Overview of Macrolobium bilineatum
Macrolobium bilineatum Hutch. & Dalziel, commonly known as the Mohokohoko tree, is a species of large tropical tree in the family Leguminosae. The tree is native to several countries in the West African region including Cameroon, Nigeria, and Gabon.
General Appearance of Macrolobium bilineatum
Macrolobium bilineatum typically grows to a height of 10-30 meters (33-98 ft), and has a large, buttressed trunk with a diameter of up to 1 meter (3.3 ft) at the base. The tree's bark is rough and grayish-brown in color, with deep vertical fissures. The leaves are compound, with leaflets arranged in pairs and can grow up to 40 cm in length.
Common Names of Macrolobium bilineatum
Macrolobium bilineatum has several common names across its native range. In Cameroon, it is called "mohokohoko" or "mokonoko". In Nigeria, it is called "ulakwo" or "ulakwa", while in Gabon, it is known as "loubomo".
Uses of Macrolobium bilineatum
The tree has several uses among the people of West Africa. Its wood is highly valued for constructing houses, canoes, and furniture. The leaves are used for medicinal purposes to treat wounds and diseases. The seeds are edible, and can be roasted or boiled and eaten as a snack. The tree also plays an important role in the ecosystems of the region, providing habitat for many species of birds and other animals.
Light Requirements
Macrolobium bilineatum Hutch. & Dalziel requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. The plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. Inadequate sunlight can lead to poor growth, weak stems, and prolonged blooming of flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for Macrolobium bilineatum Hutch. & Dalziel is between 20°C to 30°C. The plant cannot survive freezing temperatures, and frost can lead to severe damage or death. It also cannot thrive in high temperatures above 40°C, which can cause dehydration and scorching.
Soil Requirements
Macrolobium bilineatum Hutch. & Dalziel prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It needs consistent moisture levels but cannot tolerate waterlogged soils, which can lead to root rot and stunted growth.
Cultivation Methods for Macrolobium bilineatum Hutch. & Dalziel
Macrolobium bilineatum Hutch. & Dalziel is a plant that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. It can be cultivated in gardens, parks, and in pots as an indoor plant. When planting it in the ground, ensure that the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. The plant requires a good amount of sunlight, so place it in an area that receives partial to full sun.
It is best to plant the Macrolobium bilineatum Hutch. & Dalziel during the rainy season, so it establishes its roots before the dry season. When planting the bush seedlings, dig a hole twice the size of the rootball and place the plant at a depth where its stem meets the ground. Firm the soil gently around the plant, making sure that it is not buried too deep.
Watering Needs for Macrolobium bilineatum Hutch. & Dalziel
Macrolobium bilineatum Hutch. & Dalziel requires adequate water to stay healthy, especially during the dry season. The plant can tolerate short periods of drought, but prolonged dry spells can cause serious damage.
It is best to water the plant regularly, especially during the dry season. Always water the plant at the base, avoid wetting the leaves, as wet foliage can lead to fungal infections. When watering, give enough water to penetrate the soil to a depth of 15 to 20 centimeters.
Fertilization for Macrolobium bilineatum Hutch. & Dalziel
Macrolobium bilineatum Hutch. & Dalziel requires an adequate supply of nutrients to grow. Fertilize the plant at least every two months during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
When fertilizing, apply it at a distance of 15 centimeters from the base of the plant. Water the plant after fertilizing to ensure that the nutrients are well-distributed within the root zone. Avoid fertilizing the plant during its dormant period, as this can impede its growth.
Pruning for Macrolobium bilineatum Hutch. & Dalziel
Macrolobium bilineatum Hutch. & Dalziel requires minimal pruning, but it is beneficial to shape the plant and keep it healthy. Prune off damaged, diseased, or dead branches as soon as you notice them. You can also prune to shape the plant and remove any crossing branches that can impede its growth.
When pruning, use sharp, sterilized pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. Prune during the plant's dormant period, which is usually in the winter months. Avoid pruning during the growing season, as this can cause stress to the plant.
Propagation of Macrolobium bilineatum Hutch. & Dalziel
The Macrolobium bilineatum Hutch. & Dalziel can be propagated through different methods, including seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation via Seeds
To propagate Macrolobium bilineatum Hutch. & Dalziel using seeds, the first step is to obtain ripe pods. These pods are usually collected from the parent plant. The next step is to extract the seeds from the pods and wash them in water to remove any remaining pulp. After cleaning, the seeds can be planted in a suitable growing medium.
The ideal propagation medium for Macrolobium bilineatum Hutch. & Dalziel seeds should be well-draining and contain the necessary nutrients. A mixture of sand, compost, and vermiculite is ideal for this purpose. The seeds should be planted 2-3cm deep in the soil and watered regularly to keep the soil moist.
Propagation via Cuttings
Propagation of Macrolobium bilineatum Hutch. & Dalziel through cuttings is also a viable option. The first step is to select healthy stems for cutting. The ideal stem should be green and should not have any signs of damage or disease.
The cuttings should be taken from the parent plant in the early morning or late afternoon when the temperature is cool. The cuttings should be approximately 15cm long and should have at least two nodes. The cut end of the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone powder to facilitate rooting and then planted in a suitable growing medium.
The ideal growing medium for cuttings should be well-draining and contain the necessary nutrients. A mixture of sand, compost, and vermiculite is ideal for this purpose. The cuttings should be planted 3-5cm deep in the soil and watered regularly to keep the soil moist.
Propagation via Grafting
Grafting is another method of propagating Macrolobium bilineatum Hutch. & Dalziel. The first step is to select a healthy rootstock and scion. The rootstock should have a well-developed root system, while the scion should be taken from a healthy plant.
The next step is to make a clean cut on both the rootstock and scion. The cut should have a smooth surface and should fit together like a puzzle. The rootstock and scion should be joined together and secured in place using grafting tape.
The grafted plant should be watered regularly and kept in a humid environment until the graft has taken. Once the graft has taken, the plant can be transplanted into a suitable growing medium.
Disease Management
Macrolobium bilineatum is susceptible to several diseases that can negatively impact its growth and yield. Some of the common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes dark, sunken lesions on the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant debris and maintain proper plant spacing to improve air circulation.
- Rust: This is a fungal disease that causes yellow or orange spots on the leaves. To manage rust, prune infected plant parts and apply fungicide to protect the healthy ones.
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to appear black and slimy. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and improve soil drainage.
Pest Management
Macrolobium bilineatum is also susceptible to pest infestations that can cause significant damage to the plant. Some of the common pests that affect this plant include:
- Bean beetles: These pests feed on the leaves and pods of the plant, causing significant damage. To manage bean beetles, handpick and destroy them or apply insecticidal soap to eliminate them.
- Aphids: These pests suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings or apply insecticidal soap to eliminate them.
- Leafhoppers: These pests also feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and wilted leaves. To manage leafhoppers, remove infected plant parts and apply insecticidal spray to eliminate them.
Regular inspection of the plant and prompt action when a disease or pest infestation is detected is critical to the success of managing Macrolobium bilineatum. It is also important to follow the best cultural practices for plant growth, including proper spacing, irrigation, and fertilization, to maintain a healthy and disease-free plant.
