Terminalia glandulosa De Wild.
Terminalia glandulosa De Wild. is a medium-sized, deciduous tree that belongs to the family Combretaceae. It is native to tropical West Africa and is commonly found in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon. The plant grows in forests and savannahs and prefers well-drained soils.
Common Names
Terminalia glandulosa De Wild. is commonly known as the Oval-leaf Terminalia, African Almond, or African Grey Almond. Its local names include "Oliha" in the Edo language of Nigeria, "Mbagha" in the Igbo language of Nigeria, and "Obokolo" in the Yoruba language of Nigeria.
Uses
The bark, leaves, and roots of Terminalia glandulosa De Wild. are parts of the plant used for various medicinal purposes in West Africa. The bark is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and fever, while the leaves are used to relieve chest pain, coughs, and colds. Its roots are used as a purgative and in the treatment of hernia, snake bites and skin diseases.
The fruit of the Terminalia glandulosa De Wild. tree is also edible, and it is consumed by local communities in West Africa. The nuts are rich in oil, which is used for cooking and making soap. The tree is also used in agroforestry, soil conservation, and as a source of timber for local communities in West Africa.
General Appearance
Terminalia glandulosa De Wild. is a medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters in height. The tree has a round crown and a straight trunk which can grow up to 60 centimeters in diameter. The leaves are oval-shaped, about 8-25cm long, and have a dark green color with a glossy surface. The flowers are small, greenish-white in color, and grow in clusters at the end of branches. The fruit is a drupe that is round, about 2-3cm in diameter, and has a hard, woody shell enclosing a fleshy edible pulp.
Typical Growth Conditions of Terminalia Glandulosa De Wild.
Light Requirements: Terminalia glandulosa De Wild. prefers full sun exposure to partial shade. This species prefers to grow in open areas with direct sunlight, but can tolerate growing in partially shaded areas.
Temperature Requirements: Terminalia glandulosa De Wild. thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. The ideal temperature range for this species is between 20-30°C (68-86°F). During its growing season, this species can tolerate temperatures up to 38°C (100.4°F).
Soil Requirements: Terminalia glandulosa De Wild. prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic. This species can tolerate a wide range of soils. However, it is crucial to avoid planting Terminalia glandulosa De Wild. in soils with poor drainage.
Watering Requirements: Terminalia glandulosa De Wild. requires moderate watering throughout its growing season. This species cannot tolerate inundation, making it important to avoid over-watering or planting in areas with poor drainage.
Nutrient Requirements: Terminalia glandulosa De Wild. requires moderate fertilization. It is essential to provide the plant with enough nutrients to help it withstand any external stressors.
Cultivation of Terminalia glandulosa De Wild.
Terminalia glandulosa De Wild. plant, also known as the Axillary terminalia, is a species belonging to the Combretaceae family and is native to Congo and Tanzania. The plant is easy to cultivate in warm climates, and it is best to propagate it through seeds or stem cuttings.
Watering Needs for Terminalia glandulosa De Wild.
The Terminalia glandulosa De Wild. plant prefers well-draining soils that are moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant regularly, so the soil does not dry out. However, avoid over-watering the plant as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization of Terminalia glandulosa De Wild.
It is recommended to fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season to provide a consistent supply of nutrients to the plant.
Pruning Terminalia glandulosa De Wild.
Pruning the Terminalia glandulosa De Wild. plant is necessary to maintain its shape and size. It is best to prune the plant during the dormant season, which is usually after flowering. Trim off dead, diseased or damaged branches and cut back the branches that are growing too long or leggy. Be sure to use clean and sharp pruning scissors to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Terminalia Glandulosa De Wild.
Terminalia glandulosa De Wild. is a woody plant species that can be propagated using different methods. Propagation is essential for the plant's survival and conservation, especially when there is a need to maintain a stable population. The following are the different propagation methods that can be used for Terminalia glandulosa De Wild.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used for Terminalia glandulosa De Wild. The seeds are collected from ripe fruits and dried to remove excess moisture. After drying, the seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready for use. To propagate the seeds, they are first scarified to break the hard outer shell and enhance germination. The seeds are then sown in fertile soil and watered regularly to maintain moisture. Germination usually occurs within 2-4 weeks, and seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location after they have developed enough roots.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation is another method used for Terminalia glandulosa De Wild. This method is ideal for plants that are difficult to propagate using seeds. Stem cuttings of Terminalia glandulosa De Wild. are taken from mature plants during the dry season when plant growth has slowed down. The cuttings are treated with rooting hormone to enhance root formation and then planted in well-draining soil. The cuttings are watered regularly and kept in a partially shaded area until they have developed roots and new leaves.
Air-layering Propagation
Air-layering propagation is a method used for Terminalia glandulosa De Wild. that involves inducing rooting on a stem while it is still attached to the parent plant. This method is suitable for mature plants that will not survive being transplanted as a seedling or cutting. To propagate using the air-layering method, a section of the stem is earmarked, and a ring of bark is removed from the stem. The area is then treated with rooting hormone, and the section is wrapped in moist soil or sphagnum moss. The wrapped stem is then covered in plastic to retain moisture and left to root for several months. Once roots have formed, the rooted stem can be detached from the parent plant and transplanted to its permanent location.
These are the main propagation methods used for Terminalia glandulosa De Wild. Some other methods used include grafting and tissue culture. Successful propagation is essential for the conservation and sustainability of the plant species.
Disease Management
The Terminalia glandulosa De Wild. is a hardy plant but may be vulnerable to some fungal and bacterial diseases. One common disease that may affect this plant is Powdery Mildew, which is characterized by the formation of a whitish powdery substance on the leaves. To manage Powdery Mildew, it is recommended to remove all the infected plant parts, spray a fungicide on the remaining plant parts, and maintain proper air circulation by spacing the plants properly.
Another disease that may occur is Leaf Spot, which causes small water-soaked spots on the leaves that eventually enlarge and turn brown. To manage Leaf Spot, pruning or removing infected parts of the plant, minimizing overhead irrigation, and using copper-based fungicides may help control the disease.
Pest Management
Some common pests that may attack the Terminalia glandulosa De Wild. plant include aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. These pests suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to wilt and droop. To manage these pests, it is recommended to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. These products work by smothering the pests and disrupting their feeding habits.
Another pest that may attack this plant is the Whitefly, which looks like tiny white moths that fly around the plant when disturbed. To manage Whiteflies, use yellow sticky traps to catch the adults, and insecticides like pyrethroids or neonicotinoids to kill the larvae.
In summary, regular observation and proper care are the best ways to manage diseases and pests. Early detection and prompt action can help prevent significant damages to the Terminalia glandulosa De Wild. plant.
