Terminalia ivorensis Chev.
Terminalia ivorensis Chev. is a medium to large-sized deciduous tree that belongs to the Combretaceae family. It is native to West and Central Africa and commonly found in Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo.
Common Names
Terminalia ivorensis Chev. is known by various common names depending on the region where it is found. Some of its common names are:
- Ayin
- Black Afara
- Maunyoro
- Idigbo
- Muna
Uses
Terminalia ivorensis Chev. has a wide range of uses, both commercially and traditionally. Its wood is highly valued for construction, flooring, and furniture making due to its durability and resistance to termite attack. It is also used for carving, joinery, and tool handles.
Some traditional communities use different parts of the tree for medicinal purposes. The bark and leaves are used in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, and stomach pains. The root is also used to treat coughs and fever.
The tree also has significant importance in agroforestry. It is planted in hedgerows, conservation barriers, and other agroforestry systems to provide shade and improve soil fertility. Its leaves are used as fodder for livestock.
General Appearance
Terminalia ivorensis Chev. is a large tree that can grow up to 50 meters in height. It has a straight, cylindrical trunk that can reach a diameter of up to 2 meters. The bark is dark brown or grey with a scaly texture. The leaves are simple, alternate, and clustered towards the ends of the branches.
Its small yellow-greenish flowers are arranged in spikes and appear in clusters from May to July. The fruit is a woody drupe that is roughly spherical, about 3 cm in diameter, and contains a single seed. The wood is pale yellow-brown to dark brown and heavy, hard, and dense.
Light Requirements
Terminalia ivorensis is a light-demanding plant that thrives best in full sunlight. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow optimally. Inadequate light can lead to stunted growth and decreased vitality.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in regions with a tropical or subtropical climate. It is adapted to moderately high temperatures ranging from 20 to 30°C. Terminalia ivorensis cannot tolerate frost or drought conditions and requires a minimum amount of rainfall to grow optimally.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It can grow in a wide range of soil textures, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. Terminalia ivorensis is, however, sensitive to waterlogging and salinity and requires adequate drainage to prevent root rot. Adding organic matter to the soil can also help improve soil fertility and water-holding capacity.
Cultivation of Terminalia ivorensis Chev.
Terminalia ivorensis Chev., commonly known as the Ivory Coast almond, can be successfully cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. It thrives in a wide range of soils, including sandy soils, loams, and well-drained clay soils. It is also tolerant of acidic and alkaline soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 8.0.
The plant is best propagated from seeds, which should be collected from mature fruits and sown immediately. The ideal time to plant the seeds is during the rainy season when the soil is moist. The seedlings can be transplanted after six to eight weeks when they have developed at least two pairs of true leaves.
Watering needs
Terminalia ivorensis Chev. requires regular watering to ensure optimal growth and yield. During the dry season, young trees should be watered at least once a week and mature trees twice a week. The amount of water required will depend on the soil type and drainage.
Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to waterlogging, which can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. It is advisable to water the plants early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce water evaporation and minimize the risk of scorching under intense sunlight.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for the optimal growth and development of Terminalia ivorensis Chev. Young trees should be fertilized with nitrogen-rich fertilizer every three months for the first year. From the second year, a balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied every six months.
To improve soil fertility, organic fertilizers, such as compost and manure, can be added to the soil around the base of the tree. However, care should be taken not to over-fertilize as excess nutrients can cause toxicity, which can harm the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the desirable shape of Terminalia ivorensis Chev. and to promote the growth of lateral branches. The best time to prune the tree is during the dry season when it is dormant.
Dead, dying, and diseased branches should be removed as soon as possible to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. The lower branches can also be pruned to improve access to the tree and allow for better air circulation. Care should be taken not to over-prune as this can weaken the tree and reduce its yield.
Propagation of Terminalia ivorensis Chev.
Terminalia ivorensis Chev. can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. The reproductive system of Terminalia ivorensis is monoecious, meaning it has separate male and female flowers on the same plant. The plant's propagation method depends on the grower's objective and availability of resources. Below are the two methods of propagation:
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation is the process of germinating seeds, which are produced by pollinating the flowers of the plant. The following steps are involved in seed propagation:
- Harvest the mature fruits that contain the seeds
- Remove the pulp from the fruits to extract the seeds
- Clean the seeds and soak them in water to remove the remaining pulp residue
- Sow the seeds in the nursery in planting pots containing suitable soil that supports plant growth
- Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature range of 25-30°C
- The seeds germinate within 2 to 4 weeks after sowing
- The seedlings are then transplanted to the main field after 6 to 12 months.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation is the process of multiplying plant clones, which have the same genetic makeup as the parent plant. The method of asexual propagation in Terminalia ivorensis includes stem cuttings and air layering.
- Stem Cuttings: Collect stem cuttings of about 10 cm in length from the parent plant
- Strip off the leaves from the bottom of the stem, leaving two or three leaves at the top
- Treat the cuttings with rooting hormone to enhance their rooting potential
- Plant the stem cuttings directly into the soil, in the nursery, or planting pots
- Keep soil moist and maintain a temperature range of 25-30°C
- Rooting occurs within 4 to 6 weeks, after which the cuttings are transplanted to the main field after attaining a height of 60–90 cm or more and a diameter of about 1 cm.
- Air Layering: This method is more time-consuming but produces more mature plants. Air layering can be done in the following way:
- Remove a ring of bark about 2cm wide from a branch of the Terminalia ivorensis tree
- Apply the rooting hormone to the exposed wood surface
- Cover the area with sphagnum moss and wrap the entire area with clear plastic
- Ensure that the sphagnum moss is moist and intact
- After four to six months, roots should grow into the moss, and the branch can be cut off from the parent plant and transplanted directly into the prepared hole in the nursery or main field.
Both these methods of propagation are cost-effective and simple for growing Terminalia ivorensis Chev.
Disease Management
Terminalia ivorensis Chev. is susceptible to various diseases that can cause significant damage if not managed properly. Here are some common diseases that might affect this plant:
Leaf spot diseases
Leaf spot diseases are caused by different types of fungi and bacteria. Symptoms include circular or irregular brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot diseases, remove and destroy infected leaves and improve air circulation by pruning the plant. Apply fungicides or bactericides if necessary.
Canker diseases
Canker diseases are caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens that infect bark and branches. Symptoms include sunken areas, cracks, or dead tissue on the bark. To manage canker diseases, remove and destroy infected parts of the plant, disinfect pruning tools between cuts, and apply fungicides or bactericides if necessary.
Root rot diseases
Root rot diseases are caused by various soil-borne fungi that infect and damage roots. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, or stunted growth. To manage root rot diseases, improve soil drainage by adding organic matter or using raised beds, avoid overwatering, and use fungicides if necessary.
Pest Management
Terminalia ivorensis Chev. is also vulnerable to various pests that can cause significant damage if not managed properly. Here are some common pests that might affect this plant:
Mites
Mites are tiny pests that suck plant sap and cause yellowing or bronzing of leaves. To manage mites, spray the plant with water to remove them, apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oils, and introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or predatory mites.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on leaves and can cause defoliation. To manage caterpillars, handpick them and destroy them, use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or spinosad, and introduce natural predators such as birds or parasitic wasps.
Scale insects
Scale insects are small, oval, and usually immobile pests that form a protective shell over themselves and suck plant sap. Symptoms include yellowing or stunted growth. To manage scale insects, scrape them off with a soft brush, apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oils, and introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or predatory beetles.
By following the above management practices, Terminalia ivorensis Chev. can be protected from various diseases and pests so that it can grow and thrive.
