Overview:
Pseudocedrela utilis Dawe & Sprague is a deciduous tree species that belongs to the botanical family Meliaceae. It is also known as African cedar or Senegal cedar. The species is an important forestry species that has both economic and ecological value.Origin:
Pseudocedrela utilis is native to the West African region, specifically Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. The tree species is widely cultivated and naturalized in different parts of the world like Asia, South America, and the Caribbean.Common Names:
The common names of Pseudocedrela utilis vary depending on the region. It is called Senegal cedar or African cedar in English-speaking countries. In West Africa, the tree species is called Sapele, Iyan, and Assi. In the Ivory Coast, it is called Azinyan, while in Ghana, it is called Wawa.Uses:
Pseudocedrela utilis tree species is valued for its timber, which is used in the construction industry to make furniture, joinery, and veneer. The timber is durable, resistant to weathering, and has a beautiful reddish-brown color. The tree species is also utilized for medicinal purposes in some African countries. The bark, roots, and leaves are used to treat various health conditions like fever, headache, and stomach ache.General Appearance:
Pseudocedrela utilis is a tall tree that can grow up to a height of 30 meters. The tree has a straight, cylindrical trunk with a diameter of 80 cm. The bark is grayish-brown and fissured at the base, becoming smooth and whitish towards the top. The leaves are alternate, imparipinnate, and compound. Each leaf is 20-40 cm long and has 5-9 pairs of leaflets. The tree flowers are small, greenish-white, and arranged in panicles. The tree species produces fruit, which is a capsule containing numerous seeds. The seeds are winged and 2-3 cm long.Growth Conditions for Pseudocedrela Utilis Dawe & Sprague
Pseudocedrela utilis Dawe & Sprague, commonly known as the African cedar, is a hardwood tree species that is native to tropical Africa.
Light Requirements
African cedar grows well in full sun, which means that it requires direct exposure to sunlight for at least six hours a day to thrive. If grown in areas with insufficient light, the tree may exhibit stunted growth, yellowing of the leaves, and sparse foliage.
Temperature Requirements
The African cedar tree thrives in areas with warm temperatures, with an average temperature range of about 20°C to 30 °C. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of 12°C and a maximum temperature of 38°C. In areas with temperatures below 12°C, the tree may suffer from frost damage and experience stunted growth.
Soil Requirements
African cedar prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 – 6.5 for optimal growth. The tree grows well in fertile soils rich in nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The soil should also be loamy, sandy loam, or sandy clay loam. The species does not tolerate waterlogged soils, and planting it in such soils may lead to root rot, which may cause the tree's death.
Cultivation methods
Pseudocedrela utilis is a tropical tree that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It requires well-drained soil and prefers a location with partial shade. It can also adapt to full sun exposure if adequately watered. The tree can be grown from seeds and should be planted in containers initially to promote root growth before transplanting.
Watering needs
Pseudocedrela utilis has moderate water requirements and should be watered once a week. However, the soil should not be waterlogged as it may cause root rot. The frequency of watering should be reduced significantly during the colder months to prevent waterlogging and frost damage.
Fertilization
A balanced fertilizer should be applied to the tree every month during the growing season. The fertilizer should be applied to moist soil to prevent root burning. Organic compost can also be used as a natural alternative to synthetic fertilizers.
Pruning
The tree does not require intense pruning. However, it is recommended to perform slight pruning once a year during the dormant season to maintain its shape and remove damaged or diseased branches. Deadwood should also be removed to enhance light penetration and prevent the accumulation of debris.
Propagation of Pseudocedrela utilis Dawe & Sprague
Pseudocedrela utilis Dawe & Sprague, commonly known as Burma cedar, is a deciduous tropical tree species that is valued for its fine-grained wood. Propagation of this tree species can be done through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
Seeds are the primary method of sexual propagation for Pseudocedrela utilis. The seeds must first be collected when they start to turn brown, which typically happens in the months of October and November. Once collected, the seeds should be washed and dried in shade for a few days before being sown.
The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil in a nursery bed. They should be sown at a depth of about 2 cm and at a distance of 10-15 cm apart. Watering should be done regularly to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Germination is typically observed within 15-20 days.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation methods, such as vegetative propagation, can also be used to propagate Pseudocedrela utilis. The tree species can be propagated through stem cuttings or root cuttings.
Stem cuttings should be collected from young twigs and should be around 30-40 cm long. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mixture. The pot should be kept in a shaded area and watered regularly until the cutting starts to root.
In the case of root cuttings, it is recommended to use roots of trees that are at least 3-4 years old. The roots should be as thick as a pencil, and around 15-20 cm in length. The cutting should be planted in a pot with well-draining soil and kept in a shaded area until the cutting develops roots.
Propagation of Pseudocedrela utilis can be done successfully through both sexual and asexual methods. Care should be taken to provide the tree with suitable growing conditions and regular maintenance to ensure successful propagation.
Disease Management of Pseudocedrela utilis Dawe & Sprague
Pseudocedrela utilis Dawe & Sprague is generally considered a healthy plant species. However, some diseases might affect its optimal growth and yield. One common issue is the fungal disease known as "anthracnose." This disease causes irregular spots on the plant's leaves and stems, leading to weakened growth and potential defoliation. The use of a fungicide can help manage this disease, and it's important to dispose of any fallen leaves or debris to prevent it from spreading.
Pest Management of Pseudocedrela utilis Dawe & Sprague
Several pests might affect Pseudocedrela utilis Dawe & Sprague, from insects to mites and worms. The most destructive of these pests is probably the "cedar tip moth." These moths will blow blue-black caterpillars onto the young shoots of the plant, causing them to wilt and drop. Pruning affected areas and destroying the caterpillars by hand is one way to manage this pest, but the use of insecticides can also be beneficial. Additionally, spider mites can be problematic, spinning their webs and sucking the sap from plant leaves, causing discoloration and reduced plant vigor. Regularly washing the leaves of the plant with water can help keep spider mites under control.
