Macrolobium obliquum Stapf
Macrolobium obliquum Stapf, also known as the "hockey stick" tree, is a species of legume found in tropical Africa. It belongs to the family Fabaceae and the subfamily Caesalpinioideae.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by different names in different regions of Africa. In Nigeria, it is called "bo-sokoro" or "gbasakode" by the Yoruba and "oruru" by the Hausa people. The Igbo refer to it as "opako" while the Tiv people call it "tsav." In Cameroon, it is known as "moungue" by the Bantu people.
Uses
The plant is useful for both medicinal and industrial purposes. The bark and roots contain chemical compounds that possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties. These properties make it ideal for treating a range of ailments including dysentery, fever, and skin infections. The wood of the tree is durable and is used for making furniture, tool handles, and flooring.
General Appearance
The Macrolobium obliquum is a tall evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 meters in height. It has a straight cylindrical trunk with a diameter of up to 1 meter. The bark of the tree is greyish-brown in color and is smooth on young trees but turns rough and fissured as the tree matures. The leaves are alternate with up to 14 leaflets arranged in a pinnate manner. The flowers are yellow and are arranged in pendulous racemes. The fruit is a woody pod, curved, and flattened, which can be up to 30 centimeters long.
Overall, Macrolobium obliquum Stapf is a versatile plant with numerous benefits and has earned its place as an important species in tropical African countries.Growth conditions of Macrolobium obliquum Stapf
Macrolobium obliquum Stapf is a type of legume tree that primarily grows in tropical regions of West Africa. The plant thrives in a specific set of growth conditions that must be met to ensure healthy growth and development.
Light requirements
The plant requires full sun exposure to grow optimally. However, it can also tolerate partial shade and will grow well under trees that allow some sunlight to penetrate to its leaves. Therefore, for healthy growth and development, positioning in an area where it can obtain as much sunlight as possible is important.
Soil requirements
The plant can grow in a variety of soils, but it prefers well-drained soils that are rich in nutrients. In addition to that, the soil should be of a pH between 4.5 and 6.5, which is acidic. The plant can still survive and grow in soils with a pH outside of this range, but it does not thrive well.
Temperature requirements
The plant thrives in warm weather and requires a temperature range between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature required for growth is about 15 degrees Celsius, while the maximum permissible temperature is 35 degrees Celsius. Extreme temperatures cannot support growth, and the plant does not withstand frost conditions.
Water requirements
The plant requires moderate watering by rainfall or supplemental irrigation during the dry season to survive and grow well. Overwatering can lead to stunted growth, while under-watering can result in leaf loss, browning of the leaves, and eventually, death of the plant.
Cultivation Methods for Macrolobium Obliquum Stapf
Macrolobium obliquum Stapf is an exotic plant species that can thrive in different climatic conditions. It prefers soil that's well-drained and rich in organic matter. When planting, ensure that the plant's root ball is placed slightly below the soil level, and firm the soil around the roots to prevent air pockets.
The plant prefers partial shade to full sun, so it will grow well in areas with filtered or dappled sunlight. It is advisable to plant it in a location with high humidity, as this plant has a high tolerance for moisture. Supplement the soil with mulching materials such as wood chips or bark to retain soil moisture.
Watering Needs for Macrolobium Obliquum Stapf
Macrolobium obliquum Stapf has moderate water requirements. Water the plant regularly, especially during the dry seasons when the soil is likely to dry out quickly. However, take care not to overwater the plant, as this may cause root rot. Ensure that the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged throughout the growing season.
Fertilization for Macrolobium Obliquum Stapf
Fertilize Macrolobium obliquum Stapf with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, usually in spring and summer. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this may cause the plant to produce excessive foliage instead of flowers. Compost and organic matter are also suitable options for fertilizing this plant.
