Overview
Macrolobium pynaertii De Wild. is a plant that belongs to the family of Fabaceae. This species is endemic to Africa and is found primarily in the tropical rainforests of Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Cote d’Ivoire. This is a tree species or shrub that grows up to 20 meters in height. It is well known for its unique root structure that is used to store excess nutrients.Common Names
Macrolobium pynaertii De Wild. has several common names such as curly pod, rope, and bush rope. The name bush rope is derived from the twisted and pliable stems, which are often used to make ropes and baskets.General Appearance
Macrolobium pynaertii De Wild. is a large evergreen tree or shrub that has a smooth bark. The branches of the plant are twisted and flexible. Its leaves are alternate, pinnate, and contain numerous small leaflets. The flowers are small and inconspicuous. However, the fruits of this plant are very distinctive as they are long, twisted, and curly with a brown or black color.Uses
Macrolobium pynaertii De Wild. has many traditional medicinal uses. The roots are used to treat fever, cough, stomach disorders, and as a laxative. The bark and leaves also have medicinal properties that are used to treat various ailments. The tree is also used as a source of firewood and timber for construction. The flexible stems are used to make baskets, mats, and ropes. The seeds are consumed by both humans and animals. Additionally, the plant is an important species in the restoration of degraded lands.Growth Conditions for Macrolobium pynaertii De Wild.
Macrolobium pynaertii De Wild. is a tree species found in tropical Africa, specifically in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Central African Republic, and Gabon. When cultivating this species, it is important to consider the following growth conditions:
Light Requirements
This species grows best in full sunlight exposure. It is intolerant to shade and may experience stunted growth or a weakened immune system if grown in low light conditions. If planting in an area that is shaded for part of the day, make sure it receives at least six hours of full sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
Macrolobium pynaertii De Wild. requires warm temperatures to thrive. It thrives well in areas with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 25°C (73°F to 77°F). Frost is detrimental to this species and can lead to extensive damage or even the death of the plant. Therefore, it is important to closely monitor temperature during the winter season and prevent frost damage with warming techniques, like plastic coverings or heat lamps.
Soil Requirements
Macrolabium pynaertii requires well-drained soils that are rich in nutrients. The soil must be moist, but not saturated. This species prefer soils with a pH of between 5.5 and 6.5. Sandy soils are suitable, but not dry or waterlogged soils. To improve soil nutrition, add organic matter like compost or animal manure to enhance growth potential.
Cultivation of Macrolobium pynaertii De Wild.
The cultivation of Macrolobium pynaertii De Wild. requires a warm and humid climate with partial shade. It is recommended to plant the seeds directly into the ground, keeping in mind that the germination rate can take up to several months.
Watering Needs
As a tropical plant, Macrolobium pynaertii De Wild. requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. It is important to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as this could lead to root rot. Drip irrigation systems or soaker hoses are efficient methods to ensure that the plant receives the right amount of water.
Fertilization
Macrolobium pynaertii De Wild. requires frequent application of a balanced fertilizer every two to three months during the growing season. It is recommended to use a fertilizer with high nitrogen content, as it will help the plant to thrive and grow vigorously. Utilizing organic fertilizers is also an excellent choice to ensure soil health and promote robust growth.
Pruning
Pruning of Macrolobium pynaertii De Wild. is necessary to maintain its shape and prevent undesirable branching. It is best to prune early in the growing season, just as new growth starts to appear. Commonly, it is suggested to trim back the plant's top growth by about a third to one-half of its size. This will help promote fuller growth and produce more flowers.
Propagation of Macrolobium pynaertii De Wild.
Macrolobium pynaertii De Wild., also known as the Congolian Copper Bean, is a perennial, leguminous plant that is native to Central Africa. Propagation of this plant can be done through the following methods:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Macrolobium pynaertii De Wild. Seeds should be obtained from mature fruits and sown in well-draining soil. The seeds can be sown directly into the ground or in pots. If they are sown in pots, they should be transplanted into the ground when they reach a height of about 30-40 cm.
The seeds of Macrolobium pynaertii De Wild. have a hard coat that requires scarification before planting. This can be achieved by chipping the seed coat or soaking the seeds in hot water for several hours.
Cutting Propagation
Cuttings can be taken from mature branches of Macrolobium pynaertii De Wild. Cuttings should be about 30 cm long and taken during the growing season. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in pots filled with well-draining soil. They should be kept moist and in a warm, well-lit area until roots develop. Once roots develop, the cuttings can be transplanted into the ground.
Air-layering Propagation
Air-layering is a method of propagation that involves inducing roots to form on a stem while it is still attached to the parent plant. This method can be used to propagate Macrolobium pynaertii De Wild. by selecting a mature branch and making a shallow cut in the stem. A rooting hormone can be applied to the cut and moss wrapped around the cut. The moss should be kept moist and in a few weeks, roots will start to form. Once roots have formed, the stem can be cut off and transplanted into the ground.
Propagation of Macrolobium pynaertii De Wild. can be done through seed propagation, cutting propagation, and air-layering propagation. Each method has its advantages, and the choice of propagation method will depend on the resources and the time available to the grower.
Disease management for Macrolobium pynaertii De Wild.
Macrolobium pynaertii De Wild. is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including fungal diseases such as leaf spot and powdery mildew. These diseases can cause leaf and twig drop, stunted growth, and decreased yield in affected plants. To manage these diseases, it is essential to maintain good plant hygiene by removing and destroying infected plant debris. Cultural practices, such as practicing crop rotation, can also prevent the buildup of disease-causing pathogens in the soil.
Pest management for Macrolobium pynaertii De Wild.
The plant is commonly attacked by insect pests, including scales, mites, termites, and caterpillars. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant, including defoliation, deformation, and even death. One effective way to manage these pests is by practicing good cultural practices such as maintaining proper plant hygiene, removing and destroying infected plants, and using companion planting to attract beneficial insects that can help control pests. The use of insecticides is generally not recommended as it can harm beneficial insects like bees and other pollinators.
Common diseases that might affect Macrolobium pynaertii De Wild.
The most common diseases that might affect Macrolobium pynaertii De Wild. are fungal diseases such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, root rot and anthracnose. Fungal diseases can be controlled by practicing good plant hygiene, such as removing and destroying infected plant debris. Applying a fungicide can also be an effective solution in controlling fungal diseases, but it is important to choose products that are eco-friendly and do not harm the environment.
Common pests that might affect Macrolobium pynaertii De Wild.
The most common pests that might affect Macrolobium pynaertii De Wild. are scales, mites, termites, and caterpillars. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant, including defoliation, deformation and even death. To manage these pests, it is important to implement good cultural practices such as maintaining proper plant hygiene, removing and destroying infected plants, and using companion planting to attract beneficial insects that can help control pests. Using insecticides is not recommended because it may harm beneficial insects.
