Plant Description:
Schrebera tomentella (Welw.) Gilg, also known as African schrebera or kere, is a tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall and 1 meter in diameter. It belongs to the family Oleaceae and is native to tropical Africa, specifically in countries such as Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Tanzania.
General Appearance:
The African schrebera has thick, corky bark that is fissured and arises in broad sheets. The leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate to elliptic in shape, measuring up to 24 centimeters long and 16 centimeters wide. They are dark green and glossy on the upper surface and paler on the lower surface with distinct veins. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, while the fruit is a hard, woody capsule that can reach up to 5 centimeters in diameter and contains 2-4 seeds.
Common Names:
African schrebera is also known by other common names such as kere (Swahili), mofoluku (Yoruba), mutala (Hausa), and musaua (Kikuyu).
Uses:
The African schrebera has various medicinal uses, such as treating fever, stomach ache, dysentery, diarrhea, and malaria. The wood is used for carpentry, furniture making, and firewood. The leaves are used in traditional medicine for pain relief, while the bark extracts are used for cancer treatment. The fruit is also used for dyeing cloth and produces a yellowish-brown dye.
Light Requirements
The Schrebera tomentella plant prefers bright but indirect sunlight, such as that found in a partially shaded area. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and hinder growth, so it is crucial to place the plant in an area with filtered light.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Schrebera tomentella plant growth is between 18-25°C. The plant can tolerate slightly higher temperatures, but excessively low temperatures can be detrimental to its growth. It is essential to ensure that the plant is not exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations as it can lead to leaf drop and the plant's eventual death.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows best in well-draining soils with adequate organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a range between 5.5-7.0. Schrebera tomentella prefers moist but not waterlogged soil, and the topsoil should be allowed to dry slightly between watering to prevent root rot. A peat-based soil mix with added perlite or vermiculite is an excellent choice for optimum growth.
Cultivation
Schrebera tomentella is a tropical tree that thrives in warm areas. It grows best in a location that gets partial shade, where it is sheltered from direct sunlight and strong winds. Plant it in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and has a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. The plant's root system is relatively shallow, so avoid planting in areas with hard or compacted soil.
Watering Needs
Schrebera tomentella requires moderate watering, especially during the summer months when temperatures are high. Water the plant evenly and thoroughly, but do not let the soil become waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. During the winter months, it is best to reduce watering as the plant's growth slows down.
Fertilization
Fertilize Schrebera tomentella regularly to encourage healthy growth and flowering. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. You can also use organic fertilizers like compost or manure. Apply the fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season and every four to six weeks thereafter.
Pruning
Pruning Schrebera tomentella is essential to maintain its desired shape and size. Prune the plant in the early spring before new growth starts. Begin by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Then, prune for shape and size. Remove any crossing branches or those that grow inward towards the plant's center. Pinch back the tips of new growth to encourage a bushier plant.
Propagation of Schrebera tomentella (Welw.) Gilg
Schrebera tomentella (Welw.) Gilg, commonly known as African teak, is a tropical tree species that is native to East Africa. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and air layering.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Schrebera tomentella is through seeds. The seeds should be sown in a mixture of sand and soil in a nursery bed or container. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours to promote germination. It usually takes about three weeks for the seedlings to emerge.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation of Schrebera tomentella can also be done through cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from mature trees during the rainy season. The cuttings should be about 30 cm long and have 3-4 nodes. It is advisable to dip the cut end of the cuttings in rooting hormones to expedite the rooting process. The cuttings should be planted in a mix of sand and soil, with a spacing of at least 10 cm between cuttings.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering propagation can also be used for Schrebera tomentella. This method involves creating a small wound on the side of a mature tree trunk and covering it with soil or sphagnum moss, which is then held in place with plastic wrap. A rooting hormone can also be applied on the wound. The roots will grow from the wound and into the soil or moss. When the roots are well-developed, the new plant can be removed and planted in a container or directly in the ground.
Overall, Schrebera tomentella can be propagated through different methods, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Choose the method that best suits your needs and resources.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases that affect the Schrebera tomentella plant is Powdery Mildew. This fungal disease is characterized by a white or gray powdery growth on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, it's recommended to treat the plant with a fungicide, following the directions carefully. Ensure to spray the entire plant, including the undersides of the leaves. Also, it's best to avoid wetting the leaves when watering the plant, as this creates a conducive environment for the disease to thrive.
Another disease that can affect the Schrebera tomentella plant is Leaf Spot. This disease appears as irregularly shaped spots on the leaves, which can be brown or black. To manage leaf spot, begin by removing the affected leaves and disposing of them. After that, treat the plant with a fungicide, ensuring that the product reaches the affected areas. It's also recommended to avoid getting the leaves wet during watering and to ensure the soil isn't overly moist as this encourages the disease's spread.
Pest Management
The common pests that can affect the Schrebera tomentella plant include Mealybugs, Spider Mites, and Scale Insects. Mealybugs are soft, cottony insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing the leaves to wilt and drop. For management, it's recommended to use an insecticidal soap to kill the bugs or use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them from the plant.
Spider Mites are tiny, eight-legged pests that can cause significant damage to the Schrebera tomentella plant by sucking on the leaves' fluids. To manage spider mites, you can use neem oil or insecticidal soap to eliminate them. Be sure to apply the product consistently to ensure the pests are entirely eradicated.
Scale Insects feed on the plant's sap and cause the leaves to turn yellow or fall off. To manage scale insects, you can rub the insects off the plant using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. You can also use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the insects.
Regularly inspecting your Schrebera tomentella plant for signs of diseases or pests is crucial to ensuring it remains healthy. Addressing any issues promptly using the appropriate management technique will prevent the spread of the problem and ensure that your plant grows and thrives as expected.
