Description of Pterocarpus rotundifolius (Sond.) Druce subsp. polyanthus (Harms) Mendonça & E.C.Sousa
Pterocarpus rotundifolius (Sond.) Druce subsp. polyanthus (Harms) Mendonça & E.C.Sousa is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is a tree that is native to Eastern and Southern Africa, where it can be found in countries such as Tanzania, Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
The tree is commonly known as the African teak, round-leaved bloodwood, and mukwa in local African languages.
Uses
Pterocarpus rotundifolius (Sond.) Druce subsp. polyanthus (Harms) Mendonça & E.C.Sousa is a valuable timber source, known for its high-quality wood which is durable, strong, and termite-resistant. Due to its attractive reddish-brown color, it is often used in furniture-making, interior design, construction, and boat-building.
The tree also has medicinal uses, where it is used in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and stomachache. The bark and leaves contain compounds that possess anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
In addition, Pterocarpus rotundifolius (Sond.) Druce subsp. polyanthus (Harms) Mendonça & E.C.Sousa is also used for reforestation purposes and as an ornamental tree due to its attractive foliage and flowers.
General Appearance
The tree can grow up to 30 meters in height and has a crown that is rounded and dense. The leaves are round-shaped, glossy, and dark green in color. The flowers are small and yellow, and they bloom in clusters. The fruit is a flat, woody pod that contains several seeds.
Light Requirements
Pterocarpus rotundifolius subsp. polyanthus requires full sunlight to grow. It thrives well in areas that receive direct sunlight for at least six hours per day. The plant cannot tolerate shade, and it may not flower or produce fruits if grown in areas with insufficient sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions and requires warm temperatures to grow optimally. It thrives well in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. The plant cannot tolerate frost and temperatures below 10°C and may die if exposed to such conditions.
Soil Requirements
Pterocarpus rotundifolius subsp. polyanthus grows well in well-drained sandy soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and should retain moisture. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soils and may develop root rot if grown in such conditions.
Cultivation
Pterocarpus rotundifolius (Sond.) Druce subsp. polyanthus (Harms) Mendonça & E.C.Sousa is a hardy plant that is easy to cultivate. It thrives in well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. The plant requires plenty of sunlight, and it is essential to provide it with a warm environment. P. rotundifolius subsp. polyanthus is suitable for cultivation in containers and as a landscape plant.
Watering Needs
Watering P. rotundifolius subsp. polyanthus is critical to maintaining the plant's health. The soil should be kept moist but never too wet. Water the plant deeply once a week, or whenever the soil feels dry to the touch. When watering, avoid getting the leaves wet, as this can lead to fungal diseases. During the winter, reduce the frequency of watering to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Fertilizing P. rotundifolius subsp. polyanthus will help it grow strong and healthy. The plant needs a balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season, but wait until new growth appears before applying the fertilizer. Over-fertilization can lead to the death of the plant, so it's essential to apply it in moderation.
Pruning
Pruning P. rotundifolius subsp. polyanthus is not necessary, but it can help shape the plant and improve its appearance. The best time to prune the plant is in early spring when new growth appears. Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Next, cut back any stems that are growing too long or in an undesirable direction. Finally, thin out any overcrowded areas to promote airflow and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Propagation of Pterocarpus rotundifolius (Sond.) Druce subsp. polyanthus (Harms) Mendonça & E.C.Sousa
Pterocarpus rotundifolius (Sond.) Druce subsp. polyanthus (Harms) Mendonça & E.C.Sousa is usually propagated through seeds or stem cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation by seeds is the easiest and most common method for Pterocarpus rotundifolius (Sond.) Druce subsp. polyanthus (Harms) Mendonça & E.C.Sousa. The seeds should be collected from mature and healthy plants. After collection, the seeds should be cleaned and kept in shade, cool and dry place. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing. The soil mixture for sowing should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. The seeds should be sown in the soil mixture at a depth of 1-2 cm and watered regularly. Germination of seeds usually occurs within 15-30 days.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is another method for Pterocarpus rotundifolius (Sond.) Druce subsp. polyanthus (Harms) Mendonça & E.C.Sousa. The stem cuttings should be collected from healthy plants during the dormant season. The stem cuttings should be approximately 10-15 cm long and should have 2-3 nodes. The lower leaves should be removed from the stem cuttings. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in the well-drained soil mixture. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in shade for a few weeks. The stem cuttings usually root within 2-3 months.
Disease Management
Pterocarpus rotundifolius (Sond.) Druce subsp. polyanthus (Harms) Mendonça & E.C.Sousa is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, it can still be susceptible to some diseases such as leaf spot, blight, and root rot.
Leaf spot is caused by fungal pathogens and is characterized by small, circular, dark spots developing on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, infected leaves should be removed and destroyed. Ensure that the plant is watered at the base, and avoid overhead watering that could spread the spores. Fungicides may be used to control severe cases.
Blight is another fungal disease that can affect the plant. It leads to wilting and death of the plant. To manage blight, preventive measures such as proper sanitation and maintaining appropriate plant spacing should be implemented. Fungicides may be used to control the disease.
Root rot is caused by a soil-borne fungus and affects the roots of the plant, leading to yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage root rot, infected plants should be uprooted and destroyed, and the soil should be treated with fungicides. Avoid overwatering and ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent the disease.
Pest Management
Pterocarpus rotundifolius (Sond.) Druce subsp. polyanthus (Harms) Mendonça & E.C.Sousa may also be prone to some pests such as mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites.
Mealybugs are sap-sucking insects that can infest the plant, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage mealybugs, physical removal of the insects using a brush or with water can be done. Alternatively, insecticides may be used to control heavy infestations.
Scale insects are another sap-sucking pest that can affect the plant. They are usually found on the stems and leaves and are characterized by the formation of shell-like coverings. To manage scale insects, physical removal of the insects using a brush or with water can be done. Alternatively, insecticides may be used to control heavy infestations.
Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that can infest the plant, leading to yellowing of leaves and shedding of leaves. To manage spider mites, physical removal of the mites using a brush or with water can be done. Insecticides may be used to control severe infestations.
