Origin
Lophira procera A.Chev., commonly known as "Ironwood", is an evergreen tree that belongs to the family Ochnaceae. The plant is native to tropical areas of Africa, specifically in the west and central regions. It can be found in countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast.
Common Names
Lophira procera A.Chev. has various common names, including "Lapacho blanco", "Timborana", "Kikari" and "Azobe". These names depend on the location and language spoken in that area.
Uses
The timber of Lophira procera A.Chev. is extremely valuable due to its durability and is commonly used for construction projects such as bridges, railway sleepers and boats. It is also used for flooring and furniture making. Some African cultures use the bark and leaves for medicinal purposes. The bark is used to treat stomach ailments while the leaves are used as a tonic and to help with menstrual discharge.
General Appearance
Lophira procera A. Chev. is a large tree that can grow up to 50 meters tall. It has a straight trunk that can measure up to 2 meters in diameter. The bark of the tree is grayish-brown, and its inner bark is pale and fibrous. The leaves of the tree are simple, alternate, and have an obovate or elliptic shape. They are dark green and glossy on the top, while the underside is paler and covered in fine hairs. The tree's flowers are small, green, and grow in clusters. The fruit is a large, woody capsule measuring up to 25 cm long, containing many winged seeds.
Light Requirements
Lophira procera A.Chev. requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate direct sunlight in areas with high humidity but prefers partial shade in dry areas. However, excessive shading can result in weak and spindly growth.
Temperature Requirements
Lophira procera A.Chev. can grow in a wide range of temperatures but thrives in warm to hot climates. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 25°C and 35°C. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C and as high as 45°C but prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can stress the plant and inhibit its growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soil types including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Lophira procera A.Chev. can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. However, it does not tolerate waterlogged soils and requires good drainage to prevent root rot.
Other Growth Conditions
Lophira procera A.Chev. requires regular watering to maintain soil moisture, especially during the dry season. It is drought-tolerant but prolonged water stress can cause stunted growth and leaf drop. The plant also benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and development. Pruning is recommended to keep the plant compact and to remove dead or damaged branches.
Cultivation of Lophira procera A.Chev.
Lophira procera A.Chev., also known as ironwood or African oak, is an evergreen tree that is native to Africa. It is commonly cultivated for its valuable timber, which is used in the construction of both indoor and outdoor furniture, boats, and other woodwork.
If you want to cultivate Lophira procera A.Chev., you need to ensure that it is grown in a warm, tropical climate with plenty of sun. The plant thrives in well-draining soil and doesn't do well in areas with heavy rainfall or waterlogging.
Watering Needs for Lophira procera A.Chev.
It is essential to ensure that Lophira procera A.Chev. is adequately watered to maintain its growth rate and overall health. The tree requires moderate watering during its growing period and should be watered every week or two, depending on the climate and weather conditions.
If the tree is exposed to long periods of drought or extended dry weather, it may develop root rot, which will affect its overall health and growth rate. It would be best if you stuck to a regular watering schedule and avoid overwatering the tree to prevent this from happening.
Fertilization of Lophira procera A.Chev.
For optimal growth, it is crucial to fertilize Lophira procera A.Chev. to provide it with the necessary nutrients. The tree can benefit from slow-release fertilizers, which should be applied during the growing season to help stimulate its growth.
A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus can help the plant grow by providing essential nutrients. However, care should be taken when fertilizing to avoid over-fertilization, as this can affect the plant's growth and health.
Pruning of Lophira procera A.Chev.
Pruning is an essential part of Lophira procera A.Chev. care, and it should be done regularly to ensure that the tree remains healthy and well-shaped. It is recommended to prune the tree during the dry season and after the plant has completed its growth for the year.
When pruning, ensure that you cut off any dead or diseased branches to prevent the spread of disease to the rest of the plant. Additionally, removing any crossing or rubbing branches can also promote better airflow and sunlight penetration, which will improve the plant's growth and overall health.
Propagation of Lophira procera A.Chev.
There are three main methods for propagating Lophira procera A.Chev.: seeds, stem cuttings, and air layering.
Seeds
The easiest way to propagate Lophira procera A.Chev. is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from mature pods that have turned brown. Before sowing, the seeds should be scarified, soaked in water for 24 hours, and then air-dried. The seeds can then be sown in a well-drained potting mix and kept in a warm, humid location with bright, indirect light. Germination typically occurs within 2-4 weeks.
Stem Cuttings
Lophira procera A.Chev. can also be propagated from stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and should be approximately 10-15 cm in length. The leaves should be removed from the lower half of the cutting, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-drained potting mix. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid location with bright, indirect light until roots have formed, typically within 4-6 weeks.
Air Layering
Air layering is another method for propagating Lophira procera A.Chev. This method involves making a cut in the bark of a mature stem and wrapping the cut area with damp sphagnum moss and plastic wrap. Roots will form in the moss within a few weeks. Once roots have formed, the rooted stem can be cut from the mother plant and planted in a well-drained potting mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Lophira procera A.Chev.
Lophira procera A.Chev., commonly known as the ironwood tree, is a tropical plant species that has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. Like all plants, it is susceptible to several diseases and pests that may cause significant damage to its growth. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that affects Lophira procera. It causes circular or irregular brown spots on leaves, which may eventually fall off. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves and provide good air circulation to prevent fungal growth.
Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and decay. It is caused by overwatering and poor drainage. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage by using well-draining soil.
Bacterial blight: Bacterial blight is a bacterial disease that causes yellowing of the leaves, which eventually turn brown and die. It is spread through water and insects. To manage bacterial blight, remove and destroy infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
Pests
Thrips: Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing yellow or brown spots. To manage thrips, use insecticidal soap or neem oil and practice good pest management techniques.
Mites: Mites are tiny spider-like insects that cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. To manage mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil and avoid overfertilizing.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing holes and damage. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide.
By properly identifying and managing diseases and pests that affect Lophira procera A.Chev., you can ensure the health and longevity of the plant.
