Overview
Turraea cabrae De Wild. & T.Durand is a plant species that belongs to the family Meliaceae. It is a small ornamental tree that is native to Central and West Africa. The plant is commonly known as False Lover's Quarrel or Falmouth Tallow Tree.Appearance
This small tree grows up to 10 meters tall and is characterized by its pale gray bark. The leaves are simple, alternate and elliptical, reaching a length of 12 cm, and are dark green in color. Its flowers are small with a greenish-white or yellow color. The fruit is a small, round, dark colored drupe containing a single seed.Uses
Turraea cabrae has a wide range of medicinal properties. The leaves and bark of the tree are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including snakebites, fever, headache, and stomach ache. The fruits of the tree are also used in traditional medicine to treat coughs, diarrhea, and to promote lactation in nursing mothers. In addition to its medicinal properties, the plant is used for timber, as it is strong and durable. The bark of the tree is also used to make soap and the leaves are used as fodder for livestock. Turraea cabrae is also a popular ornamental plant, owing to its attractive appearance. It is planted in gardens and along roadsides for its aesthetic value.In summary, Turraea cabrae De Wild. & T.Durand is a small ornamental tree native to Central and West Africa. Its leaves, bark, and fruit have various medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine. The plant is also used for timber, soap, and fodder.
Growth Conditions for Turraea cabrae De Wild. & T.Durand
Turraea cabrae De Wild. & T.Durand is a species of plant found abundantly in various regions of Africa, particularly in wetland areas such as swamps or marshes. The plant requires specific growth conditions to thrive, such as:
Light
Turraea cabrae De Wild. & T.Durand grows well in a bright environment with exposure to sunlight. However, it can also withstand a moderate shade, especially during the hottest hours of the day. Therefore, it is best to place the plant in an open area with partial to full sunlight or in a location with a moderate shade level.
Soil
The plant prefers fertile soil with a high moisture retention capacity. The soil should also have a slightly acidic to neutral pH level, between 5.5 and 7.5. The soil texture should be well-draining, with a good balance of sand, silt, and clay. Turraea cabrae De Wild. & T.Durand plants usually grow well in areas near water sources such as streams or riverbanks.
Water
Turraea cabrae De Wild. & T.Durand requires a consistent water supply to thrive. The plant thrives in areas with high humidity levels, so it needs regular watering to keep the soil moist. During the dry season, it is essential to increase watering to compensate for the lack of rainwater. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to rotting of the roots.
Temperature
Turraea cabrae De Wild. & T.Durand grows best in warm to hot temperatures between 20 and 30 °C. The plant can also tolerate low temperatures up to 10 °C, but prolonged exposure to colder temperatures can cause stunted growth and leaf drop. Therefore, it is essential to avoid exposing the plant to low temperatures and maintain warmer temperatures through adequate insulation during the cold seasons.
Cultivation methods for Turraea cabrae De Wild. & T.Durand
Turraea cabrae De Wild. & T.Durand can be grown in tropical and subtropical areas, where temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C. The plant prefers full sunlight and well-drained soil. The plant can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. It is advisable to plant several plants together to encourage self-pollination and fruit development.
Watering needs for Turraea cabrae De Wild. & T.Durand
Turraea cabrae De Wild. & T.Durand requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. It is crucial to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot. The frequency of watering depends on the climate and the soil type. The plant should be watered at least twice a week.
Fertilization for Turraea cabrae De Wild. & T.Durand
Turraea cabrae De Wild. & T.Durand requires fertilization for optimal growth. Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure can be used, or synthetic fertilizers can be used as well. It is essential to apply the fertilizer during the growing season, starting from the onset of the rainy season.
Pruning for Turraea cabrae De Wild. & T.Durand
Turraea cabrae De Wild. & T.Durand requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and size. Pruning can be done to remove dead or diseased branches, and to encourage new growth. It is advisable to prune the plant during the dry season, after fruiting, to stimulate new growth for the following season.
Propagation of Turraea cabrae De Wild. & T.Durand
Turraea cabrae De Wild. & T.Durand can be propagated through several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Turraea cabrae De Wild. & T.Durand can be collected from mature fruits. The collected seeds should be cleaned and sown in a well-draining seedling mix. The seeds should be covered lightly with the same mix, and the pot should be kept in a warm, shady place. The seedlings emerge in about two to four weeks, and small pots are used to transfer them once they reach a height of 2-3 inches.
Cuttings Propagation
Turraea cabrae De Wild. & T.Durand can also be propagated through cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings of 4-5 inches in length can be taken in from mature plants and treated with rooting hormones. The cuttings should then be planted in a well-draining rooting medium. The pot should be covered with a plastic bag, and the stem cutting should be kept in a bright, indirect light. The plant should be kept moist until new growth emerges in about six to eight weeks, and it's transplanted into a larger pot.
Air-layering Propagation
Turraea cabrae De Wild. & T.Durand can also be propagated through air-layering. A healthy branch of a mature plant should be selected and a section of bark removed on the middle of the stem. The exposed area is treated with rooting hormone; then, a handful of damp sphagnum moss should be applied to the exposed part of the stem, which should then be wrapped in plastic wrap. The moss should be kept moist until roots grow around the area in about 4-6 weeks. The new plant should then be carefully cut from the mother plant and transplanted.
Disease and Pest Management of Turraea cabrae De Wild. & T.Durand Plant
Turraea cabrae De Wild. & T.Durand plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, there might be some instances where the plant gets attacked by pests and infected by diseases. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggested ways to manage them:
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap of leaves and stems of the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and curl. To control aphids, you can use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or spray the plants with water to knock off the aphids. You might also consider introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewing flies to your garden since they prey on the aphids.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the fluids out of the leaves causing webbing on the leaves. If left unchecked, the leaves can become brittle and fall off. To control spider mites, spray the plants with neem oil or horticultural oil, increase humidity around the plant, or introduce natural predators such as predatory mites.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, and fluffy insects that, like aphids, suck the sap of the plant and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and die. To control mealybugs, you can use insecticidal soap, rubbing alcohol, or neem oil. You might also consider introducing natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewing flies to control the mealybugs.
Diseases
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown or yellow spots on the leaves. It can be controlled by removing the affected leaves, improving air circulation around the plant, and avoiding watering the plant from above.
Root rot: Root rot is a disease caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. The first sign of root rot is wilting leaves. The best way to avoid root rot is to ensure that the soil is well-draining and that you do not overwater the plant. If you suspect the plant has root rot, remove it from the soil and let it dry out.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To avoid powdery mildew, ensure the plants have enough sunlight, avoid overcrowding of the plants, and avoid watering from above. If powdery mildew occurs, remove the affected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide or a mixture of baking soda and water.
By following proper management practices, you can keep Turraea cabrae De Wild. & T.Durand plants healthy and free from pests and diseases.
