Overview
Terminalia basilei Chiov. is a plant species that belongs to the Combretaceae family. It is commonly known as muthithi or murera in the Kikuyu language. It is native to the Central Highlands of Kenya and can also be found in other regions of East Africa.
Appearance
Terminalia basilei is a large evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. It has a straight trunk with a dense, spreading crown that provides ample shade. The bark is smooth and greyish-white with prominent vertical fissures. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate, with a pointed apex and a slightly toothed margin. They are about 10-15 centimeters long and 5-7 centimeters wide. The flowers are small, yellowish-green and are borne in axillary racemes that are around 5-10 centimeters long. The fruit is a four-winged samara, about 4 centimeters long, ripening from green to brown.
Uses
Terminalia basilei is widely used for medicinal purposes. The bark, leaves, and roots are used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, fever, and stomachache. In addition, the bark is used to treat respiratory infections such as tuberculosis and asthma. The leaves are also used as an ingredient in herbal teas and are believed to have antioxidant properties.
The wood is hard, heavy, and durable, making it ideal for carpentry and construction. It is used to make furniture, flooring, utensils, and carvings. The tree also provides a valuable source of firewood and charcoal.
The tree is considered sacred by the Kikuyu people, who use it as a site for traditional rituals and ceremonies. The shade provided by the tree is also used as a meeting place and a resting place for travelers.
Light requirements
The Terminalia basilei Chiov. plant requires full sun exposure for healthy growth and development. It needs at least six hours of full sun per day to thrive. However, it can tolerate partial shade, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It grows best in warm to hot temperatures, ranging from 20°C to 35°C during the day. During the night, the temperature can drop to 10°C. The plant cannot tolerate freezing temperatures and suffers damage at 0°C or below.
Soil requirements
Terminalia basilei Chiov. prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils. However, it performs best in well-drained soils with a high organic matter content. Regular watering is essential to prevent the soil from drying out.
Cultivation methods for Terminalia basilei Chiov.
Terminalia basilei Chiov. is a small tree that is found in dry regions of East Africa. It is a slow-growing tree that can be grown from seeds or cuttings. It prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic with a pH between 6 and 7.5. The plant needs a lot of sunlight, so it's best to plant it in a location that receives full sunlight. It is also drought tolerant, so it's best to avoid overwatering the plant.
Watering needs for Terminalia basilei Chiov.
Terminalia basilei Chiov. is a drought-tolerant plant, but it still needs water to grow. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce the frequency to once every two weeks during the dormant season. Avoid overwatering the plant as it can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization of Terminalia basilei Chiov.
You can fertilize Terminalia basilei Chiov. during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season and avoid fertilizing during the dormant season. Alternatively, you can apply organic fertilizer such as compost during the growing season.
Pruning of Terminalia basilei Chiov.
Pruning Terminalia basilei Chiov. is not necessary, but you can prune the plant to maintain its shape and promote growth. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. You can also prune the plant to control its size or shape. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to make clean cuts.
Propagation of Terminalia basilei Chiov.
Terminalia basilei Chiov. is a tree belonging to the Combretaceae family. It is native to Ethiopia and Somalia and is known for its medicinal properties. The tree can be propagated by both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
The seeds of Terminalia basilei Chiov. can be sown directly into the soil. The seeds collected for propagation must be fully ripened and should not be more than six months old, as older seeds may have reduced viability. The soil should be well-draining and moist. The seedlings will emerge in two to four weeks, and care should be taken to protect them from strong winds and direct sunlight. The seedlings can be transplanted after they have reached a height of 20cm.
Asexual propagation
The asexual propagation of Terminalia basilei Chiov. is carried out through cuttings and grafting.
Cuttings: Terminalia basilei Chiov. can be propagated using semi-hardwood cuttings taken from the tree's current season growth. The cuttings are usually about 25cm long with at least three to four leaves. The leaves on the lower part of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining potting mix, and care should be taken to maintain high humidity levels by covering the pot with a plastic sheet until the cuttings have rooted, which may take a month or more.
Grafting: Grafting is an asexual propagation method that is used to propagate Terminalia basilei Chiov. onto a selected rootstock. The selected rootstock should be young and vigorously growing. The scion, which is a cutting taken from the tree, is grafted onto the rootstock. The grafted tree should be kept in a humid environment until the graft has taken, which may take a few weeks.
Disease management
Terminalia basilei Chiov. is generally a hardy plant and is resistant to many diseases. However, there are a few diseases that might affect the plant, such as:
- Rust: This fungal disease is characterized by yellow or orange spores on the underside of leaves and can cause defoliation. It can be managed by removing infected leaves, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicides.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes circular or irregular spots on the leaves and can lead to defoliation. It can be managed by removing infected leaves, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicides.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves and can cause stunted growth. It can be managed by removing infected leaves, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicides.
To prevent diseases, it is best to keep the plant healthy by providing optimal growing conditions, such as proper watering, fertilization, and pruning. It is also important to practice good hygiene by removing dead leaves and plant debris.
Pest management
Terminalia basilei Chiov. is generally resistant to pests, but a few pests might affect the plant. These include:
- Mites: These tiny insects can cause yellowing and curling of leaves. They can be managed by washing the leaves with a strong jet of water or applying miticides.
- Caterpillars: These larvae can feed on the leaves and cause defoliation. They can be managed by handpicking or applying insecticides.
- Scale insects: These insects look like small bumps on the leaves and can cause yellowing and stunted growth. They can be managed by wiping the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or applying insecticides.
Preventive measures can include keeping the plant healthy by providing optimal growing conditions, such as proper watering, fertilization, and pruning. It is also important to practice good hygiene by removing dead leaves and plant debris. Regular inspection of the plant for pests can help to catch any infestations early and prevent them from spreading.
