Origin and Common Names
Macrolobium dewevrei De Wild. is a plant species native to Central and West Africa, particularly found in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, and Congo. It belongs to the family of Fabaceae commonly known as the legume or bean family. The plant is commonly referred to as "Mbongi" or "Mlongi" in Cameroon, "Ngitala" in Gabon, and "Ngond" in Congo.
General Appearance
Macrolobium dewevrei De Wild. is a deciduous tree growing up to 30 meters tall with a straight trunk. The tree is remarkable for its ability to grow quickly in poor soil conditions. The leaves are dark green, and compound, with a glossy and leathery appearance. The plant produces yellowish-green flowers, which grow in clusters at the tips of branches. The flowers have a sweet fragrance, and they bloom from October to March. The fruit of the tree is a woody pod that is 10 to 20 centimeters long and contains brown or black seeds.
Uses
Macrolobium dewevrei De Wild. has various traditional uses for many communities in Central and West Africa. Its bark and roots are used in herbal remedies to relieve fever, stomach ailments, and cough. The plant's wood is also used for construction, furniture, and fuelwood. The seeds of the tree are edible and are used to make a nutritious soup commonly consumed in the Central African Republic. The plant is also a good source of nitrogen for soil enrichment, and its leaves can be used as fodder for livestock.
Light Requirements
Macrolobium dewevrei De Wild. prefers bright but indirect sunlight. It is sensitive to direct sunlight and may suffer from sunscald and leaf burn if exposed to prolonged and intense sunlight. Ideally, it should be placed in an area where it can receive bright light for a few hours in the morning or afternoon.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in warm and humid conditions. The ideal temperature range for Macrolobium dewevrei De Wild. is between 20°C and 30°C, and it should be protected from extreme temperatures above or below this range. Too much heat or cold can lead to stress and stunted growth, so it is important to keep the plant in a place with stable temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The soil should be well-drained and rich in nutrients. Macrolobium dewevrei De Wild. requires a pH of between 6.0 and 7.5. It also prefers soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. It does not tolerate waterlogging and should be planted in soil that is porous and can retain moisture. Adding organic matter like compost or peat moss to the soil can help improve drainage and provide essential nutrients to the plant.
Cultivation
The plant Macrolobium dewevrei De Wild. thrives in tropical and sub-tropical regions such as West and Central Africa. When used as ornamental plants, they prefer moist soil, but they are not very demanding. They can also thrive on well-drained soil in areas with an annual rainfall of 2,500mm or more.
It would be best to start cultivating these plants during the rainy season because they require adequate moisture to develop strong roots that can withstand drought. In optimal conditions, the plant can grow up to 30 meters tall and 60 cm in trunk diameter.
Watering Needs
These trees require adequate water to thrive, especially during the first year when they are transplanted. During the dry season, it is best to water the plants every 7-10 days for optimal growth. However, these plants cannot withstand areas with high water logging.
Once the plant has established deep roots, they become drought resistant, so it is essential to avoid over watering them during this growth stage to prevent waterlogging. The plant also benefits from regular misting to maintain humidity.
Fertilization
While these plants are not heavy feeders, they can benefit from the occasional application of fertilizers. Young plants need extra nutrients during their rapid growth phase, so it is best to apply fertilizers at least three times a year for optimal growth.
For best results, use organic fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to promote healthy growth and development. Organic manure, compost, and well-decomposed crop residues mixed with soil around the plant roots can provide essential nutrients and improve soil fertility.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the plant Macrolobium dewevrei De Wild. but it can help improve their shape and structure. When young, it is essential to prune the lower branches to encourage the development of a single trunk, which will give the tree a stable base.
When the tree reaches maturity, only minimal pruning is necessary to maintain the tree shape or remove any deadwood. Prune after the rainy season to encourage faster healing of the pruning wounds. Make sure to use sharp and clean tools to minimize the potential spread of plant pathogens.
Propagation of Macrolobium Dewevrei De Wild.
Propagation of Macrolobium Dewevrei De Wild. can be done through various methods. Some of them are discussed below:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the most common method of propagation for Macrolobium Dewevrei De Wild. They can be obtained from mature pods in the early summer months. Before sowing the seeds, it is recommended to soak them in water overnight to aid in germination. After soaking, sow the seeds directly into the soil in sowing trays or pots. Cover them with a thin layer of soil and keep them moist. Germination time can vary from 1-3 weeks. Once germinated and strong enough to handle, the seedlings can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the ground.
Cuttings
Hardwood stem cuttings are an alternative method of propagation for Macrolobium Dewevrei De Wild. Cuttings should be taken from mature stems in the winter months. Cuttings should be at least 15 cm long and should be taken from the parent plant's bottom. Remove leaves from the bottom 3-4 cm of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining, soilless rooting medium and keep the soil moist. The cuttings should develop roots in 3-4 weeks and can then be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the ground.
Grafting
Grafting can be used for propagation if the plant is difficult to root or has desirable characteristics that need to be maintained. Use a rootstock with good rooting potential and graft a scion from the desired plant onto it. The graft union should be covered with grafting wax or paraffin to prevent drying out. Keep the plant in a warm, humid environment until the graft has taken. Once the graft has taken, the plant can be transplanted.
Disease and Pest Management of Macrolobium dewevrei De Wild.
Macrolobium dewevrei De Wild. is a hardy and fast-growing plant. But, like all plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the plant regularly, identify any signs of disease and pest infestations, and manage them promptly.
Common Diseases Affecting Macrolobium dewevrei De Wild.
The following are the common diseases that can affect Macrolobium dewevrei De Wild.:
Leaf Spot:
Leaf spots are caused by fungal infections, which appear as tiny, circular, or irregularly shaped spots on the leaves. Over time, the spots expand and coalesce, leading to defoliation. To manage leaf spots, remove infected plant parts, ensure proper air circulation, and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used to manage severe leaf spots.
Root Rot:
Root rot is caused by waterlogging and soil-borne fungal pathogens. Affected plants show signs of wilting, stunted growth, and eventually, death. To manage root rot, ensure proper soil drainage and avoid over-watering. Also, use sterilized potting soil, prune infected roots, and use fungicides.
Common Pests Affecting Macrolobium dewevrei De Wild.
The following are the common pests that can affect Macrolobium dewevrei De Wild.:
Mites:
Mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that cause yellowing and crinkling of the leaves. They also secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, attracting other pests and fungi. To manage mites, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oils. Also, keep the plant well-watered and avoid over-fertilization.
Mealybugs:
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with white, waxy filaments. They suck plant sap, causing yellowing, stunted growth, and leaf drop. To manage mealybugs, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Also, prune off heavily infested plant parts and maintain proper humidity levels.
By implementing proper disease and pest management practices, you can ensure healthy growth and development of Macrolobium dewevrei De Wild.
