Overview:
Terminalia togoensis Engl. & Diels is a plant species belonging to the Terminalia genus. It is native to West Africa and is commonly found in countries like Togo, Ghana, and Nigeria. The plant is also known by several common names, including Afzela, Eru, and Gataba.
Appearance:
The Terminalia togoensis tree can grow up to 25 meters tall and has a wide crown. The bark is brownish-grey and deeply grooved. The leaves are alternate and oblong, measuring about 5-12 cm long and 2-6 cm wide. The tree produces small, yellowish-white flowers that bloom in clusters of 2-5. The fruit is ellipsoid in shape and measures about 2-3 cm in length.
Uses:
The Terminalia togoensis tree has various uses. The bark, leaves, and roots contain various phytochemicals, including tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, that have several medicinal properties. In traditional medicine, the bark and roots are used to treat several ailments. It is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, venereal diseases, and skin infections. The leaves are used to treat fever, malaria, and cough. The fruit is edible, and the seeds can be roasted and ground to produce a coffee substitute. The wood of the tree is also hard, durable, and resistant to insects and is used for building and carpentry purposes.
The plant is also of cultural significance, with its wood being used to make traditional musical instruments like drums, xylophones, and harps. It is also used in African religion and traditional ceremonies.
Light Requirements
The Terminalia togoensis grows well in areas with plenty of sunlight. These plants require full sun to partial shade to thrive. If planted in areas with little to no sunlight, the plant may struggle and eventually die. They grow best when exposed to direct morning light and are then shaded from the afternoon sun.
Temperature Requirements
The Terminalia togoensis generally prefers warm to hot temperatures. These plants grow well in areas with a temperature range of 20-35 degrees Celsius. If the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius, the plant may suffer and show signs of cold damage. The plant can, however, tolerate high temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
The Terminalia togoensis prefers well-draining soils with good water retention and nutrient content. The plant grows best in loamy soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 8.5. They require soils that are rich in organic matter, as this enhances nutrient availability to the plant. Poor soil drainage will lead to waterlogging, which can ultimately lead to root rot.
The plant can grow in varying soil types, including sandy or clay soils, provided they have good drainage. However, if the soil is too sandy, it may not retain enough moisture, leading to the plant drying out, and if too clayey, it may remain waterlogged and lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
The Terminalia togoensis plant is native to West Africa and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings. The plant prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter, and it thrives in full sun to partial shade.
During the growing season, the plant requires a warm and humid environment, with temperatures ranging from 18-27 degrees Celsius (65-80 degrees Fahrenheit).
Watering Needs
The Terminalia togoensis plant requires regular watering during the growing season, with the soil being kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid allowing the plant to dry out completely, as it can lead to leaf drop and other issues.
During the winter months, the plant requires less frequent watering, with the soil being allowed to dry out partially between watering sessions.
Fertilization
The Terminalia togoensis plant thrives on regular fertilization during the growing season. It requires a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilization should be done every two weeks from spring through to fall.
Pruning
The Terminalia togoensis plant benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning should be done in the spring and early summer before the plant begins its active growing season.
Dead or damaged branches should be removed, and any crossing branches should be pruned to prevent rubbing and damage. The plant can be pruned to any size and shape, but care should be taken not to remove too much foliage, as it can stress the plant and lead to growth issues.
Propagation of Terminalia togoensis Engl. & Diels
Terminalia togoensis Engl. & Diels is typically propagated through two main methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
The seeds of Terminalia togoensis are commonly used for propagation. To enhance germination, the seeds may be scarified to help break the hard outer layer of the seed. This is done by either mechanical or chemical means, such as soaking the seeds in hot water or using sulfuric acid. Germination rates can be improved by soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours, followed by planting them 2-3 centimeters deep in a well-draining soil medium. Germination will typically occur within one to two months.
Vegetative propagation
Terminalia togoensis can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. Hardwood cuttings, taken in the dormant season, can be rooted in a well-draining soil medium under a misting system or inside a greenhouse. To root the cuttings, a rooting hormone may be applied, and the cuttings should be kept warm and moist until roots have developed and new growth has emerged. Rooting success rates are typically higher when the cuttings are taken from lateral branches that have not yet flowered.
Disease and Pest Management for Terminalia togoensis Engl. & Diels
Plant diseases and pests can greatly affect the growth and productivity of Terminalia togoensis. Thus, proper management measures should be taken to prevent or control them. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that affect Terminalia togoensis and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: This disease is caused by fungi and it affects leaves, twigs, flowers, and fruits. Symptoms include black or brown spots on leaves and fruits, leaf curling, and premature fall of leaves. To manage anthracnose, affected parts should be immediately removed and properly disposed of. Fungicides may also be used but should be appropriately applied according to instructions.
Leaf spot: Several fungi can cause this disease, and symptoms include the formation of yellow or brown spots on leaves. Leaf spots can be controlled by avoiding overhead watering, providing adequate spacing between plants, regular removal and disposal of plant debris, and use of fungicides.
Pests
Mealybugs: These are small, white, cotton-like insects that suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. Mealybugs can be controlled by washing the plant with water, application of insecticidal soap or oil, and introduction of natural predators such as ladybugs.
Termites: These are destructive pests that feed on the wood of Terminalia togoensis, causing severe damage to the plant. Termites can be controlled by using termite-resistant wood for plant stakes to prevent infestation, regular inspection of the plant for signs of termite activity, and use of appropriate termite control methods such as baits and barriers.
By implementing these disease and pest management measures, the productivity and growth of Terminalia togoensis can be greatly improved.
