Overview
Turraea kokwaroana Styles & F.White is a plant species that belongs to the family Meliaceae.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Kokwaro’s Turraea and in Swahili, it is called Mbofi.
Origin
Turraea kokwaroana Styles & F.White is native to Eastern Africa specifically Kenya.
Appearance
The tree grows up to a height of 15 meters. It has an intricate branching system that gives it a beautiful and unique appearance. The bark is greyish and smooth. The leaves are simple and arranged in an alternate manner. They are originally dark green in colour but turn yellowish-brown or red before falling off.
Uses
The tree’s bark is used to treat diarrhoea in veterinary medicine. The bark is also used in traditional medicine to treat various respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia. The roots and leaves are boiled to obtain a concoction that is used to treat stomach ulcers in humans. The tree has no timber value and is mainly used as a live-fence plant.
Light Requirements
Turraea kokwaroana Styles & F. White grows well in areas with bright light. It thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It is recommended that if you are growing it indoors, place it close to a window where it can receive ample light. Outdoor planting should be done in an open area with minimal obstruction from other plants or structures.
Temperature Requirements
The Turraea kokwaroana Styles & F. White plant prefers temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius (68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). It can, however, tolerate a temperature range of 15 to 35 degrees Celsius (59 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit). The plant requires a consistent temperature that is not too hot or too cold. Temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit) may cause stunted growth or even death.
Soil Requirements
The Turraea kokwaroana Styles & F. White plant is adapted to well-draining soils that are fertile. The soil should be loamy and rich in organic matter and nutrients. It can tolerate a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 but grows best in slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. High-quality potting soil mixed with perlite or vermiculite can be used for indoor growing, while outdoor planting should be done in well-prepared soil with good drainage and water retention properties.
Cultivation
Turraea kokwaroana Styles & F.White is a tropical plant that can be cultivated indoors or outdoors in warm climates. It requires a warm, humid climate to thrive and can tolerate partial shade or full sun exposure. When growing Turraea kokwaroana, it is essential to choose well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Watering Needs
Turraea kokwaroana requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. However, it is important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot and other plant diseases. The plant should be watered once or twice a week, depending on the climate and humidity level.
Fertilization
Turraea kokwaroana is a fast-growing plant that benefits from regular fertilization. Fertilize the plant once every two weeks during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. This will ensure that the plant receives all the necessary nutrients for optimal growth.
Pruning
To keep Turraea kokwaroana looking neat and tidy, regular pruning is necessary. The plant can grow up to 10 feet tall, so it may need to be pruned to maintain a manageable size. When pruning, remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches with sharp, clean pruning shears. Also, trim back any overly long or unshapely branches to promote bushy, compact growth.
Propagation of Turraea kokwaroana Styles & F.White
Turraea kokwaroana Styles & F.White is a rare plant species endemic to Kenya. The plant belongs to the family Meliaceae and is widely used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments. Propagation of Turraea kokwaroana Styles & F.White can be accomplished by several methods, which include:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the easiest and most common method of propagating Turraea kokwaroana Styles & F.White. The seeds can be collected from mature fruits, which appear as capsules in clusters on the branches. Once collected, the seeds can be sown immediately in a well-draining potting mixture. To improve germination, the seeds can be soaked in water for several hours before sowing. The potting mixture should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the seeds should germinate within 4 to 6 weeks. Once the seedlings reach a height of 5 cm, they can be transferred to individual pots.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation is another method of propagating Turraea kokwaroana Styles & F.White. Softwood cuttings can be taken from the parent plant during the summer growing season. The cuttings should be about 10 cm long, and the leaves should be removed from the lower half of the stem. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mixture. The potting mixture should be kept moist and warm until the cuttings develop roots, which usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks. Once the cuttings develop roots, they can be transferred to individual pots.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering propagation is a more complex method of propagating Turraea kokwaroana Styles & F.White. This method involves making a small cut in the stem of the parent plant and inserting a toothpick or a matchstick to keep the cut open. The cut should be covered with moist moss, and the moss should be wrapped with plastic to maintain moisture. After a few weeks, roots will begin to form, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted into a new pot.
Disease and Pest Management for Turraea kokwaroana Styles & F.White
Turraea kokwaroana Styles & F.White is a relatively hardy plant, but it is susceptible to a few diseases and pests that can affect its growth and productivity. Effective management of these diseases and pests is an essential part of ensuring the optimal health and growth of the plant.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Turraea kokwaroana Styles & F.White is powdery mildew. This disease is caused by a fungal infection and can result in a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, it is essential to ensure good air circulation around the plant, avoid over-watering, and apply a fungicide as soon as symptoms are noticed.
Turraea kokwaroana Styles & F.White can also be affected by leaf spot. This disease is caused by a bacterial infection and can result in small, circular spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, it is essential to remove infected leaves and apply a copper-based fungicide to the remaining foliage.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that can affect Turraea kokwaroana Styles & F.White is the spider mite. These pests are tiny and can be difficult to detect, but they can cause significant damage to the leaves of the plant by sucking on the sap. To manage this pest, it is essential to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation and apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.
The mealybug is another pest that can affect Turraea kokwaroana Styles & F.White. These pests are small, white, and waxy and can be found on the leaves and stems of the plant. They can cause damage to the plant by sucking on the sap, and by secreting a sticky substance that can attract other pests. To manage this pest, it is essential to remove infected leaves and apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.
Regular inspection and proper management of diseases and pests are essential for the optimal growth and productivity of Turraea kokwaroana Styles & F.White. By following the recommended management practices, it is possible to keep the plant healthy and thriving.
