Terminalia kelleri Engl. & Diels
Terminalia kelleri Engl. & Diels is a small to medium-sized tree species belonging to the plant family Combretaceae. This plant is native to East Africa and is commonly found in Kenya and Tanzania. The tree is also known by several common names including Mchunju, Mkalalikazi, Mnazi Mkubwa, and Msitu wa Tembo.
Appearance
The Terminalia kelleri tree has a distinct appearance with a single straight trunk, which can grow up to 15 meters tall with a diameter of up to 60 cm. The bark of the tree is rough and fissured, with the color ranging from grey to brown. The leaves are oblong or obovate and can grow up to 20 cm long and 8 cm wide.
The flowers of Terminalia kelleri are small and white or green, and are arranged in spikes that can be up to 15 cm long. The fruit of the tree is a small drupe, which is oblong and up to 3 cm long and 1.5 cm wide, with a single seed enclosed inside a hard shell.
Uses of Terminalia kelleri
The Terminalia kelleri tree has various uses in traditional medicine, where different parts of the plant are used to treat various ailments such as a cough, diarrhea, stomach pains, and fever. The leaves of the tree are also used to treat skin infections, wounds, and even snakebites.
The fruit of Terminalia kelleri is edible and is often consumed by both humans and wildlife. In addition to being a source of food, the tree is also used in the production of traditional crafts such as baskets, mats, and rope. The wood of the tree is durable and is used to create furniture, fence posts, and poles.
In conclusion, Terminalia kelleri is a valuable tree species with numerous uses and benefits. Its distinct appearance and medicinal properties make it a critical component of many societies in East Africa.
Light Requirements
Terminalia kelleri prefers to grow in areas where it can receive full sunlight to partial shade. It can tolerate partial shade but may grow slower compared to those grown in full sunlight. Direct sunlight is ideal for the plant as it promotes better photosynthesis and overall growth.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can grow in warm to hot climates. It favors temperatures ranging between 20-30°C; however, it can tolerate temperatures that vary between 15-35°C. Terminalia kelleri can endure drought conditions as long as temperatures do not drop below 10°C.
Soil Requirements
Terminalia kelleri can thrive in soils that are well-draining but does not do well in waterlogged soils. The ideal soil pH for this plant is neutral to slightly acidic, ranging between 6.0-7.5. Sandy to clay soils are suitable for Terminalia kelleri, provided they receive regular watering. The plant will also benefit from the application of organic matter, including well-decomposed compost or aged manure.
Cultivation Methods
The Terminalia kelleri Engl. & Diels plant is a tropical tree that grows well in warm and humid conditions. It prefers well-drained soils and requires full sun to partial shade. The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
When planting the Terminalia kelleri, it is essential to provide enough space for the tree to grow as it can reach a height of up to 50 meters. It is also essential to keep the area around the plant free from weeds and other plants that may compete for nutrients and water.
Watering Needs
The Terminalia kelleri plant requires moderate watering, especially during the dry season. It is important to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. The tree can withstand short periods of drought, but if the situation persists, the leaves may start to wilt and eventually fall off.
Fertilization
The Terminalia kelleri plant requires regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be used. Fertilizer should be applied at the base of the plant, and care should be taken not to damage the roots.
It is also important to note that excessive fertilizer can lead to the burning of the leaves, which can cause permanent damage to the tree. Therefore, it is essential to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and apply it in the right amounts.
Pruning
Pruning the Terminalia kelleri plant is essential to maintain its shape and size. It is recommended to prune the tree during the dormant season to avoid stressing the plant. Pruning can help remove dead or damaged branches, thin out the canopy, and stimulate new growth.
It is important to use sharp and clean pruners when cutting branches to prevent the spread of diseases. The cut should also be made at an angle to prevent water from collecting on the cut surface.
Propagation of Terminalia kelleri Engl. & Diels
Terminalia kelleri Engl. & Diels is usually propagated through seeds, cuttings or air layering:
Propagation from seeds:
Seeds of Terminalia kelleri are usually collected from mature fruits that have naturally fallen from the tree. The seeds are then sown in a nursery bed or in small pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1 to 2 cm and watered regularly to keep the soil moist. Germination usually occurs within 2 to 4 weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted to larger pots or directly into the field after they have reached a height of 15 to 20 cm and have developed 3 to 4 pairs of leaves.
Propagation from cuttings:
Terminalia kelleri can also be propagated from stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from mature trees during the dormant season and should be about 20 to 30 cm long. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and then planted in a nursery bed or in pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a shaded area until they have developed roots, which usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks. The rooted cuttings can be transplanted to larger pots or directly into the field.
Propagation from air layering:
Air layering is another method that can be used to propagate Terminalia kelleri. This method involves making a small incision or wound on a mature branch and then covering it with a moist medium such as sphagnum moss or cocopeat. The wound is then wrapped with plastic to maintain moisture and to encourage roots to grow. Once roots have developed, the branch can be cut from the tree and planted in a pot or directly into the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Terminalia kelleri Engl. & Diels
Terminalia kelleri Engl. & Diels, commonly known as the Kazimbu tree, belongs to the family Combretaceae. It is a valued timber tree, and its bark is used in traditional medicine. Like any other plant, Terminalia kelleri is susceptible to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and productivity. Managing these diseases and pests is crucial to ensure long-term plant health and productivity.
Common Diseases Affecting Terminalia kelleri
The most common diseases affecting Terminalia kelleri are fungal infections, including leaf spot diseases, canker, and root rot. Leaf spot diseases are usually caused by fungal pathogens that thrive in humid conditions and can cause defoliation and poor plant growth. Canker is a fungal disease that causes sunken areas on the bark and can eventually kill the tree. Root rot is caused by soil-borne fungi that affect the roots and can lead to plant death.
Pest Management for Terminalia kelleri
Terminalia kelleri is also susceptible to pests such as mealybugs, scales, and stem borers. Mealybugs and scales are insects that suck sap from the plant and can lead to leaf drop and stunted growth. Stem borers, on the other hand, feed on the stems and can cause stem breakage and plant death.
Ways to Manage Diseases and Pests in Terminalia kelleri
Managing diseases and pests in Terminalia kelleri involves various management strategies ranging from cultural to chemical control methods. Cultural control methods include good sanitation practices, such as pruning infected or infested branches, removing diseased or dead plant parts, and practicing crop rotation to avoid soil-borne pathogens. Also, ensuring that the plant has adequate nutrients and water can make it less vulnerable to diseases and pests.
Chemical control methods can only be used after other management strategies have failed. Fungicides and pesticides can be used to control fungal infections and insect pests, respectively. However, the chemicals should be used according to label instructions to avoid environmental pollution and resistance development.
In summary, managing diseases and pests in Terminalia kelleri involves various strategies, including cultural and chemical control methods. Cultural methods are the most preferred since they are environmentally friendly and have minimal effects on non-target organisms.
