Origin
Markhamia verdickii De Wild. is a tree species that belongs to the family Bignoniaceae, and is native to Africa. It is commonly found in central, eastern, and southern Africa, including countries such as Cameroon, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by a variety of names across different regions including African tulip tree, red cedar, and mukwa.
Uses
The tree's timber is popularly used in construction, particularly for making furniture, flooring, and roofing. The bark and roots have medicinal properties which are used to treat a range of ailments from malaria to stomach disorders, and extracts from the tree are sometimes used in traditional African medicine. In addition, the tree's bright orange-red flowers are highly attractive to butterflies and birds and are occasionally used to make dye for clothes and textiles.
Appearance
The Markhamia verdickii De Wild. tree typically grows to between 10 and 25 meters in height, with a trunk diameter ranging from 30 to 60 cm. The leaves are large and oblong in shape, measuring between 15 to 30 cm long and 8 to 10 cm wide. The tree produces a profusion of showy, bell-shaped flowers, each measuring around 8 cm long and 7 cm wide, with a bright orange to reddish color. These are followed by long, narrow pods containing flat, winged seeds. The bark is rough and grayish-brown in color, with deep fissures, and the wood is hard and durable.
Light Requirements
The Markhamia verdickii De Wild. plant requires partial to full sunlight exposure to grow efficiently. Therefore, it is recommended that the plant is placed in a location with sufficient sunlight exposure.
Temperature Requirements
The plant growth is optimal within a temperature range of 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. Markhamia verdickii De Wild. thrives well in areas with a warm tropical climate. It is, therefore, crucial to regulate the temperature conditions around the plant.
Soil Requirements
The soil pH level should range from neutral to slightly acidic. Markhamia verdickii De Wild. prefers well-drained soils that are relatively rich in organic matter. It is recommended to add compost to the soil before planting the Markhamia verdickii De Wild. plants. The soil should be moist at all times, but not water-logged, since this may lead to root rot and other related problems.
Cultivation
Markhamia verdickii De Wild. is a tree that grows in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. It requires a warm climate with temperatures above 18°C and well-drained soil for successful cultivation. The plant grows well in areas with partial and full sunlight exposure.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering during its growing season. It's advisable to water often enough, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can damage or kill the plant.
Fertilization
Markhamia verdickii De Wild. can benefit from regular fertilization to provide additional nutrients to its growing soil. It's recommended to use fertilizer that is high in nitrogen and potassium. The fertilizer should be added to the soil at the beginning of the growing season and reapplied after every three months.
Pruning
Pruning Markhamia verdickii De Wild. is essential to keep the plant in shape, improve air circulation, and avoid overcrowding. Prune the plant in early spring when it's less likely to be stressed from the intensive pruning process, and the plant is less susceptible to diseases and pests. It's recommended to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches and limbs as part of the pruning process.
Propagation of Markhamia verdickii De Wild.
Markhamia verdickii De Wild. is a beautiful tropical tree that is mainly propagated through vegetative methods. Cuttings and air layering are the most common propagation methods for this plant.
Cuttings
The vegetative propagation through cuttings is easy and effective for Markhamia verdickii De Wild. Cuttings are taken from the tips of the stems during the growing season and they should be about 20-25 cm in length with 3-4 leaves. The cuttings are then dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining potting mix. They should be placed in a warm and humid environment and watered regularly until they develop roots, usually within 6-8 weeks. After the roots have developed, the young plants are transplanted to a larger container or directly to the ground.
Air Layering
Air layering is another effective way of propagating Markhamia verdickii De Wild. This method involves making a small cut on a healthy stem in the middle portion and then making a ring of bark at the same place. The cut is then packed with sphagnum moss or coconut fiber and wrapped with plastic to keep the moisture in. Roots usually develop in a couple of weeks. When the roots are well established, the stem is then cut just below the moss or fiber and planted in a potting mix or ground. This method of propagation is best done in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
Markhamia verdickii De Wild. is a relatively easy plant to propagate and both methods are effective. By using these methods, more individuals of this beautiful plant can be produced and grown in gardens and landscapes to create a lush and tropical environment.
Disease and Pest Management of Markhamia verdickii De Wild.
Markhamia verdickii De Wild., commonly known as mukako or muvule, is a fast-growing tree native to Africa. It produces beautiful clusters of pink or white flowers and has various medicinal and ornamental uses. Like all plants, it is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests that can affect its growth, productivity, and appearance.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that affect Markhamia verdickii De Wild. are leaf spots, root and stem rot, and powdery mildew.
Leaf Spots: These are circular or irregular-shaped spots that appear on the leaves. They are usually caused by fungi and can be identified by their brown or dark brown color. To manage leaf spots, remove and destroy affected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides.
Root and Stem Rot: This is a fungal disease that causes the plant to wilt, discolor, and die. It infects the roots and stems, and its symptoms include soft and mushy tissues, brown discoloration, and foul smell. The disease is usually caused by overwatering, poor drainage, and soil-borne fungi. To manage root and stem rot, remove and destroy affected plants, improve drainage, water the plant sparingly, and apply fungicides.
Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white or grayish powder on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It can lead to stunting, distortion, and premature dropping of leaves. The disease is usually caused by high humidity, poor air circulation, and lack of sunlight. To manage powdery mildew, remove and destroy affected tissues, prune the plant to improve airflow, avoid spraying water on the plant, and apply fungicides.
Common Pests
The most common pests that affect Markhamia verdickii De Wild. are aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects.
Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant's leaves, buds, and stems. They are usually found in clusters, and their presence can be detected by the sticky honeydew they excrete. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
Mealybugs: These are small, waxy insects that are usually found in leaf axils and other hidden areas of the plant. They secrete honeydew and can cause stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting. To manage mealybugs, remove and destroy affected plant parts, prune the plant to improve airflow, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce natural predators such as lacewings.
Scale insects: These are small, wingless insects that attach to the plant's leaves, stems, and branches and suck sap from them. They produce a waxy coating that protects them from predators. Infested plants may show yellowing, wilting, and dieback. To manage scale insects, remove and destroy affected plant parts, prune the plant to improve airflow, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce natural predators such as parasitic wasps.
By practicing good cultural practices, such as proper watering, fertilization, and pruning, and implementing timely and appropriate pest and disease management measures, the health and productivity of Markhamia verdickii De Wild. can be maintained.
