Overview:
Terminalia tessmannii J.D.Kenn., also known as the African oak or Tessmann's terminalia, is a medium-sized tree species that is native to West and Central Africa. It is characterized by its tall, straight trunk and a rounded crown with drooping branches. The tree is widely known for its various medicinal and economic values, making it an important plant in the region.
Appearance:
The African oak can grow up to 30 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of 1-1.5 meters. The bark is smooth and greyish-brown when young, but becomes rough and dark brown as the tree ages. The leaves are simple, alternate, and elliptical in shape, with a length of 5-25 cm and a width of 3-15 cm. The tree produces small, fragrant, yellowish-white flowers that are clustered near the ends of the branches.
Uses:
The African oak is highly valued for its various uses. The bark of the tree is used for its medicinal properties and is employed in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, and other gastrointestinal disorders. The roots of the tree are also used in traditional medicine to treat infertility and urinary tract infections. The wood of the tree is used in construction, furniture making, and as fuelwood. Additionally, the leaves of the tree are used as animal feed, and the fruits are eaten by humans.
Conservation Status:
Terminalia tessmannii J.D.Kenn. has not been evaluated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and therefore has no official conservation status. However, the tree species is threatened due to deforestation, habitat degradation, and over-exploitation. It is important to conserve this plant to maintain its ecological, economic, and medicinal importance
Light Requirements
Terminalia tessmannii requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate a variety of light conditions, but it is recommended to provide it with at least 5 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a range of temperatures, but the optimal range for growth is between 20°C to 30°C. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of 15°C and a maximum temperature of 35°C. It is not frost-tolerant and should be protected during the winter months in colder regions.
Soil Requirements
Terminalia tessmannii prefers well-drained soils that are rich in nutrients. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The soil should have a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The addition of organic matter can improve the soil quality and promote optimal growth. It is also important to avoid waterlogged soils as they can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation
Terminalia tessmannii J.D.Kenn., commonly referred to as the African cherry or West African almond, is a tree that is native to Western Africa. To cultivate this plant, start by selecting a site that receives full sun exposure and has well-draining soil. The soil should be loamy and slightly acidic, with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5.
Once you have selected a suitable location, dig a hole that is twice the size of the plant's root ball. Carefully remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole, making sure that the top of the root ball is level with the soil. Water the plant thoroughly.
The plant should be watered regularly for the first year of growth, taking care not to overwater. Once established, the African cherry tree is drought tolerant and requires minimal watering.
Watering Needs
The African cherry tree requires moderate watering during the initial stages of growth but is relatively drought-tolerant once established. The tree requires about 2-3 inches of water per week during the hot summer months. It is essential to avoid overwatering the tree, as this can lead to root rot and other diseases, resulting in the death of the plant.
Fertilization
Fertilize the African cherry tree in the spring, before new growth begins. Use a slow-release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or a 16-16-16 fertilizer, at the rate of 1/2 lb per inch of trunk diameter. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the base of the tree, taking care to keep it away from the trunk.
In addition to fertilization, African cherry trees benefit from the addition of organic matter to the soil. Organic matter improves soil structure, increases the water-holding capacity of the soil, and provides essential nutrients to the tree.
Pruning
Pruning African cherry trees is necessary to control their size and shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage healthy growth. Pruning is best done during the tree's dormant season, which is typically late fall to early spring. Avoid pruning during the summer months, as this can lead to excessive bleeding and damage the tree.
When pruning, use clean, sharp pruning shears and make clean, angled cuts. Remove any weak, crossing, or crowded branches first, then remove any dead or diseased branches. To maintain the tree's shape, prune the top of the tree to remove any wayward or overly long branches.
Propagation of Terminalia tessmannii J.D.Kenn.
The Terminalia tessmannii J.D.Kenn. is propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. The following are the different ways of propagating the plant:
Seed propagation:
Collect the seeds from the fully ripe fruits and soak them in water for about 48 hours to remove any pulp that might be sticking to the seeds. After soaking, the seeds should be washed thoroughly and dried. They can be stored for up to three months before sowing.
Sow the seeds in nursery bags containing a mixture of soil and sand. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water them regularly. The germination period is usually between two and three weeks, after which the seedlings can be transplanted into bigger pots or directly into the ground.
Cutting propagation:
The plant can also be propagated through hardwood cuttings collected during the dormant season. Cuttings should be about 30 cm long, and the lower end should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a mixture of sand and soil. The cutting should be watered and kept moist, and rooting should occur within two to three months.
Air layering:
Air layering can be an effective way of propagating Terminalia tessmannii J.D.Kenn. Select a mature and healthy branch, and about a foot from the tip, make a 1-inch cut around the circumference of the branch. Use a toothpick to keep the cut open, then fill the cavity with moist sphagnum moss. Keep the moss moist and cover it with plastic wrap to retain moisture. After roots have formed, cut the branch below the moss and plant it in a pot or directly in the ground.
These are the various methods of propagating Terminalia tessmannii J.D.Kenn. By using any one of these methods, propagation of the plant can be achieved easily.
Disease Management:
Terminalia tessmannii J.D.Kenn. is mostly affected by common fungal diseases including leaf spot, leaf blight, and powdery mildew. These diseases can cause the leaves to become disfigured or fall prematurely, which impacts the overall health of the plant and its ability to produce fruit.
To manage fungal diseases, it is essential to ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil with good air circulation. Avoid overwatering and remove any infected leaves or branches as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the disease. Based on the severity of the infection, a fungicide spray may be necessary.
Pest Management:
Terminalia tessmannii J.D.Kenn. is prone to insect attacks by common pests such as scales, mealybugs, and aphids. These pests feed on the sap of the plant, causing it to weaken and become more susceptible to disease.
To manage insect infestations, regularly inspect the plant and remove any visible pests by hand. Using insecticidal soap and oil sprays can also be effective against pests. It is essential to monitor the effectiveness of such sprays to ensure that pests do not develop resistance to them. Preventive measures like applying sticky traps can be helpful in monitoring and managing pests.
It's crucial to start with preventive measures like regular cleaning, proper irrigation, and good drainage practices to reduce the risk of pests and diseases. Early detection of any issues would also be beneficial in the prevention and control of plant pest and disease ailments.
