Overview: Turraea pevelingii Cheek
Turraea pevelingii Cheek is a plant species that belongs to the family Meliaceae. It is a rare and endemic plant species that is native to Tanzania. The plant is found only in the East Usambara Mountains, in the Lushoto District of Tanga Region. The plant is also known by its common name, Peveling’s Turraea.
General Appearance
Turraea pevelingii Cheek is a tree species that can grow up to a height of 20 meters. The plant has a straight trunk and a rounded crown. The bark of the tree is light brown in color and has irregular cracks. The leaves of the plant are glossy, bright green, and have a leathery texture. The leaves are obovate to elliptic in shape and have a pointed apex. The inflorescence of the plant is in the form of terminal cymes, which are borne at the end of branches. The flowers of the plant are small, white, and fragrant with yellow anthers. The fruit of the plant is a capsule, which is about 1.5 cm in diameter. The fruit contains many seeds that are dispersed by wind and animals.
Uses
Turraea pevelingii Cheek has been used traditionally in African medicine to cure various ailments. The root bark is used as a remedy for malaria, while the leaves are used to treat stomach disorders, including stomach ulcers. The bark and roots of the plant are also used as a source of timber. The wood is strong, durable, and has a reddish-brown color. The wood is used in the manufacture of furniture, construction, and tools.
Light Requirements
Turraea pevelingii Cheek prefers bright but indirect light. It can tolerate partial shade and can grow well in the understory of larger trees in the tropical rainforest. However, it should not be exposed to direct sunlight as it can cause damage to the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for the growth of Turraea pevelingii Cheek is between 20°C to 30°C. It cannot tolerate frost and prefers a consistently warm and humid environment. The plant is suited for tropical and subtropical climates and requires protection from cold winds.
Soil Requirements
Turraea pevelingii Cheek prefers well-draining and nutritious soil. It can grow well in a variety of soil types, including clay soils with good drainage and sandy loams. The plant can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. However, it is crucial to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged, as overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation Methods for Turraea pevelingii Cheek
Turraea pevelingii Cheek is a rare plant that can be challenging to cultivate, but with the right conditions, it can thrive. This plant grows best in tropical climates, in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It requires partial sun exposure to reach its full potential. You can grow them in a container or in the ground.
Watering Needs for Turraea pevelingii Cheek
The watering schedule for Turraea pevelingii Cheek depends on environmental factors such as humidity and temperature. Generally, it’s advisable to water the plant once per week or whenever the soil feels dry. You should avoid too much water since the plant cannot tolerate wet soil. Ensure the soil drains well to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Turraea pevelingii Cheek is a heavy feeder, which means it needs a lot of nutrients to grow. Compost and manure are great sources of nutrients for the plant. You can also add slow-release fertilizers that release nutrients gradually. Do not apply too much fertilizer at once since it may burn the roots or burn the leaves when applied to the foliage.
Pruning
Pruning Turraea pevelingii Cheek is a crucial aspect of care. The plant has a tendency to grow multiple stems, which can ruin its shape. Therefore, you should prune it regularly to control its shape and size. Ensure you use sharp, clean tools when pruning the plant. You can prune it at any time of the year since it is not sensitive to pruning. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased leaves or stems to maintain the plant's health and vitality.
Propagation of Turraea pevelingii Cheek
Turraea pevelingii Cheek, commonly known as Peveling's turraea, is a rare and endangered plant species found in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania. Due to its endangered status, efforts are being made to propagate the plant to help increase its population. Here are the methods of propagating Turraea pevelingii Cheek.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Turraea pevelingii Cheek. The plant produces small fruits that contain one to two seeds. These seeds can be collected and cleaned before being sown in a well-draining potting mix in a nursery bed or seedling tray. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil or sand and kept moist until they germinate, which usually takes around four to six weeks.
Once the seedlings reach a height of around 10cm, they can be transplanted into larger pots or planted directly into the ground in a suitable location. It's important to keep the soil moist and provide adequate shade for the young plants until they establish themselves.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation is also a possible method of propagating Turraea pevelingii Cheek, but it is not commonly used. This method involves taking stem cuttings from a healthy plant and planting them in a well-draining potting mix with adequate moisture. The cutting should have at least three nodes, and the leaves should be removed from the bottom to prevent excess moisture loss.
The cutting should be covered with a plastic bag or a clear plastic container to maintain humidity and monitored closely until it establishes roots and new growth. Once the cutting has established roots, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Propagation of Turraea pevelingii Cheek is crucial for its conservation and survival. Seed propagation is the most common method used, but cuttings propagation can also be used as an alternative method. Whatever method is used, it's important to ensure that the plant is grown in a suitable environment that mimics its natural habitat.
Disease and Pest Management of Turraea pevelingii Cheek
Turraea pevelingii Cheek is a plant species that is prone to various diseases and pest attacks. It is essential to understand the diseases and pests that can affect this plant and the methods to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the diseases that can affect Turraea pevelingii Cheek is leaf spot. It is caused by the fungus Cercospora spp. The symptoms of this disease include dark spots on the leaves, and it can lead to defoliation. To manage leaf spot, use a fungicide that contains copper or sulfur.
Root rot is another disease that can affect this plant. It is caused by fungi such as Phytophthora spp. and Rhizoctonia solani. Symptoms of root rot include wilting of the plant, yellowing of the leaves, and stunted growth. To manage root rot, improve the soil drainage and avoid overwatering.
Common Pests
Turraea pevelingii Cheek can be attacked by pests such as aphids, scale insects, and mealybugs. These pests suck the sap from the leaves, which can lead to reduced growth and yield. To manage these pests, use an insecticide that contains neem oil or pyrethroids.
Spider mites are also common pests that can attack Turraea pevelingii Cheek. They feed on the leaves, and their presence can be detected by the yellowing and curling of the leaves. To manage spider mites, use a miticide that contains acaricides such as abamectin or bifenthrin.
Preventive Measures
Prevention is always better than cure. To prevent diseases and pests from attacking Turraea pevelingii Cheek, maintain good plant hygiene. Remove any dead or diseased plant material, and ensure that the plant is well-watered and fertilized. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the plant, as this can create a favorable environment for disease and pest attacks.
By following these disease and pest management practices, the health and productivity of Turraea pevelingii Cheek can be maintained.
