Overview of Terminalia brownii Fresen.
Terminalia brownii Fresen. is a species of flowering plant belonging to the genus Terminalia. It is commonly known as the African almond or brown ivory and is primarily found in tropical Africa.
Description of Terminalia brownii Fresen.
The African almond is a medium-sized tree that grows up to 20 meters in height. The leaves are simple, alternate, and elongated, with a length that ranges from 8 to 23 cm. The flowers are small, yellow-green, and borne on dense clusters. The fruit is a globose drupe, about 2 cm in diameter, and contains a hard, woody, and smooth nut, known as a brown ivory.
Uses of Terminalia brownii Fresen.
The brown ivory nut is the most valued part of the African almond because it is used to make beautiful, hard-wearing, and decorative carvings. The nut is also used in traditional African medicine for various ailments, including diarrhea, dysentery, and other gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, the bark and leaves of the tree are used to treat malaria.
Terminalia brownii Fresen. has several other uses. The bark is used in tanning leather, and the wood is used for construction, furniture, and making charcoal. The tree is also planted for soil conservation, fuel, and shade.
Conclusion
Terminalia brownii Fresen. is a valuable tree species in Africa because of its multiple uses. Its nut is highly prized for its decorative and medicinal potential, and the tree is an important resource for wood, fuel, and shade. Efforts to conserve and sustainably manage this species are essential to ensure its continued contribution to the livelihoods of many communities in tropical Africa.
Light Requirements
Terminalia brownii Fresen. plant prefers full sun exposure to partial shade. It requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight for optimum growth and development. It is essential to keep the plant away from the shade to ensure rapid growth and proper flowering.
Temperature Requirements
Terminalia brownii Fresen. grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant prefers a warm and humid climate, with temperature ranges between 20-30°C. Extreme cold temperatures can cause damage to the plant, and it may not survive in frost conditions. It cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C, and it is essential to keep the plant in a warm environment at all times.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to neutral. The pH range should be between 6.0-7.5 for optimum growth. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and it should be able to hold moisture. The ideal soil type is loamy soil, which has a perfect balance of sand, clay, and silt. The plant is adapted to grow in poor soils, but it requires regular fertilizer applications to ensure proper growth and development.
Cultivation Methods for Terminalia brownii Fresen.
Terminalia brownii Fresen. is a hardy plant that is easy to cultivate. The plant thrives in tropical and subtropical regions where it can receive plenty of sunlight. It grows well in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can be propagated either from seeds or cuttings.
Watering Needs for Terminalia brownii Fresen.
The plant requires moderate watering during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist, but not too wet, as excessive waterlogging can lead to root rot. Watering should be reduced during the dormant season to prevent waterlogging and root rot. The plant is drought tolerant and can withstand periods of extended dryness.
Fertilization for Terminalia brownii Fresen.
The plant requires moderate fertilization during the growing season. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 fertilizer, every three months. Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers, such as compost or blood meal. Fertilization should be stopped during the dormant season as the plant does not require additional nutrients during this period.
Pruning for Terminalia brownii Fresen.
The plant requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape and size. Pruning should be done during the dormant season to avoid damaging the plant. Remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that cross or rub against each other. Prune back any long shoots to maintain the desired shape and size of the plant.
Propagation of Terminalia brownii Fresen.
Terminalia brownii Fresen., commonly known as African almond or Gborro, is a fast-growing tree that belongs to the Combretaceae family. It is a native of West and Central Africa and is popularly cultivated for its fruits, which are used in traditional medicine and food.
Propagation of Terminalia brownii can be achieved through various methods, which include:
Seed propagation
Seeds are the most common propagation method for Terminalia brownii. The best time to collect seeds is during the dry season when the fruit is mature and has turned brown. The seeds can be sowed directly into the ground or in seedbeds under partial shade. It is important to remove the fleshy coating before planting the seed.
Seeds should be planted at a depth of 1-2 cm and should be watered regularly. Germination occurs within 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to a permanent site after 3-4 months.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation is another method used to propagate Terminalia brownii. This method involves taking cuttings of young, succulent shoots from the parent tree and planting them in sandy soil under shade. The cuttings should be 15-20 cm long and should be stripped of the lower leaves.
The cuttings should be watered regularly and misted to maintain high humidity levels. Rooting occurs within 2-3 weeks, and the rooted cuttings can be transplanted to a permanent site after 3-4 months.
Air-layering propagation
Air-layering is a propagation method that involves making a cut in the stem of the parent tree and covering it with a rooting hormone and moist soil. The stem is then wrapped with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity levels.
Roots will form at the cut site, and once they are well-developed, the stem can be cut below the root ball and planted in sandy soil under partial shade. The plant can be transplanted to a permanent site after 3-4 months.
In conclusion, Terminalia brownii Fresen. can be propagated through seed propagation, cutting propagation, and air-layering propagation. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method will depend on the availability of resources and the purpose of propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Terminalia brownii Fresen.
Terminalia brownii Fresen. is a medicinally valuable tree species that is commonly found in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The tree is known to have a few pests and diseases which may lead to significant yield losses if not managed properly.
Common Diseases
One of the major diseases affecting Terminalia brownii is leaf spot disease caused by fungi such as Cercospora sp. and Phyllosticta sp. The disease causes yellow spots on the leaves, which later turn brown and drop off. The best way to manage this disease is to remove all affected leaves and destroy them to prevent further spread. Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum sp., is another important disease of Terminalia brownii. The disease is characterized by the appearance of dark, sunken lesions on leaves, fruits, and twigs. The primary management strategy includes removing the affected parts by pruning and avoid overwatering the plant.
Common Pests
Mites and scale insects are common pests of Terminalia brownii. Mites are tiny sap-sucking pests that damage the leaves by causing discoloration and distortion. Scale insects, on the other hand, form a waxy coating on the tree's surface, and eventually lead to stunted growth and death. The best way to manage these pests is to maintain a clean growing environment, prune the affected parts and apply neem oil on the plant. Neem oil has insecticidal properties which act against both scales and mites. Another common pest is the stem borer, which attacks young branches. The pest causes a characteristic wilting of affected branches. Infested branches should be promptly pruned and destroyed.
Conclusion
Terminalia brownii can provide a wide range of benefits; however, it requires proper disease and pest management to protect these benefits. Taking preventative measures such as maintaining proper hygiene, pruning, and using neem oil can aid in protecting the tree against damaging pests and diseases.
