Overview
Terminalia bispinosa Schweinf. & Volkens, also known as the two-spined terminalia, is a species of tree native to Africa. It belongs to the Combretaceae family that is commonly grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world. The plant is versatile, and different parts have various medicinal properties used for ailments ranging from treating diabetes to digestive issues.
Common Names
The plant has several common names depending on the region, including Nkukwano and Mukoma-mwitu in Kenya, Mkontomwe in Tanzania, and Tsomo in Zimbabwe. In India, where the tree is also found, it is known as the 'Maddu Chebuli' plant and 'Bhavya' in Ayurvedic medicine.
Appearance
The terminalia bispinosa Schweinf. & Volkens tree can grow up to 25 meters tall, and it has a long, straight trunk that can measure up to 50 cm in diameter. The tree's bark is grey-brown, smooth, and thin, with the young stems and branchlets tinged with reddish-brown hairs. The leaves are simple, alternate, and lanceolate, measuring between 8- 20 cm long and 1.5-5 cm wide, with a rounded base and pointed apex. The tree's flowers are arranged in spikes that are about 10-30 cm long.
Uses
The terminalia bispinosa Schweinf. & Volkens tree is used for various medicinal and non-medicinal purposes. In traditional African medicine, the bark is ground and mixed with water to treat stomach, liver, and intestinal problems. The bark infusions are used as febrifuge, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diarrheal agents. Besides, the leaves have been used to treat eye problems, and the young shoots have been used to treat gonorrhea. In Ayurvedic medicine, the plant's bark and fruits are used to treat constipation, bleeding, diarrhea, and inflammation. Other uses for the plant include making household items, including poles, furniture, tool handles, and posts.
Growth Conditions for Terminalia bispinosa Schweinf. & Volkens
Light: Terminalia bispinosa requires bright sunlight for proper growth and development. The plant thrives well in areas with full sun, though some shade can be tolerated.
Temperature: The optimal temperature range for the growth of Terminalia bispinosa is between 25 and 35°C. The plant can tolerate temperatures ranging from 10 to 45°C, but growth is slower at extreme temperatures.
Soil: Terminalia bispinosa grows well in a wide range of soils, from sandy loam to clay loam. The soil should be well-drained, with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. The plant prefers soils with organic matter content and can tolerate soil salinity up to some extent.
Water: Terminalia bispinosa prefers moderate watering. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogging, so the soil should be well-drained. Watering should be done once or twice a week, depending on the environmental conditions and soil type.
Fertilizer: Terminalia bispinosa can benefit from the addition of organic fertilizers such as cow dung, compost, and green manure. Application of chemical fertilizers like NPK and urea is also recommended for better growth and development.
Propagation: Terminalia bispinosa can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and air layering. The best time for seed sowing is during the monsoon season. Cuttings are generally taken from mature trees during the winter months.
Pruning: Terminalia bispinosa requires minimal pruning. Removal of dead and diseased branches, and trimming of the tree canopy to a desired shape is enough to promote healthy growth and development of the plant.
Cultivation of Terminalia bispinosa Schweinf. & Volkens
Terminalia bispinosa Schweinf. & Volkens, also known as the Two-Spined Indian Laurel, is a tropical tree that is commonly found in Southeast Asia. This tree prefers to grow in well-drained, medium to heavy soils and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. It is a hardy tree that can withstand a variety of climatic conditions and is relatively easy to cultivate.
The ideal time to plant Terminalia bispinosa Schweinf. & Volkens is during the monsoon season as the moisture in the soil helps in the establishment of the tree. The recommended spacing between each plant should be about 3 to 4 meters to provide adequate space for growth.
Watering needs of Terminalia bispinosa Schweinf. & Volkens
Terminalia bispinosa Schweinf. & Volkens requires regular watering during its initial growth stages. It is crucial to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, during the first few months of planting. Once the tree is established, it can tolerate periods of drought and requires watering only during prolonged dry spells.
The frequency of watering depends on a variety of factors such as the temperature, humidity, and soil type. It is recommended to water the tree deeply, rather than giving it frequent, light watering. This can help to encourage deeper root growth that enhances the tree's stability and nutrient uptake.
