Terminalia Kilimandscharica Auct. - General Overview
Terminalia kilimandscharica auct. is a deciduous tree native to the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania and Kenya. This species belongs to the family Combretaceae and is a relative of the Mango tree.
Common Names
The tree is commonly known as Mpingo in Swahili, African Blackwood in English, and Intsia in the trade.
Appearance
The Terminalia Kilimandscharica Auct. tree can grow up to 20 meters in height with a trunk diameter of up to one meter. The tree is slow-growing and takes up to 70 years to mature. The tree has dark green leaves and produces small yellowish-white flowers during the flowering season, which lasts from October to November. The tree then produces cylindrical fruits in December.
The tree has a heavy, dark heartwood that can range from deep purple to brown-black. The wood is exceptionally hard, dense, and fine-grained, making it ideal for carving and instrument making. It is an extremely valuable wood and is a common source of African Blackwood.
Uses
The Terminalia Kilimandscharica Auct. tree is a valuable resource to local communities in Africa and is widely used for various purposes. The wood is used to carve musical instruments such as clarinets, oboes, and bagpipes. The wood is also used for carving sculptures, knife handles, and other decorative objects.
The fruits of the tree are used in traditional medicine for various ailments such as stomach ulcers, malaria, and fever. The bark and leaves of the tree are also used for medicinal purposes.
The wood of the tree is internationally recognized for its exceptional quality and is used to manufacture high-end musical instruments, jewelry, and high-end furniture. The African Blackwood is also known as the "wood of the pharaohs" and has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs.
Despite the widespread use of the African Blackwood, the Terminalia Kilimandscharica Auct. tree population is declining due to deforestation and overexploitation. The tree is classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and its conservation is critical to the survival of this species.
Light Requirements
Terminalia kilimandscharica is a tropical plant that requires bright indirect light. It can also tolerate partial shade, but it needs to receive at least a few hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive. Therefore, it is best to place the plant near a south-facing window or an area with bright filtered light.
Temperature Requirements
Terminalia kilimandscharica grows in warm climates and requires a temperature range of 18-32°C (64-90°F) to flourish. It cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C (50°F) for extended periods, nor can it handle extreme heat. Therefore, it is important to provide the plant with moderate temperatures and avoid exposing it to sudden temperature changes.
Soil Requirements
Terminalia kilimandscharica prefers well-draining soil with moderate nutrient levels. A mix of perlite, peat moss, and coarse sand is suitable for growth. However, the plant can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil (pH 5.5-7.5). It is important to avoid overwatering the plant, as it can lead to root rot. Watering needs to be done when the top two inches of soil are dry, and any excess water should be immediately drained from the pot.
Cultivation Methods
Terminalia kilimandscharica auct. or African walnut is a tree species native to Africa. It grows best in warm, subtropical climates and is well adapted to a wide range of soil types. If you wish to grow it, consider the following:
- Find a suitable site with well-drained soil and ample sunshine.
- Plant during the wet season to enhance establishment and growth.
- Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist without oversaturation.
- Protect against strong winds and frost since the species does not tolerate extreme conditions well.
Watering Needs
To help your African walnut tree grow successfully, it requires consistent watering. Like other plants, providing the right amount of water is essential. Here are some tips to follow:
- Young trees require more water than mature plants. Keep them adequately moist without causing waterlogging.
- Water the tree once or twice a week or more during hot weather or drought conditions.
- Make sure the water penetrates the soil deeply to encourage a strong root system.
- Reduce the amount of water during winter months but do not let the soil dry out entirely.
Fertilization
Terminalia kilimandscharica auct., like most trees, also benefits from proper fertilization. Extra nutrients help maintain the tree's health and promote growth. Follow the guidelines below:
- Apply a balanced fertilizer, preferably one with nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, in a 2-3-1 ratio, three to four months after planting.
- Repeat the same process annually or as necessary, applying slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.
- Avoid over-fertilizing as this could burn and damage the roots or foliage.
Pruning
Pruning is vital to maintaining the health, form, and growth of your African walnut tree. Here are some tips to follow:
- Prune the tree in late winter to early spring when it is still dormant so that you can see the branches better.
- Remove any dead, diseased, or broken branches first. Then remove any vertical shoots or branches that cross and rub against each other.
- Prune the canopy to encourage the central leader's growth and maintain the tree's shape.
- Avoid removing more than 20% of the tree's canopy during any pruning season to prevent damage and stress to the plant.
Propagation of Terminalia kilimandscharica auct.
Terminalia kilimandscharica auct. can be propagated in multiple ways. Some of the most common propagation methods include:
Seed Propagation
One of the most common propagation methods for Terminalia kilimandscharica auct. is through seed propagation. The seeds must first be collected from mature fruits. After collection, the seeds are washed to remove the pulp and then dried. The dried seeds can be stored in an airtight container until planting season. The seeds are then planted in a well-draining soil mix and watered regularly. Germination typically occurs within the first few weeks of planting.
Cuttings Propagation
Terminalia kilimandscharica auct. can also be propagated through vegetative cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy adult plants during the period of active growth. The cuttings should be approximately 15-20cm long and should include at least one node. The cuttings are then dipped in a rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining soil mixture. They need to be kept humid and moist to stimulate root growth. Rooting usually occurs within 4-6 weeks.
Layering Propagation
Terminalia kilimandscharica auct. can also be propagated through layering in which a branch or stem is bent down and positioned in a soil mixture. The tip of the bent branch is then slightly cut and buried in the soil along with any foliage on the stem. With time, roots should begin to form from the cut section, and a new plant will emerge from the buried foliage. This process typically takes several months before the new plant can be separated from the parent plant.
Disease management
Like any other plant, Terminalia kilimandscharica is also susceptible to various diseases. Some of the common diseases that might affect this plant are:
- Anthracnose: It is a fungal disease that affects the plant's leaves, fruits, and stems. To manage this disease, remove all the infected plant parts, and apply a fungicide to prevent it from spreading.
- Leaf spot: It is a fungal disease that causes spots on the plant's leaves. To manage this disease, remove all the infected plant parts, and apply a fungicide to prevent it from spreading.
- Root rot: It is a fungal disease that affects the plant's roots. To manage this disease, improve the soil drainage system, and avoid overwatering the plant.
Pest management
Terminalia kilimandscharica can also be attacked by various pests, which can cause damage to the plant. Some of the common pests that might affect this plant are:
- Mealybugs: These pests suck the sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to yellow and wilt. To manage this pest, wipe the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
- Scale insects: These insects also suck the sap from the plant's leaves, causing them to yellow and wilt. To manage this pest, remove the adult insects manually, and apply insecticidal soap to kill the young ones.
- Caterpillars: These pests feed on the plant's leaves, causing defoliation. To manage this pest, handpick the caterpillars and apply a natural insecticide to prevent them from coming back.
Regular monitoring and maintaining the plant's health can prevent disease and pest attacks. Also, it is important to follow the correct cultural practices and keep the plant in its preferred environmental conditions. This will ensure that the plant is healthy and can resist these common diseases and pests.
