Overview of Terminalia mangela De Wild. & Ledoux
Terminalia mangela De Wild. & Ledoux is a tree belonging to the Combretaceae family. The plant is native to West and Central Africa, particularly in the Congo Basin, Angola, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The plant is typically found in moist forests and swampy areas, and it can grow up to 25m in height. The tree bark has a pale brown color, and the leaves are oval-shaped and dark green in color.
Common Names
The Terminalia mangela De Wild. & Ledoux tree is commonly known by several names such as Mangala, Kambala, Louadi, and Ekebergia mangala. The name "Mangala" has its origin in the Swahili language spoken in East Africa, which means blessing. The name Ekebergia mangala is derived from the botanist who first discovered the tree, Carl Gustav Ekeberg, and the Swahili name Mangala.
Uses
The Terminalia mangela De Wild. & Ledoux tree has several uses, particularly in traditional African medicine. The bark, leaves, and fruits are used to treat various health conditions such as cough, fever, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. The bark is also used for toothache, stomach ulcers, and skin infections. The fruit is edible and is often consumed raw or cooked in soups. The tree also has a high cultural value and is used in rituals and ceremonies.
The Terminalia mangela De Wild. & Ledoux tree is also a source of timber and is used for various construction purposes such as building houses and making furniture. The timber is also used for fuel, charcoal, and as a raw material for crafting utensils. The tree is also planted for its potential to help fight deforestation and soil erosion in West and Central Africa.
General Appearance
The Terminalia mangela De Wild. & Ledoux tree has a tall stature, growing up to 25m in height with a trunk diameter of up to 50cm. The tree has a straight and cylindrical trunk, with a pale brown bark that is easily cracked. The branches are spread out, forming a rounded crown, and the leaves are oval-shaped and dark green in color. The tree produces small and greenish-yellow flowers, which then turn into small, red, and round fruits. The plant's overall appearance is of a large and imposing tree that can live up to several centuries.
Growth Conditions for Terminalia mangela De Wild. & Ledoux
Terminalia mangela De Wild. & Ledoux, commonly known as African cherry, is a tropical tree that belongs to the Combretaceae family. It is native to central to western Africa and is a popular species for timber and traditional medicine. To ensure proper growth and development of the African cherry, the following are some of the typical growth conditions required:
Light Requirements
The Terminalia mangela requires full sunlight exposure to grow optimally and consistently. Therefore, the tree should be planted in an area with direct sunlight exposure for the better part of the day. Lack of adequate sunlight exposure can cause stunted growth and the production of weak and spindly stems.
Temperature Requirements
The African cherry grows best in warm climatic conditions, with a temperature range of between 24°C to 30°C. The tree does not tolerate frost and planting it in an area that exposes it to cold temperatures can lead to the death of the tree. In colder climates, the tree can be grown in a greenhouse for indoor planting.
Soil Requirements
The African cherry grows in a wide range of soils, well-drained, and fertile soil with a pH range of between 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter. The tree is drought-resistant, and its roots go deep into the soil to access water, which makes it ideal for growing in dry areas.
Proper maintenance practices such as regular weeding, pruning, and application of necessary fertilizers can improve the growth conditions of Terminalia mangela De Wild. & Ledoux, ensuring that the tree develops successfully and produces high-quality timber and medicinal products.
Cultivation
Terminalia mangela De Wild. & Ledoux can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting to enhance germination. The ideal temperature for germination is between 25-30°C. During the first year after planting, the young trees should be protected from direct sunlight and strong winds.
Watering Needs
Terminalia mangela De Wild. & Ledoux requires moderate watering, especially during the dry season. It is best to water the plant deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth and reduce the risk of root rot. The soil should be allowed to dry out between watering to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Terminalia mangela De Wild. & Ledoux requires moderate fertilization for healthy growth. Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure are recommended. Fertilizers with a balanced N-P-K ratio are also useful, with applications typically made twice a year during the growing season.
Pruning
Regular pruning is essential to shape and maintain the plant's size, especially during the first few years of growth. Pruning should be done during the dry season to prevent the risk of infections. Dead or damaged branches should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of diseases. Regular pruning also encourages new growth and improves fruit production.
Propagation of Terminalia mangela De Wild. & Ledoux
Terminalia mangela De Wild. & Ledoux is a tropical tree that can be propagated through seeds and vegetative methods.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Terminalia mangela are collected from mature fruits that are fully ripe. The fresh seeds germinate easily if sown within two weeks of collection. However, dry seeds require pre-sowing treatments such as soaking in water for 24 hours or boiling in water for 10 to 15 minutes to break their dormancy.
The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil mixed with sand in a seedbed or in individual containers. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. The seeds should germinate within 2 to 4 weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Terminalia mangela can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings and air layering.
Stem cuttings should be collected from healthy and mature trees. The cuttings should be about 15-20 cm long and should have at least 3 nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept in a humid environment and should root within 4 to 6 weeks.
Air layering is another effective method of propagation for Terminalia mangela. In this method, a branch is selected, and a ring of bark is removed from the selected area. The exposed area is treated with rooting hormone and wrapped with moist sphagnum moss and plastic wrap. After a few weeks, roots develop from the wound area, and the rooted branch can be cut off and planted in a pot or directly in the field.
Care After Propagation
For successful propagation, it is essential to provide proper care for the young plants. During the initial stages of growth, the soil should be kept moist, and the young plants should be protected from direct sunlight. The young plants should be transplanted to larger containers or the field after they become established and develop a strong root system.
Disease and Pest Management for Terminalia mangela De Wild. & Ledoux
Terminalia mangela De Wild. & Ledoux, commonly known as the black plum tree, is a fruiting tree species that is prone to several diseases and pests. Effective disease and pest management practices are essential to ensure healthy growth and high-yield of the tree.
Common Diseases
The following are some of the common diseases that can affect Terminalia mangela:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes leaf spots, twig blight, and fruit rot. The spots appear as circular lesions with reddish-brown borders. To manage it, remove and destroy the infected plant parts and apply fungicides.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease manifests as a white powdery growth on the leaves, stems, and fruits. It can reduce the plant's vigor and yield. To manage it, remove the infected plant parts, reduce humidity, and apply fungicides.
- Bacterial Leaf Spot: This bacterial disease causes circular or irregular spots on the leaves. The spots may have a yellow halo around them. To manage this, remove infected plant parts and apply copper-based fungicides.
Common Pests
The following are some of the common pests that can affect Terminalia mangela:
- Fruit flies: These pests lay eggs on the fruit, which hatch into larvae that feed on the fruit and cause it to rot. To manage them, use pheromone traps, dispose of infected fruits, and use insecticides.
- Scales: These pests suck sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. They also produce a sticky substance that attracts ants. To manage them, prune infected plant parts and apply horticultural oil.
- Caterpillars: These pests feed on the leaves, causing defoliation. To manage them, remove the infected plant parts and use insecticides.
Preventing diseases and pests is the best way to manage them. Maintain good cultural practices, such as proper irrigation and fertilization, and regularly check for any signs of disease or pests. Promptly manage any issues to prevent them from spreading and causing severe damage.
