Origin
Turraea kilimandscharica Gürke is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Meliaceae and is endemic to the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by different names such as the African Walnut, Kilimanjaro Turraea, and Kilimanjaro Walnut.
Uses
Almost all parts of the Turraea kilimandscharica plant are used for various purposes. The bark of the tree is known to have medicinal properties and is used for treating various ailments such as stomach-ache, fever, and toothaches. Additionally, the plant is also widely used in the manufacturing of furniture, ornaments, and carvings. The nuts produced by the plant are edible and are a source of food for both humans and animals.
General Appearance
The Turraea kilimandscharica plant typically grows up to 20 meters tall and has a trunk diameter of approximately 40 cm. The plant has large, shiny, and oblong leaves that grow opposite to each other on the stem. The flowers produced by the plant are small and white, and they often bloom during the spring and summer. The fruit of the Turraea kilimandscharica plant is a woody capsule that splits into four parts, revealing the shiny, black seeds.
Light Requirements
Turraea kilimandscharica Gürke is a putative tree species that favors a lot of sunlight. It requires bright, direct light to grow optimally. If the tree is located in an area that does not receive enough sunlight, it will become stunted or suffer from slow growth. Hence, it is best to plant it in a bright, south-facing location if grown in the Northern Hemisphere.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Turraea kilimandscharica Gürke to thrive is between 20 to 28°C. The tree species prefers warm temperatures. The minimum temperature for the tree to survive is 10°C, and it cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. If the tree is grown in colder regions, it needs to be grown in a greenhouse or a warm area with artificial heat to keep it warm and safe from frost.
Soil Requirements
Turraea kilimandscharica Gürke prefers a well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and have good water retention capacity. Silt, loam, and clay soils are best for the Tree species, with moderate nutrient content and good drainage. It is essential to ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged as it could lead to root rot and stunted growth. Adequate spacing between plants will also provide adequate soil aeration that will promote healthy root growth.
Cultivation Methods
Turraea kilimandscharica Gürke is a relatively easy plant to cultivate, but it requires warm climatic conditions. It does well in well-drained soil and is sensitive to waterlogging. The plant prefers full sunlight and can also tolerate partial shade in hot weather. It is advisable to plant the seedlings in a sheltered area at first to prevent them from being uprooted by the wind. The plant can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or through grafting.
Watering Needs
Turraea kilimandscharica Gürke requires frequent watering in its early growing stages. However, once established, the plant is relatively drought resistant. It is essential to avoid waterlogging, which leads to root rot. It is advisable to allow the soil to dry out partially before watering the plant, and this can be easily monitored by checking the soil moisture level. Watering should be reduced in the cold or wet season, especially during winter.
Fertilization
Turraea kilimandscharica Gürke requires regular fertilization to thrive. It is advisable to use a well-balanced fertilizer with a high potassium and nitrogen content. The use of organic fertilizers like compost manure is encouraged as it improves the soil structure and promotes microbial activity. Fertilizer should be applied regularly during the growing season, and a light application of fertilizer can be applied during the dormant season. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's recommendations on the use of fertilizer to avoid over-fertilization.
Pruning
Turraea kilimandscharica Gürke requires occasional pruning to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Regular pruning also promotes air circulation, which reduces the risk of plant diseases. The best time to prune the plant is during the dormant season to minimize damage to the plant. However, light pruning can also be performed in the growing season to control the plant's size and shape. It is essential to use sanitized pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Turraea kilimandscharica Gürke
Turraea kilimandscharica Gürke is a plant that can be propagated both sexually and asexually. There are several methods that can be used to propagate this plant.
Sexual propagation
The sexual propagation of Turraea kilimandscharica Gürke involves the use of seeds. The seeds can be obtained from mature fruits obtained from the mother plant. Once the fruits are mature, the seeds can be extracted, cleaned and sown on well-drained soil with good organic matter. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1-2 cm. It is recommended to water the seeds regularly so that the soil remains moist, but not wet. Germination usually occurs within a period of 4-8 weeks.
Asexual propagation
Asexual or vegetative propagation of Turraea kilimandscharica Gürke can be done through several methods, including cuttings, layering, and grafting.
The simplest method of vegetative propagation of Turraea kilimandscharica Gürke is through the use of stem cuttings. Cuttings of 10-15 cm in length should be taken from the plant and treated with a rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil, with the help of a mechanical or natural means to introduce oxygen, and misted regularly to maintain the moisture level of the soil and plants. The plants should be protected from direct sunlight and high winds. Rooting usually occurs within a period of 6-8 weeks.
Layering is another vegetative propagation method for Turraea kilimandscharica Gürke. In this case, a low-lying branch of the plant is partially buried in soil, and the end of the branch is left exposed. The exposed end is treated with a rooting hormone, and it will begin to develop roots. Once the roots are developed enough, the rooted branch can be separated from the mother plant and planted in a separate container or location.
Grafting is another possible method of vegetative propagation for Turraea kilimandscharica Gürke that uses a piece of a plant called a scion and joins it with the stem of another plant, called a rootstock. This method is usually used when the plant is difficult to propagate through other methods.
Disease Management for Turraea kilimandscharica Gürke Plant
Turraea kilimandscharica Gürke plant is vulnerable to various diseases that can be prevented or mitigated through appropriate disease management practices. The following are some of the common diseases that affect the plant:
- Fungal Diseases: Diseases such as anthracnose, root rot, and powdery mildew are the most common fungal diseases that affect the plant. To manage these diseases, it is essential to practice good sanitation, including removing infected plant debris and avoiding overhead irrigation.
- Bacterial Diseases: Diseases such as bacterial leaf spot and bacterial canker are other diseases that affect the plant. To manage these diseases, it is important to use disease-free seed and plant material and practice good sanitation to prevent the spread of bacteria.
- Viral Diseases: Viral diseases such as tomato spotted wilt virus and cucumber mosaic virus can also affect the plant. To manage these diseases, it is important to use disease free seed and plant material and practice good sanitation.
Pest Management for Turraea kilimandscharica Gürke Plant
Turraea kilimandscharica Gürke plant is also vulnerable to various pests that can cause significant damage if not managed appropriately. The following are some of the common pests that affect the plant:
- Leaf Miners: Leaf miners are the most common pests that affect the plant. To manage this pest, it is important to remove the infected leaves and use insecticides recommended for controlling leaf miners.
- Aphids: Aphids are another pest that can cause significant damage if not managed. To manage this pest, it is important to use insecticides recommended for controlling aphids and remove infected plant debris to prevent the spread of the pest.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are another pest that can cause significant damage to the plant. To manage this pest, it is important to use insecticides recommended for controlling caterpillars and remove infected plant debris to prevent the spread of the pest.
It is important to note that chemical pesticides can have adverse effects on beneficial insects that play a significant role in pollination and pest management. Therefore, it is important to limit chemical pesticide usage and use integrated pest management techniques that utilize natural pest control methods to minimize the impact of pesticides on the environment.