Fertilization of Terminalia bispinosa Schweinf. & Volkens
Terminalia bispinosa Schweinf. & Volkens requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12. Fertilizer should be applied twice a year, during the onset of monsoon and winter seasons, to ensure a steady supply of nutrients.
It is important not to over-fertilize the tree, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth and weaken the structural integrity of the tree. Slow-release fertilizer or organic fertilizers can also be used to provide a steady supply of nutrients over a longer period.
Pruning of Terminalia bispinosa Schweinf. & Volkens
Pruning of Terminalia bispinosa Schweinf. & Volkens is essential to maintain its structural integrity and promote healthy growth. Pruning should be done during the dry season to prevent the growth of fungus and bacteria on the open wounds of the tree.
The first pruning of the tree should be done during its second year of growth to shape the tree and remove any weak or diseased branches. Subsequent pruning should be done as necessary to remove any dead or damaged branches and to promote balanced growth.
Terminalia bispinosa Schweinf. & Volkens can also be trained into a bonsai tree. In this case, pruning should be done frequently to maintain the desired shape and size of the tree.
Propagation of Terminalia bispinosa Schweinf. & Volkens
Terminalia bispinosa Schweinf. & Volkens can be propagated through several methods. These methods include:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagation for Terminalia bispinosa is through seeds. The seeds are readily available and can be collected from mature fruits. The seeds must be treated before planting to increase their germination rate. The seeds have a hard coat that needs to be broken down using several methods. One of the methods is to soak the seeds in hot water overnight. This process helps to break down the seed coat and increase the germination rate. After soaking, the seeds can be planted in a suitable growing medium and watered regularly until germination.
Cutting Propagation
Terminalia bispinosa can also be propagated through cuttings. This method involves taking a cutting from a mature plant and planting it in a suitable growing medium. The cuttings should be taken from the base of the stem and should be at least 20 cm long. The base of the cutting should be dipped into rooting hormone before planting. This method is best done during the rainy season when the humidity is high. With proper care, the cuttings can root and develop into mature plants.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another method of propagation for Terminalia bispinosa. This method involves inducing the plant to produce roots from a stem that is still attached to the parent plant. The stem is wrapped in a moist growing medium and covered with plastic to maintain humidity. Roots will eventually develop from the stem, and the plant can be detached from the parent plant and transplanted.
Overall, Terminalia bispinosa Schweinf. & Volkens can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and air-layering. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of propagation method will depend on the resources available and the specific needs of the grower.
Disease and Pest Management for Terminalia bispinosa Schweinf. & Volkens
Terminalia bispinosa Schweinf. & Volkens, also known as the Two-spined Black Terminalia, is a medium-sized tree found in tropical Africa. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can hinder its growth and overall health. Some common diseases and pests that affect Terminalia bispinosa and their management strategies are discussed below.
Diseases
Leaf spot diseases: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes dark spots or lesions on the plant's leaves. These spots can reduce photosynthesis, weaken the plant, and make it more susceptible to other diseases and pests. To manage leaf spot, prune and dispose of infected leaves, water at the base of the plant, and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used to prevent or control the disease.
Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. It causes stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and eventually, the death of the plant. To prevent root rot, ensure good drainage, avoid overwatering, and use disease-resistant cultivars. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Bacterial blight: Bacterial blight is a bacterial disease that causes the leaves to wilt and turn brown or black. It can also cause cankers or lesions on the plant's branches. To manage bacterial blight, prune and dispose of infected branches, avoid overhead watering, and rotate crops to prevent the buildup of the bacteria. Copper-based fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Pests
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small insects with a cotton-like appearance on the plant's leaves and stems. They suck the sap from the plant, causing wilting and stunted growth. To manage mealybugs, prune and dispose of infected plant parts, introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies. They feed on the leaves, causing defoliation and weakening the plant. To manage caterpillars, handpick and dispose of them, introduce natural predators like birds or parasitic wasps, and use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) sprays.
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves. They also excrete a sugary substance called honeydew that can attract other pests like ants. To manage aphids, hose them off with water, introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays.
By adopting a comprehensive pest and disease management strategy, growers can ensure the health and vitality of Terminalia bispinosa Schweinf. & Volkens, resulting in better yields and quality of the plant.
