Overview
Macrolobium acuminatum De Wild. is a species of leguminous plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is a large canopy tree that is native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia. The plant is known for its sustainable timber and edible fruit.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Achi and Nzobe in Cameroon, while in Nigeria, it is called Akpa or Akpi.
Appearance
Macrolobium acuminatum De Wild. is a large canopy tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. The bark of the tree is smooth and greyish-brown in color. The leaves are compound with 4-8 pairs of leaflets that are glossy and dark green. The fruits are oval-shaped, about 10-12 cm long, and have a woody shell with a thin, white pulp covering the seeds.
Uses
The seeds of Macrolobium acuminatum De Wild. are a valuable source of edible oil and protein-rich flour. The oil is obtained by boiling the seeds in water, and the residue is then roasted and ground to produce a flour that is used in cooking. In addition to its nutritional value, the flour also has medicinal properties and is used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
The timber of the plant is also highly valued and is used in the construction of houses, boats, and furniture. The tree's bark and roots also have medicinal properties and are used to treat wounds, infections, and respiratory problems.
The plant is also grown as an ornamental tree due to its attractive foliage, and its ability to provide shade.
Light Requirements
Macrolobium acuminatum De Wild. is a species that requires a considerable amount of sunlight to thrive. Therefore, it is recommended to place the plant in an area that receives full sun exposure. In areas where the sunlight intensity might be too high, the plant can grow under partial shade. It is essential to note that insufficient sunlight exposure might result in stem elongation and leaf yellowing.
Temperature Requirements
Macrolobium acuminatum De Wild. thrives in warm environments, and its growth rates decline in colder temperatures. The plant can survive and grow in temperatures ranging from 15-35°C, with the optimum temperature being around 25-30°C. Temperatures below 10°C might lead to plant death due to cold stress.
Soil Requirements
Macrolobium acuminatum De Wild. thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The plant requires a nutrient-rich soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. A soil test can determine the soil composition, and necessary soil amendments can be done to increase the soil's fertility. The plant's roots are susceptible to rotting in poorly drained soils, so adequate drainage is necessary.
Cultivation Methods
Macrolobium acuminatum De Wild. is a tropical plant native to Central Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, and Zambia. It can grow up to 20 meters tall and requires a warm, humid climate to thrive. Before planting, ensure that the soil is well-draining and enriched with organic matter.
You can propagate Macrolobium acuminatum De Wild. tree either through seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds should be sown during the rainy season in pots, and once the seedlings have established, you can transplant them into the prepared field.
Watering Needs
Macrolobium acuminatum De Wild. requires regular and consistent watering, especially during the dry season. It should be watered once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot.
Drip irrigation is a recommended method of watering, where water is supplied directly to the roots through a network of pipes and tubes, thus minimizing water loss through evaporation and runoff.
Fertilization
Macrolobium acuminatum De Wild. is a legume, and as such, it has the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. However, it may still benefit from the application of fertilizer, particularly during the early stages of growth.
A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 12:12:17 (N-P-K) should be applied at a rate of 100-150g per tree during the first two years of growth. After that, a reduced rate of 50-75g per tree can be applied annually.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of caring for Macrolobium acuminatum De Wild. as it helps to maintain its shape and encourages the growth of new shoots.
Pruning should be done during the rainy season, and dead or diseased branches should be removed as soon as they are noticed. The lower branches should also be trimmed to allow for easy access and movement under the tree.
Additionally, to promote the growth of new shoots, you should cut back the top branches by one-third every other year.
Propagation of Macrolobium acuminatum De Wild.
Macrolobium acuminatum De Wild., commonly called the African tulip tree, is a tropical plant native to Africa. It can be propagated in a few different ways, including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from the pods of the African tulip tree, which typically mature between 8-9 months after flowering. The seeds should be cleaned, then soaked in water for 24 hours prior to planting. Sowing the seeds in a mixture of sand and soil is recommended, with the seed depth being about 1-2 cm. The soil should be kept moist, but not soaked, and germination should occur within 3-4 weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
The African tulip tree can also be propagated through stem cuttings, taken typically in the spring or early summer. Cuttings should be around 20-30cm in length and 1-2cm in diameter, and should be taken from non-flowering shoots. Cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and then planted in a mixture of sand and soil. It is also recommended to ensure that the humidity around the cutting is high by covering it with a plastic bag or other cover.
Air Layering
Air layering can also be used to propagate the African tulip tree, using a branch that is about 2-3cm in diameter. A section of the branch's bark is removed, and a rooting hormone is applied to the exposed wood. The cut should then be wrapped in damp sphagnum moss and covered with plastic wrap. After roots have grown, usually in around 2-3 months, the new plant can be separated from the parent tree and planted in soil.
Disease Management
Macrolobium acuminatum De Wild. is commonly affected by various diseases, including leaf spot, powdery mildew, and stem cankers. Leaf spot is caused by the fungus Cercospora macrolobii and can lead to defoliation of infected plants. Powdery mildew is caused by different fungal species and can affect both the leaves and stems. Stem cankers, caused by the fungus Botryosphaeria ribis, can lead to dieback and stunted growth.
To manage these diseases, it is important to practice preventive measures such as maintaining proper plant hygiene and cultural practices. This includes removing and destroying infected plant debris, avoiding overhead watering, and providing adequate ventilation. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease. It is recommended to consult a professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Pest Management
Macrolobium acuminatum De Wild. is commonly affected by pests such as thrips, mealybugs, and scale insects. Thrips feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant, leaving behind silvered patches and deformed leaves. Mealybugs and scale insects will often attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant and suck sap, causing the foliage to yellow and wither.
To manage these pests, it is important to regularly inspect the plants for any signs of infestation. Pruning and removing heavily infested leaves and branches can help reduce the population. Beneficial insects, such as ladybirds and lacewings, can be introduced to the garden to help control the population. Chemical controls, such as insecticidal soaps and neem oil, can also be used to manage the pests.
