms subsp. wankieensis Mendonça & E.C.Sousa healthy and productive.
