Overview
Macrolobium demonstrans (Baill.) Oliv. is a small tree or shrub in the family Fabaceae, commonly known as the Tawari tree. It is native to a wide range of areas, including Madagascar, Comoros, Seychelles, Mauritius, and several Pacific islands.
Appearance
The Tawari tree can grow up to 10 meters in height and has a slender, straight trunk with a diameter of up to 30 cm. The leaves are pinnate and consist of up to 8 pairs of leaflets, each of which is about 3-6 cm long and 1-3 cm wide. The tree bears large, conspicuous flowers that are pink, magenta, or purplish-red, and are about 3-4 cm in diameter. The fruit is a legume pod that is about 15 cm in length, and contains up to 12 flat, disc-shaped seeds.
Uses
The wood of the Tawari tree is highly valued in many Pacific islands, where it is used for making various items such as canoes, paddles, spears, and furniture due to its strength and durability. The bark and leaves of the tree have medicinal properties and are used to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory problems and skin infections. In addition, the tree is used as a shade tree and is also planted as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks due to its attractive flowers and foliage.
Conservation Status
The Tawari tree is listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, certain populations of the tree are threatened by habitat loss, deforestation, and overexploitation, particularly in Madagascar and the Seychelles. Efforts are being made to protect and conserve this species in its natural habitats, including through the establishment of protected areas and the promotion of sustainable forestry practices.
Light Requirements
The Macrolobium demonstrans requires full sun to grow properly. This means that it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If the plant is grown in an area with insufficient sunlight, it may fail to grow properly or produce fewer flowers and fruits.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for growing Macrolobium demonstrans is between 20°C to 35°C. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C and as high as 40°C, but it grows best within the ideal range. Cold weather can cause stunted growth or kill the plant, while excessively high temperatures can dry out the leaves and damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives in well-draining soils with a pH range of 5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and provide enough nutrients for the plant to grow well. The Macrolobium demonstrans prefers soil that is moist, but not waterlogged, and that allows for proper circulation of air and water. It can tolerate moderate levels of soil salinity but cannot grow in acidic or alkaline soils.
Cultivation methods
Macrolobium demonstrans is a tropical tree species that thrives in warm, humid environments. It prefers a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant is usually propagated through seeds. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil, and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Provide adequate water to the seedlings until they become established. Once established, the plant requires little maintenance.
Watering needs
Macrolobium demonstrans requires regular watering, especially during dry seasons. Water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Avoid overwatering the plant, as it can lead to root rot. Instead, wait until the topsoil is dry before watering again.
Fertilization
Macrolubium demonstrans responds well to fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer, which contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, twice a year. The first application should be done in the spring, while the second application should be done in the fall. Use the recommended amount of fertilizer, as too much fertilizer can damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential in maintaining the shape and size of the Macrolobium demonstrans tree. Prune the plant in the early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches and trim back any overgrown branches. If the plant is getting too large for its location, consider transplanting it to a larger area.
Propagation of Macrolobium demonstrans (Baill.) Oliv.
Macrolobium demonstrans is commonly propagated through seeds and stem cuttings. The success rate of propagation can be improved by providing the proper environmental conditions and appropriate planting techniques.
Seed Propagation
Seeds should be collected during the fruiting season when they are fully ripe. The seeds should be soaked in water for about 48 hours to soften the hard seed coat. After soaking, the seeds should be sown in a well-draining seedling mix in trays or pots. The trays or pots should be kept in a warm and moist environment, with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C. Seedlings will emerge after about two weeks, and they can be transplanted to individual pots after they have developed their first set of true leaves. The seedlings can be planted in the field after they have achieved a height of about 20-30 cm.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants. Cuttings should be about 15-20 cm long and should have at least two nodes. The bottom 2-3 cm of the stem should be treated with a rooting hormone to promote root development. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mix of sand and peat, and kept in a warm and moist environment, with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C. The cuttings should be watered regularly to maintain the moisture of the rooting medium. Root development can be expected within 4-8 weeks, and the cuttings can be transplanted to individual pots after they have developed a robust root system. The rooted cuttings can be planted in the field after they have achieved a height of about 20-30 cm.
Disease and Pest Management for Macrolobium demonstrans (Baill.) Oliv.
Macrolobium demonstrans (Baill.) Oliv. is a tropical legume tree species widely distributed in the Americas. This plant is relatively resilient to pests and diseases, but some issues may still arise. As a helpful assistant, I will provide you with detailed information on common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Common diseases that affect Macrolobium demonstrans (Baill.) Oliv.
Fungal diseases: One of the most common fungal diseases affecting Macrolobium demonstrans (Baill.) Oliv. is anthracnose. Symptoms of anthracnose include brown spots on the leaves, twig blight, and defoliation. To manage anthracnose, it is advisable to remove the affected parts and destroy them. Moreover, one can use copper-based fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
Bacterial diseases: Bacterial blight is another disease that affects Macrolobium demonstrans (Baill.) Oliv. and is caused by the bacteria Xanthomonas campestris. Symptoms of bacterial blight include brown spots on the leaves, stem cankers, and defoliation. To manage bacterial blight, it is advisable to remove the affected parts and destroy them. Additionally, copper-based fungicides or bactericides can be applied to control the spread of the disease.
Common pests that affect Macrolobium demonstrans (Baill.) Oliv.
Bean beetle: The bean beetle is one of the most common pests that affect Macrolobium demonstrans (Baill.) Oliv. The beetle feeds on the leaves, stems, and pods of the plant and can cause serious damage. To manage bean beetles, it is advisable to handpick the beetles and destroy them. Additionally, neem oil or insecticidal soap can be applied to control the population of the beetles.
Leaf-cutter ants: Leaf-cutter ants are another common pest that affects Macrolobium demonstrans (Baill.) Oliv. The ants cut leaves and carry them to their colonies, which can cause defoliation. To manage leaf-cutter ants, it is advisable to create barriers around the tree and the use of insecticides, like Bifenthrin, can be applied around the trunk to control their population.
Conclusion
Macrolobium demonstrans (Baill.) Oliv. is a relatively resilient tropical legume tree species. However, anthracnose, bacterial blight, bean beetles, and leaf-cutter ants are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant. To manage these pests and diseases, it is advisable to use appropriate control measures, like handpicking and destroying affected parts, applying copper-based fungicides, applying neem oil or insecticidal soap, or using appropriate barriers around the tree to control the pests.
