General Appearance
Pterocarpus lucens Lepr. ex Guill. & Perr. subsp. lucens is a large, deciduous tree that can grow up to 25 meters in height. It is known for its strikingly beautiful bright red flowers that bloom in clusters. The tree's branches are crooked and dense, while its stems are reddish-brown in color and covered with small prickles. Its leaves are compound, with three to five leaflets that are up to 10 cm long and 4 cm wide. The leaves are green in color and turn bright yellow before falling off during the dry season.Origin
Pterocarpus lucens Lepr. ex Guill. & Perr. subsp. lucens is native to West Africa, specifically Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. It grows in the savannah and woodland regions of these countries and can be found alongside other tree species such as Isoberlinia doka and Anogeissus leiocarpa.Common Names
Pterocarpus lucens Lepr. ex Guill. & Perr. subsp. lucens is commonly known as African teak, Senegal rosewood, or Senegalia rosewood. In Senegal, it is known as Laaga or Laaga gras, while in Gambia, it is called Gum rhooye. The tree's common name African teak is a misnomer, as it is not related to the true teak (Tectona grandis), which is native to South and Southeast Asia.Uses
The wood of Pterocarpus lucens Lepr. ex Guill. & Perr. subsp. lucens is highly valued for its durability, strength, and resistance to termites and decay. It is commonly used in furniture making, flooring, and decking. The tree's bark and leaves are also used medicinally by traditional healers in West Africa to treat various ailments such as malaria, fever, and diarrhea. The tree's flowers are edible and are used to make a refreshing drink in some parts of West Africa.Growth Conditions for Pterocarpus lucens Lepr. ex Guill. & Perr. subsp. lucens
Light: Pterocarpus lucens subsp. lucens requires full sunlight for optimum growth and development. It is not shade-tolerant and will not thrive in shady conditions.
Temperature: The subspecies grows in areas with a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 35°C. It can tolerate extreme temperatures as high as 45°C if provided with enough water and nutrients. Prolonged exposure to frost or cold temperatures below 10°C can be detrimental to the plant and should be avoided.
Soil: Pterocarpus lucens subsp. lucens prefers well-drained soils with a pH value ranging between 5.5 and 7.5. It can also grow in alkaline soils with a pH range of 7.5 to 8.5, but not in highly acidic soils below 5.5 pH. The plant also prefers sandy or loamy soils, but can also thrive in soils with moderate clay content. Addition of organic matters like compost may improve the soil quality.
Water: The subspecies is drought-tolerant and can survive for brief periods without water. However, it grows best in areas with well-distributed rainfall, with an annual precipitation of 800 mm to 1200 mm. The plant is sensitive to waterlogging and requires well-draining soils to prevent root rot.
Nutrients: Pterocarpus lucens subsp. lucens requires a balanced nutrient supply to maintain its growth and produce healthy leaves, flowers, and fruits. A fertilizer with high nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium may enhance the plants' growth rate and productivity.
Cultivation Methods
Pterocarpus lucens Lepr. ex Guill. & Perr. subsp. lucens is typically propagated through seeds. However, it can also be propagated through stem cuttings and grafting. It is important to grow the plant in well-drained soil and in a location that receives ample sunlight.
Watering Needs
Pterocarpus lucens Lepr. ex Guill. & Perr. subsp. lucens is a drought-tolerant plant that requires minimal watering. The plant should be watered thoroughly, but infrequently, ensuring that the soil is moist up to a depth of 1-2 inches. Over-watering may lead to root rot, so it's essential to avoid letting the plant sit in waterlogged soil.
Fertilization
Pterocarpus lucens Lepr. ex Guill. & Perr. subsp. lucens benefits from a regular feeding schedule during the growing season. Using a balanced fertilizer, apply it once a month to maintain healthy growth. However, it's essential to avoid over-fertilization, as it can cause damage to the plant's roots and foliage.
Pruning
Pterocarpus lucens Lepr. ex Guill. & Perr. subsp. lucens requires minimal pruning, and it's best to keep it to a minimum to avoid stressing the plant. If necessary, prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. The pruning should focus on removing dead and damaged branches from the plant. Additionally, any crossing or rubbing branches should be eliminated to prevent further damage.
Propagation of Pterocarpus lucens Lepr. ex Guill. & Perr. subsp. lucens
The propagation of Pterocarpus lucens can be achieved through different methods. The most commonly used methods are seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for propagating Pterocarpus lucens. The pods of the plant contain several seeds, which can be easily extracted and sown in a nursery bed. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil, and regular watering is important to help the seeds germinate. It may take several weeks or months for the seeds to germinate, and some may not germinate at all. Once the seedlings are big enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown until they are ready for planting in the field.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method of propagating Pterocarpus lucens. This method involves taking cuttings from the plant and rooting them to produce new plants. Hardwood cuttings are best for this method. The cuttings should be taken from the parent plant during the dormant season, and they should be treated with rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil and kept moist until they form roots. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be planted in the field.
Grafting is another vegetative propagation method that can be used for Pterocarpus lucens, but it is not commonly practiced. In this method, a scion from the desired plant is grafted onto a rootstock of another plant, which serves as a support system for the scion.
Disease and Pest Management for Pterocarpus lucens Lepr. ex Guill. & Perr. subsp. lucens
Pterocarpus lucens Lepr. ex Guill. & Perr. subsp. lucens, commonly known as African teak, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Like any other type of vegetation, this plant is also susceptible to pests and diseases which can affect its growth and productivity. Below are some common diseases and pests that you should be aware of and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
The plant can suffer from various diseases. One of the most common diseases that can affect Pterocarpus lucens is root rot. This disease is caused by overwatering and poor drainage. Once the roots are damaged, the plant will not get sufficient nutrients resulting in stunted growth or death.
Another disease that can affect Pterocarpus lucens is powdery mildew. This disease is caused by a fungus that appears as white powdery growth on leaves, stems, and flowers. It can lead to leaves dropping or becoming distorted, affecting the plant's overall health.
To manage these diseases, ensure that the plant has good drainage and avoid overwatering. Use fungicides as recommended by experts to treat powdery mildew. Prune the affected leaves and stems and dispose of them properly to avoid further spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Pterocarpus lucens can also suffer from pest infestations. One of the most common pests is the mealybug. This is a small, soft-bodied insect that appears as white cotton on leaves and stems. They suck out sap from the plant, weakening it, and making it susceptible to diseases.
Other pests include scale insects and spider mites, which can also cause damage to the plant. Scale insects appear as small bumps on leaves and stems and can cause leaves to turn yellow and drop. Spider mites, on the other hand, spin webs, and suck sap from the plant. This can cause leaves to have brown patches and lead to stunted growth.
To manage these pests, you can use insecticides to kill them. Alternatively, introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings that feed on the pests. Also, avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this can attract pests.
In conclusion, pests and diseases can have adverse effects on Pterocarpus lucens growth and productivity. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that you take necessary measures to manage them. With proper care, the plant can thrive and provide numerous benefits.
