Macrolobium stephanii A.Chev.
Macrolobium stephanii A.Chev. is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is native to tropical Africa, including Central African Republic, Congo, and Gabon.
Common Names
The plant is known by several common names, including "akuamu" in Cameroon, "etiopia" in Gabon, and "londi" in Congo.
Uses
The roots and bark of Macrolobium stephanii A.Chev. have been traditionally used in African medicine for various purposes, including treating fever, stomach problems, and wounds. In Gabon, the bark is used to treat snake bites and scorpion stings. The wood of the plant is used in carpentry, as it is hard and resistant to decay.
General Appearance
Macrolobium stephanii A.Chev. is a medium-sized tree, growing up to 30 meters tall. It has a straight trunk with a diameter of up to 70 cm. The leaves are compound, with 4-6 pairs of leaflets, and can be up to 30 cm long. The flowers are yellow, with 5 petals, and grow in clusters. The fruit is a pod, up to 25 cm long, containing several seeds.
Overall, Macrolobium stephanii A.Chev. is an important plant in African traditional medicine and has several uses in carpentry. Its straight trunk and yellow flowers make it an attractive tree for ornamental purposes as well.
Growth Conditions of Macrolobium stephanii A.Chev.
Macrolobium stephanii A.Chev. is a tropical rainforest tree that belongs to the legume family, Fabaceae. For optimum growth and development of this plant, several environmental conditions need to be met.
Light Requirements
Like most tropical rainforest plants, Macrolobium stephanii A.Chev. prefers shade and cannot tolerate direct sunlight. Therefore, it is most commonly found growing in the understory of the rainforest, where the canopy trees filter the sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for the growth of Macrolobium stephanii A.Chev. is between 20°C and 28°C. However, it has been reported to tolerate temperatures as high as 38°C and as low as 10°C for short periods. During the winter months when temperatures may drop below the optimal range, growth may slow down, but the plant should recover once temperatures rise above the threshold.
Soil Requirements
The soil requirements for Macrolobium stephanii A.Chev. are specific and must be met for the plant to thrive. The soil must be well-drained and rich in organic matter. It should also be slightly acidic with a pH range between 4.5 and 6.5. The plant requires a lot of moisture but cannot tolerate waterlogged soil.
In conclusion, for Macrolobium stephanii A.Chev. to grow optimally, it requires a shaded environment, temperatures between 20°C and 28°C, and well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter with adequate moisture.
Cultivation of Macrolobium stephanii A.Chev.
Macrolobium stephanii A.Chev. is a tropical plant that can be grown in warm and humid conditions, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30?, and a relative humidity of about 80%. It grows well in well-drained soil and needs plenty of sunlight.
It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings, but seed propagation is the most commonly used method. The seeds should be planted in a well-draining potting mix about 2-3 cm deep and kept moist until they germinate.
Watering needs of Macrolobium stephanii A.Chev.
Macrolobium stephanii A.Chev. requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. It is best to water the plant deeply once a week, rather than shallow watering every day. However, the frequency of watering can vary depending on the weather conditions, size of the pot, and type of soil.
Drought stress can cause leaf drop in this plant, so it is important to make sure it gets enough water.
Fertilization of Macrolobium stephanii A.Chev.
Macrolobium stephanii A.Chev. benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. The fertilizer should be rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Overfertilization can cause damage to the plant, so it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions or consult a professional.
The fertilizer should be applied every three to four weeks, starting from early spring to late summer.
Pruning of Macrolobium stephanii A.Chev.
Pruning of Macrolobium stephanii A.Chev. is not necessary, but it can help control its size and shape. The best time to prune is in the early spring before new growth appears.
It is important to use clean and sharp pruning tools to prevent damage to the plant. The plant can be pruned lightly to remove dead or damaged branches, or more severely to control its size and shape.
Propagation of Macrolobium stephanii A.Chev.
Macrolobium stephanii A.Chev. can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, and by layering.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Macrolobium stephanii A.Chev. can be collected from mature pods when they are near maturity. The seeds have a hard seed coat and should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours before sowing to help speed up germination. The seeds can then be sown in a mixture of sand, loam, and compost.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings can be done using stem cuttings taken from the current season's growth. The cuttings should be about 20 cm long with 2-3 nodes, and the leaves should be removed from the lower half of the stem. The cuttings should then be dipped in rooting hormone powder before being planted in a mixture of sand and compost. It's best to keep the cuttings in a warm, humid environment until roots have developed.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation by layering involves bending a young shoot down to the ground and burying a small section of it under the soil. The section buried underground should be wounded and treated with rooting hormone before being buried. When roots have developed, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted to its new location.
Disease Management
Macrolobium stephanii A.Chev. is susceptible to several types of diseases, such as:
- Anthracnose: Symptoms include leaf spots and blights. Control measures include applying fungicides and removing infected plant parts.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease can cause the leaves to curl, yellow, and eventually die. Proper ventilation and application of fungicides can help prevent its spread.
- Root Rot: This disease can cause wilting and stunted growth. Prevention methods include managing soil moisture and avoiding over-fertilization.
Pest Management
Macrolobium stephanii A.Chev. is also vulnerable to pest infestation. Common pests that affect this plant include:
- Spider Mites: These pests can cause yellowing of leaves and defoliation. Using insecticidal soap can help control the infestation.
- Mealybugs: They can cause stunting, distortions, and leaf drop. They can be managed by using insecticidal soap and physically removing them from the plant.
- Aphids: They can cause stunted growth and deformities. Neem oil and insecticidal soap can help control the infestation.
Proper cultural practices such as good sanitation, proper fertilization, and regular irrigation can help prevent pest infestation and disease development. In addition, early detection and prompt management can help control the spread of pests and diseases.
