Overview
Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild. is a flowering plant species native to tropical Africa. It belongs to the family Fabaceae and the genus Macrolobium. The plant is highly valued for its timber, medicinal properties and ornamental purposes.
Common Names
Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild. is also commonly known by several other local names such as:
- Apapane (Sierra Leone)
- Kranzholzbaum (German)
- Laendertree (English)
- Loue (French)
- Mendamenda (Cameroon)
Appearance
Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild. is a tree that grows up to 30 meters tall in the forest. It has a straight trunk of about 40-60 cm in diameter and a large crown. The branches of the tree are robust and spreading, with leaves appearing in simple, alternate and elliptical form. The leaves are dark green on top and lighter underneath with a length of about 15-25 cm and width of 5-9 cm.
The flowers of Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild. are purplish with a diameter of approximately 7-8 mm and bloom in clusters. The fruit is a woody pod that is reddish-brown in color with a length of about 30-40 cm and width of 4-8 cm.
Uses
The parts of Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild. are widely used for various purposes such as:
- Timber: The wood of the tree is hard, heavy and resistant to decay. It is used to make furniture, flooring, and construction purposes.
- Medicinal: The bark and leaves of the plant have been traditionally used in African medicine against various ailments such as diarrhea, fever and to treat wounds and snakebites.
- Ornamental: The attractive leaves and flowers of Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild. are used in landscaping as ornamental foliage and also for shade.
Light Requirements:
Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild. typically prefers to grow in fully illuminated areas. The plant requires bright and direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day to thrive. It may not grow well in shaded areas and may result in stunted growth or even death if not provided with adequate sunlight.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant grows best in temperatures between 20°C to 35°C. It cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. If the temperature drops below 10°C, the plant may not survive. High temperatures above 40°C may also negatively impact growth and development. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the plant in a temperature-controlled environment.
Soil Requirements:
The plant prefers well-draining and fertile soils to grow. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, such as sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as excessive water can cause root rot. Maintaining soil pH between 7.1 and 8.5 is ideal for healthy plant growth. Additionally, adding organic matter to the soil can improve soil quality and nutrient content.
Cultivation of Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild.
Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild. is one of the most beautiful and exotic species of plants, known for its ornamental appearance and stunning flowers. If you are planning to grow this plant, it is important to understand its cultivation requirements.
The first step in cultivating Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild. is to choose the right location. This plant thrives in full sun or partial shade, and it prefers well-drained soil that is mildly acidic. Choose a location that has good drainage and is protected from strong winds.
It is essential to prepare the soil before planting. Dig the soil to a depth of 12 inches and incorporate organic matter such as compost, manure or leaf mould. You can also add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil to promote healthy growth.
Watering Needs of Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild.
Proper watering is a critical factor in the successful cultivation of Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild. This plant requires consistent moisture but is susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Check the soil moisture regularly to confirm whether you need to water or not.
You can adjust the amount of water you give the plant depending on the weather. If the weather is hot and dry, water more frequently, and if it is cold and wet, water less frequently. Avoid watering the leaves to prevent fungal infections.
Fertilization
Fertilization is an essential aspect of Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild. cultivation. You should provide nutrients to the plant to promote healthy growth and flowering. Apply a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season.
It is essential not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to poor growth and weak plants. Use a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and low in nitrogen to promote flowering.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of caring for Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild. It helps to control the size and shape of the plant, remove dead or diseased branches, and promote the growth of new foliage and flowers. Prune the plant in the late winter or early spring before the new growth appears.
Cut back any damaged or diseased branches, and remove any dead or weak growth. You can also shape the plant by cutting back its tips, but avoid cutting back more than a quarter of the plant in one pruning session. If the plant gets too large, prune it back to its desired size.
Propagation of Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild.
Propagation of Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild., also known as the African teak, can be done through several methods, including seed germination, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Germination
Seed germination is an easy and affordable method of propagating Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild. Seeds should be collected from a mature, healthy plant and sown in well-draining soil. The seeds must be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm and kept in a warm, shaded area. Watering should be done carefully to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually takes place within 3-4 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted once they reach a height of 10-15 cm.
Cuttings
Cuttings are another method used for propagating Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild. The best time for taking cuttings is during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy plants and should be about 20-30 cm in length. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be placed in a shaded area until they have established roots. Once rooted, they can be transplanted into individual containers or in the ground.
Grafting
Grafting is a more advanced method of propagating Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild. It involves attaching a scion (a shoot or bud) from the desired plant onto a rootstock of a closely related species. The two plants should be of similar size and age. The success of grafting depends on the compatibility of the two species. Grafting is a slow process, and the plant may take several years to establish itself.
Disease and Pest Management for Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild.
Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild. is a valuable timber tree species that is native to the African tropics. Like all plants, this tree is susceptible to diseases and pests that can affect growth and productivity. Effective management of these diseases and pests is essential for maintaining the health and vigor of the tree. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests that affect Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild., along with management strategies:
Diseases Affecting Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild.
There are several diseases that can affect the health and growth of Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild. Some of the most common diseases are:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects many tree species, including Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild. It appears as circular spots on the leaves, which may be yellow, tan, or brown. To manage leaf spot, infected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and the tree should be treated with a fungicide.
Rust
Rust is another fungal disease that affects Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild. It appears as red or orange pustules on the undersides of leaves. To manage rust, the infected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and the tree should be treated with a fungicide.
Pests Affecting Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild.
Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild. is also susceptible to pests that can damage the tree and reduce growth and productivity. Some of the most common pests are:
Termites
Termites are a common pest that can attack the roots and trunk of Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild. To manage termites, the soil around the tree should be treated with a termite repellent, and any damaged roots or bark should be removed.
Borers
Borers are another common pest that can attack the trunk and branches of Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild. To manage borers, affected branches should be removed and destroyed, and the tree should be treated with an insecticide.
Overall, the most effective way to manage diseases and pests in Macrolobium coeruleoides De Wild. is to maintain good tree health through regular pruning, fertilization, and irrigation. By doing so, the tree will be better able to resist diseases and pests, and will be more resilient in the face of any outbreaks that do occur.
