Overview
Trema guineensis (Schumach. & Thonn.) Ficalho var. asperata (Solms) Cufod. is a plant species that belongs to the family Ulmaceae. It is commonly known as African sandalwood, locally called "Dahoma" or "Kpurukpuru" in Nigeria, "Awusa" in Ghana and "Loko" in Sierra Leone. This plant is native to sub-Saharan Africa and is found in the forest and savanna regions of West and Central Africa.
Description
Trema guineensis var. asperata is a medium-sized tree that typically reaches 10-25 m in height with a diameter of up to 75 cm. The bark of the tree is greyish-brown and slightly rough, with vertical cracks. The leaves are simple, alternate, and measure 3-10 cm in length. The flowers are small, greenish, and inconspicuous. The fruit is a drupe that is 1.5-2 cm in diameter and contains a single seed.
Uses
The various parts of Trema guineensis have many traditional uses in African folk medicine. The bark and leaves of the plant are used to treat malaria, fever, diarrhoea, dysentery, and other ailments. The seed oil is used topically to treat skin infections, wounds, and burns. In some African countries, the wood is used for carving, furniture, and firewood. The leaves and fruits are also used as a fodder for livestock.
In addition to its medicinal properties, Trema guineensis has significant economic value due to the presence of valuable phytochemicals. Its leaves and bark contain alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, terpenoids, and tannins, which have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. The plant has also been found to have potential as a biofuel feedstock.
Conclusion
Trema guineensis (Schumach. & Thonn.) Ficalho var. asperata (Solms) Cufod. is a versatile plant species that offers a host of benefits to the African continent. Its traditional use in African folk medicine and its economic potential make it an important species to study and conserve.
Light
Trema guineensis var. asperata typically grows in tropical areas with a high level of sunlight. It prefers full sun to partial shade, with a minimum of four hours of direct sunlight per day. In areas with low light conditions, the plant tends to grow taller and have fewer leaves.
Temperature
This species thrives in warm and humid tropical climates. It can tolerate temperatures ranging from 18°C to 35°C (64°F to 95°F) but grows best in temperatures of 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F). Cold temperatures can damage the leaves and cause stunted growth; therefore, the plant cannot survive in areas with temperatures below 10°C (50°F).
Soil Requirements
Trema guineensis var. asperata commonly grows in wet, well-drained soils. It prefers soils that are rich in organic matter and acidic to slightly acidic with a pH range of 5-6.5. Soil with too much clay content can cause poor drainage, leading to waterlogged conditions that can harm the plant. In areas with sandy soils, the plant requires frequent watering and fertilization to support its growth.
Cultivation methods for Trema guineensis var. asperata
Trema guineensis var. asperata is a shrub or small tree that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant prefers a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate partial shade but needs full sun to grow and produce fruits.
The ideal time to plant the tree is during the rainy season, as this helps the plant establish itself quickly. It is essential to protect the plant during its early stages from strong winds and pests.
Watering needs
Trema guineensis var. asperata requires regular watering to survive. Water the plant deeply and thoroughly during the dry season. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
However, do not overwater the plant, as this can lead to the development of diseases or pests. It is best to allow the soil to dry out slightly before the next watering.
Fertilization
Fertilization is critical in ensuring that Trema guineensis var. asperata grows well and produces high-quality fruits. The plant requires regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer that has equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
You can use compost or well-rotted manure together with the fertilizer during application. The best time to fertilize the plant is during the rainy season when the rains can help distribute the fertilizer nutrients to the plant root zone effectively.
Pruning
Pruning promotes bushy growth and enhances the quality of the fruit. You can prune the plant after harvesting the fruits or during the rainy season. Prune away any damaged, diseased or dead branches that may affect the plant's overall health.
Take care not to remove too much of the plant foliage, as this may reduce the plant's ability to produce enough food to support itself. Also, be sure to use sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant's bark.
Propagation Methods for Trema guineensis var. asperata
Trema guineensis var. asperata can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
Seeds are the main way to propagate Trema guineensis var. asperata by sexual means. The plant produces fruits that contain small brownish-black seeds that can be collected and sown in a nursery bed. The seeds take 2-4 weeks to germinate and require proper watering and shading to establish. To increase the chances of germination, the seeds can be soaked in clean water for about 24 hours before sowing.
Asexual Propagation
Trema guineensis var. asperata can also be propagated through asexual methods like stem cutting, layering, and grafting. However, stem cutting is the most common and efficient asexual propagation method. The cutting should be taken from a healthy tree at the beginning of the rainy season when the growth rate is high. The cutting should be at least 30 cm long and 1 cm thick, and all the leaves and side branches should be removed except for the apical buds. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and then planted in a well-prepared nursery bed with shade and proper watering. The cutting must be watered regularly until it establishes roots, which typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Disease Management
Trema guineensis var. asperata is susceptible to a number of diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes water-soaked lesions on leaves, stems, and fruit. The lesions turn dark brown or black and are often surrounded by yellow halos. Infected plant materials should be removed and destroyed, and fungicides can be applied to protect healthy tissues.
- Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by several fungal pathogens and can result in circular or irregularly shaped spots on leaves. Infected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and fungicides can be applied to prevent further spread.
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi and usually occurs when soil moisture levels are too high. Infected plants appear wilted, and the roots may be discolored and mushy. Affected plants should be removed immediately, and fungicides and cultural practices can be used to prevent further infections.
Pest Management
In addition to diseases, Trema guineensis var. asperata can also be affected by pests, such as:
- Mealybugs: These insects are small and white, and they produce a white, waxy substance that covers their bodies. They can cause stunted growth and deformities in leaves and fruit. Natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, can be introduced to control mealybug populations, or insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can be used.
- Aphids: These insects are small and green and can rapidly reproduce. They feed on plant sap and can cause leaf damage and wilting. Natural predators, such as ladybugs or parasitic wasps, can be introduced to control aphid populations, or insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can be used.
- Caterpillars: These larvae can feed on leaves, stems, and fruit, causing significant damage to the plant. Handpicking caterpillars and physical barriers can be used to prevent damage, or insecticides can be used as a last resort.
To minimize the risk of diseases and pests, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene, avoid overwatering, and use disease-resistant cultivars whenever possible. Regular monitoring and prompt action can help prevent the spread of diseases and pests and ensure healthy plant growth.
