Introduction
Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. var. huillensis Hiern is a type of plant that is known for its many medical and cultural uses. It belongs to the Combretaceae family and is commonly found in the southern regions of Africa.
Origin and Distribution
This plant is primarily found in countries such as Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It is a large deciduous tree that can grow up to 25 meters in height. The Terminalia sericea var. huillensis type is indigenous to the Angolan Province of Huila, hence the name "huillensis."
Common Names
Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. var. huillensis Hiern is known by various names in different regions. In Angola, it is called omulando, while in Zimbabwe, it is referred to as muvutivi or mupfura. In South Africa, it is known as silver terminalia, lowveld silver cluster-leaf, or silver cluster-leaf.
Uses
Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. var. huillensis Hiern has several medical and cultural uses. The tree bark, leaves, and roots contain various chemical compounds, which are used to treat various ailments such as fevers, dysentery, diarrhea, and coughs. The bark is used as a tonic for the treatment of anemia and to treat cuts and wounds. The tree is also used for cultural purposes such as carving and constructing homes and furniture.
General Appearance
The Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. var. huillensis Hiern is a large deciduous tree with a rounded canopy. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and spirally arranged with a shiny green upper surface and a pale gray-green lower surface. The tree bark is gray-brown, thick, and corky with deep furrows and ridges. The tree's flowers are small, white, and inconspicuous, and it has fruit pods that are woody and cylindrical in shape.
Growth Conditions for Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. var. huillensis Hiern
Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. var. huillensis Hiern is a hardy tree that thrives in a variety of growing conditions. Here are the typical growth conditions for this species:
Light
Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. var. huillensis Hiern prefers full sunlight but can also grow in partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower or fruit as prolifically.
Temperature
This species grows best in warm temperatures and is adapted to drought-prone areas. The ideal temperature range for Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. var. huillensis Hiern is between 20-30°C (68-86°F).
Soil
Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. var. huillensis Hiern prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils and is relatively tolerant of soil salinity and alkalinity. However, it will not thrive in waterlogged or poorly drained soil.
In summary, Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. var. huillensis Hiern is a hardy tree that prefers full sunlight, warm temperatures, and well-draining soil. With the proper care and growing conditions, it can thrive in a variety of growing environments.
Cultivation methods
Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. var. huillensis Hiern requires a well-draining soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. It does well in full sun or partial shade. The plant can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy, clay, and loamy soils. It is advisable to plant in an area that is sheltered from strong winds.
Watering needs
Although Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. var. huillensis Hiern is tolerant to drought, it is necessary to irrigate the plant once a week during dry periods to promote healthy growth. Young trees require more frequent watering.
Fertilization
Nitrogen-rich fertilizers like ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate are recommended for fertilization. The plant should be fertilized twice a year, first in the spring and then in late summer. Use at least a pound of fertilizer for every inch of truck diameter.
Pruning
Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. var. huillensis Hiern should be pruned annually, preferably in the winter or early spring. It is necessary to remove dead and diseased branches. Height reduction pruning can also be done to control the tree's shape. The pruning should be done carefully to avoid damaging the bark.
Propagation of Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. var. huillensis Hiern
Propagation of Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. var. huillensis Hiern can be done either through vegetative or seed propagation techniques.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. var. huillensis Hiern is done using hardwood cuttings or semi-hardwood cuttings. Hardwood cuttings are taken from mature wood, while semi-hardwood cuttings are taken from partially mature wood. Both types of cuttings are treated with rooting hormones and planted in a well-draining rooting medium. The cuttings are kept moist and in a shaded area until roots have formed, and then they are transplanted to a larger container or directly to the field.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation of Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. var. huillensis Hiern is done by collecting mature fruits from the tree. The fruit is then cleaned, and the seed is extracted and sown in a pot or seedbed. The pot or seedbed is filled with a well-draining medium and kept moist until germination. Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they are transplanted to a larger container or directly to the field.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to water the plants regularly and keep them free from pests and diseases. With proper care, Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. var. huillensis Hiern can be successfully propagated and grown.
Disease and Pest Management for Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. var. huillensis Hiern
Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. var. huillensis Hiern is primarily a healthy and pest-resistant plant when grown in suitable conditions. However, the following are some common diseases and pests that may affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Bacterial Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis bacteria. Symptoms include small, water-soaked spots on leaves, which later turn yellow and form holes. Management involves removing and destroying the affected parts of the plant, applying copper-based fungicides, and avoiding overhead irrigation.
Fungal Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by several fungal pathogens, including Cercospora terminaliae and Phyllosticta terminaliae. Symptoms include circular, dark-brown spots on the leaves. Management involves removing and destroying the affected parts of the plant, avoiding overhead irrigation, and applying fungicides containing mancozeb, copper, or chlorothalonil.
Powdery Mildew: This disease is caused by several fungal pathogens, including Erysiphe cichoracearum. Symptoms include a white powdery coating on leaves, flowers, and stems. Management involves removing and destroying the affected parts of the plant, improving air circulation, applying fungicides containing potassium bicarbonate, sulfur, or neem oil.
Pests
Aphids: These tiny insects suck the sap from leaves and stems, causing the plant to wilt and distort. Management involves washing off the insects with a strong jet of water, applying insecticidal soap or neem oil, and introducing natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
Mites: These tiny arachnids feed on leaves and cause stippling, webbing, and leaf drop. Management involves washing off the insects with a strong jet of water, applying insecticidal soap or neem oil, and introducing natural predators like predatory mites and ladybugs.
Thrips: These small, slender insects feed on flowers and leaves, causing stippling, distortion, and discoloration. Management involves washing off the insects with a strong jet of water, applying insecticidal soap or neem oil, and introducing natural predators like predatory mites and thrips.
In conclusion, preventing diseases and pests in Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC. var. huillensis Hiern involves maintaining a clean growing area, avoiding overwatering and overfertilization, and applying appropriate control measures as needed.
