Description of Trema guineensis (Schumach. & Thonn.) Ficalho var. paucinervia Hauman
Trema guineensis (Schumach. & Thonn.) Ficalho var. paucinervia Hauman, also known as African hemp, is a deciduous tree belonging to the family Cannabaceae. It is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, including countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, Tanzania, and Uganda.
General Appearance
This tree can grow up to 30 meters in height with a trunk diameter of up to 1.5 meters. The bark of the tree is thick and gray-brown, with shallow fissures. The leaves are green, alternate, slightly serrated, and measure up to 20 cm in length and 10 cm in width.
The flowers of Trema guineensis var. paucinervia are small, greenish-white, and grow in clusters. The fruit is a small, reddish-brown drupe, and each fruit contains a single seed.
Common Names
Trema guineensis var. paucinervia is known by several common names, including African hemp, bastard hemp, and poverty tree. The name “African hemp” is likely due to the tree’s bark, which is fibrous and can be used to make ropes and twine.
Uses
Trema guineensis var. paucinervia has several uses, both traditional and modern. Historically, the fibrous bark of the tree has been used to make ropes, fishing nets, and other textiles. The tree’s wood is also used for firewood and building materials.
In modern times, Trema guineensis var. paucinervia has attracted attention for its potential use as a source of biofuel. Studies have shown that the seed oil of the tree has a high energy content and can be used as a substitute for diesel fuel.
The leaves and bark of the tree also contain compounds that have been traditionally used in African medicine. Some studies have suggested that these compounds may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Growth Conditions for Trema guineensis var. paucinervia
Trema guineensis (Schumach. & Thonn.) Ficalho var. paucinervia Hauman, commonly known as African elm, is a fast-growing tree species that belongs to the family Cannabaceae. It is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and prefers humid and moist environments for its growth and development.
Light Requirements
Trema guineensis var. paucinervia thrives in full sunlight to partial shade environments. It requires an average of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow vigorously. The tree grows well in openings within forests with a minimum of 50% of sunlight reaching it. In areas where the tree is cultivated, it is essential to provide ample space for the tree to branch out and access adequate sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The African elm grows well in warm and humid environments. The optimal temperature range for the tree's growth is between 24°C and 28°C. Below 15°C, the tree's growth rate slows down significantly. The tree can tolerate fluctuations in temperature, but it grows optimally in a stable and warm environment.
Soil Requirements
Trema guineensis var. paucinervia prefers soils that are deep, moist, and well-draining. It prefers soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal growth. The tree can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam, and loamy soils. However, it requires ample amounts of organic matter and regular soil moisture to grow well. The tree cannot tolerate waterlogging, which damages the roots and can cause the tree to wilt and die.
Conclusion
Adequate sunlight, warm and moist environments, and well-draining soils rich in organic matter are critical for the growth and development of Trema guineensis var. paucinervia. These growth conditions should be met consistently to ensure the tree grows vigorously and produces high-quality wood.
Cultivation methods for Trema guineensis var. paucinervia
Trema guineensis var. paucinervia is a fast-growing plant that can grow up to 30 meters in height. It prefers to grow in tropical climates and does well in areas with high rainfall and high temperatures. The plant prefers to grow in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
When planting Trema guineensis var. paucinervia, it is recommended to use a starter fertilizer to give the plants a good start. The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings, with seeds taking longer to germinate than cuttings. It is important to select a well-drained planting location that receives full to partial sunlight.
Watering needs of Trema guineensis var. paucinervia
Trema guineensis var. paucinervia needs regular watering, especially during dry spells. The plant requires moist soil, but it should not be overwatered, as this can lead to root rot. It is recommended to water the plant deeply once or twice per week, depending on the weather conditions and the moisture level in the soil.
When watering Trema guineensis var. paucinervia, it is important to water the roots and not the leaves. This can help reduce the risk of fungal infections and other diseases. In addition, watering in the morning or evening can help reduce water loss through evaporation.
Fertilization of Trema guineensis var. paucinervia
Trema guineensis var. paucinervia requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth and development. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied once every three to four months. It is also recommended to use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, as this can help promote leaf growth and overall health.
When applying fertilizer to Trema guineensis var. paucinervia, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and apply the fertilizer evenly around the plant. The fertilizer should be watered in well to prevent it from being washed away by rain or irrigation.
Pruning of Trema guineensis var. paucinervia
Trema guineensis var. paucinervia requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and overall health. Pruning can be done throughout the year, but it is best to prune immediately after the plant has finished flowering. This can help encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming too woody.
When pruning Trema guineensis var. paucinervia, it is important to use sharp pruning shears to prevent damage to the plant. Any dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be removed immediately to prevent the spread of disease. In addition, any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other should be pruned to prevent damage.
Propagation of Trema guineensis var. paucinervia
Trema guineensis var. paucinervia Hauman is propagated through various asexual and sexual methods.
Asexual propagation
One of the most commonly used methods is stem cutting propagation. Stem cuttings that are 6 - 8 inches in length are taken from the parent plant during the active growing season. The leaves on the lower end of the cutting are removed, and the stem is dipped in rooting hormone. The stem cutting is then planted in a rooting medium, and the rooting container is placed in a warm, well-lit but protected area. After 3 - 4 weeks, the cutting should have roots and can be transplanted into a pot or the ground.
Vegetative propagation
Trema guineensis var. paucinervia can also be propagated through suckers, which are new growths that develop at the base of the parent plant. The suckers are removed and planted in a separate container. After a few weeks, the suckers should be established and can be transplanted to the desired area.
Sexual propagation
The seeds of Trema guineensis var. paucinervia can be collected from mature fruits during the fruiting season. The seeds can then be cleaned and sown in a well-draining soil mix. The container is then placed in a warm, humid but protected area and watered regularly. The seeds should sprout within 3 - 4 weeks. The seedlings can then be transplanted to their permanent positions.
Disease Management
Trema guineensis is susceptible to various fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases. To effectively manage these diseases, one must implement a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical measures.
Cultural practices such as elimination of infected plants, use of clean planting materials, and crop rotation can help reduce the incidence of diseases. Avoiding overhead irrigation, which can promote fungal growth, is another effective cultural practice.
Biological control involves the use of beneficial organisms such as bacteria and fungi to suppress the growth of pathogens. Fungicides and bactericides can also be used to control diseases but should be used judiciously to avoid the development of fungicide resistance.
Pest Management
Trema guineensis is susceptible to attack by various pests, including insects and mites that feed on the plant's tissues and sap-sucking pests that cause stunting, deformation, and yellowing of leaves. Effective management of these pests involves cultural, biological, and chemical measures.
Cultural practices such as regular weeding, pruning, and removal of infested plant parts can help limit damages caused by pests. Additionally, crop rotation, intercropping, and use of pest-resistant cultivars are also effective strategies.
Biological control of pests involves the use of predators, parasites, and pathogens to suppress pest populations. This can be achieved through the use of beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, or the use of microbial pesticides, such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
Chemical control of pests involves the use of insecticides and miticides. However, it is recommended to use them as a last resort due to the potential harm they can cause to beneficial organisms and the environment. If pesticides must be used, it is important to choose those that have minimal impact on non-target organisms.
