Origin and Common Names
Mystroxylon englerianum (Loes.) Loes. is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Leguminosae and is native to West and Central Africa. It has various common names such as African Partridge Wood, Kirmbir, and Assamela.
Appearance
The plant is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 16 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 60 cm. Its bark is smooth and grey in color, with faint lenticels. The leaves are alternate, pinnate, and have between 6 and 14 leaflets that are elliptical and thinly leathery. The flowers are borne in axillary spikes and are white or cream-colored. The fruit is a legume that is about 10 cm long and 2 cm wide, with a brown woody shell that encases the seeds.
Uses
Medicinal Uses: The stem bark and root bark of Mystroxylon englerianum are used for various medicinal purposes in traditional African medicine. The bark is typically boiled to make a decoction that is used to treat various ailments such as coughs, fever, stomach ache, and diarrhea. It is also used to treat skin diseases, malaria, and as an emetic.
Commercial Uses: The heartwood of the plant is hard and durable, making it ideal for construction, carpentry, and furniture-making. The wood is also used to make tool handles, musical instrument parts, and carvings. The plant is also used for erosion control since it has a deep root system that helps stabilize soil.
Other Uses: The plant is also used in African culture for various spiritual and religious practices. The plant has a strong symbolic value and is often used in rituals and ceremonies.
Light Requirements
Mystroxylon englerianum requires bright, indirect light for optimal growth. However, it can also do well in areas with partial shade. Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight as it can damage the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
Mystroxylon englerianum thrives in warm temperatures between 18°C to 30°C. The plant cannot tolerate cold temperatures below 15°C, so it's essential to keep it in a warm environment. The plant also benefits from moderate humidity, so it's best to position it in a room with some moisture in the air, such as a bathroom or a humidifier.
Soil Requirements
Mystroxylon englerianum prefers well-draining soil with good moisture retention capability. The soil should be loose and light to promote proper root development and allow air to circulate. The plant can grow in various types of soil, such as loamy soil, sandy soil, or clay soil. However, it's best to avoid waterlogged soils as they can lead to root rot and the eventual death of the plant.
Cultivation of Mystroxylon Englerianum
Mystroxylon Englerianum is a tropical shrub that grows in warm, humid conditions. When planting this plant, it is important to choose a location where it can receive plenty of sunshine since it cannot tolerate shade.
It is best to plant it in well-draining soil, and the soil should be slightly acidic. The plant can thrive in areas with heavy rainfall or high humidity, but it also requires good drainage to avoid root rot.
Watering Needs
Regular watering is crucial during the first few weeks after planting the plant to help it establish roots. After this period, maintain a consistent watering schedule. Keep the soil moist, but not too wet, to avoid root rot. However, it is also important to avoid overwatering the plant since it can be harmful to its growth.
Fertilization
Mystroxylon Englerianum requires regular fertilization to achieve optimal growth. Use a slow-release fertilizer to feed the plant once every three months. Alternatively, you can choose to apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning can help maintain the shape and size of the plant and improve its overall health. Trim any dead or damaged leaves and branches as soon as you spot them. You can prune the plant to achieve a bush-like shape or train it to grow as a single stem. Regular pruning can help the plant produce more healthy-looking leaves and flowers.
Propagation of Mystroxylon englerianum
Mystroxylon englerianum (Loes.) Loes., commonly known as African Ironwood, is a slow-growing tree species that is native to tropical Africa. It is a tall and evergreen tree that grows up to 30m in height and has a dense crown of branches and leaves. The tree has multiple uses and is extensively used in Africa for its timber, medicinal properties, and shade.
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Mystroxylon englerianum is through seeds. The tree produces a large number of seeds that are collected from the mature fruits. The seeds are then cleaned and soaked in water for 24 hours. After soaking, the seeds are sown in seed trays filled with sandy soil. The seedlings are then transplanted to individual containers filled with soil after they have grown two to three true leaves.
Cutting propagation
Mystroxylon englerianum can also be propagated through cuttings. This method is suitable for producing clones of the parent plant with desirable traits. The best time to take cuttings is during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood shoots and should have at least two nodes. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining rooting medium. The cuttings are then covered with plastic to maintain humidity and placed in a shaded area until roots appear.
Air layering propagation
Mystroxylon englerianum can also be propagated through air layering. This method is ideal for producing plants with a well-developed root system that can quickly establish. The process involves selecting a healthy branch from the parent tree and cutting a ring of bark and cambium tissue. The cut should be about 2-3cm wide and should not damage the inner wood. The wound is then wrapped with damp moss or sphagnum, covered with plastic and tied with string. The moss is kept moist by watering periodically. After the roots have formed, the branch is cut below the roots and transplanted into a pot filled with soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Mystroxylon Englerianum (Loes.) Loes.
Mystroxylon englerianum (Loes.) Loes., commonly known as Nargusta in Hindi, belongs to the family Leguminosae. It is a small to medium-sized tree with a dense crown, and it is native to tropical Africa. Like every other plant, this species is vulnerable to a wide range of pests and diseases. Therefore, it is essential to know the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Diseases
There are various diseases that affect Mystroxylon englerianum. Two significant diseases are:
1. Leaf Spot
Leaf spots appear as small, brown to black spots on leaves, which gradually grow and coalesce into larger areas of dead tissue. The disease can cause defoliation and weaken the tree. It is caused by the fungus Cercospora mystroxylonis.
Management:
- Removal and destruction of infected leaves and twigs.
- Pruning to increase air circulation and sunlight penetration.
- Fungicide application during early infection stages.
2. Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew appears as a white, powder-like substance on leaves, stems, and flowers. The disease can cause stunted growth and reduce the plant's productivity. It is caused by a fungal pathogen.
Management:
- Removal and destruction of infected plant parts.
- Avoiding overhead irrigation.
- Fungicide application during early stages of the disease.
Pests
Mystroxylon englerianum is also susceptible to several pests. Two common pests are:
1. Shoot and Twig Borers
Shoot and twig borers are insect larvae that burrow into shoots and twigs, causing wilting, dieback, and in severe cases, death of the plant. The pests are most active in the rainy season.
Management:
- Removal and destruction of infested twigs.
- Use of physical barriers or sticky bands around the trunk.
- Insecticide application during the early stages of the pest invasion.
2. Thrips
Thrips are tiny, yellowish-brown insects that suck the sap from leaves and shoots, causing distortion, discoloration, and stunted growth. The pests are most active during the dry season.
Management:
- Removal and destruction of infested leaves or shoots.
- Use of reflective mulches on the soil.
- Insecticide application during the early stages of the pest invasion.
Disease and pest management is critical for maintaining Mystroxylon englerianum's health and productivity. Growers or farmers should follow the suggested management practices for reducing the impact of the pests and diseases.
