Overview:
Terminalia passargei Engl. ex Engl. & Diels is a species of evergreen tree belonging to the family Combretaceae. It is native to East Africa, specifically Tanzania and Kenya. The tree is commonly known as Mvule in Swahili and East African Terminalia in English.
Appearance:
The East African Terminalia is a tall tree that can grow up to 25 meters in height, with a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter. Its bark is dark gray or black in color and is deeply fissured. The leaves are simple, alternate, and elliptical, and grow up to 20 cm long and 10 cm wide. The tree produces small, yellow-green flowers that grow in clusters and are followed by fruit that is small and round in shape.
Uses:
The East African Terminalia tree is highly valued for its hard, heavy and durable wood which is commonly used in construction. The wood is also used for furniture, carving, and boat building. Additionally, the bark and leaves of the tree have been used in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and malaria, among others. The fruit of the tree is also edible and is sometimes consumed by humans and animals.
Typical Growth Conditions of Terminalia passargei Engl. ex Engl. & Diels
Terminalia passargei Engl. ex Engl. & Diels, also known as Namibian cluster-leaf, is a small deciduous tree that is native to Namibia and Angola. This plant is relatively easy to grow, and it thrives well in dry and hot conditions. Here are some of the typical growth conditions of Terminalia passargei that are required to keep this plant healthy:
Light Requirements
Terminalia passargei requires plenty of sunlight for optimal growth. It does best in full sun exposure, but partial shade is also tolerated. In areas with low light, the plant may not grow as vigorously and may become less dense.
Temperature Requirements
Terminalia passargei is a subtropical plant that thrives in warm and dry conditions. It can withstand hot temperatures of up to 40°C (104°F). However, when temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F), the plant may become dormant and shed its leaves. During winter, it's important to protect the plant from frost and freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Terminalia passargei prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can survive in poor soils, but it won't grow as well. The plant doesn't like heavy clay soils or soils that are waterlogged for long periods. A soil pH of 6.5-7.5 is ideal for this plant.
When planting Terminalia passargei, it's essential to ensure that the soil is deep enough to accommodate the plant's root system. The soil should also be loosened and enriched with compost or other organic matter. After planting, water the tree regularly, and provide it with fertilizer for optimal growth.
Cultivation methods
The Terminalia passargei Engl. ex Engl. & Diels plant prefers well-drained sandy loam soil with a slightly acidic pH level. To cultivate the plant, start with preparing the soil adequately for sufficient drainage since the plant can't tolerate waterlogged soil. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade, and it's advisable to plant it in an open area to ensure it gets enough sun.
The plant can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, or air layering. Propagation using cuttings is the most used method. Cuttings should be taken during the growing season, and the bottom of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting it in moist soil. Keep the cuttings moist and in a shady area until they root. Seeds can be sown, but they take longer to germinate and establish.
Watering needs
The Terminalia passargei plant should be watered regularly during the growing season to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering will depend on the weather and the moisture-retaining capacity of the soil. During the winter season, reduce watering since the plant becomes dormant and won't need as much moisture.
Fertilization
Terminalia passargei plant requires an organic fertilizer applied once during the growing season, preferably in spring. A fertilizer high in nitrogen can be used to promote growth since the plant requires it for the development of leaves and branches. Follow the manufacturer's instructions since over-fertilization can damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning the plant should be done during the winter season when the plant is dormant. Pruning can be done to shape the plant or control its size since it can reach up to 20 meters in height. Remove any damaged, dead, or diseased branches to prevent the spread of diseases. The plant can also be pruned to promote branching.
Propagation of Terminalia passargei Engl. ex Engl. & Diels
Terminalia passargei Engl. ex Engl. & Diels can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation of Terminalia passargei is done through seed germination. Seeds can be collected from mature fruits that are fully developed. The seeds should be cleaned and soaked in water for 48 hours to soften the hard seed coat for easy germination. After soaking, the seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix at a depth of 1cm. The pot should be covered with a plastic bag to maintain a high level of humidity. The germination process usually takes 2-3 weeks, and after the seedlings reach 4cm, they can be transplanted into a permanent position in the garden or transferred into individual pots.
Asexual Propagation
Terminalia passargei can also be propagated asexually by stem cuttings. Softwood cuttings can be taken from the stem tips in spring or summer. Cuttings should be approximately 10-15cm long and 3-5mm in diameter. The bottom of the cuttings should be dipped into rooting hormone powder before being planted in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and covered with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity. The cuttings usually take 4-6 weeks to root. After rooting, the plants can be transplanted into individual pots or a permanent position in the garden.
Disease management
Terminalia passargei Engl. ex Engl. & Diels is highly resistant to most diseases, but occasionally it can be susceptible to fungal infections such as leaf spots and blights.
To prevent and manage such diseases, it is recommended to:
- Ensure good air circulation around the plant by proper spacing and pruning of neighboring plants
- Avoid over-watering and wetting the foliage, especially during the rainy season
- Remove and destroy any infected plant debris, including fallen leaves and stems
- Apply fungicides, such as copper-based compounds, according to the label instructions if the disease becomes severe
Pest management
Terminalia passargei is generally not severely affected by pests. However, like other plants, it can be damaged by various insect pests, including:
- Scales
- Mites
- Caterpillars
- Whiteflies
To prevent and control these pests, it is recommended to:
- Inspect the plant regularly for signs of infestation, including yellowing leaves, distorted growth, and presence of insects
- Use physical methods of pest control, such as pruning off infested parts and washing leaves with a strong jet of water
- Use biological controls, such as introducing natural enemies like ladybugs or lacewings
- Use chemical pesticides only as a last resort and according to the label instructions
