Origin of Terminalia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern var. ovalis Hiern
Terminalia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern var. ovalis Hiern, commonly known as Mutenje or Musasa, is a deciduous tree species that belongs to the family Combretaceae. The plant is native to southern, central, and eastern Africa, including Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
Common names
Terminalia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern var. ovalis Hiern goes by several other common names, including Pink Ivory, Pink Conqueror, and Umgakwe.
General appearance
The Mutenje tree can grow up to 20 meters tall with a trunk up to 1.5 meters in diameter. The tree features a dense, spreading crown with horizontal branches that are dotted with small leaves. Terminalia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern var. ovalis Hiern has a distinctive appearance with pinkish-brown bark that peels off to reveal an orange-brown, smooth and glossy surface. The unique bark makes it a valuable ornamental tree commonly grown as a specimen plant.
Uses
Terminalia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern var. ovalis Hiern is a highly valued timber tree commonly used for carving, furniture making, and decorative items. Its pinkish-brown wood is dense, hard, and highly prized for crafting piano keys, tool handles, and gunstocks due to its high density and excellent durability. The tree's bark has medicinal properties, and decoctions are traditionally used to treat fever, dysentery, and diarrhea. The tree is also used in traditional African medicine to treat a wide range of ailments, including skin conditions, malaria, and infertility.
Light Requirements
Terminalia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern var. ovalis Hiern typically thrives in bright, filtered light. It can also tolerate partial shade, making it an excellent choice for gardens with dappled light conditions. However, excessive exposure to direct sunlight may be detrimental to the plant's health and growth.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Terminalia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern var. ovalis Hiern is between 20 to 30°C (68 to 86°F). It is a tropical plant and cannot withstand temperatures below 10°C (50°F). Extreme temperature fluctuations can lead to plant stress and damage.
Soil Requirements
Terminalia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern var. ovalis Hiern performs well in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It cannot tolerate waterlogged soils and requires moderate irrigation during dry periods. The addition of compost or mulch can help retain moisture and promote healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods
The Terminalia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern var. ovalis Hiern, commonly known as Benguela almond, is a tree native to Angola that grows up to 10 meters tall. This plant prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. It can grow both in full sunlight and partial shade. When planting, it is advisable to mix soil with organic matter to encourage root growth. The tree can be propagated by seeds, which should be sowed directly into the soil while fresh or after water treatment. It can also be propagated by cuttings taken from mature plants.
Watering Needs
The Benguela almond tree requires moderate watering throughout the year. During dry seasons, watering should be frequent to keep the soil moist. However, excessive waterlogging should be avoided as it can lead to root rot. When the tree is young, it should be watered more often until it establishes a deep root system.
Fertilization
Fertilization is necessary to promote optimal growth and yield. The tree should be fertilized during the growing season, preferably with an organic fertilizer. This can be done by adding compost or manure to the soil surface around the tree. Alternatively, a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be used. Care should be taken not to over-fertilize as this can damage the tree.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and size of the tree. The Benguela almond tree requires minimal pruning but should be pruned regularly to remove damaged or diseased branches and to encourage new growth. Pruning should be done in early spring or after harvest. Care should be taken not to prune too much as this can reduce the yield and weaken the tree.
Propagation of Terminalia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern var. ovalis Hiern
Propagation of Terminalia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern var. ovalis Hiern can be done through various methods. Some common methods include:
Seed propagation
Seeds can be collected from the parent plant and used for propagation. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil mixed with compost. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The seeds will take a few weeks to germinate.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings can also be used for propagation. Softwood cuttings can be taken from the parent plant during the growing season. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-drained soil mixed with compost. The soil should be kept moist and the cuttings should be kept in a shaded area until they develop roots.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for Terminalia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern var. ovalis Hiern. This method involves making a small cut on a stem of the parent plant and placing a rooting hormone on the cut before wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss. After a few weeks, roots will develop on the moss and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and planted in well-drained soil mixed with compost.
It is important to note that Terminalia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern var. ovalis Hiern requires a lot of water during the growing season. The plant also needs well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight to thrive.
Disease Management
Terminalia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern var. ovalis Hiern is a hardy plant, and as such is not particularly prone to diseases. However, certain conditions can lead to the development of diseases which can harm the plant. The most common diseases that can affect the plant include:
- Leaf spot
- Anthracnose
- Root rot
Leaf spot can be controlled through the removal of infected leaves and other plant material.When pruning, it is important to sanitize pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease from plant to plant. Anthracnose, on the other hand, can be managed through the use of fungicides. Root rot, caused by excess moisture in the soil, can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage and watering practices. If root rot is already present, it is important to remove the plant from the infected soil and to dry out the roots before replanting in fresh, well-draining soil.
Pest Management
Just like any other plant, Terminalia benguellensis Welw. ex Hiern var. ovalis Hiern can be attacked by pests. Proper management can keep pests under control and prevent damage. Some common pests that could affect this plant are:
- Aphids
- Spider mites
- Caterpillars
Aphids and spider mites can reproduce very quickly, and so early detection is important to prevent infestation. These pests can be controlled through the use of insecticidal soaps or neem oil. Caterpillars, on the other hand, can be handpicked or controlled using biological control agents such as Bacillus thuringiensis. It is important to note that some chemicals used to control pests may also harm beneficial insects. Care should be taken to select pest control methods that do not harm beneficial insects.
