Overview of Terminalia morogorensis Engl.
Terminalia morogorensis Engl. is a species of tree in the family Combretaceae. It is native to Tanzania and is commonly found in the Morogoro region, hence its name.
Common Names
The plant is known by a number of common names including the Morogoro Terminalia, the African Almond, and the Morogoro Wild Almond.
Appearance
Terminalia morogorensis is a sizeable evergreen tree that can grow up to 25 meters tall. The tree has a broad, spreading, and somewhat open crown. The leaves are simple, alternate, oblong-elliptic, and have a length of between 10 and 25 cm. They are a bright green color and typically have a shiny surface. The flowers of the tree are small, white, and grow in clusters. The tree produces fruit in the form of a red, woody capsule that measures around 2 cm long.
Uses
The Terminalia morogorensis has a variety of uses. The tree is often used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as cough, headache, and fever. The bark of the tree contains compounds that have demonstrated antimicrobial properties, and as such, it has been used as a topical treatment for skin infections. The fruit is edible and has a tart, juicy pulp. It is commonly eaten raw or used to make jams and jellies. The wood of the tree is strong and durable and is often used for making furniture, tools, and construction materials.
Light Requirements
The Terminalia morogorensis Engl. thrives in a variety of light conditions, from full sun exposure to partial shade. However, it grows best under bright but indirect sunlight where it can receive at least four hours of direct sunlight every day. If grown in a shady area, the plant may become leggy and develop weak stems and thin leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature for growing Terminalia morogorensis Engl. is between 20°C to 30°C during the growing season. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of 15°C and a maximum temperature of 35°C for a short period. The plant will not survive in areas that experience extended periods of frost or temperatures below 15°C. It is important to maintain steady temperatures, as extreme fluctuations can affect the growth and development of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Terminalia morogorensis Engl. prefers well-draining soils with good water-holding capacity and moderate fertility. The soil pH should range between 5.5 and 7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soils, including sandy and loamy soils, as long as they are well-draining. It is recommended to enrich the soil with organic matter, such as compost or manure, before planting to enhance its fertility and water-holding capacity. The plant is drought-tolerant but does best with regular watering.
Cultivation Methods
Terminalia morogorensis Engl. can be propagated through both seeds and cuttings. For propagation by seeds, collect the seeds from a matured tree and clean them. Sow them in the potting mix that has good drainage and moisture-retaining capacity. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of compost and keep them in bright, indirect sunlight. Germination might take between 1 to 2 months. For propagating through cuttings, take semi-hardwood cuttings in spring or summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in pots with well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and in the shade, and they should root in about 2 to 3 months.
Watering Needs
Terminalia morogorensis Engl. prefers a moderate amount of water. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but make sure not to overwater it. Overwatering can lead to root rot, and under-watering can cause the plant to wilt. In winter, reduce the frequency of watering to avoid waterlogging. Always check the moisture level of the soil before watering.
Fertilization
Terminalia morogorensis Engl. requires regular feeding during the growing season to support its growth and development. Fertilize the plant with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer after every 6 months. You can also supplement the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to enhance the soil's fertility.
Pruning
Terminalia morogorensis Engl. requires minimal pruning. However, you can remove any dead or diseased branches to maintain the plant's health. You can also prune the plant to control its height or promote dense foliage growth. Prune the plant during the dormant season, i.e., winter, to avoid any damage to new growth. Always use clean and sharp pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases and infection.
Propagation of Terminalia morogorensis Engl.
Terminalia morogorensis Engl. is commonly propagated through seeds, cuttings, and air-layering.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Terminalia morogorensis are collected from mature fruits and can be directly sown in the nursery beds. Before sowing, the seeds are dried in sun and treated with fungicides to prevent seed-borne diseases. The seeds are sown at a depth of 2-3 cm in the nursery beds composed of soil, sand, and organic matter in a 1:1:1 ratio. The beds are kept moist, and germination starts within 21-30 days. The seedlings are transplanted to polybags after attaining a height of 15-20 cm.
Cutting Propagation
Terminalia morogorensis can be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings of 20-25 cm length and 1-2 cm diameter are collected from the healthy and disease-free mother plants during the dormant season. The cuttings are treated with rooting hormones and planted in the rooting media composed of sand and soil in a 1:1 ratio. The cuttings are kept under intermittent mist and maintained at a temperature of 25-30°C. The rooted cuttings are transplanted to polybags or pots and grown in the shade for a year before planting in the field.
Air-layering
Air-layering is another propagation method for Terminalia morogorensis. The bark of a mature and healthy branch is removed completely to expose the wood layer. A rooting hormone is applied to the exposed wood layer, and a ball of moist soil and organic matter is applied to the exposed area and wrapped with a plastic sheet. After 2-3 months, roots emerge from the wound, and the rooted portion is separated and transplanted to polybags.
Disease Management
Terminalia morogorensis Engl. is relatively resistant to diseases. However, it may suffer from fungal infections if grown in areas with high humidity and poor air circulation. The most common diseases affecting this plant include leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot.
To manage fungal diseases, regular monitoring of the plants is necessary. Infected plant parts should be removed and properly disposed of immediately. Applying fungicides can also be effective in preventing the spread of fungal infections. Ensure you choose an appropriate fungicide that is safe for the environment and the plant.
Pest Management
Various pests can infest Terminalia morogorensis Engl. Some of these pests include mealybugs, leaf miners, scales, and spider mites. These pests cause damage to the plant by feeding on the leaves, stems, and roots.
One practical way of managing pests in the plant is adopting integrated pest management (IPM). This approach combines various strategies such as cultural practices, physical controls, and biological control measures. For instance, introducing natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings helps control pests such as aphids and spider mites.
Another effective way of managing pests is through the use of insecticides. Preferably, use environmentally friendly insecticides that are not harmful to humans and other beneficial organisms.
It's essential to note that prevention is always better than cure. Maintaining a healthy growing environment and inspecting the plants regularly for pest infestation can prevent severe pest damage and reduce the need for pest control measures.
