Overview
Terminalia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand, also known as Ethiopian almond, is a medium-sized tree native to West Africa. It belongs to the family Combretaceae and is widely distributed in the humid and sub-humid regions of the African continent.
General Appearance
The tree can reach a height of up to 25 meters and has a wide spreading crown. The bark is brownish-gray and deeply fissured, while the leaves are alternate, elliptic or ovate-lanceolate, and glossy green. The tree produces small, greenish-white flowers in dense clusters and the fruit is a woody, ellipsoid drupe.
Common Names
Terminalia dewevrei is commonly known as Ethiopian almond, West African almond, Bambara nut, Djansang, Gelengai, and Kpagnan. In some African languages, it is also referred to as "Tree of Life" due to its numerous uses.
Uses
The fruit of Terminalia dewevrei is edible and has a nutty flavor, which is why it is also known as Bambara nut. The nuts are an important source of protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals in West Africa and are used in a variety of dishes, including soups and stews. The oil extracted from the nuts is also used in cosmetics and for cooking.
The bark and leaves of the tree have medicinal properties and are used in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments, including malaria, fever, diarrhoea, and cough. The parts of the tree are also used for tanning leather, making black dye, and as a source of firewood and charcoal.
Additionally, Terminalia dewevrei is used for soil conservation and reforestation due to its fast growth and ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. Its wood is also used in furniture making, construction, and as timber for fuel.
Growth Conditions for Terminalia dewevrei De Wild. & T. Durand
Terminalia dewevrei De Wild. & T. Durand is a plant that belongs to the Combretaceae family. Understanding the growth conditions of the plant is essential for its successful cultivation.
Light Requirements
Terminalia dewevrei De Wild. & T. Durand is a plant that requires direct sunlight for optimal growth. Bright light stimulates the plant's growth, and it needs a minimum of six hours of sunlight a day. It is best to place the plant in south-facing windows or outdoors where it can receive abundant sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Terminalia dewevrei De Wild. & T. Durand thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, and temperatures ranging between 20°C to 35°C are suitable for its growth. The plant cannot tolerate temperatures below 15°C, which could cause damage or worse, death. Hence, the plant is not suitable for areas with cold climates.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and porous. Terminalia dewevrei De Wild. & T. Durand requires soil with a pH ranging between 6.0–7.5. The soil should also contain an adequate amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for the optimal growth of the plant. It is recommended to use a mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand for better drainage and nutrient content in the soil.
Cultivation Methods
Terminalia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand is a tropical plant that prefers warm and humid conditions. It is best grown in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can be propagated through seed, stem cuttings, or air layering.
If using seeds, it is recommended to soak them in water for 24 hours before planting in a seedling tray filled with moist soil. For stem cuttings, it is best to take them from a healthy parent plant during the spring or summer and plant them in a pot with soil that is kept moist. When air layering, a portion of a stem is wrapped with damp moss, covered with plastic wrap, and secured with a string until roots form.
Watering Needs
Terminalia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. It should not be allowed to dry out completely or become waterlogged. The plant may require more frequent watering during hot and dry weather, and less watering during cooler months.
It is essential to water the plant at the base, avoiding getting water on the foliage or flowers. This can lead to fungal diseases and pests.
Fertilization
To promote growth and healthy development, Terminalia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand requires regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. It is best to fertilize during the growing season, from spring to early autumn, and reduce fertilization during the winter months.
Overfertilization can lead to excessive growth and weak stems. It is important not to apply fertilizer to dry soil or when the plant is experiencing stress from disease, pests, or environmental factors.
Pruning
Pruning Terminalia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand is essential to promote bushy growth and remove dead or damaged branches. Pruning should be done during the end of winter or the beginning of spring when the plant is dormant.
Start pruning by removing any diseased, broken, or dead branches. Cut at the base of the branch, leaving a small collar. To encourage bushy growth, pinch off the tips of the young branches during the growing season.
It is essential to use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant. Wipe the blades with rubbing alcohol after each cut to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Terminalia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand
Terminalia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand, commonly known as the African almond or the idigbo tree, can be propagated through various methods. These include:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Terminalia dewevrei. Collect mature fruits from the tree and extract the seeds. The seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to six months before planting. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture and keep them moist. It can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks for the seeds to germinate.
Cuttings
Terminalia dewevrei can also be propagated through cuttings. Choose healthy, young branches and cut them into 20-25 cm lengths. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mixture and keep it moist. It can take several weeks to several months for the cutting to root and establish itself.
Air layering
Air layering can be used to propagate Terminalia dewevrei, although it is less common. Choose a healthy branch and make a small incision in the bark. Apply rooting hormone to the incision and wrap with moist sphagnum moss. Cover the moss and bark with plastic wrap and tie off the top and bottom with string. New roots should develop in 4 to 6 weeks. Cut the rooted branch from the parent plant and plant it in a well-draining soil mixture.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to provide the young plants with proper care, including adequate light, water, and nutrients for optimal growth and establishment.
Disease and Pest Management for Terminalia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand
Terminalia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand can be affected by various pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common issues that affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Pests
1. Mealybugs: These tiny, white insects are a common problem for many houseplants, including T. dewevrei. They feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and leaf drop. To manage this pest, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Additionally, you can wipe the leaves with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol to kill the bugs.
2. Scale insects: Scale insects can be recognized as small bumps on leaves and stems, and they can also cause yellowing leaves and leaf drop. Like mealybugs, they can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Scales can be particularly tricky to get rid of, so it's important to monitor the plant closely and treat it as soon as an infestation is detected.
Diseases
1. Root rot: Root rot is caused by overwatering and poorly drained soil. It can cause the roots of T. dewevrei to rot, leading to wilting and yellowing leaves. To manage root rot, make sure the plant is in well-draining soil and that the pot has adequate drainage holes. Additionally, avoid overwatering and allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.
2. Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves of T. dewevrei. It can be caused by overwatering, high humidity levels, and poor air circulation. To manage leaf spot, remove any affected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant. Additionally, avoid getting the leaves wet when watering and consider using a fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
By monitoring your T. dewevrei plant regularly and following these disease and pest management tips, you can help ensure its health and longevity.
