Overview
Terminalia claessensii De Wild. is a plant species that belongs to the family Combretaceae. It is native to Central and West Africa and is known by several common names, including Ako-Dodo in Cameroon and Mouaket in Congo.
Description
The tree can grow up to 30 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 80 cm. The bark is grey to brown, and smooth when young, becoming rough and fissured with age. The leaves are alternate, simple, and elliptical to oblong-elliptic in shape, between 8-14 cm long and 3-5 cm wide. The flowering period usually occurs from September to December, and the fruits, which are small, dry, and indehiscent, ripen from December to January.
Uses
Terminalia claessensii De Wild. is an important medicinal plant used in traditional medicine to treat several ailments in Central and West Africa. The bark, leaves, and roots of the plant are used to make decoctions, infusions, and ointments to treat various diseases such as dysentery, malaria, and tuberculosis. The tree also has cultural significance, with some communities using the bark to make strings of beads and as firewood.
In addition to medicinal use, Terminalia claessensii De Wild. is used for making furniture, boats, and agricultural tools due to its durability and resistance to rot. The leaves are browsed by livestock, and the fruit is a source of food for some bird species.
Light requirements
The Terminalia claessensii De Wild plant generally requires full sunlight to thrive. It is recommended to plant it in an open space with unobstructed access to sunlight. Inadequate light can stunt the growth of the plant and affect its overall health.
Temperature requirements
The Terminalia claessensii De Wild plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it grows best in a warm and humid environment. The ideal temperature range for the plant's growth is between 20°C to 30°C. Extreme cold or hot temperatures can slow down or halt its growth.
Soil requirements
The Terminalia claessensii De Wild plant prefers rich, well-draining soil. It is essential to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged to avoid root rot. The plant can tolerate various soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam, and red soil. It is necessary to maintain the soil's pH level between 6.0 to 7.5 for optimal growth.
Cultivation
The Terminalia claessensii De Wild. plant is native to tropical Africa and requires warm temperatures for optimal growth. It is best grown in areas with a temperature range of between 20°C to 35°C. The plant prefers well-drained soil and requires full sunlight exposure to grow well. Plant in an area with good air circulation to reduce the risk of diseases affecting the plant.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering during the growing season to keep the soil moist. However, take care to avoid overwatering as the plant's roots are susceptible to root rot. The frequency of watering depends on factors such as temperature and humidity, so ensure you monitor the plant's soil moisture levels regularly.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is essential to keep the plant healthy and promote growth. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 ratio, during the growing season. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season and reduce to once a month during the dormant season.
Pruning
Pruning helps to maintain the Terminalia claessensii De Wild. plant's shape and promote growth. It is best to prune the plant during the dormant season in winter when it is not actively growing. Prune out dead or damaged branches and thin out the plant's canopy to promote air circulation. Use sterilized pruning shears to prevent the spread of diseases to the healthy parts of the plant.
Propagation of Terminalia claessensii De Wild.
Terminalia claessensii De Wild. is a plant that belongs to the family Combretaceae. It is a rare and vulnerable species found in the Atlantic coastal forests of Cameroon. The plant has a dense canopy, and its fruits are edible. Propagation of Terminalia claessensii De Wild. can be done through various methods.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Terminalia claessensii De Wild. through seeds is possible. The seeds have hard coats and require scarification to hasten germination. The seeds can be soaked in water for a few hours before sowing. The ideal time for sowing is the beginning of the rainy season. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil, and the soil must be kept moist. The seeds will germinate in about 15 to 20 days, and the seedlings can be transplanted once they are strong enough.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation of Terminalia claessensii De Wild. through cuttings is also possible. Cuttings of about 15 cm can be taken from mature plants and treated with a rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in a mixture of sand, peat, and soil. The soil must be kept moist, and the cuttings will develop roots in about 4 to 6 weeks. Once the cuttings have developed roots, they can be transplanted to a bigger pot or the field.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another method of propagation of Terminalia claessensii De Wild. A part of the stem of a mature plant is selected, and a small cut is made. The cut is then wrapped in moist sphagnum moss. The moss is then covered in plastic to keep it moist. Roots will develop at the cut, and the new plant can then be separated from the mother plant and potted or planted in the field.
Division Propagation
Propagation of Terminalia claessensii De Wild. through division is possible, but it is not a common method. The mature plant can be uprooted and divided into smaller sections. The new sections can be potted or planted in the field. This method is not preferred because it can damage the taproot system, and the plant may not survive.
Disease and Pest Management for Terminalia claessensii De Wild.
Terminalia claessensii De Wild. is generally a resilient plant that can withstand pests and diseases. However, several environmental factors can lead to the manifestation of diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
A few common diseases that can affect Terminalia claessensii De Wild. are root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. Root rot can be caused by overwatering, which leads to fungal growth. Leaf spot occurs as a result of humid conditions, leading to bacterium and fungal growth, which cause circular or irregular spots on the leaves. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves reducing their photosynthetic rate.
Disease Management
Disease management techniques can help keep Terminalia claessensii De Wild. healthy. Prevention is the best course of action, so regular inspections of the plants, checking of the soil's water levels, and removal of infected leaves can help to curb infections.
Fungicides and bactericides can also be applied when necessary, but the plant should not be treated more than twice a year to prevent creating resistant strains.
Common Pests
Terminalia claessensii De Wild. can attract several insects, such as leaf miners, scales, and mealybugs. Leaf miners cause tunneling on the leaves, reducing their photosynthetic rate. The scales appear as bumps on stems and leaves, and mealybugs feed on the plant’s sap while excreting a sticky substance that attracts other insects.
Pest Management
Pest management techniques can help to control the population of insects on Terminalia claessensii De Wild. Insecticidal soap and neem oil can help control the population of mealybugs and scales. Systemic insecticides, such as acephate and imidacloprid can be applied to help control leaf miners.
Regular inspections, removal of infested leaves, and pruning of damaged plant parts can prevent further infestation and promote plant health.
In conclusion, Terminalia claessensii De Wild. is a hardy plant that can withstand pests and diseases with appropriate environmental and land management practices.
