Description of Mystroxylon aethiopicum (Thunb.) Loes. var. pubescens (Oliv.) Brenan
Mystroxylon aethiopicum (Thunb.) Loes. var. pubescens (Oliv.) Brenan is a tall tree of the family Leguminosae-Papilionoideae. It is commonly known as African Blackwood, Senegal Blackwood, Mpingo, or African Ebony. The plant is native to various African countries, including Angola, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
Appearance
Mystroxylon aethiopicum (Thunb.) Loes. var. pubescens (Oliv.) Brenan is a large tree, which can grow up to 12 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 60 cm. The bark is dark grey or black, rough, and deeply fissured. The leaves are alternate, compound, and pinnate, with up to six pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are oblong, 1-3 cm long and 0.5-1.5 cm wide, with a wavy margin and a sharp tip. The flowers are small, yellowish-white, and borne in axillary racemes. The fruit is a large pod, 7-12 cm long and 2-3 cm wide, with a woody shell and one or two seeds.
Uses
Mystroxylon aethiopicum (Thunb.) Loes. var. pubescens (Oliv.) Brenan has several uses. The heartwood is highly valued for its dark color, hardness, and density, which makes it a prized material for carving, turning, and musical instruments, such as clarinet, oboe, and bagpipes. The wood is also used for making high-end furniture, flooring, knife handles, and decorative objects. The bark and leaves have various medicinal properties and are used to treat fevers, malaria, wounds, and stomach problems. The fruit pulp is edible and used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory problems, bronchitis, and diarrhea. The tree species is also important in agroforestry and reforestation programs, providing shade, timber, and soil stabilization.
Light Requirements
Mystroxylon aethiopicum (Thunb.) Loes. var. pubescens (Oliv.) Brenan is a species that thrives in bright light conditions. Such plants require at least six hours of direct sunlight exposure in a day to ensure proper growth and development. Bright light increases photosynthesis ensuring optimal health and productivity of the plant. A lack of proper light can cause the plant to become leggy and stunted.
Temperature Requirements
This species grows well in warm and humid conditions. The average temperature range for this plant is from 18°C to 26°C. Therefore, it is important to maintain a consistently warm environment that is not too hot or cold. This is because the plant cannot withstand extreme temperatures. The plant requires room temperature conditions, making it perfect for households and office spaces.
Soil Requirements
The plant does not require rich soils to grow. However, it grows optimally in moist and well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 which is slightly acidic. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the soil is neither too wet nor too dry, but it should be evenly moist. The appropriate soil for Mystroxylon aethiopicum (Thunb.) Loes. var. pubescens (Oliv.) Brenan is a peat-based mixture as it is able to hold water and nutrients for a long time while also draining well.
Cultivation Methods
Mystroxylon aethiopicum var. pubescens can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds can be collected from ripe fruits and should be sown as soon as possible. Cuttings can be taken from healthy mature plants, and should be treated with rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix.
Plant Mystroxylon aethiopicum var. pubescens in well-draining soil in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. The plant prefers slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as the plant is susceptible to root rot.
Watering Needs
Mystroxylon aethiopicum var. pubescens requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept lightly moist. However, over-watering can result in root rot, so it is essential to ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Fertilization is crucial for the growth of Mystroxylon aethiopicum var. pubescens plants. A balanced fertilizer should be applied every 2-3 months during the growing season, from spring to autumn. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can lead to salt build-up in the soil, which can harm the plant.
Pruning
Pruning helps to shape the plant and promote healthy growth. It is recommended to prune the plant during winter when it is in a dormant state. Remove any dead or damaged branches and cut back any unwanted growth. Pinching back the tips of the plant can also encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.
Propagation of Mystroxylon aethiopicum (Thunb.) Loes. var. pubescens (Oliv.) Brenan
Mystroxylon aethiopicum (Thunb.) Loes. var. pubescens (Oliv.) Brenan, commonly known as African satinwood, is a slow-growing evergreen tree that is native to sub-Saharan Africa. Propagation of this plant can be done through several methods, including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a common method used to propagate Mystroxylon aethiopicum var. pubescens. The ripe seeds are harvested from the mother plant and sowed in well-drained soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the seeds usually take three to four weeks to germinate. It is essential to keep the soil moist during the germination period, as the seedlings require constant moisture to develop properly.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another effective method of propagating Mystroxylon aethiopicum var. pubescens. Softwood cuttings of approximately six inches long are taken from the mother plant, with each cutting having at least three nodes. The bottom node should be dipped in rooting hormone, and the cutting is then planted in well-drained soil, usually a mix of peat moss and perlite. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment and misted regularly to allow for proper root development. The roots usually form after about two months.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Mystroxylon aethiopicum var. pubescens involves taking stem cuttings that have healthy leaves attached to them. The cuttings are then planted in a well-draining soil mix of sand and peat moss. The plant should be kept moist and humid until roots start to form. The roots usually develop within six to eight weeks. This method is commonly used for commercial propagation of the plant as it allows for the production of cloned, identical plants.
Disease Management
Mystroxylon aethiopicum (Thunb.) Loes. var. pubescens (Oliv.) Brenan is susceptible to several diseases like leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot.
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves, leading to leaf drop and defoliation. It can be managed by removing the infected leaves and applying fungicides. Powdery mildew is also a fungal disease that causes white powdery spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It can be managed by improving air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and using fungicides.
Root rot is a fungal disease that causes the plant roots to rot, leading to stunted growth and eventually plant death. It can be managed by improving the soil drainage and avoiding overwatering. The use of fungicides can also prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Mystroxylon aethiopicum (Thunb.) Loes. var. pubescens (Oliv.) Brenan is also susceptible to pest attacks from aphids, spider mites, and scale insects.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing curled and distorted leaves. They can be managed by removing them manually or using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Spider mites are tiny, spider-like insects that feed on the underside of leaves, causing yellowing and stippling. They can be managed by improving the humidity levels around the plant and using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Scale insects are small insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant, sucking sap and causing yellowing and stunted growth. They can be managed by removing them manually and using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regular monitoring of the plant and taking prompt action against any disease or pest outbreak can help in ensuring the healthy growth of Mystroxylon aethiopicum (Thunb.) Loes. var. pubescens (Oliv.) Brenan.
