Origin
Terminalia brachystemma Welw. ex Hiern subsp. sessilifolia (R.E.Fr.) Wickens commonly known as Western bitter bark is a tree that is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, specifically Angola, Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria, and the Central African Republic.
Common Names
The plant goes by several names such as Western bitter bark, Muiri (in the Kikuyu language), Mulala (in the Luhya language), and Ngulungu (in the Rukwa language).
Uses
The bark and leaves of the Terminalia brachystemma Welw. ex Hiern subsp. sessilifolia (R.E.Fr.) Wickens tree have been used for medicinal purposes by traditional healers in Africa for centuries. The tree's bark is a rich source of tannins and is used to treat a variety of ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and other gastrointestinal disorders. The bark is often chewed or brewed into tea and consumed. The plant's leaves have also been said to have antimicrobial properties and can be used to treat local infections and wounds. The leaves can also be dried and powdered for use as a seasoning for stews.
General Appearance
The Terminalia brachystemma Welw. ex Hiern subsp. sessilifolia (R.E.Fr.) Wickens tree can grow up to 30 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 60 cm. The bark is gray and contains deep fissures. The leaves are oblong and grow up to 20 cm long, with a glossy, dark green surface and a lighter green underside. The tree produces small, yellowish-white flowers that grow in clusters, which eventually develop into 5-7 cm long, woody fruits. The fruits contain a single seed and can be consumed by wildlife or humans.
Growth Conditions for Terminalia brachystemma Welw. ex Hiern subsp. sessilifolia (R.E.Fr.) Wickens
Terminalia brachystemma Welw. ex Hiern subsp. sessilifolia (R.E.Fr.) Wickens is a tree species that typically grows in open woodland and savannahs in sub-Saharan Africa. The species thrives in warm and humid conditions.
Light Requirements
The tree species grows best in areas with full sunlight exposure. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight a day, making it unsuitable for areas with lots of shade. Reduced sunlight exposure leads to weak growth and stunted trees.
Temperature Requirements
Terminalia brachystemma Welw. ex Hiern subsp. sessilifolia (R.E.Fr.) Wickens prefers warm temperatures and can tolerate temperatures up to 40°C. However, it is susceptible to frost damage, and therefore not suitable for areas with temperatures below 5°C.
Soil Requirements
The tree species grows best in deep, well-drained soils. Poorly drained soils lead to root rot and stunted growth. The ideal soil pH ranges from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, between 6.0 and 7.5. Terminalia brachystemma Welw. ex Hiern subsp. sessilifolia (R.E.Fr.) Wickens can tolerate moderately saline soils, but does not tolerate waterlogged or highly alkaline soils.
Cultivation Methods
Terminalia brachystemma Welw. ex Hiern subsp. sessilifolia (R.E.Fr.) Wickens grows well in well-drained soil with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. It prefers full sun exposure but can also survive in partial shade. The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. If propagating through seeds, remove the fleshy covering, and sow them into the soil. Keep the soil moist and warm to promote germination. If propagating through stem cuttings, take cuttings from the parent plant and plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and warm until the cuttings are established.Watering Needs
Terminalia brachystemma Welw. ex Hiern subsp. sessilifolia (R.E.Fr.) Wickens thrives in moist soil but does not do well in areas with high humidity. Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering depends on the temperature and humidity levels. During the summer months, water the plant more frequently, but reduce watering during the winter months.Fertilization
Fertilize the Terminalia brachystemma Welw. ex Hiern subsp. sessilifolia (R.E.Fr.) Wickens plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. The plant can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer that will provide nutrients gradually over an extended period. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as excess nutrients can lead to leggy and weak growth.Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Terminalia brachystemma Welw. ex Hiern subsp. sessilifolia (R.E.Fr.) Wickens, but you can prune the plant to maintain its shape and size. The best time to prune the plant is in the early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches or leaves, and trim back any overgrown areas to promote bushier growth.Propagation of Terminalia brachystemma Welw. ex Hiern subsp. sessilifolia (R.E.Fr.) Wickens
The Terminalia brachystemma Welw. ex Hiern subsp. sessilifolia (R.E.Fr.) Wickens plant can be propagated by seeds, cuttings or grafting. Here are some details about each method:
Seeds
The seeds of this plant can be collected from mature fruits and directly sown in seed trays filled with a mixture of sand and soil. The seeds should be covered lightly with the soil mixture and kept in a warm and humid place. Germination can take up to 3 months.
Cuttings
The cuttings method of propagation involves taking cuttings from the stem of the plant and rooting them in soil. The cuttings should be taken from a mature plant, be at least 10cm long and have at least 2-3 nodes. The lower leaves should be removed and the cuttings dipped in rooting hormone powder. The cuttings can then be planted in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mixture and kept in a warm humid place until roots form.
Grafting
Grafting is another method of propagation used for Terminalia brachystemma Welw. ex Hiern subsp. sessilifolia (R.E.Fr.) Wickens. For this, a rootstock from a healthy plant is selected and a scion from the Terminalia brachystemma Welw. ex Hiern subsp. sessilifolia (R.E.Fr.) Wickens is cut and grafted onto it. The joint is then covered with grafting tape or wax and kept in a warm, humid place until the graft has taken.
Propagation of Terminalia brachystemma Welw. ex Hiern subsp. sessilifolia (R.E.Fr.) Wickens can be done by any of these methods. It is important to note that the success of any method largely depends on factors such as soil quality, temperature, humidity and the expertise of the propagator.
Disease Management
There are several diseases that may affect the Terminalia brachystemma subsp. sessilifolia plant, some of which include:
- Leaf spots: These are caused by fungi and bacteria and can cause the leaves to become discolored and eventually fall off. Regularly spraying the plant with a fungicide can help prevent these diseases.
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes the leaves to develop small, dark lesions. To prevent this disease, it is essential to keep the foliage dry by watering the plant at the base.
- Root rot: This is caused by overly moist soil, which can lead to the rotting of the roots. To prevent this, make sure the plant is not overwatered and has good drainage.
If any of the above diseases are detected, it is important to remove and dispose of the affected leaves or plant parts to prevent further spread.
Pest Management
Some of the common pests that may affect the Terminalia brachystemma subsp. sessilifolia plant include:
- Aphids: These are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves and can cause deformations and stunted growth. To manage them, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These are tiny pests that can cause leaves to yellow and drop off. Regularly hosing down the plant with water can help prevent these pests.
- Scale insects: These are small, immobile pests that can cause yellowing and defoliation. Use a safe insecticide or neem oil to control them.
Regularly inspecting the plant for pests and using natural pest control methods can help prevent infestations and keep the plant healthy.
