Overview
Millettia teuszii (Büttner) De Wild. is a plant species belonging to the legume family, Fabaceae. It is mainly found in West Africa's tropical forest zone and is known for its multiple medicinal properties.
Common names
The plant is commonly known as African laburnum, African cherry blossom, African golden rain, and Togolese laburnum.
General appearance
The tree grows up to 25 meters tall with a trunk diameter of 50 cm. The leaves are compound with seven to eleven leaflets arranged alternately along the stem. The leaflets are oval-shaped, about 7 to 15 cm long, and 3 to 8 cm wide. They are bright green in color and hairless. The flowers of Millettia teuszii form on a raceme of 15 to 60 cm in length, with clusters of golden yellow flowers. The fruit of African laburnum is a pod, about 10 to 25 cm long, and about 3 cm wide.
Uses
Millettia teuszii has numerous medicinal properties. Its roots, bark, and leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments like ulcers, diarrhea, and stomach problems. The bark and leaves are also used for malaria treatment. The plant's wood is hard, durable, and is traditionally used for building and carving. The seeds are used to make jewelry and other decorative items.
Light Requirements
Millettia teuszii requires a substantial amount of sunlight to grow efficiently. It thrives well in areas where it can receive direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. In places where the amount of sunlight is limited, the plants must be placed in areas where they can receive the maximum amount of sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature ranges for the growth of Millettia teuszii should be between 20°C to 30°C. The plant can not tolerate very low temperatures and cannot withstand frost. Therefore, it is essential to keep it in a warm environment to ensure optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
Millettia teuszii can grow in a wide range of soils. However, it thrives well in rich alluvial soils that are well-draining. The pH of the soil must be neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6.5 to 7.5) for optimal growth. It requires moderate watering and cannot withstand waterlogging; therefore, it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-draining.
Cultivation of Millettia teuszii
Millettia teuszii is a hardy plant, adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions. It can tolerate poor soil, drought, and extreme temperatures.
However, for best results, it should be grown in a well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. It grows well in both full sun and partial shade.
Watering Needs
Young Millettia teuszii should be watered regularly, especially during the growing season. Once established, the plant is relatively drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Watering should be reduced during the dormant season to prevent root rot.
Fertilization
Millettia teuszii is not a heavy feeder and can grow well in poor soil. However, periodic fertilization can help promote healthy growth and blooming. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 can be applied every four to six weeks during the growing season.
Pruning
Millettia teuszii requires very little pruning. However, it can be pruned lightly to maintain its shape and size. The best time to prune is after blooming, during the dormant season. Any dead or diseased branches should be removed as soon as they are identified.
Be careful while pruning as the plant has sharp thorns that can cause injury.
Propagation of Millettia teuszii
Millettia teuszii is a leguminous tree species that is found in Africa. It is also known as African teak and is highly valued for its hard, durable timber. The tree is propagated mainly by seed, but it can also be propagated by cuttings and grafting.
Propagation by Seed
The seeds of Millettia teuszii are large and are easily collected from mature pods that have fallen from the tree. The pods are usually collected during the dry season when they are fully mature. The seeds should be removed from the pods, cleaned, and stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be sown.
Before sowing the seeds, they should be soaked in water for about 24 hours to help break down the hard seed coat. The seeds can then be sown in seedling trays or raised beds filled with a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 2 to 3 times their diameter. The trays or beds should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within 2 to 4 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Millettia teuszii. Semi-hardwood cuttings from the current season's growth are collected during the rainy season, when the tree is actively growing. The cuttings should be about 10 to 15 cm long and should be taken from healthy, disease-free branches. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting are removed, and the cutting is dipped in a rooting hormone before planting.
The cuttings are then planted in a mixture of sand and soil, in a well-draining container. The container should be covered with a polythene bag to maintain high humidity. The cuttings should be watered regularly, and the polythene bag should be removed once new growth has appeared.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting can be used to propagate Millettia teuszii onto rootstock from a closely related species. The scion is collected during the dormant period and should be about 10-15 cm long, with a diameter of about 0.5 cm. The rootstock should be of a similar size and diameter to the scion. The scion is then grafted onto the rootstock using a whip-and-tongue or cleft grafting method.
The graft union should be wrapped with a grafting tape to prevent moisture loss and to facilitate healing. The grafted plant should be placed in a warm, humid environment and should be watered regularly. Once the graft has taken, the plant can be transplanted into a well-draining potting mix and grown under normal conditions.
Disease Management
Millettia teuszii (Büttner) De Wild. is susceptible to various diseases, including Witches’ broom, powdery mildew, and leaf spot.
Witches’ broom: This disease is caused by fungus and can cause deformity in the plant, as well as reduced growth and yield. The best management practices include pruning and removing the affected parts of the plant and applying appropriate fungicides. However, a better approach is to plant disease-resistant varieties.
Powdery mildew: This disease is caused by fungi and can lead to the yellowing of leaves, as well as death of the plant. Good sanitation practices, such as keeping weeds under control, are effective in managing the disease. Additionally, applying fungicides can reduce the incidence of the disease.
Leaf spot: This disease is caused by fungus and appears as small brown or black spots on the leaves. Removing the affected parts of the plant, good sanitation practices, and applying suitable fungicides can manage the disease.
Pest Management
Millettia teuszii (Büttner) De Wild. is also vulnerable to pests such as spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs.
Spider mites: Spider mites can cause severe damage to the plant, characterized by yellowing of leaves and premature drop of leaves. The best management practices include applying acaricides and keeping the plant moist to discourage the mites. If possible, introducing predatory mites can also control spider mites.
Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and can inspire the growth of mold. The management practices include the use of insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils and the introduction of beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Mealybugs: These sap-sucking insects produce a waxy covering, which protects them from insecticides. The management practices include the use of horticultural oils and removing the affected parts of the plant. Additionally, introducing parasitic wasps and lady beetles can effectively control mealybugs.
