Overview of Macrolobium zenkeri Harms
Macrolobium zenkeri Harms is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae, commonly known as the Candelabra tree or Zenker's candelabra tree. It is native to tropical Africa, specifically the countries of Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria. This plant species is found in lowland and medium altitude tropical rainforests, usually growing on sandy soils in riverbanks or swamps. The Candelabra tree is a slow-growing plant that can grow up to 25 meters in height.
General Appearance of Macrolobium zenkeri Harms
The Candelabra tree has a cylindrical trunk with a diameter of up to 120 cm and is covered with a dark brown or black bark. Its canopy is formed by numerous branches that tend to grow in a horizontal or slightly ascending pattern, resembling the shape of a candelabra; hence its common name. The leaves are large, pinnate, and composed of 6-8 opposite pairs of leaflets. The flowers are small with a yellowish-green color and are grouped in terminal inflorescences.
Uses of Macrolobium zenkeri Harms
The Candelabra tree is of great economic importance in Africa due to its numerous uses. The timber obtained from its trunk is durable, dense, and highly resistant to rot or insect attacks. It is used for making furniture, house construction, decorative carvings, and boats. The bark is used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, treating wounds, and curing fever. The pods of Macrolobium zenkeri Harms are edible and can be cooked or used in soups. Finally, the tree is also planted as an ornamental plant in parks and gardens due to its attractive shape and large canopy.
Light Requirements
Macrolobium zenkeri Harms is a shade-loving plant, and it prefers to grow in dappled sunlight to partial shade. Direct exposure to the sun for prolonged periods can damage the plant's sensitive leaves and cause leaf scorch. As a result, it is preferable to keep this plant under indirect light or partial shade for optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
Macrolobium zenkeri Harms thrives in tropical and subtropical weather, with a temperature range between 20°C to 25°C during the day and 15°C to 20°C at night. The plant may experience stunted growth or develop diseases and pests in temperatures that are too hot or cold, making it important to maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
Macrolobium zenkeri Harms requires well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as excess water can cause root rot. The plant may benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Cultivation Methods for Macrolobium Zenkeri Harms
Macrolobium zenkeri Harms is a tropical legume that requires warm temperatures and high humidity to grow healthily. The plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. However, seeds must be scarified to enable water penetration. The best propagation time for this plant is the onset of the rainy season when the soil is moist.
Plant the seeds or cuttings in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be slightly acidic, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. The plant thrives in sunny areas but can also grow in a lightly shaded environment.
Watering Needs for Macrolobium Zenkeri Harms
The plant requires adequate watering, especially during the dry season. Water the plant once a week or more, depending on the weather. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can cause the leaves to wilt and drop. During the rainy season, the plant may not require additional watering if the soil is moist.
Fertilization for Macrolobium Zenkeri Harms
Use a balanced fertilizer with equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to fertilize the plant. Apply the fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) every four to six weeks to maintain healthy growth. Use the appropriate amount of fertilizer, as excessive fertilizer use can lead to fertilizer burn and damage the plant.
Pruning for Macrolobium Zenkeri Harms
Pruning helps to maintain the shape of the plant, remove dead branches, and promote healthy growth. Only prune the plant during the growing season when the plant is actively growing. Avoid pruning the plant during the dormant season to prevent damage. Always sterilize the pruning tools before use to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Macrolobium zenkeri Harms
Macrolobium zenkeri Harms, commonly known as the African rosewood, is a popular ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers. It can be propagated in several ways:
Seed propagation
Seeds are the most commonly used method of propagation for Macrolobium zenkeri Harms. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours to soften their hard seed coat. After that, they can be sown in well-draining soil and kept warm and moist until germination. The germination period ranges from 1 to 2 months, depending on the conditions.
Cuttings propagation
Another method of propagation for Macrolobium zenkeri Harms is by taking cuttings from the plant. The cuttings should be taken during the growing season and be about 6 inches long. They should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm and humid environment until they root. The roots should develop within 3 to 4 weeks, and after that, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Air layering propagation
Air layering can also be used to propagate Macrolobium zenkeri Harms. This method involves creating a slit or a cut in the stem and applying rooting hormone to the exposed tissue. A ball of moist sphagnum moss is then wrapped around the wound and covered with plastic. Within a few weeks, roots will start to form in the moss. Once the roots are well-established, the stem can be cut from the parent plant and potted up.
Grafting propagation
Grafting can be used to propagate Macrolobium zenkeri Harms onto a rootstock of a closely related plant. This method is useful for propagating cultivars that cannot be propagated by other means. It involves joining the scion of the Macrolobium zenkeri Harms plant with the rootstock of a related plant. This method requires some skill and knowledge of grafting techniques.
Disease and Pest Management for Macrolobium zenkeri Harms
Macrolobium zenkeri Harms is a tropical tree species that is native to West and Central Africa. Like all plants, it is susceptible to pests and diseases that can damage its growth and overall health. Here's a list of common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggested management strategies:
Common Diseases
1. Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that affects many tropical trees, including Macrolobium zenkeri Harms. Symptoms include small circular or irregularly shaped spots on the leaves, which can cause them to turn yellow and fall off. The best way to manage leaf spot is to remove infected leaves and destroy them. Avoid overhead watering, and make sure the soil drains well to prevent moisture buildup.
2. Root Rot: Root rot is caused by fungi that thrive in wet and poorly drained soil conditions. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and wilting. To manage root rot, remove infected plants, improve soil drainage, and avoid overwatering.
Common Pests
1. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant's leaves and stems. Symptoms include honeydew on the leaves and growth stunting. To manage this pest, you can use insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils. You can also use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove mealybugs from the plant.
2. Thrips: Thrips are small, slender insects that also suck sap from the plant's leaves. Symptoms include silvering, streaking, and deformities on leaves and flowers. To manage thrips, you can use sticky traps, insecticidal soaps, or neem oil. You can also prune off heavily infested plant parts and destroy them.
In conclusion, maintaining the health of Macrolobium zenkeri Harms is crucial to ensure optimal growth and productivity. It is important to promptly identify and address any signs of pest infestation or disease to reduce the risk of permanent damage to the plant. By following the suggested management strategies, you can effectively manage the diseases and pests that might affect your plant.
