Philenoptera schimperi Hochst. ex A.Rich.
Philenoptera schimperi, also known as African mukamba, is a plant species belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is native to eastern and southern Africa, including Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
Common Names
African mukamba is known by several common names, including:
- Mukamba
- Mukamba muarubaini
- Mukamba wa kawaida
- Mukamba weusi
- Mountain syringa
Uses
The African mukamba tree has several traditional medicinal uses in Africa. The bark and leaves are used to treat various ailments, including stomach pains, snake bites, and malaria. The bark and roots are also used as a livestock dewormer.
The wood of the African mukamba tree is hard and durable, making it useful for making furniture, tool handles, and construction materials. The tree also provides shade and acts as a windbreak in arid regions.
General Appearance
The African mukamba tree is a medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. The tree has a spreading, rounded crown and a thick trunk with blackish brown bark that is deeply furrowed. The leaves are compound, with up to 11 leaflets, each measuring up to 10 centimeters long and 5 centimeters wide.
The African mukamba tree produces fragrant, cream-colored flowers that bloom from May to July. The flowers are followed by woody, brown seed pods that contain up to 12 seeds.
Light Requirements
Philenoptera schimperi Hochst. ex A.Rich. usually grows best when exposed to full sunlight. As a result, it is recommended to plant it in locations with good exposure to sunlight, avoiding heavily shaded areas.
Temperature Requirements
The typical temperature range that Philenoptera schimperi Hochst. ex A.Rich. tolerates is between 20 to 40°C. This plant species can tolerate a wide range of temperature fluctuations, and it is usually adaptable to different environments with varying temperature patterns. However, it is advisable to avoid temperature extremes like frost and freezing, as these conditions can harm the plant.
Soil Requirements
Philenoptera schimperi Hochst. ex A.Rich. prefers well-drained soils that have good fertility levels. It does not tolerate waterlogged soils that are deficient in nutrients. The ideal soil type for its growth is loamy soil, which has a good balance of sand, silt, and clay. The pH range for optimal growth is between 6.0 to 7.5. It should also be noted that the plant species requires good soil aeration to grow well.
Cultivation of Philenoptera schimperi Hochst. ex A.Rich.
Philenoptera schimperi, commonly known as 'African Satinwood', is a slow-growing tree species that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant requires a warm environment with temperatures ranging between 20°C to 32°C and does best in well-drained soils with neutral to acidic pH.
For optimal growth, it is advisable to plant the seedlings in early spring or summer when the soil temperature is above 20°C. The planting hole should be three times the size of the root ball, and the roots should be spread evenly in the hole. Once planted, the plant should be watered adequately to establish strong roots.
Watering Needs
Philenoptera schimperi requires moderate watering, and the frequency of watering should be adjusted according to the weather conditions and the plant's growing stage. During the rainy season, reduce the watering frequency, and increase it during the dry season.
To prevent waterlogging, ensure that the soil is well-drained, and water the plant early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is less intense.
Fertilization
Philenoptera schimperi requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and lush foliage. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10:10:10. During the growing season, fertilize the plant every six weeks. In the dormant season, reduce the frequency of fertilization to every three months.
Apply the fertilizer around the plant's drip line and water it immediately to prevent the roots from burning.
Pruning
Regular pruning is essential to maintain the plant's shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Prune the plant during the dormant season when the plant is not actively growing. Use sharp and sterilized pruning tools to avoid infecting the plant with diseases.
Remove any suckers that grow around the base of the plant to prevent the tree from forming multiple trunks.
With proper care and maintenance, Philenoptera schimperi can grow up to 30 meters tall and provide beautiful foliage all year round.
Propagation of Philenoptera Schimperi Hochst. ex A.Rich.
Philenoptera schimperi is a plant commonly propagated through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
The seeds of Philenoptera schimperi have an extremely hard coat, which makes stratification necessary for successful germination. Stratification involves scarification, soaking, or storing seeds in a cool, dry spot for up to six months before sowing them. Once the seeds have been stratified, they can be sown in a potting mix of equal parts sand and peat moss. The seeds should be barely covered with soil, watered, and kept in a warm spot, where they will germinate within a few weeks.
Propagation through Cuttings
Another method for propagating Philenoptera schimperi is through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem and cut it with a sterilized knife. Cuttings should be 15 to 20 cm in length and should have at least two sets of leaves. Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to stimulate root growth and plant it in a potting mix of perlite and peat moss. Keep the soil consistently moist and the cutting in a warm, well-lit area until it roots in four to eight weeks.
Disease Management
Philenoptera schimperi Hochst. ex A.Rich. is susceptible to several diseases that can cause severe damage to the plant. The most common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes dark, sunken lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruit of the plant. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts and apply fungicides.
- Leaf Spot: This is another fungal disease that causes small, circular spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts and increase air circulation.
- Bacterial Blight: This disease causes water-soaked spots on leaves that turn yellow and drop prematurely. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts and apply copper-based fungicides.
Pest Management
Philenoptera schimperi Hochst. ex A.Rich. is also susceptible to several pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Common pests that affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects suck sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing them to wilt and deform. To manage this pest, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mites: These tiny pests feed on the undersides of leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. To manage this pest, increase humidity around the plant and spray with an acaricide.
- Scale Insects: These insects attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant and suck sap, causing yellowing and wilting. To manage this pest, remove them manually or apply a horticultural oil.
