Introduction: Pachylobus tessmannii Engl.
Pachylobus tessmannii Engl. is a rare and unusual plant that belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is a small tree that has its origin in Africa, specifically Cameroon and Gabon. It is known by various common names such as "Omo-Olu", "Sheppard wood", "Bagaruwa" and "Ngirinyang".General Appearance of Pachylobus Tessmannii
Pachylobus tessmannii Englis a small tree that can grow up to 10-15 meters tall. The trunk is often covered with a rough, brown bark which sheds in flakes. The leaves of this tree are green, shiny, and alternate. They have an average length of 10-40 cm and a width of 5-20 cm. The leaves are elliptic, lanceolate or oblong in shape, with a rounded or cuneate base and an acuminate apex. The flowers produced by the tree are greenish-white in color and are borne in clusters at the base of the leaves.Uses of Pachylobus Tessmannii
Pachylobus tessmannii Engl. is known for its medicinal properties, especially in traditional medicine. The bark of the tree is commonly used to treat many health conditions such as fever, dysentery, gonorrhea, and other genital-related infections. The roots are useful in the treatment of hernia and various skin infections. The leaves of the tree can also be used to treat wounds and skin rashes. Apart from its medicinal uses, Pachylobus tessmannii Engl. is also very useful in the production of timber. The wood is hard and heavy, and it is resistant to decay. This makes it ideal for building furniture, boats, and other structures that require durable wood. In conclusion, Pachylobus tessmannii Engl. is a multipurpose plant that is highly valued for its medicinal and timber attributes. Its rarity and the demand for its significant benefits have been slowly disappearing over the years; therefore, there is a need to protect and conserve it for future generations.Growth Conditions for Pachylobus tessmannii Engl.
Pachylobus tessmannii Engl. is a rare tropical plant native to Guinea, Sierra Leone, Gabon, and Cameroon. It is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall and has a broad canopy. It is a member of the family Fabaceae, also known as the legume family.
Light Requirements
Pachylobus tessmannii requires partial to full sunlight to grow and thrive. It does not do well in areas with little or no sunlight. At least 6 hours of sunlight is recommended for this tree to develop properly. It is therefore advisable to plant it in an open area that receives enough sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The average temperature required for the growth of Pachylobus tessmannii is between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius. It can, however, tolerate temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius provided that it is well-watered. It is not suitable to grow in areas with temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
Pachylobus tessmannii grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, preferably between 6.0 and 7.5. It is advisable to add compost or other organic matter to the soil before planting to improve soil fertility. Mulching around the base of the tree will also help to retain soil moisture, prevent soil erosion, and suppress weed growth.
Cultivation methods
Pachylobus tessmannii Engl., commonly known as "Kanda", is a tropical plant native to central Africa. It grows well in warm and humid conditions. To cultivate this plant successfully, it is best to use a well-draining soil mix with equal parts of peat and sand for drainage. This plant is also suited for container planting or outdoor gardens in areas with a temperature range of 68-86°F.
Watering needs
Watering Pachylobus tessmannii is crucial to maintaining the plant's health. It is necessary to keep the soil moist, but not soaked, to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Watering once or twice a week, depending on the humidity levels in the air, is sufficient for this plant. It is advisable to let the soil dry partially between watering sessions to prevent the humidity from damaging the roots.
Fertilization
Pachylobus tessmannii requires regular fertilization to bloom and grow beautifully. An organic fertilizer applied every two weeks during the growing season, from March to August, is ideal for providing the nutrients required for the plant to grow. It is advisable to use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium to keep the plant healthy and robust.
Pruning
Pruning Pachylobus tessmannii is necessary to keep the plant in shape and remove any damaged or diseased parts. It is advisable to prune after the blooming season, around the end of August. The best way to prune is to cut off any parts of the plants that are dead or damaged. Cutting the plant back to the desired shape will encourage vigorous growth and blooming in the next season.
Propagation of Pachylobus Tessmannii Engl.
Pachylobus tessmannii Engl. is a rare and exotic plant species that can be propagated through various methods. Here are some of the most commonly used methods:
Seed Propagation
The first and most common way to propagate Pachylobus tessmannii is through seed propagation. The plant produces small seeds that can be sown directly in the ground or in pots. Before planting the seeds, they need to be scarified or nicked with a sharp knife or file to allow moisture to penetrate the seed coat. The seeds should then be soaked in water for 24 hours. After that, plant the seeds in well-draining soil and keep the soil moist.
Vegetative Propagation
Pachylobus tessmannii can also be propagated vegetatively. Stem cuttings are one of the most effective methods of vegetative propagation. Use a sharp and sterile knife to cut a stem that has at least two nodes. The cutting should be 4-6 inches long. Plant the cutting in well-draining soil and keep it moist. Another method is to propagate the plant through division. This is the process of separating the parent plant into smaller sections, each with its own leaves and roots.
Grafting
Grafting is another propagation method suitable for Pachylobus tessmannii. This method involves joining a stem of Pachylobus tessmannii to the rootstock of another plant. The rootstock provides the necessary nutrients for the plant to grow while the scion (P. tessmannii) provides the desirable features such as flower, fruit or wood qualities. Grafting is not common for P. tessmannii as the plant can be easily propagated through seed or stem cutting.
Disease and Pest Management for Pachylobus tessmannii Engl.
Pachylobus tessmannii Engl. is a tree species that is resistant to pests and diseases. However, in some cases, certain pests and diseases can affect the plant's health. The following are some common diseases and pests that might affect P. tessmannii and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Leaf Spots: Leaf spots are a fungal infection that affects the plant's leaves. The affected leaves exhibit brown or black spots, which eventually lead to leaf drop.
Management: To manage leaf spots, it is recommended to remove and destroy the affected leaves. Moreover, avoid watering the plant's leaves and provide adequate ventilation to ensure the plant's leaves remain dry.
2. Stem cankers: Stem cankers are bacterial or fungal infections, which cause the plant's bark to die and fall off.
Management: To manage stem cankers, remove and destroy the affected branches. Also, avoid wounding the plant stems during transplanting or pruning.
Pests
1. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small insects that appear on the plant's stems, leaves, and flowers. They suck the sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves.
Management: To manage mealybugs, it is recommended to remove and destroy the affected plant parts. Moreover, release natural predators or use neem oil-based insecticides.
2. Root-knot Nematodes: Root-knot nematodes are small roundworms that infect the plant's roots leading to root rot and stunted growth.
Management: To manage root-knot nematodes, use nematode-resistant cultivars, rotate crops and apply organic matter-rich soil amendments to suppress the nematode population.
Implementing the above measures should help protect the Pachylobus tessmannii plants against common diseases and pests.
