Overview
Terminalia dielsii, also known as African almond or Kwelekwele in Swahili, is a deciduous tree species belonging to the family Combretaceae. It is native to tropical Africa, particularly in Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Kenya. The plant is known for its medicinal properties and its economic benefits to local communities.
Appearance
The African almond grows up to 20 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 60 cm. The bark is smooth and gray, with young branches covered in fine hairs. The leaves are oblong, about 10-20 cm long, and arranged alternately on the branches. During the blooming season, the tree produces small green or yellow flowers that grow in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruits are small, green, and round, with a diameter of about 1-1.5 cm.
Uses
African almond has various medicinal properties, including treating diarrhea, fever, and pain. The bark, leaves, and roots are used to make traditional medicines, which are believed to have antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects. The tree is also used for various economic purposes, such as timber, firewood, and charcoal production. The fruits are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked, and the leaves are fed to livestock as forage. The tree also has cultural significance in many African communities, symbolizing strength, longevity, and healing.
Growth Conditions for Terminalia dielsii Engl.
Terminalia dielsii Engl. is a plant species that can thrive under different growth conditions. It is a tropical plant that originates from Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon. Ideally, this plant grows best in areas with high humidity, and a temperature range of 20 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius.
Light Requirements
Terminalia dielsii Engl. requires full sunlight exposure to grow optimally. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the plant receives as much sunlight as possible. The plant should be placed in an open area, devoid of shades or canopies that can impede its access to sunlight. Additionally, it is crucial to note that the plant can tolerate partial shade, but the growth rate might slow down.
Temperature Requirements
Temperature is an essential factor that affects the growth rate of Terminalia dielsii Engl. Ideally, the plant requires a temperature of 20-35 degrees Celsius to thrive. The plant cannot withstand frost, and the temperature should not drop below 10 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the plant is kept in a warm environment throughout the year. Areas that experience frost should not grow this plant outside.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. Terminalia dielsii Engl. can grow in different types of soils, including sandy-loamy soils, clayey soils, and loamy soils. However, the soil pH should be neutral, and the plant cannot tolerate acidic or alkaline soils. The soil should have a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Therefore, it is critical to conduct a soil test to determine whether the soil is suitable for this plant.
Cultivation of Terminalia dielsii Engl.
Terminalia dielsii Engl. is an easy-to-cultivate plant that thrives well in almost all types of soil and climatic conditions. When planting, ensure the hole is twice as wide as the plant's root ball. The plant is best planted during spring, and the depth should be the same as the root ball's height. After planting, ensure the soil is well watered but not waterlogged to support proper growth.
Watering Needs
The plant requires frequent but measured watering to keep the soil moist. Ensure the soil drains excess water to avoid waterlogging and oxygen deprivation to the roots. Regular watering should be done during the summer when rainfall is minimal, while during the rainy season, occasional watering is necessary.
Fertilization
The plant does not require regular fertilization, but when the soils are poor, nitrogenous fertilizer or manure can be added. Fertilization can begin two years after planting during the active growth period in the spring. A combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers should provide adequate growth and productivity.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to ensure sturdy growth and promote a healthy appearance. Prune areas that are diseased, dead, weak, or crossing each other for unhealthy growth. Keep the tree's canopy open, allowing for proper air circulation and sunlight penetration for healthy growth. Prune during the dormant season, and remove all pruned debris to reduce the possibility of pest infestation and diseases.
Propagation of Terminalia dielsii Engl.
Terminalia dielsii Engl. can be propagated through several methods including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and cutting propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Terminalia dielsii Engl. The seeds should be collected from mature and healthy plants. The seeds need to be kept moist and warm until germination. To propagate the seed, it should be sown into well-drained soil, and covered with a thin layer of soil. The seed needs to be kept moist and away from direct sunlight. Germination time typically takes 2-4 weeks and the seedlings should be transplanted to individual pots once they have two or three leaves.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation can be used in Terminalia dielsii Engl. through budding or grafting. Budding involves the insertion of a bud from a mature plant onto a rootstock of another plant. The bud will eventually grow into a new plant. Grafting involves attaching one plant's stem to another plant's rootstock. The two plants will eventually grow together into one healthy plant. Vegetative propagation should be done during the plant's active growth phase.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation can be used to propagate Terminalia dielsii Engl. Cuttings should be taken from vigorous and healthy plants. The cuttings should have at least two nodes and be taken from the current season's growth. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the soil moist and cover the cuttings with a plastic bag to create a high-humidity environment. The cuttings will root in about 3-4 weeks.
Disease Management for Terminalia dielsii Engl.
Terminalia dielsii Engl. is susceptible to a range of diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: The fungus Colletotrichum spp. causes anthracnose in Terminalia dielsii Engl. The symptoms include the formation of small, circular spots on the leaves, which later develop into larger lesions. The spots might also appear on the fruit and stems. To manage anthracnose in Terminalia dielsii Engl., prune infected branches and remove infected leaves. Applying copper-based fungicides to the plant can also help manage the disease.
- Leaf Blight: The fungus Alternaria alternata causes leaf blight in Terminalia dielsii Engl. The symptoms include the formation of small spots on the leaves that later coalesce into larger lesions. To manage leaf blight, prune infected branches, and remove infected leaves. Applying copper-based fungicides can also help manage the disease.
- Dieback: Dieback is a disease characterized by the death of the plant's stems, branches, and leaves. The fungus Botryosphaeria spp. causes dieback in Terminalia dielsii Engl. To manage dieback, prune infected branches and remove infected leaves. Applying fungicides can also help manage the disease.
Pest Management for Terminalia dielsii Engl.
Terminalia dielsii Engl. is also susceptible to attack by pests, including:
- Termites: Termites can cause severe damage to Terminalia dielsii Engl. by feeding on the plant's wood, causing stunted growth, yellowing leaves, wilted branches, and eventual plant death. To manage termites, use baiting systems or repellents.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can damage the plant's leaves and flowers by eating them. To manage caterpillars, apply insecticides to the plant or use biological control (parasitoids or predators).
- Scale insects: Scale insects can cause discoloration and stunted growth in Terminalia dielsii Engl. To manage the pests, use insecticides or natural predators like ladybugs.
