Neocarya macrophylla (Sabine) Prance
Neocarya macrophylla, also called the African locust bean, is a tree species that belongs to the family of Meliaceae. It is native to the African continent, particularly in the western and central regions, and has been introduced to other parts of the world for its various uses.
Common Names
The African locust bean has several common names depending on the region. In Nigeria, it is called "iru" or "dawadawa," while in Ghana, it is known as "nunu." Other names include "soumbala" in Burkina Faso and "dikka" in Senegal.
Uses
Neocarya macrophylla has many uses, both culturally and economically. Its seeds are used in food preparation, particularly in West Africa, as a seasoning or condiment. They are fermented before use and can be used to make soups, stews, and sauces. The bark of the stem and roots are also used in traditional medicine, treating ailments such as headaches and stomach problems.
The tree provides a source of timber and has been used for making furniture and cabinets. The leaves are also used as fodder for livestock. In addition, the African locust bean has been used in land restoration and regreening programs in Africa due to its potential to improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.
Appearance
The African locust bean can grow up to 20 meters in height with a diameter of up to 60 centimeters. It has a dense, spreading crown with a grey-brown bark that is fissured and scaly. The leaves are compound and can grow up to 50 centimeters in length with leaflets of up to 15 centimeters. The flowers are small, greenish-white, and appear in clusters. The fruit is a large, woody pod that can grow up to 30 centimeters in length, and it houses the seeds.
Overall, the Neocarya macrophylla plays an important role in the lives of people in West and Central Africa, providing food, medicine, and economic opportunities.
Growth Conditions of Neocarya macrophylla (Sabine) Prance
Neocarya macrophylla (Sabine) Prance is a medium-sized tree that belongs to the family Chrysobalanaceae. It is native to the African continent and commonly found in the moist and dry savannas, as well as in deciduous and semi-deciduous forests.
Light Requirements
Neocarya macrophylla (Sabine) Prance requires full sunlight to partial shade to grow and thrive. However, too much direct sunlight can be harmful to the plant. Therefore, it is advisable to provide the plant with some shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements
Neocarya macrophylla (Sabine) Prance is relatively tolerant to a wide range of temperatures. However, the optimal temperature for growth and development is between 20°C and 30°C. Temperatures below 15°C and above 40°C can be detrimental to the plant's growth and survival.
Soil Requirements
Neocarya macrophylla (Sabine) Prance prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can also grow in soils that are acidic or slightly alkaline, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant does not tolerate waterlogging and requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. To improve soil fertility, adding manure or compost is recommended.
Cultivation
Neocarya macrophylla (Sabine) Prance, also known as the African yellow wood, is a tropical plant that requires warm and humid growing conditions. It grows well in sandy, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant thrives in areas with full sun exposure to partial shade, with a temperature range between 20°C to 30°C.
Watering Needs
The African yellow wood plant requires moderate watering throughout its growing season, which is during summer and spring. Watering should be reduced in winter, allowing the soil to dry out between watering. The plant's water requirements depend on the size of the plant, the amount of light it receives, and the humidity levels in the air. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can cause the leaves to wilt.
Fertilization
Neocarya macrophylla benefits from regular fertilization to ensure balanced growth. Fertilize the plant during its growing season, using a balanced fertilizer that has equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks, following the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to the buildup of salts in the soil, which can damage the plant's roots.
Pruning
The African yellow wood plant requires occasional pruning to remove dead or damaged branches, improve its shape, and promote growth. Pruning can be done at any time during the year, but it is best to do so during the winter months when the plant is dormant. Use clean, sharp tools to make cuts, and make sure to cut at an angle to stimulate new growth.
Propagation of Neocarya macrophylla (Sabine) Prance
Neocarya macrophylla is a tree species that belongs to the plant family Chrysobalanaceae. It is indigenous to Africa and is mostly found in the west and central regions of the continent. The tree species is an important source of food and income for many communities in Africa. The propagation of this species can be done using both seed and vegetative methods.
Propagation by seed
The seeds of Neocarya macrophylla are best collected from ripe fruits that have fallen to the ground or from the tree. The seeds should be washed and dried in the shade for a few days before planting. The planting medium should be a mixture of sand and loam, and the seeds should be planted at a depth of about 2 cm.
The planted seeds should be watered regularly, and germination should occur in about three to four weeks. The seedlings should be transplanted to individual pots when they are about 10 cm tall. The young plants can be grown in pots until they are mature enough to be transplanted into the ground.
Vegetative propagation
Neocarya macrophylla can also be propagated vegetatively using cuttings or layering. The cuttings should be taken from mature trees during the rainy season and should be about 30 cm long, with at least two nodes. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a mixture of sand and loam. The cuttings should be watered regularly, and rooting should occur in about six to eight weeks.
Layering involves bending a branch to the ground and covering a portion of it with soil or compost. New roots will grow from the covered portion of the branch, and the rooted branch can be separated from the mother plant and transplanted into its permanent location.
In conclusion, Neocarya macrophylla can be propagated using both seed and vegetative methods. The propagation method chosen depends on the resources available and the desired outcome. With proper care, the propagated plants can grow into healthy trees and provide food and income for many communities in Africa.
Disease and Pest Management for Neocarya macrophylla
Neocarya macrophylla, also known as the African locust bean tree, is a valuable plant species known for its edible fruit, seeds and bark which are used for various purposes. However, the plant is susceptible to different diseases and pests which can impact its growth and yield. Effective disease and pest management practices are vital to maintaining healthy plant growth and crop production.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases affecting Neocarya macrophylla is leaf spot which is caused by the fungi Mycosphaerella neocaryae. The disease causes the formation of circular or angular necrotic leaf spots with yellow or brown margins. Leaf drop may also occur as the disease progresses. To manage the disease, infected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and fungicides can also be applied to reduce the spread of the disease.
Brown canker is another fungal disease that affects the branches and twigs of the plant, resulting in the dieback of affected parts. The control measures include pruning of infected branches, use of fungicides and maintaining good plant hygiene practices.
Common Pests
The African locust bean tree can also be affected by pests such as the Cocoa Mirid bug, Helopeltis spp., which feed on the shoot tips and developing pods. Infested parts of the plant may result in stunted growth or uneven ripening of the fruits. The use of insecticides is one of the common pest control measures in managing the Cocoa Mirid bug.
Caterpillars or leaf rollers can also be a significant problem for the plant as they feed on the leaves and fruits. The damage caused by these pests can reduce the plant's photosynthetic capacity and affect the yield. Biological control measures such as the use of insect-eating birds or the application of biopesticides can be effective in managing these pests.
Conclusion
Effective disease and pest management practices are essential for maintaining the growth and yield of Neocarya macrophylla. Monitoring the plant regularly for signs of pests and diseases, maintaining good plant hygiene, and using appropriate control measures can help prevent and manage the impacts of pests and diseases.
