Origin
Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. var. hildebrandtii (Harms) Chiov. is a species of plant in the family Fabaceae, which is native to Africa and is found in several countries including Kenya and Tanzania.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as the African locust bean and is also called dawa-dawa, ogiri, iru, and néré depending on the region.
Uses
The African locust bean is a valuable plant in Africa due to its numerous benefits and uses. The seeds contain a rich source of protein, essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. It is often used as food in various forms including roasted, boiled, and fermented. The fermented seeds are used to make sauces, soups, and stews, while the leaves are used to make soup and sometimes used as a vegetable.
The bark and roots of this plant have been used traditionally for medicinal purposes to treat various diseases such as fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The plant has also been found to have potential as a natural pesticide, as its seeds and bark contain insecticidal properties.
General Appearance
The African locust bean tree is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. It has rough, dark brown or grey bark and a characteristic umbrella-shaped crown. The leaves are compound, with up to 10 leaflets that are dark green and glossy on the upper surface and lighter on the underside. The flowers are greenish-yellow and have a strong smell, and the fruits are long, flat, and twisted pods that are up to 50 centimeters long. Each pod contains up to 20 seeds that are surrounded by a sweet pulp.
Growth Conditions of Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. var. hildebrandtii (Harms) Chiov.
Light: Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. var. hildebrandtii (Harms) Chiov. requires full sunlight exposure for optimal growth and development. It cannot tolerate shade or low light conditions as it hinders its photosynthesis process.
Temperature: This plant variety is native to tropical regions and grows best in warm temperatures between 20°C to 30°C. It cannot tolerate frost or cold temperatures below 10°C, which can stunt its growth or even kill it.
Soil: Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. var. hildebrandtii (Harms) Chiov. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5, which is neutral to slightly acidic. The plant can tolerate different soil types such as sandy, clay, or loamy soils. However, it needs to be well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Water: This plant requires moderate watering and cannot tolerate waterlogging. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged as it can result in root rot. During the dry season, it requires additional watering to keep the soil moist.
Fertilizer: Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. var. hildebrandtii (Harms) Chiov. requires regular fertilization to aid in its growth. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended. It should be applied during the growing season as it aids in leaf and flower production.
Propagation: This plant variety can be propagated through seeds and cuttings. Seeds should be soaked overnight in water to soften the seed coat before planting. Cuttings should be taken from new growth and dipped in rooting hormone before planting in well-draining soil.
Cultivation Method
The Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. var. hildebrandtii (Harms) Chiov. plant grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. It prefers well-drained and fertile soils. The plant can be propagated by both seeds and cuttings. Propagation by cuttings gives a higher chance of obtaining the desired traits. The plant can be grown in either full sun or partial shade.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is crucial for the healthy growth of Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. var. hildebrandtii (Harms) Chiov. plant. It should be watered regularly but not excessively. Overwatering can lead to root rot. During the dry season, the plant requires more frequent watering. A layer of mulch around the plant can help to retain moisture and keep the soil cool.
Fertilization
Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. var. hildebrandtii (Harms) Chiov. plant responds well to regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content is suitable for young plants. The fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, which is in the spring and summer months. The frequency of application depends on the type of fertilizer used.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. var. hildebrandtii (Harms) Chiov. However, it can be done to manage its size and shape. Pruning should be done during the dry season to reduce the risk of fungal infections. It is recommended to use sterilized pruning equipment to prevent the spread of diseases from one plant to another.
Propagation of Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. var. hildebrandtii (Harms) Chiov.
Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. var. hildebrandtii (Harms) Chiov. is propagated through seeds and vegetative propagation techniques. Here are some details about the plant’s propagation methods:
Seed propagation
Seeds are collected from mature fruits and sown directly in prepared nursery beds. The seedlings take around 8-10 weeks to germinate. It is best to sow the seeds during the rainy season, as this will ensure sufficient moisture for germination and growth of the seedlings. The soil mixture used in the nursery beds should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. Once the seedlings have grown to around 15 cm in height, they can be transplanted to their final site.
Vegetative propagation
The plant can be propagated vegetatively through methods such as stem cuttings, grafting, budding and air layering. However, the success rate of vegetative propagation is relatively low compared to seed propagation.
Stem cuttings should be taken from mature and healthy plants during the rainy season and planted in well-prepared nursery beds. The cuttings should be around 15-20 cm in length and treated with a rooting hormone to enhance rooting. The soil mixture should be regularly watered to maintain sufficient moisture content for healthy growth of the cuttings.
Grafting and budding can be done onto seedlings grown from seeds. The rootstock should be around 6 months old and the scion should be around 3-4 months old. The best time for grafting and budding is before the onset of the rainy season.
Air layering can also be done to propagate the plant. A section of a healthy stem is ringed by removing a ring of bark and a rooting hormone is applied to the exposed area. The area is then covered with a moist medium and wrapped with plastic. Roots will form at the exposed area and the propagated plant can be separated from the parent plant and planted in a prepared site.
Disease and Pest Management for Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. var. hildebrandtii (Harms) Chiov.
Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. var. hildebrandtii (Harms) Chiov. is a plant that is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management is necessary to ensure healthy growth and development of the plant. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them effectively.
Diseases
1. Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by fungi that attack the leaves, resulting in the formation of spots. As the disease advances, the leaves may turn yellow and fall off. To manage this disease, it is important to keep the plant dry by avoiding overwatering or wetting the leaves during watering. Fungicides can also be used to manage this disease.
2. Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots resulting in stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and wilting. To manage this disease, it is important to ensure proper drainage in the soil and avoid overwatering. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed, and the soil should be treated with fungicides.
3. Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems, resulting in the formation of powdery white spots. To manage this disease, it is important to regularly prune affected parts and maintain proper air circulation. Fungicides can also be used to manage this disease.
Pests
1. Mealybugs: These are small white insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant, sucking the sap and causing yellowing of the leaves. To manage this pest, it is important to remove the affected parts and use insecticides.
2. Scale Insects: These are small oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant, sucking the sap and causing yellowing of the leaves. To manage this pest, it is important to remove the affected parts and use insecticides.
3. Thrips: These are small winged insects that feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing discoloration and distortion. To manage this pest, it is important to use insecticides and maintain proper sanitation by removing the affected parts.
In conclusion, disease and pest management is crucial for Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. var. hildebrandtii (Harms) Chiov. to grow healthily. Early detection and prompt management of diseases and pests can prevent their spread and save the plant from damage or loss.
