Macrolobium reticulatum Hutch.
Macrolobium reticulatum Hutch. is a tropical tree species from the family Fabaceae. This plant is native to the West African region including Cameroon, Gabon, and Nigeria. The common names of this plant include, but are not limited to 'Dimbwi' that is locally used in Cameroon.
General Appearance
The Macrolobium reticulatum Hutch. is a medium-sized tree, which grows up to 20 m in height, and has a stem diameter of up to 50 cm. The bark of the tree is dark brown and has vertical cracking, which extends from top to bottom. The tree's wood is orange-yellowish when fresh, becoming dark brown to maroon at maturity, and is moderately hard.
The leaves are compound and pinnate, measuring 10- 30cm long, and 7-15cm wide. The leaflets are slightly oblong and pointed at the tip, and arranged in 6-14 pairs, each measuring about 3-11cm long and 1-4cm wide.
The flowers are small, creamy-white, and emerge in small clusters from mid-November to April. The fruit of the plant is a splitting pod measuring 20-25cm long, which contains oblong-shaped brown seeds.
Uses
The Macrolobium reticulatum Hutch. is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments such as fever, stomach ache and skin diseases. The tree is also a source of timber which is utilized for making furniture and construction of houses, and also as fuelwood.
In addition, the tree has been known to enhance soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation, making it an important species for agroforestry systems. Furthermore, the leaves are used as animal feed for ruminants like goats, sheep, and cattle, as well as for non-ruminants like rabbits and pigs.
Overall, the Macrolobium reticulatum Hutch. is a valuable tree species with various practical benefits from medicine to timber and soil fertility.
Growth Conditions of Macrolobium Reticulatum Hutch.
Macrolobium Reticulatum Hutch. is a tropical tree species with a typical growth height of about 15 meters. The plant is found in lowland rainforests and it is well adapted to temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C.
Light Requirements
The plant loves to be in bright but indirect light. It requires a minimum of four hours of direct sunlight to grow optimally, but exposure to direct sunlight for extended periods can cause the leaves to scorch.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives in well-drained soils that are medium to heavy in texture. The ideal pH range of the soil is 6.0-7.0, but the species can also tolerate slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.0-5.5. It is, however, not ideal for highly alkaline soils. The plant species can grow under a range of soil moisture conditions provided drainage is adequate, and the nutrient content is sufficient.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate temperatures up to 35°C for short periods, but extended exposure can affect their growth and lead to death. The minimum temperature requirement for the growth of the plant is 15°C, and temperatures below this range can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. Additionally, cold temperatures can cause severe damage to the plant, so it is not ideal to grow them in frost-prone areas.
Cultivation
Macrolobium reticulatum Hutch. is a tropical plant species that thrives well in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. When cultivating the plant, it is advisable to plant it during the rainy season when the soil is moist. The plant requires partial to full sun exposure.
Watering Needs
Macrolobium reticulatum Hutch. requires moderate watering when it is young but less watering when it matures. During the growth stage, it is advisable to keep the soil moist throughout. The plant's moisture requirements will often vary depending on the rainfall, temperature, and soil type.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization with organic or inorganic fertilizers to thrive well. Before fertilizing the plant, it is advisable to perform a soil test to determine the soil nutrient requirements. Over-fertilizing the plant may cause leaf burn, stunted growth, and other plant health issues. It is advisable to fertilize the plant two weeks before the rainfall or before watering to avoid washing out the nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for Macrolobium reticulatum Hutch. to thrive well. Prune the plant regularly to remove damaged, diseased, or dead branches. It is advisable to prune the plant during the early growth stages to give it a desired shape and promote branching. When pruning the plant, ensure you use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the remaining parts of the plant.
Propagation of Macrolobium Reticulatum Hutch.
Macrolobium reticulatum Hutch. can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. These methods include:
Seed Propagation
The plant produces small seeds that can be collected during the fruiting season. The seeds require scarification to break the hard seed coat. This can be done by pouring hot water over the seeds and allowing them to soak for 24 hours before sowing. The seeds are sown in a mixture of sand and soil, watered frequently, and germinate within 3 weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Asexual propagation of the plant can be done through stem cuttings. Healthy stem cuttings should be taken from the parent plant and planted in a mixture of sand and soil. The cuttings should be watered frequently and kept in a warm and humid environment. The cuttings will take root within 3-4 weeks and can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering propagation is another asexual method of propagation for Macrolobium reticulatum Hutch. This method involves making a cut on a healthy stem of the plant and wrapping the cut stem in moist sphagnum moss and plastic wrap. Roots will grow from the cut stem in the moss, and once fully developed, the rooted stem can be cut from the parent plant and planted in its permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Macrolobium reticulatum Hutch.
Macrolobium reticulatum Hutch., commonly known as the African rosewood or zingana, is a tropical tree species that is native to Africa. The tree is valued for its timber, which is used to make furniture, flooring, and other high-end interior finishes. However, like any plant species, the African rosewood is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can affect its growth and productivity. Effective disease and pest management strategies can help to mitigate the impact of these threats.
Common diseases that affect Macrolobium reticulatum Hutch.
One of the most common diseases that affect Macrolobium reticulatum Hutch. is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. The disease can cause defoliation, stunted growth, and reduced yield. To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to keep the plant's foliage dry and remove any infected leaves from the plant. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Another disease that affects Macrolobium reticulatum Hutch. is root rot. Root rot is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and decay. The disease can cause wilting, yellowing of leaves, and stunted growth. To manage root rot, it is essential to avoid over-watering and to ensure good drainage of the soil. Fungicides can also be applied to control the disease.
Common pests that affect Macrolobium reticulatum Hutch.
One of the most common pests that affect Macrolobium reticulatum Hutch. is the stem borer. The stem borer is an insect pest that attacks the stem of the plant, causing damage to the vascular tissues and reducing the plant's growth and productivity. To manage stem borers, it is essential to prune and dispose of any infested parts of the plant. Insecticides can also be used to control the pest.
Another pest that affects Macrolobium reticulatum Hutch. is the mealybug. The mealybug is a small, soft-bodied insect that feeds on the plant's sap, causing the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. To manage mealybugs, it is essential to remove any infested leaves from the plant and to apply insecticides to control the pest.
Conclusion
Disease and pest management are crucial to the growth and productivity of Macrolobium reticulatum Hutch. Effective strategies include maintaining good plant hygiene, avoiding over-watering, and applying timely treatments using fungicides and insecticides to control diseases and pests. Regular monitoring of the plant's health can also help to identify any potential threats early, allowing for prompt intervention and prevention of damage to the plant.
