Overview
Trema guineensis (Schumach. & Thonn.) Ficalho var. hochstetteri (Planch.) Engl. is a species of flowering plant in the family Cannabaceae. It is commonly known as African elm, West African hemp, or pigeon wood. The plant is native to tropical regions of Africa and is widely distributed across the continent.General Appearance
Trema guineensis is a medium-sized deciduous tree that grows up to 15 meters in height. The trunk is usually straight and cylindrical, with a smooth grayish-brown bark that is slightly fissured. The leaves are alternate, simple, elliptic or ovate, and measure 7-18 cm long and 4-8 cm wide. The plant produces small, greenish-white flowers that are arranged in axillary clusters. The fruit is a drupe that measures 4-6 mm in diameter and is reddish-brown when mature.Uses
Trema guineensis is a multipurpose tree that has many traditional and modern uses. The bark, leaves, and roots are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, malaria, and diarrhea. The leaves are also used as a feed for livestock. The wood is soft, lightweight, and easy to work with, making it ideal for making boxes, crates, and furniture. The plant is also used for soil conservation, erosion control, and reforestation.Cultivation
Trema guineensis is a fast-growing tree that can be easily propagated by seeds or cuttings. The plant prefers well-drained soils with moderate fertility and can tolerate a wide range of climatic conditions. It is mostly propagated through seedlings or direct sowing in the nursery or the field. The plant is adaptable to a wide range of environmental conditions, including different soil types, rainfall regimes, temperature, and altitude. It is considered to be a low-maintenance tree that can survive in harsh conditions.Light Conditions
Trema guineensis var. hochstetteri prefers a full sun to partial shade growth condition. In its natural habitat, it grows under the dense canopy of tropical rainforests. Therefore, it can tolerate shade, but it also requires enough sunlight to carry out photosynthesis for proper growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in warm tropical and subtropical climates with average temperatures ranging from 23-28 °C (73-82 °F). During hot summers, the plant requires regular watering to maintain its overall health and vigor. The temperature should also be maintained on the lower end of the range during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
For optimal growth, Trema guineensis var. hochstetteri requires well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can thrive in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clayey, as long as they are well-drained. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (5.5-7.5) for best results. It can also tolerate occasional flooding conditions.
Cultivation Methods for Trema guineensis var. hochstetteri
Trema guineensis var. hochstetteri is a fast-growing tree that requires adequate sunlight to thrive. The plant is best suited for tropical and subtropical regions with a humid climate. To cultivate this plant, you should start by planting it in a well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. The soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter to ensure proper growth.
You can propagate Trema guineensis var. hochstetteri using both seeds and stem cuttings. However, stem cuttings are the preferred method as they have a higher success rate. Before planting, ensure that the stem cutting is healthy, firm, and disease-free. The stem cutting should be at least 30 cm long, and the leaves at the top should be removed to allow for proper growth.
Watering Needs for Trema guineensis var. hochstetteri
Trema guineensis var. hochstetteri requires regular watering to ensure proper growth and development. The plant needs a consistent supply of moisture, especially during the first few months after planting. However, overwatering can cause root rot, so it's essential to strike a balance between under and over-watering.
The best watering strategy for Trema guineensis var. hochstetteri is to water it deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. This allows the water to soak deep into the soil, encouraging deep root growth. Avoid watering the plant directly on the leaves, as this can cause fungal diseases.
Fertilization for Trema guineensis var. hochstetteri
Although Trema guineensis var. hochstetteri is a fast-growing plant, it requires regular fertilization to maintain its growth rate. Fertilizer application should be done during the rainy season when the plant is growing actively.
The best fertilizer to use for Trema guineensis var. hochstetteri is organic manure, which will not only supply the necessary nutrients but will also improve the soil structure. You can also use a balanced fertilizer, with equal proportions of N-P-K, and apply it once or twice during the growing season.
Pruning for Trema guineensis var. hochstetteri
Pruning is an essential aspect of managing the growth of Trema guineensis var. hochstetteri. It helps to maintain the desired shape and size of the plant while promoting new growth. You should start pruning the plant after the first year of growth.
The best time to prune Trema guineensis var. hochstetteri is during the dry season when the plant is dormant. The pruning should be done selectively, removing only the dead, diseased, and damaged branches. Avoid over-pruning as this can stunt the plant's growth and reduce its production.
Pruning should be done using sharp, sterilized tools to prevent the spread of diseases. You can also train the plant to grow in a specific shape by using wire, stakes, or ties.
Propagation of Trema guineensis var. hochstetteri
Trema guineensis var. hochstetteri, also known as the African hemp, is a plant species that belongs to the family Cannabaceae. It is native to Africa and widely distributed in countries like Nigeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda. This plant species is propagated through various methods.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method for Trema guineensis var. hochstetteri. Collect matured seeds from the parent plant and store them under cool and dry conditions. The recommended temperature for storing Trema guineensis seeds is between 4 to 10°C. Prior to planting, soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours to soften the hard seed coat. Sow seeds in seedling trays or nursery beds filled with sandy loam soil. Water the seeds regularly to ensure germination.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Trema guineensis can be propagated by stem cuttings. Select healthy stems from the parent plant and remove the lower leaves. Treat the cuttings with rooting hormones to promote root development. Plant the cuttings in well-draining soil in a shaded area. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged and wait for roots to develop. Once the roots form, transplant the cuttings to their final planting location.
Propagation by Air Layering
Air layering is another propagation method for Trema guineensis. Choose a strong, healthy branch from the parent plant, make a shallow ring cut and apply rooting hormone on the wounded area. Wrap the wounded portion with moist sphagnum moss and enclose it in a clear plastic and seal the edges to retain moisture. Roots will develop after some time, and once they have formed, cut the branch below the root ball and transplant it into a prepared potting mix.
Disease Management
Trema guineensis var. hochstetteri is susceptible to several diseases. The most common diseases that affect this plant are fungal leaf spots, stem cankers, and root rot.
To manage fungal leaf spots, remove infected leaves and destroy them to prevent the spread of the disease. Use fungicides to control the disease, and ensure that the plant has proper ventilation to reduce humidity levels.
If you notice stem cankers, remove the affected stems and treat the plant with a fungicide. Be sure to keep the plant healthy with proper watering and fertilization to prevent the disease from recurring.
Root rot can be managed by improving soil drainage and avoiding over-watering. Remove infected roots and treat the plant with a fungicide. If the plant is severely infected, it may need to be removed.
Pest Management
Several pests can cause damage to Trema guineensis var. hochstetteri. The most common pests that affect this plant are mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites.
To manage mealybugs and scale insects, use insecticides and, if necessary, prune and dispose of heavily infested branches. Encouraging natural predators such as ladybugs can also help to control these pests.
Spider mites can be managed through proper watering and humidity control, as they thrive in dry conditions. Use insecticidal soap or oils to control the population, and ensure proper ventilation to reduce humidity levels.
Regular inspections of the plant are crucial in identifying pests and diseases before they cause significant damage. Be sure to maintain proper cultural practices, including watering, fertilizing, and pruning, to keep the plant healthy and reduce pest and disease susceptibility.
