Overview of Pleiocarpa flavescens Stapf
Pleiocarpa flavescens Stapf, commonly known as the "Yellow hairy-seed" or "Lakpalel" in Yoruba, is a flowering plant species native to tropical regions of Africa, including Benin, Congo, Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. It was first described in 1903 by O. Stapf in the journal "Monumenta Germaniae Botanica."
Appearance of Pleiocarpa flavescens Stapf
Pleiocarpa flavescens is a tall shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 meters in height. It has a straight, cylindrical trunk that is often fluted at the base and covered in a rough, scaly bark. The leaves are compound, with up to 11 leaflets arranged in pairs along a central stem. The leaflets are oblong-elliptic in shape, up to 20 cm long, and covered in fine hairs that give them a yellowish-green appearance. The flowers are small, yellow-green in color, and arranged in dense clusters at the ends of the branches. The fruit is a large, woody capsule up to 25 cm long, containing numerous small, hairy seeds.
Uses of Pleiocarpa flavescens Stapf
The bark, leaves, and roots of Pleiocarpa flavescens have a long history of use in traditional African medicine. They are believed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties and are used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, headache, stomach-ache, diarrhea, and malaria. The leaves and bark are also used as a purgative and to treat jaundice, while the roots are used to treat venereal diseases. Additionally, the wood of Pleiocarpa flavescens is used for fuel, and the tree is sometimes planted as an ornamental.
Light Requirements:
Pleiocarpa flavescens Stapf requires full sun to partial shade for optimum growth. It can sustain direct sunlight for around 5 hours a day, but it is advisable to provide some shade during the afternoon sunlight in hot and dry areas.
Temperature:
The plant can tolerate high temperatures up to 35°C, and it cannot survive below 10°C. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 20°C to 30°C. In extremely hot conditions, it is essential to provide enough water to maintain moisture in the soil and to shield the plant from direct sunlight.
Soil Requirements:
Pleiocarpa flavescens Stapf is adaptable to various types of soil, but it prefers well-draining soil with high organic content. The soil should have a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soil, which leads to root rot. Regular addition of organic matter and fertilizers to the soil helps in the healthy growth of the plant.
Cultivation methods
Pleiocarpa flavescens Stapf, commonly known as the yellowwood, is a tree that is native to Afrotropical regions. It can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, or root division. Plant the seeds or cuttings in a well-draining and fertile soil mixture, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0, and keep the soil consistently moist. The plant requires full sunlight for growth, and it is best to plant it in a location that receives partial shade during the afternoon.
Watering needs
Yellowwood trees require frequent watering, especially during its early establishment stage. Ensure the soil remains moist but avoid waterlogging that can lead to root rot. Water the plant deeply, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. You can use organic mulch to help preserve soil moisture and prevent the growth of weeds.
Fertilization
The Pleiocarpa flavescens tree is a moderate feeder, and it requires regular fertilization for growth and healthy development. Fertilize the plant during its growing period, preferably twice a year, with a balanced fertilizer consisting of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer early in the spring season and mid-summer according to the instructions on the package.
Pruning
Prune your yellowwood tree during the dormant season (late winter or early spring) to control its shape and size. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches and trim off any excessive or overgrown growth. Ensure you use sharp cutting tools to prevent damage to the plant's bark, and avoid pruning more than one-third of the tree's growth to prevent stunting.
Propagation of Pleiocarpa flavescens Stapf
Pleiocarpa flavescens Stapf, commonly known as the yellowwood or the mututwa tree, is a valuable timber tree that belongs to the family Fabaceae. Propagation of this plant is essential for the increased production of this tree species, which is threatened by overexploitation in its natural habitat.
Propagation Methods
The propagation of Pleiocarpa flavescens Stapf can be done through seeds, cuttings, and air-layering.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Pleiocarpa flavescens Stapf can be collected from matured pods. The seeds should be sown in well-prepared seedbeds, ensuring that they are not planted too deep. The seedbeds should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 2 to 3 weeks. The seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots when they have developed their first true leaves.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation of Pleiocarpa flavescens Stapf by cuttings can be done using both hardwood and softwood cuttings. Hardwood cuttings are best taken during the winter season, while softwood cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 20cm in length, and the lower leaves should be removed. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder before being planted in a rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept in a moist and shaded area until they have developed roots, which usually takes 3 to 4 weeks.
Propagation by Air-layering
Air-layering is a suitable propagation method for Pleiocarpa flavescens Stapf, especially for mature trees. This method involves wounding the bark of a selected branch and covering the section with rooting hormone powder and moist sphagnum moss. The section should then be wrapped with plastic to maintain moisture levels. New roots will form at the wound site, and the section can be severed from the parent tree and potted up once it has established its own root system.
Disease Management
Pleiocarpa flavescens Stapf is a hardy plant, but like most plants, it is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal infection that affects the leaves of the plant. It is characterized by brown spots on the leaves, which eventually turn into holes. To manage leaf spots, it is recommended to prune infected leaves and apply a fungicide.
- Bacterial blight: This is another disease that affects the leaves of the plant. It is characterized by dark brown spots on the leaves, which eventually turn into holes with yellowish borders. To manage bacterial blight, it is recommended to prune infected leaves, improve air circulation, and apply a copper-based fungicide.
- Root rot: This is a fungal infection that affects the roots of the plant. It is characterized by brown roots that are soft to the touch. To manage root rot, it is recommended to improve soil drainage, reduce watering, and apply a fungicide.
Pest Management
Pleiocarpa flavescens Stapf is also vulnerable to different pests, including:
- Spider mites: These are tiny pests that are barely visible to the naked eye, but they cause significant damage to the plant. They feed on the sap of the plant, which leads to discoloration and wilting of the leaves. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to spray the plants with water to wash away the pests or apply insecticidal soap.
- Scale insects: These pests are small, immobile, and have a hard protective shell. They feed on the sap of the plant, and their presence can lead to yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage scale insects, it is recommended to prune infected leaves, improve air circulation, and apply rubbing alcohol or insecticidal soap.
- Mealybugs: These pests are characterized by their white, cottony appearance. They feed on the sap of the plant and cause wilting of the leaves. To manage mealybugs, it is recommended to wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or apply insecticidal soap.
