Overview of Pseudocedrela cylindrica Sprague
Pseudocedrela cylindrica Sprague, commonly known as African cedar, is a large tree species that belongs to the family Meliaceae. The plant is native to various African countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. However, it has been successfully introduced to other tropical regions around the world.
Appearance
The African cedar can grow up to 40 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 2 meters. It has a conical or cylindrical shape and a rounded or flattened crown. The bark is smooth, grey-brown, and slightly fissured. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 10-14 leaflets that are oblong to lanceolate in shape. The tree produces clusters of small, fragrant flowers that are greenish-yellow in color. The fruits are cylindrical or ellipsoid capsules that contain numerous winged seeds.
Common Names
The African cedar is known by different names in different regions. Some of its common names include:
- Cameroon cedar
- East African cedar
- Faux-cèdre
- Kenya greenheart
- Kikarandza
- Malawi cedar
- Uganda cedar
Uses of Pseudocedrela cylindrica Sprague
The African cedar is a valuable timber tree that is highly sought after for its durable and attractive wood. The wood is light reddish-brown in color and has a fine grain. It is used for a variety of purposes, including:
- Furniture making
- Construction
- Joinery
- Veneering
- Boat building
- Wood carvings
Aside from its timber value, the African cedar also has some medicinal properties. Its bark and leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and rheumatism. Additionally, some parts of the tree have insecticidal properties and are used to repel or kill pests.
Light Requirements
Pseudocedrela cylindrica Sprague requires full sun or partial shade for optimal growth and development. When grown in partial shade, it tends to have a slower growth rate and may produce thinner leaves and weaker stems.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm and humid conditions in the temperature range of 20-35°C. It is not frost-tolerant and can be killed by temperatures below 0°C. In areas with cold winters, the plant can be grown as a container plant and brought indoors during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
Pseudocedrela cylindrica Sprague can grow in a wide range of soil types. However, it thrives in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should also be slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. It is important to avoid waterlogged soils as the plant is susceptible to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Pseudocedrela cylindrica, also known as the African mahogany or cedrela, is a fast-growing plant that is easy to cultivate. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. If you opt to use seeds, sow them in a well-draining soil mix, and keep them moist. Germination should occur within two to three weeks. For cuttings, select healthy stems and leaves and make sure they are moist to keep their turgidity until they take root.
Watering Needs
African mahogany plants require moderate watering. When newly transplanted, they need to be watered frequently but reduce the frequency as the plant establishes roots. Ensure that the soil is not waterlogged or too dry as both can cause damage to your plant. A good indicator that your plant needs watering is when the soil feels dry to the touch. Therefore, to keep your plant healthy, it is best to water it once the soil surface feels dry.
Fertilization
You can supplement your plant's nutrient requirement with a balanced fertilizer applied during growing seasons. Fertilizers such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 are ideal and should be applied at the base of the plant every two to three weeks. To avoid nutrient leaching, dilute the fertilizer with water and avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to salt accumulation in the soil and root damage.
Pruning
To maintain your plant's shape and size, prune your African mahogany in late winter or early spring. Pruning helps to control the plant's height and spread. Cut back any damaged or diseased branches to keep the plant healthy and to promote healthy growth. Pruning can also encourage the plant to develop lateral branches which can improve the overall appearance of your plant, boost air circulation, and enhance sunlight penetration.
Propagation of Pseudocedrela cylindrica Sprague
Pseudocedrela cylindrica Sprague, commonly known as African mahogany or Nigerian cedar, is a tropical hardwood tree native to West and Central Africa. It is prized for its durable timber and is often used in furniture making, construction, and boat building. Propagation of P. cylindrica can be done through several methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and grafting.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and easiest method for propagating P. cylindrica. The seeds should be collected from mature trees during the dry season and should be cleaned and dried before sowing. The seeds have a hard outer shell, and to break down this hard layer, soak the seeds in hot water (80-90°C) for up to 15 minutes before planting. Plant the soaked seeds in a well-drained potting mix in a warm and humid environment. Germination can take two to three weeks.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation of P. cylindrica is possible through stem cuttings and root cuttings. Take cuttings from young and healthy trees during the rainy season, and ensure that the cuttings are about 20-30 cm long and have at least three nodes. Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone and plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and put the cuttings in the shade. After two to three months, the cuttings should root, and then they can be transplanted to a larger pot or in the field.
Grafting
Grafting is also a viable method of propagating P. cylindrica, especially for producing improved cultivars. Grafting involves joining the stem of the desired variety (scion) onto the rootstock of another plant. The rootstock provides support and nutrients to the scion, which bears the desired qualities. Grafting is usually done using the whip-and-tongue method, with the graft union wrapped to keep it tight and moist. After a few weeks, the graft should start to grow and can be transplanted to a larger pot or in the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Pseudocedrela cylindrica Sprague
Pseudocedrela cylindrica Sprague, commonly known as the Cedrela tree, is a fast-growing plant that is native to tropical regions of South and Central America. While it is generally a hardy species, it can be affected by a range of diseases and pests that can impact its growth and even lead to its death. In this guide, we will discuss some of the common diseases and pests that affect this plant and provide suggestions for effective management.
Common Diseases
The Cedrela tree is prone to a range of diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: a fungal disease that can cause leaf spots, defoliation, and cankers on the bark of the tree. To manage this disease, it is important to remove and destroy any infected plant material, and to apply a copper-based fungicide to prevent further spread.
- Root rot: a fungal disease that affects the roots of plants, and is often caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To manage this disease, it is important to ensure that the plant is not overwatered, and to provide good drainage. Affected plants may need to be removed and destroyed to prevent further spread.
- Leaf spot: a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves of the tree. To manage this disease, it is important to remove and destroy any infected leaves, and to apply a copper-based fungicide to prevent further spread.
- Powdery mildew: a fungal disease that can occur in humid or wet conditions. This disease causes a white, powdery growth on the leaves of the tree. To manage this disease, it is important to remove and destroy any infected leaves, and to apply a fungicide as directed.
Common Pests
In addition to diseases, the Cedrela tree can also be affected by a range of pests, including:
- Aphids: small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the leaves and stems of the tree. To manage this pest, it is important to remove them manually or by washing with a strong stream of water. Insecticidal soaps can also be used.
- Scale insects: small, immobile insects that attach themselves to the bark of the tree and suck the sap from the plant. To manage this pest, it is important to remove them manually or by washing with a strong stream of water. Insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils can also be used.
- Tent caterpillars: caterpillars that spin webs on the branches of the tree and feed on the leaves. To manage this pest, it is important to remove the webs and caterpillars manually. Insecticides can also be used, if necessary.
By following good management practices and being observant for signs of disease or pest infestation, it is possible to keep the Cedrela tree healthy and thriving.