Pruning for Macrolobium Obliquum Stapf
Pruning is not necessary for Macrolobium obliquum Stapf. However, if you want to shape or control the plant's size, prune it in the late winter. Undergrowth branches can be removed to give it an open and airy shape. Avoid pruning too much foliage as it may reduce the plant's ability to produce flowers. Remove any damaged, diseased, or dead branches during the growing season.
Propagation of Macrolobium obliquum Stapf
Macrolobium obliquum Stapf can be propagated through various means. These include:
Seed Propagation
The simplest and most common method of propagating Macrolobium obliquum Stapf is through seed propagation. The seeds are readily available and easy to obtain. The seeds are sown in a seedbed or directly into the soil. The ideal time to sow the seeds is at the beginning of the rainy season. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1 cm and spaced at a distance of about 10 cm apart. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The seeds usually germinate within two to four weeks.
Cuttings
Macrolobium obliquum Stapf can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from mature plants during the rainy season. The cuttings should be about 15 cm long and should be taken from the lateral branches. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted into the soil.
Air Layering
Air-layering is a method of propagation where a cut is made on the stem of the parent plant. The cut is then covered with a moist medium such as sphagnum moss or coconut fibre. Roots grow from the wound and into the moist medium. The stem is then cut off below the roots and replanted. This method of propagation can be used in Macrolobium obliquum Stapf, but it is not common.
Budding
Budding is another method of propagation that can be used in Macrolobium obliquum Stapf. Budding is the process of inserting a bud from a desired variety into the bark of another plant. This is done by making a T-shaped incision into the bark of the parent plant and inserting the bud. The bud is then secured in place with grafting tape. This method is more complicated and is usually done by experienced gardeners or horticulturists.
Overall, Macrolobium obliquum Stapf can be propagated through various means, and the method chosen depends on the resources available and the skill of the propagator. Seed propagation is the simplest method, while budding is the most complicated.
Disease and Pest Management for Macrolobium obliquum Stapf
Macrolobium obliquum Stapf, commonly known as the African rosewood, is a tree species that grows in the tropical regions of Africa. While it is a resilient plant, it can still fall victim to a number of diseases and pests. Therefore, adopting an effective management plan can be instrumental in maintaining a healthy stand of Macrolobium obliquum trees.
Common Diseases
There are several diseases that can affect Macrolobium obliquum, with the most common being leaf spot and canker. Leaf spot is easy to spot, with the leaves developing small, circular spots that eventually turn yellow and brown. Canker, on the other hand, usually appears as small, sunken lesions on the branches or trunk. Both diseases are caused by fungi, and while they can be treated, prevention is the best cure.
The best way to prevent leaf spot and canker is to maintain proper tree care practices. Prune the trees regularly to remove dead or diseased branches, and avoid injuring the trees with lawnmowers, weed trimmer, or other tools. Also, ensure that the trees are well-fertilized, sufficiently watered, and that there is adequate sun exposure and air circulation.
Common Pests
Another common problem is pest infestation, with the most prevalent pests being the stem borer and leaf miner. Stem borers are insects that attack the stems of the trees, causing extensive damage, while the leaf miner feeds on the leaves, leading to defoliation. Both pests can cause significant damage if left uncontrolled.
To manage pest infestation, one should adopt an integrated pest management approach. This involves using a combination of methods such as biological control, cultural practices, and chemical control. For instance, one can introduce natural predators of the pests, such as ladybugs, to reduce their numbers. Alternatively, one can practice good sanitation practices, such as removing any infested plants or debris, to reduce the pests' survival chances.
Chemical control can also be used, but it should be the last resort. If opting for chemical control, ensure that the chemicals used are safe for the environment, and apply them only as directed. Also, follow the appropriate application guidelines, such as the right dosage, timing, and frequency.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests in Macrolobium obliquum is not a one-time task but rather an ongoing process. With proper tree care practices, timely identification of pests and diseases, and appropriate management strategies, one can effectively manage these problems and maintain a healthy stand of African rosewood trees.
