Overview of Teclea Evodioides Chiov.
Teclea evodioides Chiov. is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the family Rutaceae. It is native to East Africa, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The genus Teclea is composed of about 33 species, most of which are found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia.
Common Names
Teclea evodioides Chiov. is commonly known by several names, including African greenheart, green-leaved teclea, and small-leaved teclea. In Ethiopia, it is called 'Wanza' in Oromo and 'Gaafi' in Amharic.
Uses
The plant has several uses in traditional medicine in East Africa. In Ethiopia, the stem bark is used to treat stomach diseases, while in Kenya, the roots are used to treat snake bites and the bark is used to treat malaria. The crushed leaves are applied to wounds to accelerate healing, while the extract is used as an insecticide.
The wood of Teclea evodioides Chiov. is very hard and has been used to make various utensils, bows, and handles for tools. The bark fibers have also been used to make rope and baskets.
General Appearance
The plant can grow up to 6 m tall. It has a straight trunk with gray and smooth bark. The leaves are small, alternate, and elliptical, with a length of 4-15 cm and a width of 2-7 cm. They are green and glossy, and have a strong, aromatic scent when crushed. The flowers are small and greenish-white, and appear in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a small, round berry that turns red when ripe, and contains 2-4 seeds.
Teclea evodioides Chiov. is a hardy plant that can grow in various soil types and climatic conditions. It is often found in dry woodlands, savannahs, and rocky slopes in East Africa.
Light Requirements
Teclea evodioides Chiov. grows best in partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun with adequate watering. Direct sunlight exposure may lead to leaf burn or stunted growth.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm weather and does well in temperature ranges between 20°C to 30°C. It can't tolerate frost or temperatures below 10°C. The optimal temperature range for Teclea evodioides Chiov. is between 22°C and 26°C.
Soil Requirements
Teclea evodioides Chiov. grows well in well-draining soil with a pH from slightly acidic to neutral. The soil should be rich in organic matter. This plant prefers moist soil but cannot tolerate water-logged soil. It's recommendable to add compost or manure to the soil during planting, and to mulch regularly after planting.
Cultivation Methods
Teclea evodioides Chiov. is a small tree that can grow up to 6 meters tall. It prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can endure partial shade but grows best in full sunlight. Teclea evodioides Chiov. is hardy to drought and can tolerate temperatures of up to 35°C. Propagation can be done by cuttings or seeds.
Watering Needs
When first planted, Teclea evodioides Chiov. requires regular watering until it establishes. Once established, the plant is tolerant to long periods of drought. During the dry season, watering should be done at least once a week until the rain returns. It is essential to avoid overwatering the plant, as this can cause root rot and damage the tree.
Fertilization
Technically, Teclea evodioides Chiov. can grow without fertilizer. However, regular application of organic fertilizers can significantly improve the plant's growth and health. Apply fertilizers during the early stages of growth, especially during the rainy season. Excessive use of organic fertilizers, however, can lead to big trees with poor fruit production.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for Teclea evodioides Chiov. to achieve a desirable size and shape. This activity also enhances the quality and quantity of fruit production. Prune in late winter after the fruit harvest, before the new growth emerges. Remove any dead, diseased, or weak branches, straggly shoots, or those that grow towards the plant's center. Cut any branches that are crossing each other or rubbing against each other.
Propagation of Teclea Evodioides Chiov.
Teclea evodioides Chiov. can be propagated through several methods, including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and air layering propagation. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of propagation method depends on various factors such as availability of plant material, required number of plants, and time of propagation.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the easiest and most common method for propagating Teclea evodioides Chiov. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil, and care should be taken to keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm, and proper care should be taken to ensure that the seeds are not buried too deep. The seeds germinate within 15-20 days, and the seedlings should be transplanted to individual pots once they have grown to a height of 3-4 cm.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation is another method for propagating Teclea evodioides Chiov. Cuttings are taken from mature, healthy plants during the dormant season. The cuttings should be 20-25 cm long and should have at least three nodes. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in moist, well-drained soil. Proper care should be taken to ensure that the soil remains moist, and the cuttings should be protected from direct sunlight until they have rooted.
Air layering propagation
Air layering propagation is a more advanced method for propagating Teclea evodioides Chiov. This method involves making a shallow cut in a stem and applying a rooting hormone. The cut is then wrapped in moist sphagnum moss, which is then covered in plastic wrap. Roots will develop in the moss, and once they are well-established, the stem can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted into a pot or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Teclea evodioides Chiov. is generally healthy and not prone to many diseases. However, the plant can suffer from various fungal and bacterial diseases. These diseases can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves, spots on the leaves, stem and root rot, and ultimately, death.
The best disease management practices include preventative measures such as planting disease-free seeds, ensuring proper air circulation, good soil drainage, and maintaining a clean garden. Also, promptly remove and destroy any infected plants or plant parts to prevent the spread of the disease.
If the plant is infected with a disease, apply organic fungicides or bactericides according to the instructions on the label. Avoid overhead watering, as moisture promotes the growth and spread of fungal and bacterial diseases.
Pest Management
Like most plants, Teclea evodioides can be vulnerable to attacks from pests such as insects and mites.
One of the most common pests to infest Teclea evodioides is the citrus psyllid. These tiny insects cause the leaves of the plant to curl and yellow. Over time, they can weaken the plant and cause stunted growth. To manage these pests, remove and destroy any infected plant parts. Also, introduce natural predators such as ladybugs to help control the population.
Another common pest is spider mites. These can cause leaves to yellow and develop a stippled appearance. They thrive in dry conditions, so ensure the plant is well-hydrated, and increase the humidity around the plant. Prune any infected plant parts and spray with a soap solution to manage the infestation.
In case of a severe infestation, apply organic insecticides or miticides following the label's instructions, or seek advice from a professional pest control expert.
