Origin
Pterocarpus tinctorius Welw. var. chrysothrix (Taub.) Hauman, commonly known as Golden Heartwood or African padauk, is a hardwood tree species native to tropical West and Central Africa, including Angola, Cameroon, Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Common Names and Traditional Uses
The tree is known by various local names, such as mukwa (Lunda), mbambakofi (Kikuyu), and nsunzumbi (Bakweri). In Africa, the wood is highly valued for its remarkable density, durability and striking golden-orange color that deepens with age. It is used in carvings, furniture, flooring, boats, tools, and musical instruments, including drums and xylophones. Additionally, some African communities use the bark and leaves of the tree for medicinal purposes, such as treating malaria, diarrhea and skin infections.
General Appearance
The Golden Heartwood tree can grow up to 45 meters in height and 2 meters in diameter, with a straight trunk and an often rough and scaly bark. The leaves are dark green, compound and alternate, and have 5-11 leaflets, each up to 11 cm long. The flowers are small, yellow and arranged in dense clusters, while the fruit is a flat, woody pod, up to 12 cm long, containing one or two seeds. The wood itself is exceptionally hard, heavy and dense, with heartwood color ranging from bright orange to golden-yellow or reddish-brown, and a fine, mostly straight grain with occasional interlocking. These features make it a highly sought-after wood species for various purposes and a significant source of income for many local communities.
Light Requirements
Pterocarpus tinctorius Welw. var. chrysothrix (Taub.) Hauman requires full sun exposure to grow properly. It is a heliophyte and thrives in areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient sunlight can cause stunted growth and limited flowering.
Temperature requirements
The plant has a wide temperature range, but the optimal temperature for its growth is between 25°C and 30°C. It can tolerate higher temperatures but is vulnerable to frost. Temperatures below 10°C can cause leaf shedding and slow down growth.
Soil Requirements
Pterocarpus tinctorius Welw. var. chrysothrix (Taub.) Hauman prefers well-draining and fertile soils. It can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy soils and clay soils, but it thrives in loamy soils with a pH of between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant requires sufficient moisture to grow healthily, but it is vulnerable to waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Pterocarpus tinctorius Welw. var. chrysothrix (Taub.) Hauman, also known as African padauk, is a tropical tree species that prefers a warm and humid climate to grow. It can be cultivated in well-drained soils composed of sand, loam, or clay with a pH range of 4.5 to 6.5. The plant requires a lot of sunlight exposure to thrive and can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. It can also tolerate moderate shade, but the growth rate may be slower.
Watering Needs
Regular watering is essential to keeping Pterocarpus tinctorius healthy. During the growing season, the plant should be watered once or twice a week to maintain a consistently moist soil. But it is essential to avoid waterlogging the soil, as it can lead to root rot and impair the plant's health. In the winter season, the watering frequency should be reduced, and the soil must be allowed to dry between watering sessions.
Fertilization
Proper fertilization can significantly impact the growth and development of Pterocarpus tinctorius. The plant requires sufficient amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with other trace elements like calcium, magnesium, and iron. During the growing season, applying a balanced fertilizer every month or two can stimulate the plant's growth. Additionally, organic compost can be added to the soil to promote nutrient-rich soil conditions.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential management practice that helps maintain the shape, size, and health of Pterocarpus tinctorius. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before the growing season starts. Any dead, diseased, or damaged branches must be removed to prevent the spread of infections. Additionally, crossing and rubbing branches can be trimmed to improve airflow and light infiltration. Lastly, pruning can help control the size and shape of the plant, which is crucial in urban environments.
Propagation Methods of Pterocarpus tinctorius Welw. var. chrysothrix (Taub.) Hauman
Pterocarpus tinctorius Welw. var. chrysothrix (Taub.) Hauman, commonly known as the golden African padauk, is a popular timber species due to its beautiful golden-yellow wood. Propagating this plant can be done through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
The sexual propagation of Pterocarpus tinctorius Welw. var. chrysothrix is done through seeds. The seeds are obtained from mature trees and must be sown immediately after harvesting. The planting site should have well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1 cm and watered regularly until they germinate. Germination usually takes 3 to 4 weeks.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation of Pterocarpus tinctorius Welw. var. chrysothrix is mainly done through stem cuttings and grafting.
Stem Cuttings: Stem cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and should be about 15 cm long. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The soil should be kept moist until root growth is visible, which usually takes 3 to 4 weeks.
Grafting: Grafting is a commonly used asexual propagation method for Pterocarpus tinctorius Welw. var. chrysothrix. It involves joining a scion from the desired tree to a rootstock of a related but hardier tree. This method is mainly used to propagate trees that have desirable attributes such as rapid growth, disease resistance, and tolerance to harsh climatic conditions.
Regardless of the propagation method, care should be taken to ensure that the young plants are not subjected to harsh climatic conditions. They should be kept in a well-lit and ventilated area until they are strong enough to be planted outdoors.
Disease and Pest Management for Pterocarpus Tinctorius Welw. var. Chrysothrix (Taub.) Hauman
Pterocarpus tinctorius Welw. var. chrysothrix (Taub.) Hauman, also known as the West African Satinwood, is a valuable timber species that is native to West Africa. As with any plant species, Pterocarpus tinctorius Welw. var. chrysothrix is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases that can adversely affect its growth and productivity. Effective disease and pest management is therefore essential for the successful cultivation of this important timber species.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Pterocarpus tinctorius Welw. var. chrysothrix is the root rot disease caused by the fungus Phellinus noxius. The disease can cause wilting, yellowing, and eventually death of the plant. It is important to prevent infection by avoiding wounding the roots during planting and avoiding planting in poorly drained soil. Fungicides can be used to control the disease.
Another common disease is the leaf spot disease caused by the fungus Cercospora pterocarpi. The disease can cause yellowing and premature leaf drop, and may be controlled by pruning diseased leaves and using fungicides.
Common Pests
The most common pests that attack Pterocarpus tinctorius Welw. var. chrysothrix are termites. These insects can cause significant damage to the plant, including tunneling in the wood and weakening the stem. Termite infestations can be controlled by using insecticides and insect repelling plants such as marigold and neem.
Another pest that can attack the plant is the long-horned beetle, which can cause significant damage to the stem and branches. Infested branches should be pruned and insecticides should be applied to control the beetle.
Pest and Disease Management
To effectively manage pests and diseases in Pterocarpus tinctorius Welw. var. chrysothrix, it is important to practice good plant hygiene. This includes regular pruning of diseased and damaged leaves and branches, and disposal of diseased plant materials. Additionally, planting trees in well-draining soil can help prevent root rot disease.
Chemical control measures such as fungicides and insecticides should only be used as a last resort. Use of biological control methods, such as introducing natural predators of the pests, should be considered before resorting to chemical controls.
Overall, effective management of pests and diseases in Pterocarpus tinctorius Welw. var. chrysothrix is critical to ensuring the long-term viability and productivity of this valuable timber species.
