Terminalia Laxiflora Engl. & Diels: An Overview
Terminalia laxiflora Engl. & Diels is a tree belonging to the family Combretaceae. It is native to Central and West Africa, mainly found in Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and Angola. The tree grows up to a height of 25 meters
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by various local names such as Mututi in Shona language, Mpaga or Mfura in Swahili, and Nkusi or Nongo in some parts of Cameroon.
Uses
The plant is known for its numerous medicinal properties and is widely used in traditional herbal medicine. The bark, leaves, and roots of the plant are used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, malaria, and fever. The plant is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Terminalia laxiflora is also used for its timber, which is hard, durable, and termite resistant. The wood is used for construction, furniture, and fencing. The tree also provides shade and serves as a windbreak in farms and plantations.
General Appearance
The tree has a straight trunk with a greyish bark that is somewhat fissured. The leaves are alternate, simple, and elliptical. They are broader towards the apex and have a pointed tip. The leaf margin is entire. The flowers are small and yellowish and are borne on pendulous spikes. The fruit is a drupe that is ovoid in shape and greenish-yellow in color.
In conclusion, Terminalia laxiflora Engl. & Diels is an important tree species that possesses numerous medicinal properties and is highly valued for its timber. Its general appearance and uses make it an essential plant in Central and West Africa.
Light Conditions
The Terminalia laxiflora is a plant that requires full sunlight exposure. It thrives best when grown in areas with direct exposure to sunlight. If placed in shaded areas, the plant's growth and development will be stunted.
Temperature Requirements
The Terminalia laxiflora grows best in moderate to high temperatures. The ideal temperature range for the plant's growth is between 20°C and 27°C. Temperatures that are too low or too high may cause the plant to stop growing or die. The plant cannot tolerate frost and should, therefore, not be grown in areas with freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow in various soil types as long as the soil is fertile and well-drained. It can thrive in sandy, loamy, or clay soils provided the soil is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should range from neutral to slightly acidic. The plant does not tolerate water-logged soils, and its growth is stunted when grown in such soils.
Cultivation Methods
Terminalia laxiflora Engl. & Diels requires full sunlight to thrive and grow properly. The plant can grow in different soil types, but it does best in well-draining soil. It is recommended to plant the plant in a hole twice the size of its root ball, ensuring that it is planted at the same depth at which it was growing in its nursery container. After planting, ensure that the plant is correctly watered before and after planting.
Watering Needs
Terminalia laxiflora Engl. & Diels requires consistent moisture in the soil. It is recommended to water heavily once a week rather than light watering every day. Adequate watering is necessary during the first two years of growth. Once the plant is established, it can tolerate short periods of drought and needs less water.
Fertilization
Terminalia laxiflora Engl. & Diels requires regular fertilization to grow healthily. The best time to fertilize is in the spring and summer. Use a slow-release fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio of 10-10-10. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers such as compost or manure to promote healthy growth.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to promote healthy growth and maintain the desired shape of the plant. Prune the plant during the dormant season, preferably in late winter or early spring. Remove any dead or diseased branches, crossing branches, and those rubbing against each other. To maintain the desired shape, you can pinch back the tips of the branches. Avoid removing more than one-third of the branches during pruning to avoid stressing the plant.
Propagation of Terminalia laxiflora Engl. & Diels
Terminalia laxiflora Engl. & Diels is propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and air layering.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of Terminalia laxiflora are collected when they are ripe. The seeds can be extracted by separating the fruits and then drying them. The seeds are then sown in a well-prepared seedbed or container filled with a suitable potting medium. The seedbed or container should be kept moist and placed in a partially shaded area. Germination usually occurs within 3-4 weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location when they are 6-8 weeks old.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings of Terminalia laxiflora can be taken during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should be 20-25cm long with at least two nodes. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone powder and then planted in a well-prepared rooting medium. The rooting medium should be kept moist and placed in a semi-shaded area. The cuttings usually root in about 6-8 weeks and can be transplanted to their permanent location when they are 10-12 weeks old.
Propagation through Air Layering
Air layering involves creating a new plant from the stem of an existing plant while it is still attached to the mother plant. A section of the stem is wrapped with moist sphagnum moss and covered with plastic to keep it moist. After a few weeks, roots will start to grow from the stem. Once the roots are well-established, the section of the stem with the new roots can be cut and planted in a pot or directly in the ground. Air layering is a slow propagation method but is useful for plants that are difficult to propagate through other methods.
Disease and Pest Management for Terminalia laxiflora Engl. & Diels
Terminalia laxiflora Engl. & Diels is a plant species found in tropical Africa. This plant is relatively resistant to most diseases and pests. However, occasional attacks from some pests and diseases may occur, leading to reduced plant vigor, yield, and mortality. Therefore, it is essential to have some knowledge about the common pests and diseases affecting Terminalia laxiflora, their identification, and management techniques.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that affect Terminalia laxiflora include:
- Leaf spots: The disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the leaves, resulting in circular or angular spots that form, sometimes with a yellowish halo. The infected leaves often wilt and fall prematurely. The best management practice is to minimize overhead irrigation, remove and destroy the infected leaves, and use fungicides.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by several fungi and Oomycete pathogens that invade the plant roots, causing plant wilting and death eventually. The best preventive measure is to ensure proper drainage around the plant, minimize soil compaction, and use fungicides when needed.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease attacks the stems, leaves, and flowers of Terminalia laxiflora, leading to the formation of brown, sunken lesions that can cause defoliation and branch dieback. The best management practice is to remove and destroy the infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and use fungicides.
Common Pests
The common pests that attack Terminalia laxiflora include:
- Mealybugs: These are tiny pests that suck sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth, reduced vigor, and yield loss. They also deposit honeydew, which attracts sooty mold fungi. To control mealybugs, use insecticidal soap, oils, or neem-based products.
- Termites: Termites are wood-boring insects that feed on the plant's wood, leading to plant deformities, reduced vigor, and branch dieback. To manage termites, use biological control methods like nematodes or chemical methods like insecticides such as fipronil and chlorantraniliprole.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths that feed on the leaves of Terminalia laxiflora. They cause defoliation and reduced plant vigor. The best management practice is to handpick and destroy the caterpillars, introduce predatory insects such as lady beetles or use Bacillus thuringiensis insecticides.
Regular monitoring of the plant for pests and diseases, good cultural practices like proper watering, fertilization, and pruning can go a long way to prevent and manage any pest and disease problems that may occur.
