Origin
Mystroxylon aethiopicum (Thunb.) Loes. subsp. burkeanum (Sond.) R.H.Archer, commonly known as African Male Pea, is a leguminous plant species native to Southern Africa, particularly in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Common Names
Aside from African Male Pea, Mystroxylon aethiopicum (Thunb.) Loes. subsp. burkeanum (Sond.) R.H.Archer is also referred to by other common names such as Mureverere, Muthoro, and Umuthathu.
Uses
In traditional African medicine, different parts of the African Male Pea plant are used for a variety of medicinal purposes such as treating high blood pressure, colds, and flu. The plant also has anticonvulsant properties that can help manage conditions like epilepsy. The bark and roots of the plant are also used to make a toothbrush. Additionally, the African Male Pea plant is used as a drought-resistant forage for livestock.
General Appearance
The African Male Pea plant is a small to medium-sized tree or shrub that can grow up to 10 meters tall. The leaves are compound and the flowers are small and white or cream in color. The fruits are brown pods that are slightly curved and contain a single seed. The bark of the tree is dark and deeply fissured, with small thorns on younger stems. The tree has a deep root system that enables it to access underground water in drought conditions.
Light Requirements
Mystroxylon aethiopicum (Thunb.) Loes. subsp. burkeanum (Sond.) R.H.Archer typically requires full sunlight to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate moderate shade, but too much shade can limit growth and affect the plant's overall health.
Temperature Requirements
This species of plant prefers warm to hot temperatures and is not frost tolerant. The ideal temperature range for Mystroxylon aethiopicum (Thunb.) Loes. subsp. burkeanum (Sond.) R.H.Archer is between 20°C to 35°C. It can tolerate moderate temperature fluctuations but cannot survive extended periods of extreme cold or heat.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Additionally, it prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range between 5.5 to 7.0. The plant struggles in soil that is heavy and prone to waterlogging and benefits from a well-draining soil mix with added organic material such as compost or peat moss.
Cultivation Tips for Mystroxylon aethiopicum subsp. burkeanum
Mystroxylon aethiopicum subsp. burkeanum is a type of evergreen tree or shrub that is found mainly in the savannah regions of Africa. When cultivating this plant, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind to get the best results.
Light and Soil Requirements
For optimal growth, Mystroxylon aethiopicum subsp. burkeanum requires plenty of sunlight. The plant thrives in well-drained soils, preferably sandy or loamy soils. Clay soils may retain too much moisture and not be suitable for this type of plant.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering, Mystroxylon aethiopicum subsp. burkeanum does not require regular watering. The plant is quite drought-tolerant and can survive long periods without water. However, during prolonged dry spells, it's recommended that you water it regularly and deeply to keep it healthy.
Pruning and Fertilization
Pruning is not necessary for Mystroxylon aethiopicum subsp. burkeanum unless it is growing out of control or has become diseased. However, if you want to do some trimming or shaping, it's best to do it during the colder months.
Fertilization is also not required for this plant, but it can help promote growth during the growing season. A slow-release, balanced fertilizer applied once a year during early spring can help the plant thrive.
Propagation of Mystroxylon aethiopicum subsp. burkeanum
Mystroxylon aethiopicum subsp. burkeanum is mainly propagated through seeds and cuttings. The propagation method to choose largely depends on the availability of plant material and the intended purpose of the propagation.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of the plant are small and should be collected from mature fruits. The collected seeds should be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place until the time for planting. Planting should be done in a suitable seedbed with well-draining soil. The soil should be loosened, and the seeds sown at a depth of about 2cm. It is also essential to ensure that the soil is kept consistently moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 14 to 30 days.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is ideal for those who want faster results. Cuttings should be obtained from healthy and disease-free branches of the plant. Cuttings should ideally be taken during the rainy reason when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be about 15 to 20 cm long and should have at least three leaves, two of which should be removed. The cuttings should be planted in a mixture of river sand and loamy soil, kept moist, and in an area with partial shade. Roots should begin to form in around six to eight weeks, after which the cuttings can be transplanted to individual pots or directly to the ground.
Disease Management
Mystroxylon aethiopicum subsp. burkeanum is a hardy plant that is not typically affected by a wide range of diseases. However, two common diseases that have been observed to infect the plant are Powdery Mildew and Leaf Spot.
Powdery mildew: This disease is characterized by powdery, white patches on the leaves and stems of the plant. It is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to improve air circulation around the plant by pruning and thinning out dense growth. Affected leaves should be removed and destroyed. Use of fungicides can also be an effective control measure.
Leaf spot: This is a common fungal disease that presents as small dark spots on the leaves. Over time, the spots grow larger and can cause the leaves to fall off. It is caused by the fungus Cercospora mystroxylonis. To control leaf spot, remove affected leaves and dispose of them. Use of fungicides can help to prevent and manage the disease.
Pest Management
Mystroxylon aethiopicum subsp. burkeanum is not commonly attacked by pests. However, there are a few pests that can affect the plant which include Stem borers and Aphids.
Stem borers: These are insect pests that bore into the stem of the plant, causing it to weaken and eventually die. They are controlled by regular pruning to remove infested branches. If infestation is severe, use of insecticides may be necessary.
Aphids: These are small insects that are known to feed on the sap of the plant. Infestations can result in stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. Use of insecticidal soaps and neem oil can provide effective control of aphids. Regular pruning and removal of affected leaves can also prevent further spread of the pest.
