Origin
Turraea zenkeri C.DC. is a plant species classified under the family Meliaceae. This plant is native to tropical Africa and can be found in countries such as Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Togo, among others.
Common Names
This plant is known by different common names depending on the locality. In Cameroon, it is known as Kengeri or Kemgeri. In Gabon, it is called Ngongo or Vwana. In Congo, it is known as Ngombe, while in Nigeria, it is referred to as Owu.
Uses
The various parts of Turraea zenkeri C.DC. are used for several purposes by different tribes across Africa. The plant bark is used in traditional medicine to treat several ailments such as malaria, fever, and constipation, among others. The roots and leaves are used to make a herbal concoction that can be applied to swollen body parts and used to cure snake bites. The fruits, which ripen from green to black, are edible and enjoyed by both humans and wildlife. The wood of the plant is also used to make musical instruments, carvings, and furniture.
General Appearance
Turraea zenkeri C.DC. is a medium-sized, deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. The bark of the trunk is pale brown with vertical fissures. The leaves are alternate, simple, and elliptical-shaped, measuring 8-25 cm in length and 3-10 cm in width. The plant produces small, greenish-yellow, fragrant flowers that bloom from June to September. The fruit is a black, globose drupe, approximately 1.2 cm in diameter, containing a single seed.
In summary, Turraea zenkeri C.DC. is a useful and attractive plant species primarily found in tropical Africa. This plant serves several purposes including medicinal, culinary, and artistic uses.
Light Requirements
Turraea zenkeri is a shade-tolerant plant species and grows well in areas with partial shade. It does not do well in direct sunlight exposure, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species prefers warm and humid climates, with an average temperature range of 20-25°C. It cannot tolerate frost or extreme cold conditions, and it is best grown in areas where the temperature remains relatively constant throughout the year.
Soil Requirements
Turraea zenkeri requires well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH level should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a range of 5.5-7.5. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, as long as they are fertile and well-drained.
Cultivation of Turraea zenkeri C.DC.
Turraea zenkeri C.DC. is a plant that originates from tropical West Africa and thrives best in subtropical or tropical regions. It is essential to choose the right location for cultivating the plant. The plant prefers well-draining soils with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. It is also recommended to keep the plant in an area that provides partial shade to protect them from direct sunlight.
When it comes to planting Turraea zenkeri C.DC., it is essential to dig a hole as deep as the rootball. The plant should be positioned with the top of the rootball at the same level as the soil surface. Additionally, it is advised to place a stake next to the plant to provide support as it grows.
Watering Needs for Turraea zenkeri C.DC.
The Turraea zenkeri C.DC. plant requires consistent watering to maintain healthy growth. It is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch. However, it is essential to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization of Turraea zenkeri C.DC.
One of the critical factors that contribute to the healthy growth of Turraea zenkeri C.DC. is proper fertilization. It is recommended to fertilize the plant once every six weeks with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. The plant thrives well with fertilizer that contains equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Pruning of Turraea zenkeri C.DC.
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and overall appearance of Turraea zenkeri C.DC. The plant should be pruned annually, preferably during the spring season before new growth emerges. It is essential to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged foliage to promote healthy growth. Additionally, it is recommended to trim back any overgrown branches or stems to prevent overcrowding.
Propagation of Turraea zenkeri C.DC.
Turraea zenkeri C.DC. is a plant species commonly found in Africa, particularly in the regions of Cameroon, Gabon, and Nigeria. The plant is valued for its medicinal properties, and its leaves, bark, and root are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. Propagation of Turraea zenkeri C.DC. can be done through various methods detailed below.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Turraea zenkeri C.DC. through seeds is a common method. The seeds are collected from the plant during the fruiting season and stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be used. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil in a nursery bed.
The nursery bed should be kept moist, and the seeds will usually germinate within two to four weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Cuttings Propagation
Turraea zenkeri C.DC. can also be propagated through cuttings. Softwood cuttings are taken during the growing season and dipped in a rooting hormone before being planted in a well-drained soil mix. The cuttings should be watered regularly, and within a few weeks, roots should begin to form.
The cuttings should be left in the soil mix for approximately two to three months before being transplanted to their permanent location. Hardwood cuttings can also be taken during the dormant season, but the success rate of this method is lower than that of softwood cuttings.
Division Propagation
Turraea zenkeri C.DC. can also be propagated through division. This method is usually done when the plant has grown to a suitable size and has developed multiple stems. The plant is carefully dug up and divided into smaller sections, taking care to keep the roots intact.
The divisions are then replanted in their permanent location and watered regularly until they have established themselves. The best time to carry out this method is during the dormant season.
In conclusion, there are various propagation methods that can be used for Turraea zenkeri C.DC. These methods include seed propagation, cuttings propagation, and division propagation. Each method has its advantages and can be used depending on the availability of resources, the time of the year, and the desired outcome.
Disease and Pest Management for Turraea zenkeri C.DC.
Turraea zenkeri is an African medicinal plant known for its wide array of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-plasmodial properties. However, its production can be affected by several diseases and pests, which can lead to significant yield losses. Here, we discuss some of the common diseases and pests that infest Turraea zenkeri and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
1. Leaf Spot: Turraea zenkeri is susceptible to leaf spot disease caused by the fungus Cercospora sp. The disease presents itself as circular to irregularly shaped spots on the leaves, with a yellow halo. The disease can cause defoliation and a reduction in yield. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves, and apply fungicides containing copper or mancozeb as a preventive measure.
2. Anthracnose: Another common disease that affects Turraea zenkeri is anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The disease can cause leaf and stem blight, leading to defoliation and reduction in yield. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected parts of the plant, and apply fungicide containing copper hydroxide or thiophanate-methyl.
3. Powdery Mildew: Turraea zenkeri can also be affected by powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Oidium sp. The disease presents itself as white, powder-like spots on leaves, stems, and flowers, causing losses in yield. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected parts of the plant and apply fungicides containing potassium bicarbonate or sulfur.
Common Pests
1. Termites: Termites can cause significant damage to Turraea zenkeri, feeding on roots and stems. Infested plants become weak and stunted, leading to yield losses. To manage termites, soil drench with insecticides containing imidacloprid or chlorpyrifos.
2. Mealybugs: Another common pest that infests Turraea zenkeri is the mealybug. They colonize on the leaves and stems, sucking sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth, and yield reduction. To manage mealybugs, remove and destroy infected parts of the plant, and spray insecticides containing neem oil or pyrethrin.
3. Thrips: Thrips can also cause damage to Turraea zenkeri, feeding on leaves and flowers. The damage caused by thrips includes distortion, discoloration, and scarring of leaves and flowers. To manage thrips, use insecticides containing spinosad or abamectin, and remove and destroy infested plant parts.
Implementing these measures can significantly reduce the damage caused by diseases and pests and increase yields of Turraea zenkeri. However, it is essential to maintain proper sanitation and regular monitoring to prevent the recurrence of diseases and pests.
