Overview: Macrolobium gilletii De Wild.
Macrolobium gilletii De Wild. is a tropical tree species with origins in Central Africa. It belongs to the Fabaceae family, which includes popular crops like beans and peas, and is known for its ability to fix nitrogen into the soil. This nitrogen-fixing ability makes Macrolobium gilletii De Wild. a vital component of forest ecosystems, helping to promote soil fertility and support other plant species.
Appearance: Macrolobium gilletii De Wild.
Macrolobium gilletii De Wild. is a medium-sized tree that typically grows up to 15 meters in height. The plant has a straight trunk and a well-formed crown made up of several branches. The leaves of the plant are pinnate, with up to 10 pairs of leaflets that are ovate-oblong and slightly asymmetrical. The flowers are large, showy, and purplish-pink in color, and the fruits are seed pods that are about 30 cm long, cylindrical in shape, and covered in dense, brownish-red hairs.
Uses: Macrolobium gilletii De Wild.
Macrolobium gilletii De Wild. has a diverse range of uses in its native habitat. Its seeds are edible and are used in local cuisine, often ground into a flour that is used to make pancakes and other dishes. The wood of the tree is also highly valued for its strength and durability, and is used for constructing houses, furniture, and tools. Additionally, the plant is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including stomach disorders and headaches.
Common Names: Macrolobium gilletii De Wild.
Macrolobium gilletii De Wild. has various common names depending on the region, including "Mkanyi" and "Mukamara" in Tanzania, "Gesi" in Kenya, and "Woraganga" in Uganda. Its scientific name is derived from the Latin words "macro" meaning large and "lobium" meaning lobe, referring to the large, asymmetrical leaflets of the plant.
Growth Conditions for Macrolobium Gilletii De Wild.
Macrolobium gilletii De Wild. is a leguminous tree species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The species is commonly found in tropical Africa, particularly in countries such as Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Togo, Sierra Leone, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Light Conditions
Macrolobium gilletii De Wild. grows best in areas that receive moderate to high light. The species prefers an open canopy with partial shade as they have a low tolerance to direct sunlight. The canopy also helps regulate the temperature and moisture levels.
Temperature Conditions
The species requires a warm and humid environment to thrive. The optimum temperature range for the growth of Macrolobium gilletii De Wild. is between 24°C to 32°C. The species can still survive in temperatures as low as 18°C and as high as 42°C.
Soil Conditions
The species prefers well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The soils should have high fertility and organic matter content. Macrolobium gilletii De Wild. is capable of withstanding moderate drought and waterlogging due to its deep taproot system.
Overall, the growth of Macrolobium gilletii De Wild. is dependent on its environmental conditions, particularly its light, temperature, and soil requirements. These factors play a vital role in ensuring optimal growth and development of the species.
Cultivation of Macrolobium gilletii De Wild.
Macrolobium gilletii De Wild., also called the pencil cedar, is native to Africa and typically grows in the tropical forest. To cultivate this plant, it's essential to create an environment that mimics the natural tropical conditions where it thrives. It's suitable for outdoor and indoor planting, but extreme conditions like frost must be avoided.
Watering Needs for Macrolobium gilletii De Wild.
Adequate watering for Macrolobium gilletii De Wild. is critical to prevent wilting and other related issues. The plant requires moderate to frequent watering during the growing season, but waterlogging must be avoided as it can cause root rot. It's vital to observe the soil moisture level and ensure that the soil doesn't dry out completely.
Fertilization of Macrolobium gilletii De Wild.
When it comes to fertilization, Macrolobium gilletii De Wild. requires a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize the plant one to two times in a year when new leaves are growing. Overfertilization can lead to weak stems and leaves that are susceptible to pests and diseases.
Pruning Macrolobium gilletii De Wild.
Pruning is a crucial part of caring for Macrolobium gilletii De Wild. It helps to maintain the right shape and size of the plant, enhances its appearance, and promotes healthy growth. Prune the plant during the dormant season when it has lost its leaves. Remove any dead or diseased branches and those that rub against each other. Cut just above the bud and avoid cutting into the woody stem.
Propagation of Macrolobium gilletii De Wild.
Macrolobium gilletii De Wild. is commonly propagated by seeds and cuttings.
Seed propagation
The seeds of Macrolobium gilletii De Wild. can be directly sown into the ground or in containers. The best time for sowing seeds is at the onset of the rainy season. In containers, 3-4 seeds should be sowed in each pot and thinned out to one or two seedlings after germination. The seedlings can be transplanted to the field or permanent locations after 6-12 months.
Cutting propagation
The cuttings can be taken from mature, healthy plants during the rainy season. The cuttings should be 15-20 cm long and have at least 2-3 nodes. The bottommost leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a rooting medium. The rooting medium should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be kept in a warm, shaded place. After 6-8 weeks, the cuttings will develop roots and can be transplanted to containers or the field.
Disease and Pest Management of Macrolobium Gilletii De Wild.
Macrolobium gilletii De Wild., commonly known as African Cherry, is a tree species that belongs to the family Leguminosae. It is native to tropical Africa and has economic importance due to its timber, fruit, and other products. However, the tree is prone to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and productivity.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose is a common disease that affects the leaves and twigs of African Cherry. The disease causes spots on the leaves, which eventually turn yellow and drop. Anthracnose can be managed by pruning infected twigs and removing fallen leaves. Fungicides can also be applied to protect the remaining foliage from infection.
The powdery mildew is another fungal disease that can affect the leaves and shoots of African Cherry. The disease causes a powdery white coating on the leaves, and affected leaves will eventually wilt and drop. Application of fungicides can help control this disease, especially during wet conditions.
Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of African Cherry, resulting in stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. The disease is prevalent in waterlogged soils, and it can be prevented by maintaining well-drained soils. Infected trees should be uprooted and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease to healthy trees.
Common Pests
The African Cherry fruit fly is a common pest that attacks the fruit of the tree, leading to significant economic losses. The pest lays eggs on the surface of the fruit, and the hatched larvae feed on the fruit pulp, causing it to rot. Fruit flies can be managed by applying insecticides, covering the fruits with bags, or by removing and destroying infected fruits.
Termites are a pest that can cause extensive damage to African Cherry trees, especially in young trees. The termites attack the roots, bark, and inner wood, leading to a weakened tree structure. Infected trees should be uprooted and destroyed to prevent the spread of the pest to healthy trees. Additionally, application of termiticides around the base of the tree can help prevent termite attack.
The leaf-roller caterpillar is a pest that attacks the leaves of African Cherry, causing defoliation and reduced productivity. The caterpillars roll up the leaves and feed on the inner part, causing significant damage to the foliage. The pest can be managed by the application of insecticides and handpicking the caterpillars from the leaves.
Conclusion
The management of diseases and pests in Macrolobium gilletii De Wild. is essential for the productivity and profitability of African Cherry cultivation. Regular monitoring and detection of pests and diseases can help prevent significant economic losses and ensure the healthy growth of the tree. By following the outlined management practices, the incidence of pests and diseases can be minimized, leading to enhanced productivity and profitability.
