Origin and Common Names
Terminalia prunioides M.A.Lawson, also known as Zambarau or African Almond, is a species of flowering plant in the Combretaceae family. It is native to tropical Africa, particularly in areas with hot and dry climates such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia.Appearance
The African Almond is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 25 meters tall. It has a broad and dense canopy, with a trunk that can reach up to 60cm in diameter. The tree produces small, yellowish-white, fragrant, and bell-shaped flowers from May to June that attract bees. The leaves of the tree are simple, alternate and ovate to lanceolate in shape, with a length of up to 25 centimeters and a width of up to 10 centimeters. The leaf color ranges from dark green to light green and sometimes turns yellow before falling off during the dry season.Uses
The Terminalia prunioides tree has a variety of uses. Its wood is used for construction, charcoal, and firewood. The leaves and bark of the tree have medicinal values and are used as a treatment for diarrhea, sore throat, and stomach ulcers. Young leaves are cooked and eaten, or dried and ground into powder for use as a spice. The African Almond tree is also used for ornamental purposes and as shade in gardens and parks. In addition, the tree has a positive impact on the environment. It is used in agroforestry systems to improve soil fertility, prevent soil erosion, and provide shade for crops. The tree is also valuable in beekeeping, as its flowers attract bees that produce high-quality honey. Overall, the Terminalia prunioides M.A.Lawson is a valuable resource in Africa due to its multitude of uses and beneficial impact on the environment.Light Requirements
Terminalia prunioides M.A.Lawson, commonly known as the purple-pod terminalia, thrives in full sunlight. They require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day to promote adequate growth and development. While they can tolerate partial shade, too much shade can stunt their growth and make them susceptible to diseases, pests, and other environmental stressors.
Temperature
The purple-pod terminalia plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from as low as 15°C to as high as 45°C. They can also tolerate drought conditions, but they do require regular water during the dry season or prolonged periods of drought. They are not frost-tolerant and should be protected in areas where the temperature drops below freezing.
Soil Requirements
The purple-pod terminalia plant prefers well-draining, fertile soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.5 and 7.5. They do not tolerate waterlogged or compacted soils, which can lead to poor growth and root rot. Adding organic matter to the soil before planting can help improve soil structure and fertility. Regular application of fertilizer can also help promote healthy growth and development.
Cultivation of Terminalia prunioides M.A.Lawson
The plant Terminalia prunioides M.A.Lawson is a tropical species that thrives well in warm temperatures. To cultivate it, select a site that enjoys full to partial sun exposure, as these trees need a lot of light. Choose well-draining soils which are slightly acidic and rich in organic matter. The tree can do well in a pot or in the ground, but it requires atleast 15 feet of space between plants if grown in a grove.
Watering Needs of Terminalia prunioides M. A. Lawson
When watering Terminalia prunioides M.A.Lawson, ensure that the soil is permanetly-moist but not waterlogged. The plant needs regular watering, especially during the dry season, which is from November to March. Ensure that the tree gets watered twice a week in dry times and cut back to once a week when the rains come in. Newly planted trees will need more frequent watering until their root system establishes itself and develops a strong hold.
Fertilization Requirements of Terminalia prunioides M.A. Lawson
Terminalia prunioides M.A.Lawson trees are moderate feeders, and therefore require some fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer to the base of the tree or pot two times a year, during the rainy season from March to June and during the dry season from September to November. Use organic fertilizers that are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for good plant growth.
Pruning Terminalia prunioides M.A. Lawson
To prune Terminalia prunioides M.A.Lawson, remove dead or diseased branches. Trim the tree to the desired shape. Be careful not to remove a too large portion of terminal branches as it may require excessive time and energy for the plant to recover. You can also prune the tree to keep it in your preferred height and shape. Prune in the dry season as wounds will heal faster then.
Propagation of Terminalia prunioides M.A.Lawson
Terminalia prunioides M.A.Lawson, also known as the plum terminalia, is a small to medium-sized tree native to southern Africa. It is popularly cultivated as an ornamental tree due to its attractive foliage and flowers. The most common propagation methods for the plum terminalia are seeds, cuttings, and inarching.
Seeds
The propagation of Terminalia prunioides M.A.Lawson using seeds is relatively easy but slow. The seeds should be collected from the tree after they have matured and fallen off the tree. The seeds should be cleaned and dried in the sun for several days before sowing. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix at a depth of 1 to 2 cm. The pot should then be placed in a warm, bright location but not in direct sunlight. The seeds usually take 2 to 3 weeks to germinate.
Cuttings
Propagation of Terminalia prunioides M.A.Lawson using cuttings is faster than seeds but requires more care. The cuttings should be collected from the tree during the growing season when the tree is actively growing. The cuttings should be from the current year's growth. The cuttings should be 10 to 15 cm long and should be cut just below a node. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining potting mix. The pot should be covered with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity and placed in a warm but not direct sunlight location. The cuttings usually take 4 to 6 weeks to root.
Inarching
Inarching is another method of propagating Terminalia prunioides M.A.Lawson. Inarching involves grafting a stem of the desired plant into the stem of a rootstock of another plant. Inarching is commonly used when the species exhibits low rooting percentage or when the plant has desirable rootstock characteristics. It is a more advanced method that requires skill and experience to execute properly.
Disease and Pest Management for Terminalia prunioides M.A.Lawson
Terminalia prunioides M.A.Lawson, commonly known as purple-pod terminalia or plum-fruited terminalia, is a tree species native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Madagascar. Like any other plant species, this tree is also vulnerable to various diseases and pests that can significantly affect its growth and productivity. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Terminalia prunioides is anthracnose, a fungal disease that causes leaf spots, defoliation, and dieback. To manage this disease, it is essential to remove and destroy diseased leaves and branches and avoid overhead irrigation, which can spread the disease. Pruning the tree to improve air circulation and applying fungicides can also be helpful in managing anthracnose.
Root rot is another disease that can affect Terminalia prunioides, especially if the soil is too wet or poorly drained. This disease can cause the roots to become brown and mushy, leading to wilting and death of the tree. To manage root rot, it is crucial to improve soil drainage by creating a raised bed or adding organic matter to the soil. Using fungicides can also be helpful, but prevention is always better than cure.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that attack Terminalia prunioides is the stem borer, a wood-boring insect that can cause extensive damage to the tree's stem and branches. Signs of stem borer infestation include entry holes and sawdust-like frass on the stem. To manage this pest, it is essential to prune and destroy infested branches and apply insecticides to the stem and surrounding soil.
Another common pest that can affect Terminalia prunioides is the termite, a wood-feeding insect that can cause enormous damage to the tree's stem and roots. Signs of termite infestation include mud tubes on the stem and surrounding soil and the presence of termite swarmers during spring or fall. To manage termites, it is crucial to eliminate their food and moisture sources, such as dead wood and standing water, and apply termiticides to the soil around the tree.
Overall, managing diseases and pests in Terminalia prunioides requires a combination of preventive measures, proper cultural practices, and timely intervention. By keeping a close eye on your tree's health and addressing any issues promptly, you can help ensure its long-term growth and productivity.
