Trichoscypha lucens Oliv. - Overview
Trichoscypha lucens Oliv., also known as African teak, is a tree of the family Meliaceae. It is native to West and Central Africa, specifically in the countries of Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. The tree is popular for its wood, which is highly valued for its durability and resistance to pests and decay.
Appearance
The African teak is a large evergreen tree that typically grows up to 50 meters tall and 1.5 meters in diameter. It has a straight and cylindrical stem that is covered with grayish-brown bark. The tree has a large and dense crown that consists of numerous branches and leaves. The leaves are simple, alternate, and elongated in shape, measuring up to 75 centimeters long and 15 centimeters wide. The leaves are glossy green on the upper surface and slightly lighter on the underside.
Common Names
African teak is known by many names such as akom, ayan, bosse, ayous, framire, nyatoh, and samba among others.
Uses
The wood of the African teak is highly valued and is used in the construction of boats, furniture, and flooring. It is also a popular choice for outdoor decking, as it is resistant to rot and decay. The tree is also known to have medicinal properties and is used in traditional African medicine to treat a variety of ailments like fever, malaria, and dysentery. The bark of the tree is used to treat stomach problems while its leaves are used in the treatment of wounds.
Light requirements
Trichoscypha lucens Oliv. typically grows best in partially shaded to completely shaded areas. The plant can tolerate low light conditions, but it requires adequate light and exposure to promote healthy growth. Direct sunlight exposure should be avoided as it can damage the plant.
Temperature requirements
The ideal temperature range for Trichoscypha lucens Oliv. growth is between 20°C and 25°C. The plant can survive in temperatures ranging from 10°C to 35°C. High temperatures can cause the soil to dry out quickly, while low temperatures can cause cold stress and malnourishment, consequently inhibiting plant growth.
Soil requirements
Well-drained soil with high fertility levels is best suited for the growth of Trichoscypha lucens Oliv. The soil should be humus-rich with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. The plant thrives best in soils with organic matter and good water retention capacity. It requires adequate moisture levels in the soil, but the soil must not be waterlogged as this can lead to root rot and plant death.
Cultivation Methods of Trichoscypha Lucens Oliv.
Trichoscypha lucens Oliv. is a shade-loving plant that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. It prefers acidic soil, rich in organic matter and well-drained. This plant can be cultivated in containers or directly in the ground.
Watering Needs of Trichoscypha Lucens Oliv.
Trichoscypha lucens Oliv. requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist at all times. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization for Trichoscypha Lucens Oliv.
Trichoscypha lucens Oliv. plants need regular fertilization. It is best to use a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. This will provide the plant with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
Pruning of Trichoscypha Lucens Oliv.
Pruning is an essential aspect of caring for Trichoscypha lucens Oliv. plants. It should be done regularly to maintain the plant's shape and size. Pruning should be done during the plant's dormant season to avoid damaging new growth. Deadheading should also be done to encourage new flowers to bloom.
Propagation of Trichoscypha lucens Oliv.
Trichoscypha lucens Oliv., commonly known as the shining-leaved false woodland plantain, is a tropical tree that belongs to the family Malvaceae. It is known for its beautiful foliage and attractive flowers. The plant can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and air layering.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a reliable method of propagating Trichoscypha lucens Oliv. The seeds should be collected from mature fruits, which are large inflated capsules that contain several seeds. After collecting the seeds, they should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours to soften the hard outer cover. The softened seeds should then be sown in a suitable potting mix and kept moist. Germination may take up to several weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted into separate containers once they are large enough to handle.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method of propagating Trichoscypha lucens Oliv. This method involves taking cuttings from the parent plant. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free stems during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 6-8 inches long and should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a suitable potting mix. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment until they develop roots. Once the roots have formed, the cuttings can be transplanted into separate containers.
Air Layering
Air layering is a propagation method that involves creating a new plant from an existing one without cutting it. This method is often used for woody plants like Trichoscypha lucens Oliv. To air layer, a portion of the stem is selected and a ring of the bark is removed, exposing the inner wood. A rooting hormone is applied to the exposed area, and then it is wrapped in moist sphagnum moss and covered with plastic. Roots will develop and grow into the moist moss. The new plant can be separated from the parent plant once it has established roots.
Disease Management
Trichoscypha lucens Oliv. is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, it can occasionally get affected by anthracnose, leaf spot, and root rot diseases. Anthracnose and leaf spot can cause defoliation and death of affected branches. Root rot can cause decay of the root system leading to wilting, stunted growth, and plant death.
To manage anthracnose and leaf spot, prune the affected branches and destroy them properly. Avoid wetting the leaves while watering the plant to prevent the spread of spores. Apply a fungicide approved for use on Trichoscypha lucens Oliv. as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Root rot can be managed by preventing overwatering, providing good drainage, and using a well-draining soil mix. Remove and discard any affected plant parts and their soil. Use a fungicide in the soil around the plant to prevent further spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Trichoscypha lucens Oliv. is also relatively resistant to pests. However, it can be susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can cause damage to the leaves, branches, and flowers, leading to poor growth and development.
To manage mealybugs, prune and discard any affected plant parts. Apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to the plant, following the manufacturer's instructions. Introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings to control the infestation.
Spider mites can be managed by applying a miticide suitable for use on Trichoscypha lucens Oliv. as per the manufacturer's instructions. Prune and discard any affected plant parts. Introduce natural predators like spider mite destroyer to control the infestation.
To manage scale insects, prune and discard any affected plant parts. Use a soft-bristled brush or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove the insects from the plant. Repeat the treatment regularly until all insects are removed. Introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings to control the infestation.
