Origin and Common Names
Pterocarpus delevoyi De Wild. is a deciduous tree species of the Fabaceae family. It is native to Central and West Africa, specifically found in countries such as Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Nigeria. The commonly used names for Pterocarpus delevoyi De Wild. includes African Cherry, Mukangu, Sunbrella, and Poroporo.General Appearance
This tree species can grow up to 40 meters tall and has a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter. It has a relatively short bole and a broad crown, which consists of flattened branches. The bark of Pterocarpus delevoyi De Wild. is thick, lenticelled, and has a reddish-brown color. Its leaves are pinnately compound, with up to 7 pairs of leaflets on each side of the midrib, and they are glossy green. The flowers are usually reddish and yellow and are borne in large racemes.Uses
Pterocarpus delevoyi De Wild. is used for various purposes. The wood of this tree species is highly valued for its durability, hardness, and attractive color, and is commonly used in construction, boat building, and furniture making. In traditional medicine, different parts of the tree are used to treat various ailments, such as fever, hypertension, and skin infections. Additionally, it is a source of food for insects like caterpillars, which feed on its leaves, and its flowers provide nectar for bees.Growth conditions for Pterocarpus delevoyi De Wild.
Pterocarpus delevoyi De Wild., commonly known as African padauk, is a deciduous tree that is widely distributed in Central and West Africa. It can grow up to 30 meters in height, with a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter. The tree has a dense, spreading crown and produces bright red flowers.
Light requirements
African padauk requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. It is a light-demanding species that does not tolerate shade. Therefore, it is recommended to plant it in an area with little to no competition from other plants or trees. In its natural habitat, African padauk grows in savannahs and open forests where it receives abundant sunlight.
Temperature requirements
This tree species can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it is most commonly found in regions with a mean annual temperature of 20-30°C. The tree can survive frost-free temperatures as low as 5°C. African padauk is also drought-tolerant and can survive periods of extended dry seasons. However, young plants require regular watering until they become established.
Soil requirements
African padauk grows well in a wide range of soil types. However, the best growth occurs in well-drained soils that are rich in nutrients. The tree can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils, as long as they are well-drained. It can also tolerate soils with low pH levels but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils. The tree can grow in areas with an annual rainfall of 1000-1500 mm and can survive prolonged periods of drought.
Cultivation Methods
Pterocarpus delevoyi De Wild. commonly known as African rosewood or Senegal rosewood, is a tropical tree that typically grows up to 20 meters tall. It is native to Guinea, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Niger, and Togo and thrives in warm, humid climates. To cultivate African rosewood, you will need to mimic its natural growing environment.
The plant requires well-draining soil, plenty of sunlight, and warm temperatures. You can plant the seedlings in sandy or loamy soil and ensure that it is well-draining to avoid root rot. The ideal temperature range is between 21 to 29°C (70 to 84°F), and the plant requires plenty of sunshine to grow well.
Watering Needs
African rosewood requires moderate watering. Overwatering can cause root rot, while under-watering can lead to stunted growth and wilting. Water the plant once or twice each week, depending on the moisture level of the soil. During the dry season, you may need to increase the frequency of watering. Test the soil moisture level before watering to avoid over or under-watering the plant.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for the optimal growth and development of African rosewood. You can use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium at the beginning of the growing season. Apply the fertilizer in a circle around the base of the plant and water it in thoroughly. Apply the fertilizer every four to six weeks throughout the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can lead to salt build-up and chemical burn.
Pruning
Regular pruning is necessary for the health and aesthetics of African rosewood. You should prune the plant during the dormant season, which is typically in late winter or early spring. Prune any dead, diseased, or damaged branches first, followed by crossing or rubbing branches. Cutting off the tips of branches can encourage lateral branching and improve bushiness. Ensure that you use sharp, clean tools to avoid injuring the plant or spreading diseases.
Propagation of Pterocarpus delevoyi De Wild.
The plant Pterocarpus delevoyi De Wild. is usually propagated through seeds, cuttings, and grafting techniques. Below are the different propagation methods:
Propagation by Seeds
The easiest way to propagate Pterocarpus delevoyi De Wild. is through seeds. The seeds should be harvested from the tree during the fall season. The seeds should be soaked in hot water for 24 hours to soften their hard outer shell, which will allow them to germinate faster.
After the seeds have been soaked, they should be planted into well-drained soil in a warm, sunny location. The seedlings should emerge between two to six weeks after planting.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is another method of propagating Pterocarpus delevoyi De Wild. This method is usually used to produce exact clones of the parent plant. The cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy trees and should be at least six inches long.
The cuttings should be dipped into rooting hormone and planted into well-drained soil. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm location. The rooting process usually takes between four to six weeks. Once rooted, the new plants should be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is a technique that is mainly used to propagate Pterocarpus delevoyi De Wild. varieties that cannot be propagated through cuttings or seeds. This method is usually used to create hybrid plants that have the desirable traits of both parents.
A scion from the desired plant should be taken and grafted onto a suitable rootstock. The two plants should be joined together, and the grafting should be secured with grafting tape or wax to prevent drying out.
The grafted plant should be placed in a warm, humid location until the graft has healed. After the graft has healed, the plant should be slowly acclimatized to the outdoor environment.
Disease and Pest Management for Pterocarpus delevoyi De Wild.
Pterocarpus delevoyi De Wild. is a hardy tree species that is not very prone to diseases or pests. However, under certain conditions, it can still be vulnerable. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Leaf Spots
Leaf spots are caused by fungal pathogens that affect the leaves. The disease usually manifests as yellow or brown spots on the leaves, which can cause defoliation if left untreated. To manage this disease, spray the plant with fungicides as soon as the spots appear. Also, avoid overhead watering, which can promote the growth and spread of fungal pathogens.
Root Rot
Root rot is caused by soil-borne fungal pathogens that attack the roots of the plant. It usually affects plants that are overwatered or grown in poorly-drained soils. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage. You can also treat the plant with fungicides to control the fungal pathogens.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies, and they can feed on the leaves of the plant. Caterpillar infestations can cause defoliation and reduce plant vigor. To manage this pest, manually pick off the caterpillars from the leaves and destroy them. You can also spray the plant with insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis, a natural bacteria that targets caterpillars.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small insects that infest the leaves and stems of the plant. They feed on the plant sap, which can cause the leaves to wilt and die. To manage this pest, spray the plant with insecticides containing neem oil or horticultural oil. You can also wipe the scales off the plant using a soft cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol.
Conclusion
By following these guidelines and managing these diseases and pests effectively, you can ensure the health and longevity of your Pterocarpus delevoyi De Wild. plant. Regular monitoring and prompt action can help prevent infestations and diseases before they cause permanent damage to the plant.
