Introduction
Turraea macrophylla A.Chev. is a member of the family Meliaceae, commonly known as the big-leafed turraea. This plant is native to the tropical regions of Africa and has been used for medicinal purposes across different tribes in the continent.
General Appearance
The big-leafed turraea grows into a small to medium-sized deciduous tree with a height of up to 15 meters. It has a pale grey to brown bark that peels off in small flakes. The leaves are simple, alternate and occurs at the growing tip of each branch. They are large, up to 30 cm long and 15 cm wide. The flowers are small, white, and occur in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a rounded berry, green at first and ripening to yellow or orange.
Common Names
The plant has different indigenous names across African countries. In Zimbabwe, it is called Mutsvakwane, while in Angola, it is known as Mufumbo. The Xhosa tribes in South Africa use it for its medicinal properties, and they refer to it as uPhungu li-phezulu. Other common names of the big-leafed turraea include Mupfuti, Vumba-wororo, and Ife.
Uses
Big-leafed turraea has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries by different African tribes. Extracts from the plants have been used as an anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antimalarial agent. The roots and bark contain compounds that possess antifungal and antibacterial properties, making them useful in treating skin infections. This plant has also been used to treat respiratory problems, digestive issues, and snakebites. Additionally, the fruit of the big-leafed turraea is edible and has been used to brew traditional African beer.
In conclusion, the big-leafed turraea is an essential plant in African traditional medicine due to its numerous health benefits. Its unique appearance and ease of cultivation make it a valuable addition to any garden or farm.
Light Requirements
Turraea macrophylla A.Chev. prefers to grow in areas with adequate light but can also tolerate partially shaded areas. It grows well in direct sunlight but may require some shading during the extreme heat of the day to prevent the plant from drying up.
Temperature Requirements
Turraea macrophylla A.Chev. grows well in tropical and subtropical regions with moderate temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius can be harmful to the plant as it may weaken or die due to the cold weather.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained and fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should contain enough organic matter to maintain its moisture content and provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Turraea macrophylla A.Chev. prefers soils that are rich in minerals, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which aid in promoting healthy growth.
Cultivation of Turraea macrophylla A.Chev.
Turraea macrophylla A.Chev. is a tropical African tree, which is commonly known as the "large-leaved turraea." The plant is primarily found in a climate with well-distributed rainfall, and the soils must be fertile, deep, and well-drained. This plant requires adequate sunlight and can grow to about 15m in height.
Watering Needs
The recommended watering for Turraea macrophylla A.Chev. is a deep soak of the soil area around the roots. Young trees need to be watered regularly. In contrast, established trees require less frequent watering, and this should be done during the dry season or when necessary. Overwatering must be avoided to prevent waterlogging, which causes root rot.
Fertilization
Turraea macrophylla A.Chev. thrives well in rich soils. Hence, manure or compost can be added to the soil before planting. Fertilization is required periodically, and it is ideal to use slow-release fertilizers. The best time to apply fertilizers is towards the end of the rainy season or early in the dry season. It is essential to follow the recommended dosage, as excessive fertilizer can lead to excessive growth, which is not desirable in young trees.
Pruning
Turraea macrophylla A.Chev. requires pruning to shape the plant and to remove the old, weak, or dead branches. The best time for pruning is during the dry season. The cuts should be clean and made at an angle of 45 degrees. Young trees require frequent pruning to develop a good shape, while mature trees only require occasional pruning.
Propagation of Turraea macrophylla A.Chev.
Turraea macrophylla A.Chev, commonly known as African chalice flower, can be propagated either by seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
You can collect seed pods from mature plants during the fruiting season. Once you have the seed pods, dry them in a shaded area until they split open, revealing the seeds inside. Plant the seeds in a well-draining potting mix, pressing them gently into the soil. Keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering as it can cause the seeds to rot. Germination usually occurs within 1 to 2 months.
Propagation by cuttings
You can propagate Turraea macrophylla A.Chev. using softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings. Take 6-inch cuttings from the tips of healthy branches during the growing season. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a shaded area. Propagation by cuttings usually has a success rate of about 50%.
Both propagation methods have their advantages and disadvantages. Propagating from seeds is easy and requires less effort, but it takes longer for the plant to mature. Propagating from cuttings, on the other hand, produces a plant that is identical to the parent plant, but it requires additional care and attention.
Disease and Pest Management for Turraea macrophylla A.Chev.
Turraea macrophylla A.Chev. is a tropical flowering plant that is relatively disease-resistant but can still be affected by them, as well as pests. Knowing how to detect and manage these issues is key to maintaining plant health and vitality.
Diseases
Several diseases can affect Turraea macrophylla A.Chev. and impact its growth and productivity. Some of the most common ones include:
- Canker: This disease causes lesions or areas of dead or dying tissue on the plant's stems, branches, or leaves. It can be caused by several types of fungi and bacteria and is typically spread through pruning tools or contaminated soil or water. To manage canker, the affected areas should be pruned and destroyed. Additionally, affected plants should be treated with a fungicide or bactericide to prevent further spread.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes round or oval spots on the leaves that are typically brown or black and can have a yellow halo. The spots may merge to form large areas of dead tissue and cause leaf drop. To manage leaf spot, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be treated with a fungicide. Additionally, improving air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent future infections.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white or gray powder-like substance on the leaves, stems, or flowers of the plant. It thrives in warm, humid environments and can lead to stunted growth and reduced flowering. To manage powdery mildew, the affected areas should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be treated with a fungicide. Additionally, ensuring proper air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent future infections.
Pests
Turraea macrophylla A.Chev. can also be affected by pests that feed on its leaves, stems, or flowers. Some of the most common ones include:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests suck sap from the plant's leaves, causing yellowing or bronzing and weakening the plant. They thrive in hot, dry environments and can quickly infest a plant. To manage spider mites, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be treated with an insecticidal soap or oil. Additionally, increasing humidity or spraying the plant with water can help keep spider mites at bay.
- Caterpillars: These pests feed on the plant's leaves and can cause extensive damage if left unchecked. They typically emerge in the spring and early summer and are most active at night. To manage caterpillars, handpicking them off the plant and destroying them is effective. Alternatively, the plant can be treated with a biological or chemical insecticide.
- Scale insects: These pests attach themselves to the plant's leaves or stems and suck sap from them, causing stunted growth and reduced flowering. They appear as small bumps or dots on the plant and can be difficult to detect. To manage scale insects, affected areas should be pruned and destroyed, and the plant should be treated with a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Additionally, improving air circulation and avoiding over-fertilization can help prevent future infestations.
By monitoring Turraea macrophylla A.Chev. for signs of disease or pest infestations and taking appropriate action, you can help keep the plant healthy and thriving.
