Origin and Common Names
Terminalia adamanensis Engl. & Diels, commonly known as the Adamawa almond, is a plant species that is native to Central and West Africa. It can be found in countries such as Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, and Gabon.
Appearance
The Adamawa almond is a medium sized tree that can grow up to 30 meters in height, with a trunk that can measure up to 1 meter in diameter. The tree has a dense leaf canopy, and its leaves are oblong in shape, alternating along the stem, with no hair on either side. The fruit of the Adamawa almond is a drupe, about 3 cm in diameter, and it changes in color from green to yellow to reddish-brown as it matures.
Uses
The Terminalia adamanensis tree has various medicinal properties that are used for treating illnesses such as headache, cough, and toothache, amongst others. The bark of the tree is also used to treat skin infections, diarrhea, and anemia. The fruit of the plant is consumed as food and is a good source of protein, dietary fiber, and essential fatty acids. The bark, leaves, and fruit of Terminalia adamanensis are also used by local communities for tanning of hides and for making baskets, ropes, and other household items.
Typical Growth Conditions of Terminalia adamanensis Engl. & Diels
Terminalia adamanensis Engl. & Diels is a tropical tree that grows best under warm and humid conditions. This plant is native to the African tropical forest and can be found in countries such as Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Cameroon. In its natural habitat, the tree can grow up to 20 m tall with a spreading crown and a straight, cylindrical bole.
Light Requirements
Terminalia adamanensis requires full sun exposure to grow properly. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but it usually grows best when exposed to direct sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to plant the tree in an open area with no shading from neighboring trees or buildings.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Terminalia adamanensis is between 20°C and 30°C. The tree can tolerate higher temperatures, up to 35°C, but it may experience stunted growth if exposed to prolonged periods of extreme heat. Similarly, the tree can survive in temperatures as low as 15°C, but it may become dormant during the cold season and resume growth when the temperature rises again.
Soil Requirements
Terminalia adamanensis thrives in well-draining soils with good fertility. The plant prefers acidic soils with a pH between 4.5 and 6.5. It can tolerate slightly alkaline soil conditions, but it may not grow as well as in acidic soils. The tree can also grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soil types as long as they are well-draining and meet the acidity requirements. It is important to note that the plant does not tolerate water-logged soils, and planting it in such conditions may lead to root rot and poor growth.
Overall, Terminalia adamanensis is a hardy tree species that can adapt to a range of environmental conditions. However, providing the ideal growth conditions discussed above can help ensure optimal growth and productivity of the plant.
Cultivation Methods for Terminalia adamanensis
The Terminalia adamanensis plant prefers tropical and subtropical regions, and it grows well in well-drained soil. The plant can either be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. For seeds, plant them in a pot filled with soil and ensure the soil is moist. Cover the pot with a transparent plastic cover. Once the sprout appears, remove the plastic cover. For stem cuttings, dip the cutting in a rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with soil. Ensure the soil is moist, and cover the pot with a plastic cover until new growth appears.
Watering Needs for Terminalia adamanensis Plant
The Terminalia adamanensis plant requires frequent watering during the dry season, but it is vital to avoid waterlogging. Water the plant when the soil surface appears dry, and ensure the water penetrates through the root zone. It would be best to water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce water wastage.
Fertilization of Terminalia adamanensis Plant
To promote growth and flowering of the Terminalia adamanensis plant, it is essential to fertilize the plant regularly. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 and apply it during the growing season. Mix the fertilizer with water as per the manufacturer's instructions and apply it to the soil around the plant.
Pruning of Terminalia adamanensis Plant
The Terminalia adamanensis plant requires minimal pruning, but it is essential to remove dead or diseased branches as soon as possible. Prune the plant in early spring to encourage new growth and shape the plant to the preferred form. Use clean and sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Terminalia adamanensis Engl. & Diels
Terminalia adamanensis is a slow-growing tree species endemic to the Andaman and Nicobar islands of India. The plant is commonly propagated through seeds and cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds are the most common method of propagating Terminalia adamanensis. The seeds are black and hard, with a thick seed coat. Seeds harvested from mature trees are best for germination.
Before sowing, soak the seeds in hot water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat and enhance germination. Sowing the seeds in containers filled with well-draining soil mix, followed by regular watering, is the best way to germinate the seeds. The seedlings can be transplanted into pots or kept in the same container until they are mature enough to be planted in the field.
Propagation through Cuttings
Terminalia adamanensis can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings are usually collected from mature trees during the dormant season. The cuttings should be about 15-20 cm in length and should be taken from the semi-hardwood section of the plant.
The cuttings should then be treated with rooting hormone powder and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. After two to three months, the cuttings will have roots, and they can be transplanted to pots or directly planted in the field.
Overall, both seed germination and stem cutting propagation are effective methods for propagating Terminalia adamanensis.
Disease Management
Terminalia adamanensis is relatively resistant to diseases. However, it is susceptible to root rot, which can be caused by fungal pathogens such as Pythium spp. and Phytophthora spp. These pathogens thrive in soils with poor drainage and high moisture conditions.
To manage root rot, ensure proper soil drainage and avoid overwatering. Additionally, application of fungicides or biological control agents such as Trichoderma spp. can help control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Terminalia adamanensis is susceptible to pest infestations, some of which include:
- Termites: These insects can cause significant damage to the tree, especially during the early growth stages. To manage termite infestations, remove any dead and decaying wood from the tree's vicinity, use termite-resistant mulches, and apply insecticides.
- Caterpillars: They can cause defoliation, leading to a reduction in the plant's ability to produce food through photosynthesis. To manage caterpillar infestations, physical removal of the caterpillars can be done. Additionally, Bacillus thuringiensis can be applied to manage the infestation.
- Scale insects: These insects can cause yellowing of the leaves, reduced plant growth, and death. To manage scale insect infestations, apply insecticides or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewing bugs to control their numbers.
