Pterocarpus mutondo De Wild.
Pterocarpus mutondo, also known as African padauk or mukwa, is a species of flowering tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to southern Africa, including Angola, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
Common Names
This plant goes by many common names, including African padauk, African teak, Chanfuta, Mukwa, Narra, and Sangui.
General Appearance
Pterocarpus mutondo can grow up to 25 meters tall with a trunk that can reach up to 1.5 meters in diameter. The bark of the tree is gray to brown and rough, with deep fissures and a scaly texture. The leaves are pinnate and can be up to 15 centimeters long, with 5-11 leaflets that are elliptic to ovate in shape.
The flowers of Pterocarpus mutondo are small and yellowish-white and are produced on axillary and terminal racemes.
After flowering, the tree produces flat and papery pods that contain a single seed. The pods are about 15 centimeters long and 5 centimeters wide.
Uses
Pterocarpus mutondo has many commercial and traditional uses. The wood of the tree is highly valued for its durability, resistance to termites and decay, and its attractive, reddish-brown color. It is used in the production of furniture, flooring, paneling, and construction material.
The tree also has traditional medicinal uses in southern Africa, where it is used to treat various ailments such as malaria, stomach problems, and fevers. The bark, leaves, and roots are used in traditional medicine. The bark is also used to make a red dye for clothing and to color food.
Additionally, Pterocarpus mutondo is an important tree for the conservation of biodiversity in southern Africa, as it provides food and habitat for many animal and bird species.
Light Requirements
Pterocarpus mutondo De Wild. prefers plenty of sunlight and thrives well in direct sunlight. It is important to note that this plant does not do well in shaded areas. Exposure to sunlight enhances the plant's growth and leaf development. Therefore, it is essential to plant the tree in an open area with little or no shade cover to ensure optimal growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
This species grows well in warm climates with a temperature range of 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). It is therefore crucial to establish the appropriate temperature ranges in the planting area. Regions with cooler temperatures may not be suitable for Pterocarpus mutondo De Wild. growth. In regions where colder temperatures happen, it is necessary to plant the tree in a region protected from cold winds.
Soil Requirements
Pterocarpus mutondo De Wild. prefers well-drained soils with good water retention capabilities. The plant requires loamy soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It can thrive in a wide variety of soils, e.g., sandy, loamy, and red soils. It is necessary to ensure that the soils are well-drained so that the plant does not rot from excessive moisture. In areas with poorly-drained soils, the use of raised beds or mounds can help ensure good drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Pterocarpus mutondo De Wild. grows well in hot and humid climate conditions. It thrives in well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant prefers areas with an altitude of about 1,200 meters above sea level. You can propagate Pterocarpus mutondo De Wild. through cuttings or seeds. However, the most common propagation method is through seeds.
Watering Needs
Water the plant regularly, especially during the dry seasons. Pterocarpus mutondo De Wild.is a deciduous tree, and its water needs are higher in the growing seasons than in the dormant seasons.
Fertilization
If the soil is deficient in nutrients, it is advisable to apply fertilizers that are rich in nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. The application of organic manure also boosts soil fertility. However, avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can lead to excessive foliage growth, resulting in the development of weak stems that can easily break.
Pruning
Prune Pterocarpus mutondo De Wild. during the dormant season to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Light pruning can also be done as a way of shaping the plant. The cuts should be clean, and all pruning tools should be sterilized to avoid the spread of infections.
Propagation of Pterocarpus Mutondo De Wild.
Propagation of Pterocarpus mutondo De Wild. can be done through different methods including seeds, stem cuttings, layering, and grafting.
Propagation using Seeds
Pterocarpus mutondo De Wild. is commonly propagated through seeds. The seeds are collected from the matured pods and sown in nursery beds or polybags containing a mixture of sand, soil, and manure. The seedlings will emerge within three to four weeks, and they can be transplanted to their permanent location when they are six to eight months old.
Propagation using Stem Cuttings
Propagation of Pterocarpus mutondo De Wild. can also be done through stem cuttings. The cuttings are obtained from matured plants, treated with rooting hormones, and planted in nursery beds prepared with a mixture of soil and sand. The cuttings need a moist environment to form roots. Rooting takes between four to six weeks, and after rooting, the cutting can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Propagation using Layering
Propagation using layering is another method for propagating Pterocarpus mutondo De Wild. This method involves bending a low hanging branch of the plant, making a small wound on the side with a knife or blade, and pressing it down to the ground, covering it with the soil. The branch will form roots within a few weeks, and once established, it can be cut from the parent plant and grown separately.
Propagation using Grafting
Grafting involves joining different parts of plants to create a new plant that has desirable traits. Pterocarpus mutondo De Wild. can be propagated through grafting by attaching the scion (a small piece of stem with buds) to the rootstock (a seedling grown from the species). The two parts are joined, usually by making a cut, and then wrapped with a tape to hold them together. The newly grafted plant is kept in a moist environment and will start growing within a few weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Pterocarpus mutondo De Wild.
Pterocarpus mutondo De Wild., commonly known as African padauk, is a tree species that is valued for its wood, which is used in furniture making, cabinetry, and flooring. However, like other plants, African padauk is also vulnerable to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and productivity. In this article, we will discuss some of the common diseases and pests that might affect African padauk and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
1. Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects the foliage of the plant. It causes small, circular spots to appear on the leaves, which may turn yellow or brown with time. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy the infected leaves and provide proper air circulation and drainage to the plant.
2. Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that affects African padauk. It appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, spray the affected areas with a fungicide, remove and destroy the infected plant parts, and provide adequate air circulation and sunlight.
Common Pests
1. Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause stunted growth, yellowing of the leaves, and distortion of the plant. To manage aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, and prune and destroy the heavily infested plant parts.
2. Thrips
Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the flower buds and leaves of the plant. They can cause distorted leaves and flowers, as well as discoloration of the plant. To manage thrips, use an insecticide specifically formulated for thrips, and provide adequate air circulation and sunlight to the plant.
Overall, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to disease and pest management. Regularly inspect the plant for signs of disease or pest infestation and take action immediately to prevent their spread. Additionally, provide the plant with adequate nutrition, water, and sunlight to promote healthy growth and build its resistance to diseases and pests.
