Terminalia schimperiana Hochst.
Terminalia schimperiana Hochst. is a plant species native to East and West tropical Africa. It is commonly known as Schimper's terminalia or locally as "mutiana" in Ethiopia. The plant species belongs to the family Combretaceae which is popular for the ornamental and medicinal values of its representatives.
Appearance
The tree species bears a somewhat rounded canopy and can grow up to 20 meters tall. The bark is grayish-brown or reddish-brown with noticeable horizontal raised lines. The leaves are glossy and measure about 8-15 cm in length. The leaves are obovate or oblong, dark green in color and taper at the tips. The fruits are woody, globose with a persistent calyx and measure about 3 cm in diameter.
Uses
Terminalia schimperiana Hochst. is used in traditional medicine to cure diseases like cough, pneumonia, and bronchitis. In Ethiopia, the plant is well-known for its culinary uses. The fruits are edible and are usually consumed raw or roasted. They are also used in the preparation of traditional alcoholic drinks like "tella". Additionally, extracts from the stem bark have been used in tanning leather.
These uses have contributed to the popularity and importance of the Terminalia schimperiana Hochst. and it is regularly cultivated as a source of food, medicine, and timber in its indigenous range.
Overall, Terminalia schimperiana Hochst. is an important plant species with several benefits, including medicinal, culinary, and industrial applications.Light Requirements
Terminalia schimperiana Hochst. typically thrives in areas with abundant sunlight. Therefore, it requires full sun exposure to grow optimally. This plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to carry out photosynthesis efficiently.
Temperature Requirements
Terminalia schimperiana Hochst. grows best in warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. It cannot tolerate frost and temperatures below 10°C. Under chilly conditions, it tends to drop its leaves, reducing its ability to photosynthesize. The ideal temperature range for this plant falls within the tropical and subtropical climates.
Soil Requirements
Terminalia schimperiana Hochst. can thrive in a variety of soil types. However, it prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. It cannot survive in waterlogged or extremely sandy soils. Additionally, the soil should be deep enough to allow root development, and the plant will benefit from occasional fertilization with a balanced fertilizer.
Cultivation
The Terminalia schimperiana Hochst., also known as Abyssinian Almond, is a plant species native to tropical East Africa. It is an evergreen tree that grows up to 25 meters tall and is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
When cultivating Abyssinian Almond, you need to choose a suitable location. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. Ensure the soil is well-drained, fertile, and has a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. You can propagate the plant from seeds or cuttings.
Plant the Terminalia schimperiana in a hole as deep as the root ball. When transplanting, make sure that you avoid disturbing the root system. Water the plant thoroughly after planting and keep the soil moist until established.
Watering Needs
Terminalia schimperiana requires moderate watering. Water the plant regularly, especially during the hot, dry period. However, avoid overwatering the plant as it can cause root rot. The best approach is to water deeply and less often, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering intervals.
To determine if your Abyssinian Almond requires watering, feel the soil. If the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry, water the plant. Also, be cautious when watering the plant during the winter months when growth slows down.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing the Terminalia schimperiana is essential to promote healthy growth. It is best to fertilize the plant during the growing season, from early spring to late summer. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Apply the fertilizer at the base of the plant, away from the trunk, and water it in deeply. Ensure you follow the fertilizer manufacturer's instructions on the application rate.
Pruning
Pruning the Abyssinian Almond is necessary to control its growth, remove dead or damaged branches, and maintain an attractive shape. Prune the plant during the dormant period in winter.
Use sharp, clean pruning shears and make cuts at a 45-degree angle just above a healthy bud or lateral branch. Avoid removing more than 20% of the plant's canopy at once.
Also, remove suckers that emerge at the base of the tree. Suckers compete with the main plant for nutrients, water, and sunlight, slowing down growth and decreasing fruit production.
Propagation of Terminalia schimperiana Hochst.
Terminalia schimperiana Hochst. can be propagated both sexually and asexually. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages that should be taken into account when choosing a propagation method.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation involves the use of seeds to create new plants. In Terminalia schimperiana Hochst., seeds are generally collected from mature fruits, which are gathered from the wild or from cultivated trees. These seeds should be planted in a good-quality soil mixture, which should be kept moist and warm to promote germination. In ideal conditions, seedlings will emerge after 3-4 weeks and can be transplanted once they develop their first set of true leaves.
One of the main advantages of sexual propagation is that it allows for genetic variability, which can be important in maintaining biodiversity and adaptability. However, the downside is that it can take several years for plants to reach maturity and start producing seeds.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation involves the use of vegetative plant parts, such as stem cuttings, to create new plants. In Terminalia schimperiana Hochst., stem cuttings can be taken from mature trees during the dormant season and rooted in a rooting hormone and soil mixture. Cuttings should be kept warm and humid until roots develop, which usually takes 4-6 weeks.
Asexual propagation has several advantages over sexual propagation. The main advantage is that it allows for the mass production of identical plants in a relatively short period of time. This can be useful for commercial propagation or for the rapid establishment of new plantations. However, asexual propagation can also increase the risk of genetic uniformity, which can make plants more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Disease and Pest Management for Terminalia schimperiana Hochst.
Like any other plant, Terminalia schimperiana Hochst. is susceptible to various diseases and pests. However, proper management can reduce their impact on the plant and ensure healthy growth. Below are some common diseases and pests that might affect Terminalia schimperiana Hochst. and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases:
Fungal Leaf Spots: Fungal leaf spots are common in Terminalia schimperiana Hochst. and appear as small, dark spots on leaves. To manage it, remove any infected leaves and debris under the plant to prevent the disease from spreading. Also, use fungicides that contain copper, mancozeb, or chlorothalonil to protect the plant from further infection.
Rust: Rust is another fungal disease that affects Terminalia schimperiana Hochst. and appears as orange or yellowish spots on leaves. To manage it, remove any infected leaves, prune affected branches, and spray with fungicides containing copper or triadimefon.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a common disease caused by fungi that affects the plant's leaves and fruits, leading to the development of small, dark spots. To manage it, remove any infected leaves and fruits, prune affected branches, and spray with fungicides containing copper or chlorothalonil regularly.
Common Pests:
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that attack the plant by sucking sap from leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage them, spray insecticides that contain imidacloprid, acephate, or carbaryl on the plant. Also, release ladybugs or lacewings on the plant to feed on the aphids.
Termites: Termites are small, white insects that feed on wood, including the plant's stem and roots. To manage them, use soil insecticides to prevent the termites from damaging the plant. Also, remove any infested wood and maintain adequate soil moisture to discourage termites from attacking the plant.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the plant's leaves, causing significant damage. To manage them, remove any affected leaves and apply insecticides containing spinosad, Bacillus thuringiensis, or neem oil to control the caterpillars.
Overall, proper disease and pest management can help maintain the health of Terminalia schimperiana Hochst. and ensure its optimal growth and yield.
