Overview of Terminalia fatraea auct.
Terminalia fatraea auct. is a tropical evergreen tree that belongs to the Combretaceae family. This plant is native to Madagascar, an island country in the Indian Ocean that lies off the southeastern coast of Africa. The tree commonly grows in lowland rainforests and dry forests throughout Madagascar. It is also found in neighboring countries, including the Comoros, Réunion, Mauritius, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
Common Names
Terminalia fatraea auct. is commonly known as "mbola" in Madagascar. Its other vernacular names include "boanjoanjo" in the Menabe region, "fayiretsiangoly" in the Vakinankaratra region, "asamorondro" in the Sava region, and "ambohidy" in the Itasy region. The tree's common name in English is not well-established, although it may be referred to as Madagascar almond or Madagascar terminalia.
Appearance
Terminalia fatraea auct. can grow up to 30 meters in height and 60 cm in diameter at breast height. Its trunk is straight, cylindrical, and branchless for up to 10 meters. The bark is smooth, pale brownish-gray, and sometimes exfoliating. The tree has a large, dense, spreading crown with slender drooping branches. Its leaves are simple, alternately arranged, and clustered at the end of branches. They are elliptical to obovate in shape, 6-18 cm long, and 2-5 cm wide. The leaves are leathery, glossy, and dark green above, and pale green or yellowish-green below. The tree produces small, greenish-white flowers in terminal or axillary spikes. The fruit of Terminalia fatraea auct. is a woody, ovoid or ellipsoid capsule, 2-4 cm long and 1.5-3 cm in diameter, containing a single seed.
Uses
The wood of Terminalia fatraea auct. is used for various purposes, such as construction, furniture, tool handles, and firewood. The tree also has traditional medicinal uses, including treating diarrhea, fever, hemorrhoids, and respiratory problems. The fruit is edible and has a sweet, sour, or astringent taste. It is consumed fresh or dried and used as a flavoring in cooking or to make a sour drink. The bark and leaves contain tannins and are used for tanning leather and dyeing textiles. Terminalia fatraea auct. is also planted as an ornamental or shade tree in parks and gardens.
Growth Conditions of Terminalia fatraea auct.
Terminalia fatraea auct. is a plant species that is found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The plant has specific growth conditions that must be met for it to thrive.
Light Requirements
The plant requires moderate to high levels of sunlight to grow well. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can hinder its growth. In its natural habitat, it grows in areas with partial to full sunlight. Indoors, the plant should be positioned in an area that receives at least six hours of bright, indirect sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
Terminalia fatraea auct. grows best in warm temperatures, between 18°C to 30°C. It cannot tolerate frost and should be protected from temperature drops. The plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures, but temperatures below 10°C or above 40°C can be detrimental to its growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant is adaptable to a variety of soils, but it grows best in well-draining soils, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate sandy, loamy, and clayey soils but prefers those that are fertile and rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged as it can result in root rot and hinder the plant's growth.
Cultivation Methods
Terminalia fatraea auct. can be grown indoors or outdoors in a well-draining soil. It prefers full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. The plant requires a warm and humid climate with temperatures above 60°F. Propagation can be done through seed sowing or stem cutting.
Watering Needs
Terminalia fatraea auct. requires regular and consistent watering. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting the soil dry out between waterings as it can cause stress and lead to leaf shedding. Watering can be reduced during winter when the plant is dormant.
Fertilization
Terminalia fatraea auct. benefits from regular fertilizer application during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with a 10-10-10 NPK ratio can be applied monthly. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to root burn and damage the plant.
Pruning
Terminalia fatraea auct. can be pruned to promote branching and control growth. Pruning can be done in the early spring before new growth emerges, using sharp and clean pruning shears to make clean cuts. Remove any damaged, diseased or dead branches, and shape the plant to maintain a desirable size and shape.
Propagation of Terminalia fatraea auct.
Terminalia fatraea auct., commonly known as Indian laurel or Indian almond, is a tropical evergreen tree that belongs to the family Combretaceae. The plant is propagated using different methods, which are briefly discussed below:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the primary method used to propagate Terminalia fatraea auct. The best time to collect seeds is during the fruiting season, which usually falls between May to July. The fruits are harvested when they turn brown in color, and the seeds are extracted by cracking open the fruit. The seeds are soaked in water for a few hours, which helps in removing the fleshy coating.
The soaked seeds are sown in a well-draining potting mixture, and the pots are placed in a warm and humid location. The seeds usually germinate within six to eight weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location after six months.
Cuttings Propagation
Terminalia fatraea auct. can also be propagated using stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken during the active growth phase, usually in spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 10 to 15 cm in length and have at least two to three nodes.
The cuttings are dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mixture. The pots are covered with a plastic sheet to maintain humidity levels and placed in a bright, but indirect light location. The cuttings usually root within four to six weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted to their permanent location after six months.
Air Layering Propagation
Another method used to propagate Terminalia fatraea auct. is air layering. This method is preferred when the plant is too large or has a sentimental value. A section of the stem is chosen, and the bark is removed from a section of the stem about 10 to 15 cm in length.
The exposed stem is covered with a rooting hormone and wrapped with moistened sphagnum moss. The moss is covered with a plastic sheet, and the wrapping is secured with a string or wire. The roots usually develop after four to six weeks, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location.
These are the primary methods used to propagate Terminalia fatraea auct. The success of propagation largely depends on the environmental conditions, and the selection of the propagating material.
Disease Management
Terminalia fatraea is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, it is still susceptible to several diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant. The most common diseases that affect Terminalia fatraea are:
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes small, round, or irregularly shaped brown or black spots on the leaves. The affected leaves eventually turn yellow and fall off. The disease can be managed by removing and destroying all infected leaves and branches, improving air circulation, and avoiding overhead watering.
- Anthracnose: A fungal disease that causes sunken, brownish-black lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. The disease can be managed by removing and destroying all infected plant debris, avoiding overhead watering, and improving air circulation.
- Root Rot:A fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. The disease can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil that is too dense. Root rot can be managed by avoiding overwatering, improving drainage, and using well-draining soil.
Pest Management
Terminalia fatraea is also susceptible to several pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. The most common pests that affect Terminalia fatraea are:
- Aphids: These tiny insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and curling of leaves. They can be washed away with a strong stream of water or managed with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause deformities in the leaves and stems and attract ants. Mealybugs can be managed by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil or by wiping them off with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.
- Scale insects: These insects feed on the sap of the plant and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract sooty mold. Scale insects can be managed by removing them with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol or applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: These insects feed on the leaves of the plant and can cause significant damage. They can be managed by handpicking or applying Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide.
