Overview:
Parkia clappertoniana Keay is a plant species from the family Fabaceae. It is a popular tree in West Africa, where it is commonly known as ‘Dawadawa’ in Ghana, and ‘Sumsum’ in Nigeria. The plant is characterized by its edible fruit, which is used in various cuisines across the African continent. Besides its culinary usage, Parkia clappertoniana has several medicinal properties, making it a significant plant in local traditional medicine.
General Appearance:
Parkia clappertoniana is a large tree that grows to a height ranging from 15 – 20 meters tall. It has a straight trunk that often attains a diameter of up to 1 meter. The tree's bark is brown and has a rough texture, while its leaves are oblong to obovate in shape, measuring approximately 25 cm in length. The plant also produces flowers, which are green in color and are borne on branched inflorescences.
Origin:
Parkia clappertoniana is native to West Africa. The plant is distributed widely across the sub-Saharan region and is commonly found in Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon. It is often grown in the savanna woodlands and the tropical rainforests, where it thrives well in deep, well-drained soils with good fertility.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known by a variety of names across West Africa. In Nigeria, it is called ‘Sumsum’ amongst the Hausa people, and ‘Dadawa' by the Yoruba. In Ghana, it is known as ‘Dawadawa,’ whilst the Wolof people of Senegal refer to it as ‘Nitta.’
Uses:
Parkia clappertoniana has several uses, both medicinal and culinary. The plant's seeds are used to produce a condiment, which is used in various African cuisines to add flavor to soups, stews, and sauces. This condiment called ‘Dawadawa’ in Ghana and ‘Iru’ in Nigeria, has a strong odor and is rich in proteins. Moreover, the plant's bark and leaves have several medicinal properties and are used in local traditional medicine to treat several ailments, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. The plant is also used in agroforestry, where it is grown as a shade tree for various crops.
Light Requirements
Parkia clappertoniana Keay is a shade-tolerant plant. It grows well in partial shade with filtered light with a slightly dappled pattern. The plant can also thrive in areas with full sun exposure, but too much exposure can cause leaf yellowing or leaf burn. Indoor plants require bright, indirect light and may need to be placed near a south or west-facing window.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Parkia clappertoniana Keay is between 20°C to 32°C. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C or as high as 40°C, but growth may be stunted or slowed. In colder temperatures, the plant may require additional protection from frost or wind damage.
Soil Requirements
Parkia clappertoniana Keay requires soil that is well-draining and fertile. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant grows best in deep, loamy soil with good water-holding capacity. Additionally, the plant is adapted to grow in both lowland and upland soils with varying textures.
Cultivation Methods
Parkia clappertoniana Keay is a tropical plant that thrives in hot and humid climates. It requires well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients with a pH level between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant prefers full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.
Propagation can be done using seeds or stem cuttings, but seeds are preferred as they are easier to propagate and more reliable. The best time to plant the seeds is at the beginning of the rainy season when the soil is moist.
Watering Needs
It is essential to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months.
It is a good practice to allow the topsoil to dry out before watering the plant again. Proper drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogging that can lead to the death of the plant.
Fertilization
Parkia clappertoniana Keay requires regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer during the growing season, every two weeks, and reduce feeding during the dry season.
Young plants require more frequent fertilization to encourage faster growth, while mature plants need less fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, taking care not to apply it directly to the leaves or stem.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to keep the plant healthy, bushy, and to encourage more fruit production. Prune the plant in the dry season when it is dormant, removing any dead or diseased branches, and also any suckers that grow around the base of the plant.
Regular pruning keeps the plant in excellent shape, preventing it from becoming too tall or lanky, which can reduce fruit production. Prune the branches just above the node to encourage new growth and bushiness.
Propagation of Parkia clappertoniana Keay
Parkia clappertoniana Keay, commonly known as African locust bean or Jigalum, is a tree species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. This plant is native to West Africa and is known for its edible seeds, which are used to make various traditional dishes. Propagation of Parkia clappertoniana Keay can be done using different methods, such as seed propagation, stem cuttings, and air layering.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Parkia clappertoniana Keay. The seeds are collected from ripe pods and should be sown as soon as possible. The seeds should be soaked in water for a few hours before planting to soften the seed coat. The seeds should be planted in well-draining soil, and the planting hole should be twice the size of the seed. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil, and the soil should be kept moist until germination occurs.
Stem cuttings
Parkia clappertoniana Keay can also be propagated using stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from healthy, matured plants during the dormant season. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and stripped of their leaves. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the cutting should be placed in a warm, shaded area. The cutting should start developing roots within a few weeks.
Air layering
Air layering is another propagation method used for Parkia clappertoniana Keay. This involves removing a section of bark from a mature branch and covering the exposed area with moist soil or sphagnum moss. The covered area should be wrapped with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss. Roots will develop in the covered area after a few weeks. The rooted section can then be removed from the parent plant and planted in a separate pot with well-draining soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Parkia clappertoniana Keay
Parkia clappertoniana Keay is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of environmental conditions. However, it can still fall prey to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and productivity. As a helpful assistant, I will provide you with information on some common diseases and pests that can affect this plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
1. Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that can cause leaf spot, stem canker, and pod rot. Symptoms include circular brown spots on leaves, black lesions on stems, and soft, sunken spots on pods. To manage anthracnose, remove any infected plant parts and destroy them. Avoid overhead watering, and ensure good air circulation around the plant. Fungicides can also be applied to manage the disease.
2. Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that can affect the leaves, stem, and pods of Parkia clappertoniana. Symptoms include a white powdery coating on the plant parts, distorted growth, and premature leaf drop. To manage powdery mildew, remove any infected plant parts and destroy them. Prune overcrowded branches to improve air circulation. Fungicides can also be applied to manage the disease
Common Pests
1. Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that can be found on the leaves and stems of the plant. They feed on the plant sap and excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and can cause the development of black sooty mold. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to knock them off. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be applied to manage them.
2. Bean Thrips: These are small insects that feed on the leaves, buds, and flowers of Parkia clappertoniana. They can cause stunted growth, distorted leaves, and premature flower drop. To manage bean thrips, remove any infected plant parts and destroy them. You can also apply insecticides such as pyrethrin to manage them.
3. Bean Beetles: These are small, oval-shaped insects that feed on the leaves and pods of the plant. They can cause defoliation and reduce the yield. To manage bean beetles, remove any infected plant parts and destroy them. You can also apply insecticides such as carbaryl to manage them.
By managing these common diseases and pests, you can ensure the health and productivity of your Parkia clappertoniana plant.
