Overview of Turraea thollonii Pellegr.
Turraea thollonii Pellegr. is a plant species that belongs to the family Meliaceae. This plant species is native to the central African regions of Gabon, Cameroon, and Congo. It is known by various common names such as Bois noir, Nogolo, and Ngoolo.
Appearance of Turraea thollonii Pellegr.
The plant Turraea thollonii Pellegr. is a small to medium-sized tree. It can grow up to 10 meters tall and is characterized by its shiny, dark green leaves. The leaves are arranged alternately and have an elliptical shape. The tree bears small fruit that are about 1.5-2.5 cm in diameter. The fruit is globose and fleshy and has a thin skin that is either green or red when ripe.
Uses of Turraea thollonii Pellegr.
Various parts of Turraea thollonii Pellegr. are used for medicinal purposes. The bark of the tree is used to treat fever, malaria, and respiratory tract infections. The roots are used to treat stomach ache and diarrhea. The fruit of the tree is edible and is used as food by the local people. The wood of the tree is also used for construction and as firewood.
Recently, Turraea thollonii Pellegr. and other related species of the Meliaceae family have attracted attention due to their potential for medicinal use. Studies have shown that extracts from the bark, leaves, and fruit of Turraea thollonii Pellegr. have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can be used to treat various diseases.
Growth Conditions of Turraea thollonii Pellegr.
Turraea thollonii Pellegr., commonly known as “m’phére” in Gabon, is a shrubby plant that belongs to the family Meliaceae. It is widely distributed in the rain forests of Gabon, Cameroon, and Congo. This plant has a wide range of uses in traditional medicine, and its bark is used for treating various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and dysentery.
Light Requirements
Turraea thollonii Pellegr. requires moderate to high levels of light for optimal growth. It thrives well under partial shade conditions, and direct sunlight exposure for prolonged periods can cause leaf scorching and stunted growth. It is recommended to grow this plant under the shade of taller trees or in areas with dappled sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm and humid conditions for optimal growth. The ideal temperature range for Turraea thollonii Pellegr. is between 20°C to 30°C. It can tolerate temporary drops in temperature to as low as 10°C, but prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can be detrimental to its growth. Frost is a significant challenge for this plant and can cause severe damage or even death.
Soil Requirements
Turraea thollonii Pellegr. prefers well-drained and nutrient-rich soils for optimal growth. It thrives well in loamy or sandy soils with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. It can tolerate soils with moderate acidity, but highly acidic soils are not suitable for its growth. Organic matter is essential for the proper development of this plant, and it is recommended to incorporate compost or other organic materials into the soil before planting.
Cultivation Methods
Turraea thollonii Pellegr. is a perennial plant that thrives well in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant is best grown in well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It requires moderate sunlight and should be grown in partial shade. The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings.
Watering Needs
Turraea thollonii Pellegr. prefers moderate watering. It should be watered regularly, but care should be taken to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. The plant should be watered deeply, and the soil should be allowed to dry before the next watering.
Fertilization
Turraea thollonii Pellegr. requires regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer. Fertilization should start during the plant's growing season, and the frequency can be reduced during the plant's dormant season. Care should be taken to avoid over-fertilization as this can lead to the plant's burning.
Pruning
Turraea thollonii Pellegr. requires regular pruning to encourage bushy growth and remove dead or diseased branches. Pruning should be done during the plant's dormant season as this helps to minimize stress. Care should be taken to ensure that the pruning tools are sharp and clean to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Turraea thollonii Pellegr.
Turraea thollonii Pellegr. can be propagated through sexual and asexual methods. Both methods require specific conditions and strategies to ensure the successful propagation of the plant.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation of Turraea thollonii Pellegr. involves the use of seeds obtained from the parent plant. The seeds should be collected when they are mature and have turned brown. Before sowing, the seed coat should be removed, and the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the outer layer.
The seeds should be sown in a well-draining growing substrate, covering them with a fine layer of soil. The substrate should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The ideal temperature for germination ranges between 20°C to 25°C.
After germination, the seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots and fertilized with a balanced fertilizer. The plants can be planted in their permanent location when they are about six months old.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation of Turraea thollonii Pellegr. involves the use of plant parts such as cuttings, layering, and grafting. Cutting propagation involves the use of stem cuttings obtained from the parent plant.
The stem cuttings should be about 10 to 15 cm long and have at least two to three nodes. The leaves on the basal part of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder before planting in a well-draining substrate.
The substrate should be kept moist and placed in a warm and humid environment with high light intensity. After a few weeks, the cutting should root, and it can be transplanted into individual pots or the permanent location.
Layering propagation involves bending a low-lying branch of the parent plant and burying it partially in the soil. The buried section should be wounded slightly to promote the growth of new roots. After some time, the layered section can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted.
Grafting propagation involves joining a stem or bud of Turraea thollonii Pellegr. with the rootstock of a related plant. This method is complex and should be done by an experienced grafter.
Disease and Pest Management for Turraea thollonii Pellegr.
Turraea thollonii Pellegr. is a plant that is valued for its medicinal properties. It is also used in the making of perfumes and cosmetics. However, like any plant, Turraea thollonii Pellegr. is susceptible to diseases and pest infestations that can harm its growth and productivity. To manage these problems, farmers and gardeners must be aware of the common diseases and pests that may affect this plant and take measures to prevent or control them.
Common Diseases of Turraea thollonii Pellegr.
Leaf spots: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular or irregular spots on plant leaves. These spots may be brown, grey, or black in color with a green or yellow halo around them. To manage this disease, remove affected leaves, avoid overhead watering, and apply a fungicide according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that causes the roots to decay, leading to stunted growth, wilting, and eventual death of the plant. To prevent this disease, ensure proper drainage and air circulation around the plant roots. Avoid overwatering and use a fungicide on the soil if necessary.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white or grayish powdery growth on the plant's leaves and stems. To manage this disease, remove infected plant parts, improve air circulation, and use a fungicide according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Common Pests of Turraea thollonii Pellegr.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves and stems. They secrete a white, powdery substance that can cover the plant's surface. To manage this pest, remove affected areas, prune heavily infested stems, and apply insecticidal soap.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny reddish-brown insects that cause yellowing and curling of leaves. To manage this pest, remove affected areas, wash the plant with water, and apply a miticide according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies that feed on the plant's leaves and stems. To manage this pest, manually remove them by hand, apply a biological control agent like Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), or use an insecticide according to the manufacturer's instructions.
By being aware of the common diseases and pests that may affect Turraea thollonii Pellegr. and taking preventive measures like regular inspection, proper soil drainage, and use of fungicides and insecticides, farmers and gardeners can ensure the plant's health and productivity.
