Description of Pterocarpus casteelsii De Wild. var. ealaensis Hauman
Pterocarpus casteelsii De Wild. var. ealaensis Hauman is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as 'M'Pasa,' 'Elae,' or 'Ela' in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where it is primarily found.
Origin
This species is native to the Central African region, specifically the Democratic Republic of Congo and Congo Basin. It is typically found in the moist to wet tropical forests of the region, thriving in well-draining soil and experiencing warm temperatures year-round.
Uses
Pterocarpus casteelsii De Wild. var. ealaensis Hauman has various traditional uses throughout its range. The bark of the tree is used in traditional medicine for treating malaria and snakebites, while the roots are utilized to treat sexually transmitted infections. The wood is lightweight, making it an excellent material for crafting canoes, furniture, and other wooden artifacts.
Appearance
The tree can grow up to 40 meters tall, with a straight trunk that may be up to 2 meters in diameter. The bark is rough, with deep vertical grooves that form diamond-shaped scales. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 5 to 11 leaflets that are ovate to oblong in shape. The flowers are red to yellow, with a narrow cylindrical shape that occurs in clusters. The fruit of the tree is a flattened pod that contains a single seed.
Overall, Pterocarpus casteelsii De Wild. var. ealaensis Hauman is a significant species in Central Africa with traditional uses and unique characteristics.Growth Conditions for Pterocarpus casteelsii De Wild. var. ealaensis Hauman
Pterocarpus casteelsii De Wild. var. ealaensis Hauman, commonly known as African teak, is a species of tree native to Equatorial Africa. The following are the typical growth conditions required for the optimal growth of this plant species:
Light Requirements
Pterocarpus casteelsii De Wild. var. ealaensis Hauman requires full sunlight exposure to grow to its maximum potential. Partial shade can be tolerated, but it will lead to slower growth and less flowering. Placing the plant in a South-facing direction can ensure it receives sufficient sunlight all through the day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adaptable to various temperature ranges, as long as it is not exposed to extreme temperatures. The ideal temperature range for Pterocarpus casteelsii De Wild. var. ealaensis Haumanis between 20°C and 30°C. While the plant can withstand temperatures as high as 40°C, it should not be exposed to temperatures lower than 15°C, as this could kill the tree.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers to grow in sandy/loamy soil with good drainage. To achieve optimal growth, the soil should be maintained at a pH range of about 4.5 to 6.5. The plant can be sensitive to soil-borne diseases, making it necessary to use soil that has not previously been used to grow the same plant species. Additionally, regular fertilization may be necessary to keep the tree healthy.
Cultivation of Pterocarpus casteelsii De Wild. var. ealaensis Hauman
When cultivating Pterocarpus casteelsii De Wild. var. ealaensis Hauman, it is essential to provide the plant with the right conditions for growth. The plant requires well-draining soil, preferably a mixture of sand and loam. It also needs to be planted in a location with partial shade to protect it from direct sunlight and wind damage.
The ideal temperature for Pterocarpus casteelsii De Wild. var. ealaensis Hauman is between 20 – 25°C (68 – 77°F). It is resilient to relatively low temperatures and frost in winter but does not do well in areas with high humidity.
Watering Needs
The plant requires frequent watering, especially during the growing season. Ideally, Pterocarpus casteelsii De Wild. var. ealaensis Hauman should be watered at least once a week when the soil is dry to the touch. It is important to be cautious with overwatering as it can lead to root rot and eventual death of the plant.
Fertilization
Pterocarpus casteelsii De Wild. var. ealaensis Hauman requires regular fertilization to thrive. Apply a balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus twice a year, in spring and mid-summer, to encourage healthy growth and flowering. Slow-release fertilizers can be used to reduce the number of applications needed.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to ensure that the plant retains its shape and stays healthy. For Pterocarpus casteelsii De Wild. var. ealaensis Hauman, it is recommended to prune in late winter or early spring before the new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and trim back any overgrown stems to promote bushiness and encourage flowering. Avoid heavy pruning as it can damage the plant and reduce its overall health.
Propagation of Pterocarpus casteelsii De Wild. var. ealaensis Hauman
Pterocarpus casteelsii De Wild. var. ealaensis Hauman is a moderately difficult plant to propagate. However, there are three main methods that have been used successfully to propagate this plant.
Seed propagation
Propagation through seeds is possible for the Pterocarpus casteelsii De Wild. var. ealaensis Hauman. The seeds are best sown in a well-draining soil mixture containing compost or organic matter. The container should be kept in a warm and bright location, and the soil kept moist. Seedlings will emerge in a month or two, and they can be transplanted into individual containers once they develop their first set of true leaves.
Cuttings propagation
Propagation through stem cuttings is also possible for this plant. The cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth and should have at least two nodes. The cutting should be treated with a rooting hormone, then planted in a well-draining soil mixture containing compost or organic matter. The cutting must be covered with a transparent plastic bag or propagated in a mist propagator to maintain humidity and promote rooting. New growth indicates successful rooting, at which point the plastic bag or mist propagator can be removed.
Grafting propagation
Although it is not a common practice, Pterocarpus casteelsii De Wild. var. ealaensis Hauman can also be propagated through grafting. In this method, a scion from the plant is grafted onto the rootstock of another closely related species from the same family. This method is mainly used to reproduce cultivars or plants that cannot be propagated by other means like seed and cutting. Care should be taken to select a healthy rootstock for successful propagation.
Disease Management
Pterocarpus casteelsii De Wild. var. ealaensis Hauman may be subject to various diseases that can negatively impact the overall health and growth of the plant. Here are some common diseases that may affect this species and potential management strategies:
Leaf spot diseases
Leaf spot diseases, including cercospora leaf spot and anthracnose, can cause brown or black spots on leaves and lead to defoliation if left untreated. To manage leaf spot diseases, remove affected leaves immediately, water at the soil level to prevent leaf wetness, and avoid using overhead irrigation. Additionally, using a fungicide may help control the disease.
Root rot
Root rot may occur when soil-borne fungi infect the plant's roots. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing leaves, and root decay. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering, improve drainage, and use a fungicide if necessary.
Pest Management
Pterocarpus casteelsii De Wild. var. ealaensis Hauman can also be susceptible to various pests that can cause damage to the plant. Here are some common pests that may affect this species and potential management strategies:
Mealybugs
Mealybugs feed by sucking sap from the plant and can cause stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and defoliation. To manage mealybugs, remove affected plant parts and use a soft brush to physically remove them from the plant. Additionally, using insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control the pests.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars can feed on the leaves of Pterocarpus casteelsii De Wild. var. ealaensis Hauman and cause defoliation. To manage caterpillars, handpick them off the plant or use a biological control such as Bacillus thuringiensis. Chemical insecticides may also be used if necessary.
