Origin
Macrolobium stipulaceum Benth. is a species of legume plant that is native to the tropical regions of Africa. It is found in countries like Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
Common Names
The plant Macrolobium stipulaceum Benth. is known by various names depending on the language and region. In English-speaking countries, it is commonly referred to as the African laburnum, West African laburnum, or African goldenchain. In French-speaking countries, it is called "Bois jaune" or "Bois de jaune". In local languages, it is known as "Osun" in Nigeria, "Abanos" in Ghana, and "Olokwan" in Cameroon.
Uses
Macrolobium stipulaceum Benth. has several uses, especially in traditional medicine. The bark, leaves, and roots of the plant are reported to have medicinal properties and are used in various African countries to treat different ailments such as fever, stomach disorders, and skin diseases. The bark is also used to make rope, and the wood is used in carpentry, furniture making, and carving.
General Appearance
The African laburnum tree is a deciduous plant that can grow up to 25 meters high. It has a straight trunk and a rounded canopy that is made up of numerous branches. The leaves are compound, with up to 12 pairs of leaflets arranged opposite to each other. The leaflets are glossy green and can be up to 12 cm long. The flowers grow in clusters that hang down from the branches, and they are bright yellow with a slight fragrance. The fruit is a pod that is up to 10 cm long, and it remains on the tree even after it has opened to reveal the seeds.
Light Requirements
Macrolobium stipulaceum Benth. prefers bright light conditions, but can tolerate some shade. It is well-suited to grow in areas that receive direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day. In shaded environments, the plant may grow slower or produce less flowers or fruits.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but is best suited to grow in tropical and subtropical climates. The ideal temperature for growth is between 20 °C to 30 °C. If the temperature drops below 10 °C, the plant may experience leaf drop and reduced growth rate, whereas high temperatures above 35 °C can cause wilting and leaf scorching.
Soil Requirements
Macrolobium stipulaceum Benth. prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. It can grow in different types of soils, including sandy and loamy soils. However, the soil must have good water retention capacity to ensure proper growth. The plant is also sensitive to saline soils and may not grow well in such environments.
Cultivation methods of Macrolobium stipulaceum Benth.
Macrolobium stipulaceum Benth. is a versatile plant that can thrive in different environments, including dry and damp areas. When cultivating this plant, you need to consider certain factors like soil quality, sunlight exposure, and temperature, among others. These are some basic guidelines for cultivating Macrolobium stipulaceum:
- Plant Macrolobium stipulaceum in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It is crucial to note that this plant is prone to root rot, so make sure you avoid waterlogged soils.
- When planting your Macrolobium stipulaceum, choose a location that receives partial to full sunlight. These plants require ample amounts of light to produce healthy foliage and flowers.
- Macrolobium stipulaceum prefers warm temperatures, so ensure that the soil temperature is above 15°C before planting. You can plant this species in pots or directly into the ground.
Watering needs of Macrolobium stipulaceum Benth.
When it comes to watering Macrolobium stipulaceum, it is crucial to strike a balance between under- and over-watering. Both extremes can harm the plant, making it difficult to grow. Here are some watering guidelines for Macrolobium stipulaceum:
- Water your plant when the soil surface feels dry to the touch. Be careful not to water too often or too little.
- During the growing season, the plant might require more water, while it might need less during the dormant season.
- Adequate moisture is essential for the plant to produce healthy foliage and flowers; therefore, you need to make sure it is well-watered without being waterlogged.
Fertilization of Macrolobium stipulaceum Benth.
To thrive and produce healthy foliage and flowers, Macrolobium stipulaceum requires regular fertilization. Here are some fertilization guidelines:
- Fertilize your plant once every two weeks, using a balanced fertilizer. During the flowering season, use a fertilizer that is high in potassium.
- You can also add organic matter to the soil to boost its nutritional value and to help retain moisture.
- Be careful not to apply too much fertilizer, as this can harm the plant rather than help it.
Pruning of Macrolobium stipulaceum Benth.
Pruning Macrolobium stipulaceum is essential if you want to maintain the shape of the plant and to promote healthy growth. Here are some pruning guidelines:
- Prune your plant during the dormant season. This is the time when the plant is not actively growing.
- Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood with a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears.
- You can also prune to shape the plant and to promote healthy growth.
- Be careful not to remove too much wood, as this can harm the plant.
Propagation of Macrolobium stipulaceum Benth.
Macrolobium stipulaceum Benth. can be propagated both by sexual and asexual means.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Macrolobium stipulaceum Benth. can be collected from mature pods. To increase the chances of successful germination, it is advisable to scarify the seeds by nicking off the seed coat. Seeds can be sown directly in the field, in raised nursery beds, or pots. The best time for sowing is at the beginning of the rainy season. Seeds should be planted at a depth of about 1 to 2 cm and kept moist until germination, which generally takes 2 to 4 weeks. After germination, the seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location when they are 8 to 10 months old.
Propagation by Cuttings
Macrolobium stipulaceum Benth. can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from mature healthy plants during the rainy season. Proper care should be taken to avoid damaging the bark and to keep the cuttings hydrated. The bottom end of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil in nursery beds. The cuttings can be covered with polythene sheets to maintain humidity. After 2 to 3 months, the cuttings develop roots and can be transplanted to their final location.
Propagation by Air Layering
Air layering is another method for propagating Macrolobium stipulaceum Benth. It involves creating a wound in the stem and then covering it with a rooting medium like peat moss or sphagnum moss. The cutting is wrapped in polythene sheets to maintain moisture and left to develop roots. Once roots have developed, the cutting can be cut off from the parent plant and transplanted to its final location.
Disease and Pest Management for Macrolobium stipulaceum Benth.
Macrolobium stipulaceum Benth. or commonly known as the Sapucaia tree, is a species of deciduous tree native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. It is a valuable timber tree, and its nuts are also edible. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Macrolobium stipulaceum Benth. is root rot. It is caused by various fungi, including Fusarium and Phytophthora, that can attack the roots of the tree and cause decay. Symptoms of root rot include wilting, yellowing leaves, and tree decline. To manage root rot, it is essential to prevent waterlogging and improve drainage. Infected trees must be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Another disease that affects Macrolobium stipulaceum Benth. is leaf spot. It is caused by the fungus Cercospora macrolobii and can cause defoliation and reduce the tree's growth rate. To manage leaf spot, it is essential to remove infected leaves and destroy them. Fungicides such as copper-based or captan-based can also be used to control the disease.
Common Pests
Aphids are one of the most common pests that affect Macrolobium stipulaceum Benth. These small insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaf curling and yellowing, and can also transmit viruses. To manage aphids, it is essential to prune affected areas and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.
Another pest that affects Macrolobium stipulaceum Benth. is the sapucaia seed borer. These insects can damage the seeds and reduce the tree's yield. To manage seed borers, it is essential to harvest the seeds before they are fully mature and destroy any infested seeds. Insecticides such as endosulfan can also be used to control the pest.
It is important to note that pesticide use must always follow the recommended label instructions, and it is best to use natural or organic methods to manage diseases and pests whenever possible.
