Plant Description: Trichilia djalonis A.Chev.
Trichilia djalonis A.Chev. is a species of tropical flowering plant in the Meliaceae family. It is native to West Africa, specifically in Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Mali.
Common Names:
It is commonly known as "Bayiré" in the Malinké language of Mali, and "Kingaré" in the Bamanankan language of Mali, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso. It is also known as "Atheh" in the Bambara language of Mali.
Uses:
The parts of the plant are used for various medicinal and traditional purposes in West Africa. The leaves are commonly used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments such as malaria, liver diseases, and diabetes.
Additionally, the plant is also used for timber, and the wood is used in the construction of houses and furniture. The bark and roots are also used for making dye, and the plant is used in traditional spiritual practices as well.
General Appearance:
Trichilia djalonis A.Chev. is a tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. The bark is brownish-grey and rough, and the leaves are compound and alternate, with 6-8 leaflets, and are about 20-35 cm long.
The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, and are grouped in large clusters. The fruit is a green drupe that turns yellow when ripe, and is about 2-3 cm in diameter. The fruit contains a single seed, which is surrounded by a pulpy flesh.
The plant is highly valued in West Africa for its medicinal properties, as well as for its wood and other traditional uses.
Growth Conditions for Trichilia djalonis A.Chev.
Trichilia djalonis A.Chev. is a plant that requires specific conditions to grow and thrive. The following are some factors to consider when growing Trichilia djalonis A.Chev.:
Light
Trichilia djalonis A.Chev. requires full sun exposure to grow. It is therefore important to plant it in a location where it can receive direct sunlight for at least six hours per day.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for Trichilia djalonis A.Chev. growth is between 20°C and 30°C. It is important to note that the plant cannot tolerate frost or extreme heat, so appropriate measures should be taken to protect it from such conditions.
Soil
The plant can grow in a variety of soils, but it thrives in well-drained soils with a pH of 6 to 7.5. Trichilia djalonis A.Chev. prefers soils that are rich in organic matter such as loam, clay loam or sandy loam. It is important to ensure there is adequate drainage as the plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soils.
Cultivation Methods for Trichilia djalonis A.Chev.
Trichilia djalonis A.Chev. can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or grafting. The seeds can be sown in sandy soil during the rainy season. They should be kept in a warm place with partial shade until they germinate. Cuttings can be planted in a mixture of sand and peat moss during the rainy season and kept moist until they root. Grafting onto a rootstock such as Trichilia emetica can also be successful.
Watering Needs for Trichilia djalonis A.Chev.
Trichilia djalonis A.Chev. prefers consistent moisture but can tolerate drought once established. Watering should be done deeply but infrequently to avoid waterlogged soil. During the rainy season, additional watering may not be necessary.
Fertilization for Trichilia djalonis A.Chev.
Trichilia djalonis A.Chev. benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. The fertilizer should be applied according to the manufacturer's instructions. Additional nitrogen may be necessary in soils with low nitrogen content. Compost or organic matter can also be added to the soil for additional nutrients.
Pruning for Trichilia djalonis A.Chev.
Pruning can be done to shape the tree or to remove dead or diseased branches. It's best to prune during the dry season to avoid disease transmission. The tree can withstand heavy pruning, but care should be taken not to remove too much foliage at once. The pruning cuts should be made at a 45-degree angle and treated with a fungicide to prevent infection.
Propagation of Trichilia djalonis A.Chev.
Trichilia djalonis A.Chev. can be propagated through seeds or vegetative methods. The most common method of propagation is through seeds.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Trichilia djalonis A.Chev. can be collected from mature fruits that have turned brown and dried. The seeds are then extracted from the fruits and cleaned. They can then be sown in a mixture of soil, sand, and compost. The seeds should be planted at a depth of around 1 cm and watered regularly. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.
After germination, the seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots or containers once they are large enough to handle. The seedlings should be placed in a well-lit area, but protected from direct sunlight and strong winds.
Vegetative Propagation
Trichilia djalonis A.Chev. can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings or air layering. Stem cuttings should be taken from young shoots in the early spring. The cuttings should be around 15-20 cm in length and taken from healthy, disease-free plants. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a mixture of soil and sand. They should be kept in a well-lit area and watered regularly until new growth appears.
Air layering involves making a small incision in the stem of the plant and wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss or other rooting medium, which is then covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Roots will eventually form at the incision site, and the stem can then be cut and planted in soil.
Overall, both seed and vegetative propagation are effective methods for propagating Trichilia djalonis A.Chev. Care should be taken to ensure that seeds and cuttings are taken from healthy plants and that proper care is provided to ensure successful growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Trichilia djalonis A.Chev.
Trichilia djalonis A.Chev. is a species of flowering plant that is highly susceptible to various pests and diseases. In order to achieve healthy growth in your plant, it is important to adopt effective management techniques to control these pests and diseases. Here are some common pests and diseases that might affect Trichilia djalonis A.Chev., and ways to manage them:
Pests
Leafminer: Leafminers are small insects that feed on the inner layer of leaves, leaving tunnels or “mines” on the surface. The damage that they cause may interfere with the normal functioning of the leaves and affect the growth of the plant. To manage leafminer infestations in Trichilia djalonis A.Chev., remove and destroy all infected leaves as soon as possible. You may also use neem oil or insecticidal soap to control their population.
Whiteflies: These tiny insects are common pests in many plants. They feed on the sap of the leaves, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth in the plant. To control whitefly infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the insects. You may also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings in the area to control their population.
Diseases
Fungal leaf spot: Fungal leaf spots cause brown or yellowish spots on the leaves of Trichilia djalonis A.Chev. These spots gradually increase in size and cause defoliation, which can weaken the plant. To prevent this disease, avoid overhead watering and keep the leaves dry. Remove and destroy all infected leaves as soon as possible, and use a fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown or black spots on the leaves, flowers, and fruits of the plant. The infected areas may also develop a sunken appearance. To control anthracnose, remove and destroy any infected plant debris and avoid overhead watering. You may also use fungicides to prevent the spread of the disease.
By adopting these management techniques for pests and diseases, you can ensure healthy growth of Trichilia djalonis A.Chev. While it may not be possible to completely eliminate all pests and diseases, proactive measures can go a long way in minimizing the damage caused by them.
