Overview of Pericopsis schliebenii
Pericopsis schliebenii or the African teak tree is a large deciduous tree species of the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family. This tree is primarily found in the Guinea-Congolian region of West Africa. It is known for producing one the most valuable hardwood timbers in the world and is commonly grown for its commercially valuable wood.
Common Names
The African teak tree has many common names which vary depending on the region. Some of the most known common names include:
- Assamela
- Frake
- Aloma
- Hua
- Tiam
Appearance
The African teak tree can grow up to 45 meters tall and has a diameter of about 2 meters. The trunk is straight with grey bark often cracked horizontally. The leaves are compound and alternate with 5-9 leaflets, they can grow up to 30cm long. The tree bears cylindrical pods that are between 30-80cm long and 5-7cm wide.
Uses
The African teak tree provides a variety of uses to the local populations in West Africa. Some of the most common uses include:
- Timber production: The dark-brown to reddish-brown hardwood from the African teak tree is highly valued and is used in carpentry, flooring, and furniture.
- Medicinal: The bark and roots of the African teak tree have been used by indigenous people as a medicine to cure various ailments such as diarrhea and stomach pain.
- Environmental: The dense canopy of the African teak tree helps to prevent soil erosion and provides shade to other plants and animals in the ecosystem.
The African teak tree is an important element of the West African ecosystem and continues to be highly valued for its commercial and non-commercial uses.
Light Requirements
Pericopsis schliebenii requires full sunlight exposure for optimal growth and development. Therefore, it is best to plant them in open areas with plenty of sunlight and no shading from surrounding trees. Limited exposure to sunlight may cause stunted growth or even death in young seedlings.
Temperature Requirements
The plant tends to thrive in tropical regions with consistent temperatures ranging from 22-32 degrees Celsius. Pericopsis schliebenii trees require warmth, which causes them to grow at a faster rate. Areas with constant and high levels of winds and strong storms negatively affect their growth rate and overall health.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives in acidic or neutral soils with a pH range of 4.5-6.5. Pericopsis schliebenii prefers well-drained, fertile soils with a sandy or loamy texture. It doesn't do well in waterlogged or clay soils as they tend to impede root development and drainage. High levels of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are essential for proper growth and development.
Cultivation of Pericopsis schliebenii
Pericopsis schliebenii, also known as African Teak, is a tropical hardwood tree that is primarily found in West and Central Africa. It is a slow-growing tree that requires specific cultivation methods to thrive.
Pericopsis schliebenii grows best in well-draining, loamy soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The tree also prefers areas with high humidity and temperatures between 20°C to 30°C. It is recommended to plant Pericopsis schliebenii as seedlings in the rainy season to ensure healthy growth.
Watering Needs
Pericopsis schliebenii requires regular watering to promote healthy growth. Seedlings need frequent watering for the first year to establish strong roots. During dry seasons, it is essential to water the trees at least once a week to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Pericopsis schliebenii requires regular fertilization to supplement the nutrients available in the soil. A balanced fertilizer with a NPK ratio of 10:10:10 is recommended. Apply the fertilizer at least twice a year, preferably during the rainy season when the tree is growing actively.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the desired shape and size of Pericopsis schliebenii. The tree responds well to pruning, which should be done during the dry season to prevent infections through the wounds. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches to promote healthy growth. It is also essential to remove any branches that cross or rub against each other, as they can damage the bark and lead to infections.
Propagation of Pericopsis schliebenii
Pericopsis schliebenii (Harms) Meeuwen, commonly known as African teak or African padauk, can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagation in Pericopsis schliebenii is through seed propagation. The seeds are collected from the mature fruits that fall to the ground naturally. The seeds are then sown in a well-prepared seedbed with good drainage. The seedbed should not be exposed to direct sunlight. The seeds should be sown at a distance of 5-10 cm apart and 2 cm deep in the soil.
The seeds should be watered frequently to keep the soil moist until the seedlings are about 6 months old. In about a month, the seedlings will emerge from the soil. After 6 months, the seedlings can be transplanted to a permanent site.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation of Pericopsis schliebenii is not common compared to seed propagation. The plant can be propagated asexually through vegetative methods like stem cuttings.
Stem cuttings are taken from mature trees during the wet season. The cuttings should be about 30-60 cm long with a diameter of about 3-5 cm. The cuttings are then treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a well-prepared rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept in a shaded area and watered frequently to keep the soil moist.
The cuttings should be monitored until they start sprouting new leaves, indicating that they have started rooting. The rooted cuttings can then be transplanted to a permanent site.
Disease Management
Pericopsis schliebenii is vulnerable to various diseases that include:
- Leaf spot: The disease is identified by the presence of dark brown spots on the leaves. It is caused by fungi and can lead to leaf decay. To manage the disease, it's essential to remove the infected leaves and destroy them.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that is identified by white patches on leaves, stems, and flowers. To control the disease, the plant should be rinsed using a high-pressure water spray to remove the mildew. Additionally, it's crucial to avoid overcrowding and maintain proper air circulation around the plant.
- Root rot: Root rot is the decay of roots caused by fungi and can lead to eventual death of the plant. To manage the disease, plants should be placed in well-draining soils, and avoid over-watering which cause waterlogging and promote fungal growth.
Pest Management
Pericopsis schliebenii is also susceptible to pest attacks from various insects such as:
- Scales: Scales are insects with hard and waxy shells that feed on sap from Plant tissues. They cause a lot of damage if left uncontrolled. To manage scales infestation, it's recommended to prune and remove the affected parts of the plant. Additionally, plants can be treated with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control the pests.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are identified by their larvae that are voracious feeders on plant leaves. To manage the pest, it's recommended to handpick the caterpillars or use natural predators such as birds to control their population.
- Whiteflies: The pests are small and winged insects that feed on the underside of leaves. To manage their infestation, plants can be treated with sticky traps or treated with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
