Terminalia sokodensis Engl.
Terminalia sokodensis Engl. is a plant in the family Combretaceae and is commonly referred to as Sokoto Myrobalan or African almond. The plant is native to West Africa, specifically Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Ghana.
General Appearance
Terminalia sokodensis is a medium-sized evergreen tree, growing up to 30 meters tall. The leaves of the plant are simple, alternate, and ovate to oblong-elliptic, with a length of 12-24 cm and width of 4-10 cm. The tree has a dense crown with a spreading to a roundish top.
The bark of the tree is dark grey, smooth when young, but becoming rough and fissured with age. The tree produces small yellow-green flowers in dense axillary spikes, with each spike reaching a length of up to 10 cm. The fruit of the tree is a drupe, oblong-ellipsoidal, with a length of approximately 4 cm.
Uses
The bark, leaves, fruits, and roots of Terminalia sokodensis have important medicinal properties that are commonly used in traditional African medicine. The leaves and bark of the tree are commonly used in the treatment of malaria, fever, and diarrhea.
The fruit of the tree is also edible and is commonly consumed fresh or dried. It is used as a flavor in stews, soups, and sauces. The bark is used for tanning leather, while the wood is used as timber for construction and furniture making. The tree is also used in agroforestry as it helps to improve soil fertility and provide shade for crops.
In conclusion, Terminalia sokodensis is a valuable plant with numerous medicinal, nutritional, and economic benefits. The plant is an important natural resource in West Africa and deserves attention as a potential source of new drugs and products.
Growth Conditions of Terminalia sokodensis Engl.
Terminalia sokodensis Engl., also known as Gabon almond, is a small to the medium-sized tree that is native to tropical West Africa. This plant can grow up to 25 meters in height and can tolerate dry or moist forests, savannas, and grasslands.
Light Requirements
Terminalia sokodensis prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate direct sunlight, but young plants may require some shade until they are established. Plants that receive inadequate sunlight may experience stunted growth, poor flowering, and leaf drop.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, including cool and hot climatic conditions. However, it grows best in regions with a mean annual temperature of 27-30°C. Young trees are susceptible to frost and may require frost protection until they establish and harden off.
Soil Requirements
Terminalia sokodensis prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. This plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. However, it grows best in soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. Proper irrigation is necessary to prevent soil waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and plant death.
In summary, Terminalia sokodensis grows best in full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, and a temperature range of 27-30°C. Proper care such as regular watering, pruning, and fertilization may help to maintain its optimal growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
Terminalia sokodensis Engl., also known as the Sokode Corkwood, is a slow-growing tree that is native to West Africa. It can be cultivated through seeds or cuttings, but the seeds are preferred because they have a higher percentage of germination. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil and covered with a light layer of sand. They should be kept moist and warm, and it will take around four to six weeks for the seeds to germinate.
Watering Needs
Terminalia sokodensis Engl. requires moderate watering. Over-watering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot. Water the plant only when the topsoil is dry, and make sure that the soil is well-drained to allow proper air circulation to the roots.
Fertilization
The Sokode Corkwood tree benefits greatly from organic fertilizers. You can fertilize the plant twice a year, in the early spring and late summer, with a balanced fertilizer. Well-composted manure can also be added to the soil. Care should be taken not to over-fertilize to prevent the build-up of excess nutrients in the soil.
Pruning
Pruning the Terminalia sokodensis Engl. tree is essential to stimulate growth and maintain its shape and size. The tree can be pruned during its dormant period, which is usually in the winter. Pruning should be done lightly to avoid damaging the tree, and it should be done to remove any dead or damaged branches and to maintain the shape of the tree.
Propagation of Terminalia sokodensis Engl.
Terminalia sokodensis Engl. is a tree species that can be easily propagated both sexually and asexually. In its natural habitat, the species reproduces through seeds, but it is possible to propagate it artificially using different methods.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Terminalia sokodensis are the primary method for propagation. The species produces small-sized fruits that contain one to three seeds. The fruits ripen and fall off the tree between February and March. For propagation, the ripe fruit can be collected from the ground or directly from the tree, and the seeds can be extracted and washed off their pulp. After washing, the seeds should be placed in a container filled with water, and unviable seeds can be separated and discarded.
For germination, the seeds should be sown in a well-drained substrate, which can be a combination of sand and loam or compost. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1 cm, and the container should be covered with a transparent plastic sheet to maintain high humidity levels. Germination can take several weeks, and once the seedlings are big enough, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the field.
Asexual propagation
Terminalia sokodensis can also be propagated asexually using various techniques, including vegetative propagation, air-layering, and grafting.
Vegetative propagation entails taking cuttings from mature trees and rooting them under controlled conditions. The best time for taking cuttings is during the rainy season, and the cuttings should be about 15-20 cm in length and 0.5-1.0 cm in diameter. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormones and planted in a well-drained substrate. After rooting (which can take 6-8 weeks), the rooted cuttings can be transplanted into larger containers and grown until they are large enough to be planted in the field.
Air-layering is the process of inducing roots to form on a branch or stem while it is still attached to the parent tree. This technique is commonly used to propagate mature trees that cannot be propagated through cuttings. The process involves girdling a stem or branch (i.e., removing a ring of bark) and treating the wound with rooting hormones. The girdled area is then covered with moist sphagnum moss and wrapped with a plastic sheet to maintain high humidity levels. After a few weeks, roots will form, and the rooted branch or stem can be cut off and planted in the field.
Grafting involves joining parts from two or more plants and allowing them to grow together as one. Grafting is used to create new plant varieties with improved characteristics. The process involves selecting a scion (i.e., a cutting from the desired variety) and a rootstock (i.e., a seedling of another variety that has desirable root characteristics). The scion and rootstock are then joined together using a special grafting tape, and the graft is covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity levels. After a few weeks, the graft will have taken, and the plastic bag can be removed. The grafted plant can be grown in a container until it is large enough to be planted in the field.
Disease Management
Terminalia sokodensis Engl. is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Leaf Spot: This is caused by fungi and is characterized by spots on the leaves that are circular and brownish. To manage this disease, you should prune the affected leaves and apply a fungicide that is recommended for use on the plant.
- Root Rot: This is caused by the soil-borne fungus and is characterized by the wilting of the plant and yellowing of the leaves. To manage this disease, you should improve the drainage of the soil or replant the affected plant in a disease-free and well-draining soil.
- Anthracnose: This is caused by the fungi that attack the leaves' veins and edges, leading to leaf shedding and defoliation. To manage this disease, prune the affected leaves and use a recommended fungicide on the plant.
Pest Management
Terminalia sokodensis Engl. suffers from several pests that can cause damage to the plant's leaves, roots, stems or fruits. These pests include:
- Termites: These pests attack the roots of the plant, leading to stunted growth or death. To manage termites, dig trenches around the base of the plant and treat them with a recommended termiticide.
- Caterpillars: These pests feed on the leaves of the plant and can lead to significant defoliation if not managed. To manage caterpillars, you should regularly inspect your plants and manually remove them. You can also use recommended insecticides to manage the pests.
- Mites: These pests suck plant sap and can cause leaf yellowing, distortion and drying. To manage mites, use recommended miticides on the plant's leaves and stem.
Preventive measures such as regularly monitoring your plant for diseases and pests and maintaining good sanitation practices can help minimize the plant's susceptibility to these conditions.
