Overview
Terminalia chevalieri Diels is a plant species that belongs to the family Combretaceae. This tree is also known by its common names, such as Afromormosia, Dahoma, Gabonwood, and Fa-gao in different African regions. This hardwood tree is indigenous to the tropical and subtropical regions of West and Central Africa. In recent years, this plant has gained significant attention due to its various medicinal and commercial uses.Appearance
Terminalia chevalieri is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall with a trunk diameter that can reach 2 meters wide. The bark of this tree is reddish-brown, and its surface is smooth and scaly with horizontal ridges. Its leaves are simple and alternate, clustered at the end of branches. Each leaf is dark green with a glossy appearance and oblong shape, and its margins are finely serrated. The flowers of Terminalia chevalieri are small and occur in clusters at the end of its branches. The fruit of this plant is a woody seed that is about 4-5 centimeters long. The seed has two wings that help it to disperse from the parent plant.Uses
Terminalia chevalieri has numerous traditional medicinal uses in West and Central Africa. The bark, leaves, and roots of this plant are used to treat several ailments such as malaria, fever, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. In some traditional African societies, parts of this plant are used to treat mental illnesses and skin infections. Furthermore, Terminalia chevalieri is a commercially important hardwood tree. The wood of this tree is durable, robust, and resistant to pests, making it an attractive option for furniture, flooring, and heavy construction. The bark of this tree is used to produce tannin, which is a key ingredient in the leather industry. The foliage of this plant is also an excellent source of fodder for livestock.Cultivation
Terminalia chevalieri grows well in tropical and subtropical regions, where temperatures range from 20°C to 35°C. This plant prefers well-drained soils and can grow in a wide variety of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. Terminalia chevalieri can be propagated through seed or cuttings. The seeds of this plant can be collected from the mature fruits and dried for a few weeks before planting. Cuttings of this plant can be collected from the mature branches and treated with rooting hormone before planting. In conclusion, Terminalia chevalieri is an essential plant in West and Central Africa with multiple uses in traditional medicine and commerce. Its versatile nature and ability to grow in various soil types make it a desirable species for plantation and reforestation programs.Light Requirements
Terminalia chevalieri Diels prefers full to partial sunlight exposure to grow properly. They can grow well in areas that receive direct sunlight for 6-8 hours a day, but they can also grow in areas with relatively low light exposure.
Temperature Requirements
Terminalia chevalieri Diels prefers warm to hot temperatures for optimal growth. They prefer temperatures in the range of 20°C to 35°C. This plant can survive in temperatures as low as 10°C and as high as 45°C but it may stunt their growth.
Soil Requirements
The soil requirements for Terminalia chevalieri Diels are flexible. They can grow in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter with a pH range of 5 to 7.5. The soil should be loose enough to allow good root development, and it should keep enough soil moisture for consistent watering.
Cultivation Methods for Terminalia chevalieri Diels
Terminalia chevalieri Diels is a tropical plant, and therefore it requires specific conditions to grow properly. The first thing to consider when cultivating Terminalia chevalieri Diels is to pick the correct location and soil type. It thrives at a temperature range of 18-30°C with high humidity and well-draining soil that is enriched with organic matter.
The ideal location for Terminalia chevalieri Diels is where it receives ample sunlight, but it should also be protected from strong winds and frost. Planting should be done during the rainy season to provide the plant with enough moisture to establish and thrive.
Watering Needs for Terminalia chevalieri Diels
Water is essential to the growth and survival of Terminalia chevalieri Diels. The plant requires regular watering to maintain moist soil but should not be watered excessively as it can lead to root rot. During the growing season, watering should be done twice a week or according to the soil's moisture level.
Dominantly the rainy season provides enough water for Terminalia chevalieri Diels but during dry spells, frequent watering would be required. One way to check the soil moisture level is by sticking a finger into the soil. A dry soil means the plant requires watering, and a wet soil means watering is not necessary.
Fertilization of Terminalia chevalieri Diels
Although Terminalia chevalieri Diels grows well in nutrient-rich soil, regular fertilization is necessary for optimal growth and health. A balanced fertilizer with an adequate amount of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium should be used.
Mixing organic manure or compost in the soil during planting can help boost nutrient availability and enhance soil fertility. Fertilizer should be applied at least once a month during the growing season, and the dose should be according to the plant's requirement and soil fertility level.
Pruning Terminalia chevalieri Diels
Pruning is necessary to keep Terminalia chevalieri Diels healthy and maintain its shape. It is best to prune during the growing season, and only diseased, damaged, or dead branches should be removed.
Avoid over-pruning as it can weaken the plant, and always use sharp and sterile pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases. Pruning should also be done to control the height and spread of Terminalia chevalieri Diels, especially if planted in smaller spaces.
Propagation of Terminalia chevalieri Diels
Terminalia chevalieri Diels is a tree species that belongs to the Combretaceae family and is commonly found in tropical Africa. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Terminalia chevalieri Diels via seeds can be done by collecting matured seeds from the parent plant and sowing them directly in the field or in containers filled with well-draining soil. Proper care should be taken to provide adequate water and light for the seeds to germinate, grow and develop into seedlings. However, seed propagation may not be the best option as T. chevalieri has low seed viability and seedling survival rate.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation via cuttings can be done by collecting cinctures such as semi-hardwood cuttings with 2 or 3 nodes from the parent plant, treating the cuttings with a rooting hormone and planting them in a rooting medium like sand or loamy soil, under high humidity conditions. Shortly after rooting, they should be transplanted into a potting mixture and grown under partial shade until they have reached an appropriate size to be planted in an open area.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another way to propagate Terminalia chevalieri Diels. This process involves stripping a ring of bark from a branch on the parent plant, covering the exposed area with moist sphagnum moss and a plastic cover to maintain high humidity. Roots will begin to form at the base of the moss. When well-developed roots are visible, the new plant can be cut off and planted in a container or field.
In conclusion
Propagating Terminalia chevalieri Diels using any of these methods can produce healthy plants, and it is important to choose the method that works best for the individual grower and their particular circumstances. Careful consideration must be taken when choosing the approach for propagation, and the grower should have a good knowledge of the process to increase chances of success.
Disease and Pest Management for Terminalia chevalieri Diels
Terminalia chevalieri Diels, commonly known as goron tula, is a plant species widely distributed across West Africa. The plant has various medicinal and economic uses, making it vital to take good care of it to prevent diseases and pests that can reduce its productivity and quality. Here is some information on common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Leaf spot - This fungal disease causes yellowing or browning of leaves and small black or brown spots with yellow halos. To manage this disease, prune infected leaves and apply copper-based fungicides.
Anthracnose - This fungal disease leads to the formation of brown or black spots with purple borders on leaves or stems. To manage this disease, remove infected plant parts and apply fungicides containing copper or sulfur.
Root rot - This disease is usually caused by fungi that attack the roots, leading to poor growth, wilting, and eventual death of the plant. To manage root rot, remove infected plants and improve soil drainage by adding organic matter.
Pests
Aphids - These sap-sucking insects can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage this pest, prune affected leaves and apply insecticides containing neem or pyrethrum.
Caterpillars - These pests cause damage by feeding on leaves or fruits, leading to reduced plant vigor and yield. To manage caterpillars, handpick or apply biological controls such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
Mites - These small insects cause damage by sucking plant sap, leading to yellowing of leaves and reduced growth. To manage mites, apply insecticides containing neem or sulfur.
Good cultural practices such as proper irrigation, fertilization, and soil management can also help prevent and manage diseases and pests. Regular monitoring of the plant is essential to detect any signs of diseases or pests and apply control measures promptly.
