Overview
Markhamia paucifoliolata, also known as Markhamia lutea subsp. aequatorialis, is a species of tree that belongs to the family Bignoniaceae. It is native to central and eastern Africa, including Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.Common Names
Markhamia paucifoliolata is commonly known as the African tulip tree, red cedar, and muarubaini. In Swahili, it is known as "mkandaju."Appearance
The tree can grow up to 25 meters in height and has a straight trunk with a diameter of up to 60 cm. The bark is light brown or grey and can be smooth or have shallow fissures. The leaves are simple, dark green, and glossy on the upper surface, and paler on the underside. They grow to be 5-9 cm long and 2-5 cm wide. It produces yellow to red-orange trumpet-shaped flowers that grow to be around 7.5 cm long. Its fruits are around 30 cm long, slender, and contain numerous winged seeds.Uses
In traditional medicine, Markhamia paucifoliolata is used to treat various ailments such as fever, malaria, and dysentery. The bark and leaves are used to treat wounds and skin infections. Its wood is also highly valued and used as timber for construction, carpentry, and furniture making. The tree is also cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its beautiful flowers.Light conditions
Markhamia paucifoliolata De Wild. requires a significant amount of sunlight to grow and flourish. It is recommended to place the plant in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, care should be taken not to expose it to too much direct sunlight, which could cause leaf scorching and damage to the plant.
Temperature requirements
The ideal temperature range for the optimal growth of Markhamia paucifoliolata De Wild. is between 20°C to 35°C. The plant is indigenous to tropical regions and cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. Extreme heat, on the other hand, can cause the leaves to wilt, so it is recommended to provide adequate shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Soil requirements
The plant prefers well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It does not tolerate waterlogging, so the soil should be well-drained. If the soil is heavy clay, it is advisable to add sand to increase drainage.
Cultivation Methods
The Markhamia paucifoliolata De Wild can grow well in both partial shade and full sun. The plant thrives in areas with well-draining soil that is moderately fertile and rich in nutrients. The plant can grow up to a height of 20 meters, and therefore, it requires sufficient space when planting. The plant can also be propagated through the use of cuttings or seedlings.
Watering Needs
Markhamia paucifoliolata De Wild requires plenty of water during the active growing season. The plant can tolerate occasional dry spells, but it needs adequate water to keep the soil moist. Overwatering can result in root rot, and therefore, you should ensure that the soil drains well to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization
Markhamia paucifoliolata De Wild requires regular fertilization to maintain good growth and healthy foliage. You can use appropriate fertilizers that contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to supply the required nutrients. You can also use organic compost to improve soil fertility and enhance the soil's water retention capacity.
Pruning
Markhamia paucifoliolata De Wild requires pruning to maintain a proper shape and size. You can prune the plant during the dormant season to remove dead or diseased branches. You can also prune to thin out dense foliage and encourage new growth. Always ensure that you use clean pruning tools to avoid spreading diseased plant parts.
Propagation of Markhamia paucifoliolata De Wild.
Markhamia paucifoliolata De Wild. can be propagated by the following methods:
Seed propagation
The seeds of Markhamia paucifoliolata De Wild. can be collected from mature fruits. The seeds should be cleaned and dried before sowing. The seeds can be sown in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm and humid environment. Germination usually occurs within 2-4 weeks of sowing. The seedlings can be transplanted into individual containers or directly into the field after they have developed a few leaves.
Cuttings propagation
Softwood cuttings can be taken from actively growing shoots of Markhamia paucifoliolata De Wild. during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm in length and should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants. The bottom end of the cutting should be treated with rooting hormone and inserted into a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment, and the soil should be kept moist. Rooting usually occurs within 3-4 weeks of planting. Once the cuttings have developed roots, they can be transplanted into individual containers or directly into the field.
Air layering propagation
Air layering can be used to propagate Markhamia paucifoliolata De Wild. during the growing season. The bark is removed from a small section of a branch, and the exposed area is covered with a rooting hormone. The area is then wrapped in damp sphagnum moss and sealed with plastic wrap. The branch is left for several weeks until roots have developed. Once the roots are well-developed, the branch can be cut off and transplanted into individual containers or directly into the field.
Grafting propagation
Grafting can be used to propagate Markhamia paucifoliolata De Wild. onto rootstock with superior characteristics. The scion (the part of the plant to be propagated) should be taken from a healthy, disease-free plant and grafted onto a compatible rootstock. The grafted plant should be kept in a warm and humid environment until the graft has taken, which usually occurs within 3-4 weeks. The plant can then be transplanted into individual containers or directly into the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Markhamia paucifoliolata De Wild.
Markhamia paucifoliolata De Wild. is a tree species that is native to Central Africa. Like all plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pest infestations. To manage these issues, you need to identify the common pests and diseases and the corresponding control measures.
Common Diseases of Markhamia paucifoliolata De Wild.
One of the common diseases of Markhamia paucifoliolata De Wild. is leaf spot, caused by the fungi Cercospora spp. This disease affects the leaves, causing yellowing, spotting, and eventually death of the foliage. It can lead to defoliation and reduced growth of the tree.
To manage this disease, you can apply fungicides such as copper-based products or systemic fungicides. Ensure that you follow the instructions on the label when using the fungicides and observe the recommended safety precautions.
Another common disease of Markhamia paucifoliolata De Wild. is stem canker, caused by the fungus Fusarium spp. This disease affects the bark of the tree, causing it to peel off and exposing the inner wood. It can lead to wilting, stunted growth, and eventual death of the tree.
To manage this disease, you should prune the affected parts of the tree and apply a fungicide to prevent further spread. Avoid wounding the tree during pruning as this can create entry points for the fungus.
Common Pests of Markhamia paucifoliolata De Wild.
The common pests that can affect Markhamia paucifoliolata De Wild. include mealybugs, scale insects, and aphids. These pests feed on the sap of the tree, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. They can also facilitate the spread of diseases.
To manage these pests, you can use insecticides such as neonicotinoids, pyrethroids, or organophosphates. You can also use natural predators such as ladybirds, lacewings, and parasitic wasps to control the pest populations. However, you should follow the instructions on the label when using the insecticides and observe the recommended safety precautions.
In conclusion, disease and pest management is crucial for the health and growth of Markhamia paucifoliolata De Wild.. Identifying the common diseases and pests early and applying the appropriate control measures can help prevent the spread of these issues and ensure the long-term viability of the tree.
