Origin
Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. is a plant species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to central and eastern Africa, specifically found in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
Common Names
Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. is commonly referred to by several names in different parts of Africa, including the African locust bean, dawa-dawa, néré, iru, and dorowa. The tree is also known as cheese tree, tree bean, and West African dekpogriu.
Uses
Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. is a valuable multipurpose tree that is widely used for various purposes in Africa. The plant's seeds are edible and used as a food source in many regions of the world. The seeds are commonly used to make a seasoning called dawa-dawa, which is popular in West Africa, especially Nigeria. The bark and roots of the tree have medicinal properties and are used in many traditional remedies for treating various ailments. The tree is also used as a shade tree in many parts of Africa, and its wood is used for fuel, charcoal, and construction. Furthermore, the leaves and pods of Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. are used as animal feed for livestock.
General Appearance
The Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. tree grows up to 30 meters in height and has a spreading canopy. The bark of the tree is gray, rough, and deeply fissured, while the leaves are compound, pinnate, and oblong. The tree produces large pods that can grow up to 6o cm long and 4 cm wide. The pods are flat and contain numerous seeds, which are embedded in a sweet pulp. The seeds are dark brown, glossy, and kidney-shaped, measuring about 1-2 cm long and 1 cm wide.
Light Requirements
Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. is a plant that thrives in bright indirect light. It can tolerate partial shade but must not be exposed to direct sunlight as it can cause scorching of the leaves. Therefore, the plant is suitable for growing indoors near a south-facing window that receives filtered light.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. is between 20°C to 30°C. The plant can tolerate temperatures up to 35°C but may suffer damage if exposed to temperatures below 15°C for an extended period. Hence, it is best to keep the plant in a warm area, away from drafts or cold air conditioning.
Soil Requirements
Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be of neutral to slightly acidic pH levels, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. The plant can grow in various types of soil, including loamy, sandy, or clayey soils, with the addition of organic matter for proper drainage and nutrition. It is crucial to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation methods for Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv.
Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures to grow properly. It is essential to plant the seeds in well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant is relatively tolerant to drought, but it is necessary to keep the soil moist to promote growth.
It is advisable to take advantage of the rainy season or supplementary irrigation to ensure adequate moisture. Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seedlings thrive better when raised in pots with well-drained soil. The seeds should be sown during the winter months, and the plants can be moved outside when the temperature reaches above 20°C.
Watering needs for Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv.
Water is essential for optimal growth and development of Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. As a tropical plant, it prefers moist soil, and the roots should never dry out, as this can cause damage to the plant.
The frequency of watering depends on the climate and soil conditions, but the plant must receive adequate water throughout the growth stages. Overwatering should be avoided as this can lead to root rot or other fungal infections. It is advisable to check the moisture level of the soil regularly and adjust the frequency of watering accordingly.
Fertilization of Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv.
To ensure optimum growth and health, Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. requires regular fertilization. The plant can benefit from a balanced fertilizer, which should be applied during the growing season.
The application of organic matter can help to improve the structure of the soil and slowly release essential nutrients. It is best to apply fertilizer around the base of the plant and water immediately to ensure absorption into the soil. The frequency of fertilization depends on the plant's growth rate and soil conditions.
Pruning of Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv.
Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. requires minimal pruning and maintenance. Dead or damaged branches should be removed when noticed to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's shape.
It is best to prune the plant during the late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. The plant's branches should be cut about half an inch above the bud. The pruning of the plant helps to increase air circulation and improve light penetration, which can lead to better production.
Propagation of Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv.
Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and budding.
Seed propagation
Seeds of Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. are usually collected from ripe pods. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24–48 hours to remove the aril. The seeds should then be sown in a seedbed or in polythene bags filled with a suitable mixture of soil and sand. The seeds should be covered with a light layer of soil, and the seedbed or polythene bags should be kept moist. The germination of seeds usually takes about two to three weeks. As the seedlings grow, they should be transplanted into individual bags or pots containing well-drained soil. They should be watered regularly and protected from direct sunlight until they are strong enough to withstand harsher conditions.
Cutting propagation
Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. can be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free trees during the late winter or early spring. The cuttings should be about 20 to 25 cm long and should be dipped in rooting hormone powder before planting. The cuttings should be planted in a rooting medium such as sand or a mixture of sand and soil. The cuttings should be kept moist and warm until they root, which usually takes around four to six weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they should be transplanted into individual bags or pots containing well-drained soil. They should be watered regularly and protected from direct sunlight until they are strong enough to withstand harsher conditions.
Budding propagation
Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. can be propagated through budding. Budding is usually done during the rainy season when the bark is easily separated from the tree trunk. The budwood should be taken from a healthy, disease-free tree, and the bark should be carefully peeled. A bud should be cut from the budwood and inserted into a T-shaped incision made into the bark of a rootstock. The bud should be tied with grafting tape to keep it in place. The bud should be protected from direct sunlight until it heals, which usually takes around four to six weeks. Once the bud has healed, the grafting tape should be removed, and the tree should be watered regularly and protected from direct sunlight until it is strong enough to withstand harsher conditions.
Disease and Pest Management for Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv.
Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv., commonly known as African locust bean or iru, is a tree species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is an important source of food and income for many people living in West Africa. However, like any other plant, it is vulnerable to a range of diseases and pests that can significantly reduce yield and quality. Effective disease and pest management practices can help to minimize the impact of these threats. In this article, we will discuss some of the common diseases and pests that affect Parkia filicoidea and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases of Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv.
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small, circular spots on the leaves of the plant. The spots may begin as yellow or brown and later turn black. In severe cases, the leaves may fall off. To manage leaf spot, remove the infected leaves and dispose of them properly. Fungicides may also be used to control the disease.
Root rot: Root rot is a soil-borne disease caused by fungi. It affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and die. Infected plants may wilt and eventually die. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure proper drainage. Fungicides may also be used to control the disease.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the fruits of the plant. It causes the fruits to develop small, sunken spots that later merge to form large lesions. In severe cases, the fruits may rot. To manage anthracnose, remove infected fruits and dispose of them properly. Fungicides may also be used to control the disease.
Common Pests of Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv.
Mites: Mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant's sap. They can cause leaf discoloration, deformation, and even defoliation. To manage mites, regularly inspect the plant for any signs of infestation and use miticides to control them.
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause stunted growth, leaf curling, and even death of the plant in severe cases. To manage aphids, use insecticides or natural predators such as ladybugs to control their population.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves of the plant. They can cause extensive damage to the foliage, reducing the plant's ability to photosynthesize. To manage caterpillars, handpick them or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticides to control their population.
By implementing effective disease and pest management practices, it is possible to minimize the impact of the threats that affect Parkia filicoidea Welw. ex Oliv. and ensure a healthy and productive plant.
