Philenoptera laxiflora (Guill. & Perr.) Roberty
Philenoptera laxiflora, commonly known as "Kwila" or "African teak", is a deciduous tree belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is native to tropical Africa, especially in the savannah and wooded grasslands of West Africa, from Sierra Leone to Cameroon. The plant is also found in Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Appearance
The Kwila tree can reach a height of up to 45 meters and has a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter. The bark is smooth and brownish-grey, with vertical fissures. The leaves grow in alternate arrangements and are pinnate, with 5-9 pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are ovate and have an asymmetric base, with a pointed tip. The flowers are small and pale yellow, and are borne in pendant clusters. The fruit is a flat pod that is brown and hairy, measuring around 8-12 cm long, containing hard, flattened, and round-shaped seeds.
Uses
Philenoptera laxiflora is highly valued for its wood, which is dense, strong, and durable. It is used for various applications such as outdoor furniture, decking, flooring, and boat building. The tree is also used in traditional African medicine for the treatment of various ailments such as malaria, diarrhea, and skin diseases. The bark of the tree is used for tanning hides, while the leaves are used as animal feed. The tree also has cultural significance, with its bark and leaves being used in various ceremonies, particularly in West Africa.
Light Requirements
Philenoptera laxiflora typically grows well in areas with bright to full sunlight. It can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade can greatly inhibit its growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
This plant tends to grow well in warm to hot temperatures and does not tolerate frost very well. It requires a minimum temperature range of 15°C to 20°C. In regions with temperatures that fall below this range, the plant may not grow well, and in extreme cases, it may die. It prefers a warm and moderately humid climate for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
The soil requirements for Philenoptera laxiflora include well-draining soils with good moisture-holding capacity. It thrives in fertile, loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH in the range of 5 to 7.5. The presence of heavy clay or sandy soils with poor nutrient content can adversely affect its growth and development. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the soil is adequately prepared and nutrient-rich before planting.
Cultivation of Philenoptera laxiflora (Guill. & Perr.) Roberty
Philenoptera laxiflora, commonly known as mbamba in East Africa, is a fast-growing tree mostly found in woodlands, riverbanks, and rocky terrain. To cultivate this plant, you need to follow the guidelines below:
- Ensure the plant receives plenty of sunlight as it grows well in direct sunlight.
- Plant the sapling in well-draining soil with a pH ranging between 4.5 to 7.5.
- Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter.
- Space the saplings appropriately since Philenoptera laxiflora can grow up to 20m tall and 15m spread.
- Plant the sapling during the rainy season to allow for proper establishment.
- Regularly apply mulch to the soil to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Watering Needs of Philenoptera laxiflora
When cultivating Philenoptera laxiflora, you need to provide adequate water to allow good growth. Here are the watering tips:
- Water the sapling regularly during the first two years to establish a strong root system.
- Ensure the plant receives about 800-1200mm of rainfall yearly if it is grown outside areas experiencing drought.
- Supplement rainfall with regular watering during the dry season.
- Reduce the amount of water given during the cold season to prevent rotting of the roots and stem.
Fertilization of Philenoptera laxiflora
Philenoptera laxiflora requires a balanced diet to achieve maximum growth, and hence fertilizers are essential. Here is the fertilization guideline:
- Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer, preferably 1 kg per tree, during planting to boost growth and encourage strong root formation.
- Top-dress the soil around the tree canopy with phosphorous and potassium-rich fertilizer twice a year to enhance flowering and fruiting.
- Apply organic manure to the soil to enrich it with vital nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to give your Philenoptera laxiflora tree a good shape and prevent the growth of unhealthy branches. Here are the pruning tips:
- Prune the tree during the early stages of growth and after flowering to shape its growth.
- Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches or stems to increase air circulation and prevent the spread of diseases.
- Thin out the canopy to allow for more sunlight penetration and promote healthy flowering and fruiting.
- Use sharp and sterilized pruning tools to avoid injuring the bark.
Propagation of Philenoptera laxiflora
Philenoptera laxiflora, commonly known as the Gbande in Sierra Leone and Ghana, is a deciduous tree species belonging to the family of Leguminosae. The plant is native to West Africa and is widely used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most commonly employed method for propagating Philenoptera laxiflora. The seeds are collected from mature fruits during the rainy season. The collected seeds are sun-dried and then soaked in water for about 24 hours before sowing. The seeds are sown directly in the soil or germinated in nursery beds. If sown directly in the soil, the seeds must be covered with soil to a depth of around 2 cm. Watering should be done regularly to keep the soil moist. Germination usually takes about 21-30 days.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation of Philenoptera laxiflora can also be accomplished by cuttings. However, this method is less commonly used because it can be difficult to achieve the desired results. For this method, semi-hardwood cuttings are taken from the mother plant and placed in rooting hormone. The cuttings are then planted in well-draining soil and kept in partial shade. Rooting usually occurs within 30-45 days.
Suckers Propagation
Propagation of Philenoptera laxiflora from suckers is also possible but requires a lot of patience. Suckers are new shoots that grow from the base of the mother plant. To propagate using suckers, the sucker must be cut from the mother plant with a sharp knife. The cutting should be dusted with rooting hormone and then planted in well-draining soil. Watering should be done sparingly to prevent rotting, and the plant should be kept in partial shade until it establishes new roots.
Overall, Philenoptera laxiflora can be propagated using seed, suckers, or cuttings. However, the most commonly used method is seed propagation due to its efficiency and reliability.
Disease Management for Philenoptera laxiflora
Philenoptera laxiflora is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, some diseases that might infect this plant include:
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by waterlogging that leads to the plant's roots rotting. It leads to yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. To control root rot, ensure proper drainage, avoid overwatering and use well-draining soil.
- Leaf Spot: This disease is characterized by small spots on the leaves, which can converge to form larger spots and cause the leaves to fall off. To manage leaf spot, prune infected leaves and avoid wetting the foliage during watering.
Pest Management for Philenoptera laxiflora
Philenoptera laxiflora is susceptible to a few pests, including:
- Aphids: They feed on the plant's sap, leaving behind a sticky residue that attracts other insects and promotes the growth of mold. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or ladybugs that feed on aphids.
- Spider Mites: These pests are tiny and can cause severe damage to plants if left uncontrolled. They usually feed on the undersides of leaves, causing yellowing, browning, and eventually, leaf drop. To manage spider mites, prune infected leaves, use insecticidal soaps and neem oil or introduce predators like ladybugs, predatory mites, and lacewings.
