Description of Macrolobium Preussii Harms
Macrolobium Preussii Harms, commonly known as the African Ebony, is a deciduous tree belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is native to tropical African forests, including Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Ghana, and Nigeria. The tree can grow up to 45 meters tall, and its trunk can have a diameter of up to 100 cm.
Appearance of Macrolobium Preussii Harms
The tree has a straight trunk, which can grow up to 30 meters tall before branching out into a dense crown. The bark is dark brown to black and has deep vertical fissures. The leaves are compound, with 5-7 leaflets, each up to 10 cm long and 5 cm wide. The leaflets are dark green, glossy, and elliptical in shape. The tree produces small, pale pink to white flowers that are clustered in dense groups.
Uses of Macrolobium Preussii Harms
Macrolobium Preussii Harms is widely used in traditional medicine across its native range. The bark, leaves, and roots of the tree are used to treat a variety of ailments, including malaria, fever, and respiratory infections. The tree's wood is highly valued for its durability and resistance to decay and is commonly used in the construction of houses, furniture, and musical instruments. The tree's fruit is edible, and the seeds are sometimes used in food preparation.
Conservation Status of Macrolobium Preussii Harms
Macrolobium Preussii Harms is classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The tree is threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation, logging, and agricultural expansion. In addition, the tree's slow growth rate and inability to survive in degraded or fragmented forests make it susceptible to extinction. Efforts are underway to conserve and restore populations of Macrolobium Preussii Harms, including through sustainable forest management and reforestation initiatives.
Light Requirements
The plant Macrolobium preussii Harms requires abundant light to grow properly. It is suitable for full sun exposure and can tolerate partial shade. However, the plant may grow weakly in shady conditions, leading to stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm climatic conditions between 20-30°C. The minimum temperature requirement to grow the plant is 18°C. At lower temperatures, the plant may show stunted growth and also be susceptible to diseases.
Soil Requirements
Macrolobium preussii Harms can grow in a wide range of soils as long as they have good drainage. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have a pH range of 6.5-8.0. The plant can tolerate occasional droughts, but for proper growth, it should be watered adequately during the dry season. It is not suitable for waterlogged and saline soils as it may lead to root rot and hamper its growth.
Cultivation
Macrolobium preussii Harms is a tree species that thrives in tropical rainforests and prefers to grow in well-drained, nutrient-rich soils. It is recommended to plant the seeds during the rainy season or soon after, for better germination success. The young seedlings should be sheltered from direct sunlight until they are ready to be transplanted to their permanent location.
Watering Needs
Macrolobium preussii Harms requires regular watering, especially during the dry season, to maintain healthy growth. The amount of water required depends on the prevailing weather conditions and the type and quality of the soil in which the plant is growing. It is advisable to water the plant frequently but sparingly to avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot and other plant diseases.
Fertilization
Fertilization is an essential aspect of Macrolobium preussii Harms cultivation to ensure strong growth and development. The best time to fertilize is during the rainy season when the plant is taking up nutrients most efficiently. Organic fertilizers such as farmyard manure or compost are preferred, as they are environmentally friendly and provide essential nutrients to the plant without introducing harmful chemicals into the environment.
Pruning
Pruning is an effective means of managing the growth rate and shape of Macrolobium preussii Harms. Young plants should be encouraged to grow freely until they are mature enough to be pruned. Prune the tree during the dry season to avoid damage to new growth. Dead wood, crossing branches, or those that interfere with other branches should be removed to maintain the tree's overall shape and health. Pruning the tree improves air circulation and allows sunlight to reach the lower branches, resulting in better tree growth and development.
Propagation of Macrolobium preussii Harms
Macrolobium preussii Harms can be propagated through various methods:
Seed propagation
Seeds of Macrolobium preussii Harms can be collected and planted in a nursery. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil mixed with organic matter and kept moist until germination. The seedlings can be transplanted to the main field after three to four months when they have reached a height of about 20-25 cm.
Cutting propagation
Macrolobium preussii Harms can also be propagated using stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the middle of the stem and should be about 20-25 cm long. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder and planted in a nursery in well-drained soil mixed with organic matter. The cuttings should be kept moist until they develop roots after about six to eight weeks. They can then be transplanted to the main field.
Air layering
Air layering is another method of propagating Macrolobium preussii Harms. It involves making a cut on a mature stem and applying rooting hormone powder. The cut is then covered with moss or soil and wrapped in plastic to maintain moisture. Roots will develop in about six to eight weeks, and the new plant can be cut and transplanted to the main field.
Disease and Pest Management for Macrolobium preussii Harms
Macrolobium preussii Harms, also known as African rosewood or Akume in Nigeria, is a hardwood tree that is highly valued for its timber. However, like any plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can negatively impact its growth and yield. Therefore, it is essential to implement disease and pest management strategies to minimize losses and maximize yields.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect the Macrolobium preussii Harms is the Fusarium wilt. This fungal disease causes yellowing and wilting of the leaves, stunting of growth, and eventually death. To manage this disease, it is advisable to plant resistant cultivars and rotate crops to disrupt the disease cycle. Also, avoid overcrowding the plants and ensure adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Another disease that affects the African rosewood is the powdery mildew. This disease is characterized by a white powdery coating on the leaves, which can stunt growth and reduce yield. To manage it, maintain adequate spacing between the plants to promote air circulation and avoid overhead irrigation. Furthermore, the use of fungicides can also help to control the disease.
Common Pests
The African rosewood is prone to attack by a variety of insect pests, including the red spider mite, termites, and caterpillars. The red spider mite feeds on the leaves, causing them to become yellow and eventually fall off. To manage this pest, it is advisable to spray the plants with an appropriate acaricide. Termites, on the other hand, feed on the roots, leading to stunted growth and eventual death of the plant. To manage this pest, apply appropriate insecticides to the soil around the roots. Caterpillars feed on the leaves, leading to defoliation and reduced yield. To manage them, handpicking and the use of appropriate insecticides can be effective.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests in the Macrolobium preussii Harms is essential to maximize yields and minimize losses. It is important to implement preventative measures, including planting resistant cultivars, promoting good plant hygiene, and ensuring adequate spacing and drainage. Additionally, the use of appropriate fungicides and insecticides can be effective in minimizing the impact of diseases and pests on the plant.
