Origin
Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) Pierre ex Heckel var. tomentellum (Hutch. & E.A.Bruce) Radcl.-Sm. is a plant species belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. Its origin can be traced back to the tropical regions of Africa, where it is found in countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by various names in different regions, including Njangsa, Munguella, Essessang, Wama, Egusi, and Djansang. In Nigeria, it is known as Okhuen, while in Cameroon, it is called Musong.
Uses
The seeds, fruits, and leaves of Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) Pierre ex Heckel var. tomentellum (Hutch. & E.A.Bruce) Radcl.-Sm. are used for various purposes. The seeds, which are rich in oil, are used for cooking and also in the cosmetic industry to produce soaps and creams. The fruit pulp is eaten as a snack or used to flavor food. The leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including malaria, diabetes, and hypertension.
In addition, the wood of the plant is highly valued for its durability and is used in making furniture, tools, and construction materials. The plant also has cultural significance in some African communities, where it is used in traditional rituals and ceremonies.
General Appearance
Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) Pierre ex Heckel var. tomentellum (Hutch. & E.A.Bruce) Radcl.-Sm. is a large evergreen forest tree that can grow up to 50 meters in height. It has a straight, cylindrical trunk with a diameter of up to 2 meters. The bark is dark brown and rough, with deep fissures and ridges. The tree has large, glossy leaves that are oblong in shape and can grow up to 25 cm in length.
The flowers of the plant are small and greenish-yellow, and the fruits are large, woody capsules that contain numerous seeds. The seeds are oblong in shape, dark brown in color, and are contained in a hard, woody shell.
Overall, Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) Pierre ex Heckel var. tomentellum (Hutch. & E.A.Bruce) Radcl.-Sm. is a valuable plant species that has significant economic, medicinal, and cultural importance in many African communities.
Growth Conditions for Ricinodendron heudelotii var. tomentellum
Light: Ricinodendron heudelotii var. tomentellum is a shade-tolerant plant that thrives in areas with 50-80% shade. It can grow under direct sunlight, but too much exposure can lead to leaf scorching and stunted growth. In areas with low light, the plant can stretch and become leggy.
Temperature: The plant grows well in warm and humid tropical conditions with an average temperature of 20-34 °C (68-93 °F) and a minimum temperature of 15 °C (59 °F). This variety of Ricinodendron heudelotii can tolerate extremes of heat, but only for short periods. Freezing temperatures can cause the plant's death.
Soil: Ricinodendron heudelotii var. tomentellum thrives in well-drained, humus-rich soils that are acidic to slightly alkaline. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils but can grow in a variety of soil textures, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils. It prefers soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.5 and can not only tolerate poor soil fertility but also improves the soil quality with its fallen leaves and nitrogen-fixing root nodules.
Water: The plant requires periodic watering, especially during the dry season. Over-watering can cause root rot, and under-watering can lead to stunted growth and leaf shedding. The plant prefers high humidity levels and may require misting or an occasional shower to improve the surrounding air moisture.
Fertilizer: Ricinodendron heudelotii var. tomentellum does not require frequent fertilization, but when necessary, a slow-release and low nitrogen-containing fertilizer is preferred. The plant naturally fixes nitrogen in the soil via root nodules and can survive with moderate soil fertility.
Cultivation Methods for Ricinodendron heudelotii var. tomentellum
Ricinodendron heudelotii var. tomentellum is a hardy plant that can grow in a wide range of soil types. However, it thrives best in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. When planting, ensure the soil is well cultivated and has a pH range of 6.0-7.5. You can propagate this plant through seed sowing or cuttings taken during the growing season.
Watering Needs for Ricinodendron heudelotii var. tomentellum
Watering is an essential aspect of caring for Ricinodendron heudelotii var. tomentellum. During the growing season, water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. In the dry season, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot. Additionally, ensure the plant has good drainage to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization of Ricinodendron heudelotii var. tomentellum
Ricinodendron heudelotii var. tomentellum benefits from regular fertilization for abundant growth and flower production. Apply a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season. Additionally, use organic compost to enrich the soil and keep it fertile.
Pruning Ricinodendron heudelotii var. tomentellum
Pruning is an essential aspect of caring for Ricinodendron heudelotii var. tomentellum. Regular pruning helps maintain the plant's shape, control its size, and promote healthy growth. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches and thin out any crossed branches or those growing towards the center of the plant. Additionally, remove any suckers that grow from the base of the plant.
Propagation of Ricinodendron Heudelotii var. Tomentellum
Ricinodendron Heudelotii var. Tomentellum, commonly known as the African walnut tree, can be propagated through several methods:
Seed propagation
The easiest and most commonly used method of propagation is through planting seeds. The seedlings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix, and the seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist and warm, and the seeds should be kept in a warm and shaded area. The seeds usually germinate within two to four weeks.
Cuttings propagation
Propagation of African Walnut through cuttings is also possible. The cuttings are best taken from young plants, and the diameter should be around 1-2cm. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormones, and then planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist and warm, and the cuttings should be kept in a warm and shaded area until roots develop.
Air layering propagation
Aerial layering of the African Walnut is another method of propagation. A small section of the branch is selected, where a healthy stem is selected and a cut is to be made on the stem, followed by placing rooting hormone on the cut. Plants are notched on the stem with the same sharp tool or knife. Fill the notch up with rooting hormone and coconut coir. Keep moist and in moderate light intensity until roots and foliage appear. Once the roots are strong enough, cut off the branch and plant in soil.
While each method of propagation has its advantages and disadvantages, all methods can result in a healthy and mature African Walnut tree.
Disease and Pest Management for Ricinodendron heudelotii var. tomentellum
Ricinodendron heudelotii var. tomentellum is an important crop plant in Africa, but it is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can significantly reduce its yield. Here's some important information about how to manage these threats:
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot: This fungal disease appears as small, dark brown spots on the leaves and can cause them to fall prematurely. To prevent this disease, avoid overhead watering and keep the area around the plant free of debris. If the disease does appear, remove and dispose of any infected leaves and treat with a copper-based fungicide.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes spots and lesions on leaves, stems and fruits, and can eventually lead to severe defoliation. To manage this disease, use clean planting material and rotate the crop to avoid planting in the same field more than once every three years. If the disease does appear, remove and dispose of any infected plant parts and treat with a copper-based fungicide.
Common Pests
Mealybugs: These sucking insects appear as small, white, cottony masses on the stems and leaf axils. They cause damage by sucking sap from the plant, which can lead to stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage mealybugs, prune away heavily infested parts of the plant and treat with insecticidal soap or a neem oil-based spray.
Caterpillars: These feeding insects can cause severe defoliation, which can reduce the yield of the plant. To manage caterpillars, handpick them off the plant or use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) sprays.
With proper disease and pest management techniques, Ricinodendron heudelotii var. tomentellum can be a highly productive crop.
