Overview
Terminalia macroptera Guill. & Perr. is a plant species that belongs to the Combretaceae family. It is a large tree that grows in the tropical regions of Africa. This plant species is also known by various common names such as African almond, large-fruited terminalia, and kanakana.
Description
Terminalia macroptera is a deciduous tree that can reach a height of up to 55 meters (180 feet) and a diameter of 2 meters (6.5 feet). The branches are dense and wide-spreading, forming a broad and rounded crown. The bark is greyish-brown and rough with deep fissures. The leaves are alternate, elliptical, and glossy, measuring 6-12 cm (2.4-4.7 inches) in length.
The flowers of Terminalia macroptera are white or greenish-white, small, and inconspicuous, with a fragrance resembling that of honey. The fruit is a large woody capsule that is ovoid or ellipsoid, measuring 4-7 cm (1.6-2.8 inches) in length, and containing a single seed inside.
Uses
All parts of Terminalia macroptera have medicinal properties and are used in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments. The bark, leaves, and roots are used to treat wounds, diarrhea, stomach ache, fever, and respiratory problems.
The fruit of Terminalia macroptera is edible and has a sweet, juicy, and slightly sour taste. The fruit is used to produce a popular traditional drink in West Africa called "dabileni," which is made by fermenting the fruit pulp with water and sugar. The wood of Terminalia macroptera is hard, durable, and resistant to weather and termites. It is used for making furniture, tool handles, and construction materials.
Terminalia macroptera is also used in traditional African rituals and ceremonies. The bark, leaves, and roots are believed to possess spiritual and protective powers that can ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
Light Requirements
Terminalia macroptera grows best in full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. It requires at least six hours of sunlight daily. However, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can lead to leaf scorching; hence, it is necessary to provide shading during periods of intense sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Terminalia macroptera thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. The plant can tolerate a wide temperature range, but the optimal temperature range for growth is between 21 and 32°C. It cannot withstand frost and should be protected from temperatures below 10°C. When exposed to low temperatures, the leaves turn yellow and eventually fall off the tree.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow in a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they have good drainage. However, the ideal soil for Terminalia macroptera is well-drained loamy soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5. The plant is also sensitive to soil salinity and cannot grow in extremely saline soils. It requires adequate soil moisture, but waterlogged soils should be avoided as they can lead to root rot.
Cultivation
Terminalia macroptera Guill. & Perr. is known to grow well in tropical and subtropical climates. It is preferably grown from seedlings that are readily available. The site for cultivation should be carefully selected, with partial shade being ideal for the species to grow optimally. The plant thrives in well-drained soil, and the soil's pH should be between 5.5 to 7.5.
Watering Needs
Terminalia macroptera requires a moderate amount of water. The soil should be uniformly moist but not waterlogged. The plant should be watered thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch. During the dry season, it may require additional watering to maintain the optimal level of moisture.
Fertilization
To maintain optimal growth, the plant requires a balanced fertilizer that contains an equal amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The fertilizer should be applied once every three months, and it should be broadcasted evenly around the base of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is a vital aspect of maintaining healthy Terminalia macroptera trees. This species requires minimal pruning except to remove dead or diseased branches. The best time to prune is during the dry season when the plant is less susceptible to infection. Cutting off the branches at an angle of forty-five degrees, about ¼ inch from the trunk, is recommended.
Propagation methods of Terminalia macroptera Guill. & Perr.
Terminalia macroptera Guill. & Perr. can be propagated by various methods. The most common methods are seed propagation, stem cuttings, and air layering.
Seed propagation
Seeds are the easiest and most common way to propagate Terminalia macroptera Guill. & Perr. The seeds can be collected from mature fruits of the plant. The collected seeds should be cleaned and sown in a well-drained soil mixture. The seeds require a warm temperature for germination, and they can take up to a few weeks to germinate. It is important to keep the soil moist during the germination process. Once the seeds have germinated, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Stem cuttings
Terminalia macroptera Guill. & Perr. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from a healthy and mature plant. The cutting should be around 20 to 30 cm in length and should have at least two nodes. The lower leaves of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone to promote root development. The cutting should be then planted in a well-drained soil mixture and kept in a warm and humid environment until they develop strong roots. The developed cuttings can then be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Air layering
Air layering is the process of inducing roots to form on a stem while it is still attached to the parent plant. This method is helpful when propagation by cuttings is challenging. Air layering is performed by making a cut on a stem and packing the wound with a moist material such as sphagnum moss. The packed area is then wrapped with a plastic sheet, which creates a humid environment for root formation. Once roots have formed, the stem can be removed from the parent plant and potted in a well-drained soil mixture.
Disease Management
Terminalia macroptera Guill. & Perr. is susceptible to various diseases that can affect the quality and quantity of its yield. The following are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots, stem blight, and fruit rot in Terminalia macroptera. The disease can be controlled by removing infected plant parts, maintaining proper plant hygiene, avoiding excessive fertilization, and applying fungicides such as chlorothalonil, copper sulfate, and mancozeb.
Rust
Rust is caused by various fungi and appears as yellowish-orange or reddish-brown pustules on the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. To manage rust, prune infected plant parts, maintain good air circulation, reduce humidity levels, and apply fungicides such as copper sulfate or sulfur.
Root Rot
Root rot is caused by fungi and can result in wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant. To manage root rot, prevent waterlogging, maintain proper drainage, use disease-free planting material, and apply fungicides such as thiophanate-methyl.
Pest Management
Terminalia macroptera can also be affected by various pests that can reduce the yield and quality of the plant. The following are some common pests and ways to manage them:
Scale Insects
Scale insects are sap-sucking pests that can cause stunted growth, wilting, and plant death. To control scale insects, prune infected plant parts, wipe the scales with a soft cloth dipped in soapy water, and apply insecticides such as neem oil or pyrethrin.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of several moth species and can cause defoliation, yellowing, and reduced growth of the plant. To manage caterpillars, handpick them, prune infested plant parts, and use biological control methods such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are soft-bodied pests that feed on the sap of the plant and excrete a white, powdery substance that can attract ants. To manage mealybugs, prune infected plant parts, wipe them with a soft cloth dipped in soapy water, and use insecticides such as neem oil or pyrethrin.
