Origin and Common Names
Trichilia derumieri De Wild. is a small- to medium-sized tree that belongs to the Meliaceae family. It is native to the Congo Basin region in central Africa and is known by several common names, such as "mpakatiani" in the Congo, "jequitibá-branco" in Angola, and "akomofufuo" in Ghana.
Uses
Trichilia derumieri De Wild. has a range of medicinal and economic uses. Its bark and leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as fever, cough, stomachache, and respiratory infections. Additionally, the tree yields a hard and durable wood that is used for construction, furniture-making, and as a source of fuelwood. The tree's fruits, which are small and round, contain black seeds that are edible and are sometimes used to make oil or soap.
General Appearance
The Trichilia derumieri De Wild. tree typically has a slender trunk and can grow up to 20 meters in height. The leaves are pinnately compound, with 6-8 paired leaflets and a terminal one. Each leaflet is elliptic in shape and has a glossy and leathery texture. The tree bears small, fragrant, white flowers in clusters, followed by small fruits that turn from green to brown when ripe. The bark of the tree is gray and smooth when young, becoming ridged and rough with age.
Growth Conditions for Trichilia derumieri De Wild.
Trichilia derumieri De Wild. is a tropical plant that requires specific growth conditions to thrive. Here are the following growth conditions that are optimal for the plant:
Light Requirements
Trichilia derumieri De Wild. requires a lot of sunlight for healthy growth. The plant grows best in full sun and needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures of between 20°C to 25°C during the daytime and between 16°C to 19°C during the night. It can tolerate temperatures of up to 32°C, but it does not do well in temperatures below 10°C.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and must be able to retain moisture but not be waterlogged. Trichilia derumieri De Wild. can tolerate slightly acidic soils but does poorly in alkaline soils.
The ideal soil type for Trichilia derumieri De Wild. is sandy loam, but it can also grow in loam or clay soil. The soil should be deep enough to allow the roots to penetrate and spread out.
Fertilization
Fertilization is important for the healthy growth of Trichilia derumieri De Wild. The plant requires regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilization should be done every two to three months.
In conclusion, Trichilia derumieri De Wild. requires specific growth conditions to thrive. The plant requires a lot of sunlight, warm temperatures, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5, and regular fertilization.
Cultivation methods for Trichilia derumieri De Wild.
Trichilia derumieri De Wild. is a tropical tree that thrives in warm, humid conditions. It needs well-draining soil, and it is best cultivated in full sun. It grows in USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11.
When propagating the plant, sow the seeds in well-draining soil, and keep the soil moist until germination. Expect the seedlings to emerge in 10 to 20 days.
For mature trees, transplant them in early spring or late fall, and provide adequate space for growth. After transplantation, water the plant thoroughly and keep the soil moist until the tree establishes in its new location.
Watering needs for Trichilia derumieri De Wild.
Trichilia derumieri De Wild. requires moderate watering. It thrives in well-draining soil that retains moisture but does not become waterlogged. When watering the plant, ensure the soil is sufficiently moist but not soggy. Water the tree every 10 to 14 days during the growing season and reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.
Fertilization needs for Trichilia derumieri De Wild.
Trichilia derumieri De Wild. responds well to fertilization with organic matter. Apply a balanced fertilizer to the soil around the tree early in the growing season. Follow the recommended application rate on the fertilizer package, and water the plant well after application. Supplement with potassium and phosphorous-rich fertilizers during the flowering and fruiting stage.
Pruning for Trichilia derumieri De Wild.
Pruning Trichilia derumieri De Wild. helps to maintain its shape, encourage thicker foliage, and prevent the spread of diseases and pests. Trim the branches when they become too long or when they rub against each other. Remove dead or diseased foliage immediately to prevent further spread. Pruning should take place in early spring before the new growth appears.
Propagation of Trichilia derumieri De Wild.
Trichilia derumieri De Wild. is a tropical plant species that belongs to the Meliaceae family, which is native to Central and West Africa. This plant is commonly known as Mbamba in Cameroon and is used for medicinal purposes in traditional medicine.
There are different ways to propagate Trichilia derumieri De Wild. Some of the most common methods include:
Seeds
The most common method of propagating Trichilia derumieri De Wild. is through seeds. The seeds of this plant are relatively easy to collect and can be stored for several months under the right conditions. To propagate Trichilia derumieri De Wild. through seeds, follow these steps:
- Collect ripe fruits from the plant
- Remove the seeds from the fruits and clean them
- Soak the seeds in hot water for 12-24 hours to soften the seed coat
- Plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mix
- Water the seeds regularly and keep the soil moist
Cuttings
Cuttings are also a viable method of propagating Trichilia derumieri De Wild. This is best done during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing. Follow these steps:
- Take 20-30 cm long cuttings from healthy, vigorous plants
- Remove the lower leaves of the cuttings leaving only 2-3 leaves on the top
- Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining soil mix
- Keep the soil moist and place the cuttings in a shaded area to root
Air Layering
Air layering is an excellent method to propagate Trichilia derumieri De Wild. This method is best used for larger plants because it is more labor-intensive than the other two methods. Follow these steps:
- Identify a healthy, mature branch
- Girdle the branch and remove a small section of the bark
- Apply rooting hormone to the exposed area
- Wrap damp sphagnum moss around the exposed area and cover it with plastic wrap
- Wait until roots have formed before cutting the branch
- Plant the rooted branch in a well-draining soil mix
Propagation of Trichilia derumieri De Wild. can be done using any of the above methods. However, seeds are the most straightforward method for beginners. Cuttings and air layering may require more skill, but they are effective methods for propagating this plant.
Disease Management
Trichilia derumieri De Wild. can be prone to certain diseases, which can have a negative impact on its growth and productivity. The following are the most common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes dark spots on the leaves, which may eventually lead to leaf drop and reduce the plant's photosynthetic capacity. To manage this disease, affected parts should be removed and disposed of. Fungicides may also be applied to prevent further spread.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark, sunken lesions on the stems, leaves, and fruits of the plant. It can be managed by removing affected plant parts and disposing of them away from the planting site. Fungicides can also be used, but prevention is the best method. Providing good air circulation and avoiding overly wet conditions can help prevent this disease.
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by fungal pathogens that thrive in overly wet soil conditions. It affects the roots of the plant and can eventually lead to death. To prevent root rot, proper drainage should be ensured. If the plant is infected, it should be removed and destroyed, and the soil should be treated with a fungicide before replanting.
Pest Management
Trichilia derumieri De Wild. may also be attacked by various pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Here are some of the common pests that might affect the plant and some ways to manage them:
- Thrips: These are small, slender insects that feed on the plant's leaves and flowers, causing discoloration and deformation. To manage thrips, insecticidal soap or neem oil may be applied. A systemic insecticide may also be used for severe cases.
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap and cause yellowing or curling of the leaves. To manage aphids, insecticidal soap or neem oil may be applied. Ladybugs and lacewings are also natural predators of aphids and may be introduced to the planting site to control the population.
- Caterpillars: These are the larval stage of moths and butterflies that can feed on the plant's leaves. They cause irregular holes and skeletonization of the foliage. They can be managed by hand-picking the larvae and destroying them. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a natural bacterial insecticide that can also be used to control caterpillars.
Regular monitoring of the plant is essential to detect any disease or pest infestation early. Proper sanitation and hygiene should also be maintained in and around the planting site to prevent the spread of diseases and pests. By practicing good disease and pest management, the health and productivity of Trichilia derumieri De Wild. can be maintained, and a good yield can be achieved.
