Overview
Lannea humilis (Oliv.) Engl. is a species of tree in the family Anacardiaceae. It is a small deciduous tree that is native to Africa and is known by various common names such as wild loquat, false marula, and African grape.Appearance
The tree grows up to 20 meters tall. It has a smooth, greyish bark that flakes off in small pieces. The leaves are simple, alternate, and pinnately veined, with a length of up to 15 cm . The flowers are small, greenish-white, and are borne in small clusters in the leaf axils. The fruit is a small, round drupe, approximately 2-3 cm in diameter, with a fleshy outer layer that turns yellow when ripe.Uses
The fruit of Lannea humilis is edible and is consumed both fresh and dried. In some African countries, it is used to make a traditional alcoholic drink. Additionally, various parts of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. The roots are used to treat coughs, colds, and diarrhea, while the leaves and bark are used to treat skin conditions such as wounds and boils. The wood of the tree is used for fuel and for making traditional wooden carvings. Overall, Lannea humilis is an important species in African traditional medicine and plays a significant role in the local economy and culture.Growth Conditions for Lannea humilis (Oliv.) Engl.
When it comes to growing Lannea humilis, there are a few key factors to keep in mind.
Light
Lannea humilis requires full sunlight to partial shade. The plant can tolerate shade, but it will grow much better and produce more fruit when exposed to direct sunlight. If grown indoors, make sure to place it in a location where it can receive plenty of natural light.
Temperature
Lannea humilis is a tropical plant that thrives in warm temperatures. It grows best in temperatures between 25-30°C (77-86°F). The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 15°C (59°F) and as high as 40°C (104°F), but extreme temperatures may limit its growth and fruit production.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Lannea humilis is well-draining and loamy with a pH of 6-7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils, as long as they are well-drained. The plant prefers soils that are rich in organic matter and nutrients, so it's best to amend the soil with compost or other organic materials before planting.
It's important to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
By providing Lannea humilis with the right amount of light, temperature, and soil conditions, you can ensure that it will grow and produce fruit to its fullest potential.
Cultivation Methods
The Lannea Humilis plant requires full sunlight to promote the growth of healthy leaves, flowers, and fruit. The best planting period is during the rainy season, and the soil must be well-drained, loamy, and rich in organic matter. The plant is tolerant of different soil types, except saline, waterlogged, or excessively acidic soils. The recommended spacing is 5m x 5m per seedling, and the seedlings must be watered immediately after planting to prevent wilting. The plant is propagated via seeds, stem cuttings or layering, and budding or grafting.
Watering Needs
The plant requires adequate watering during the growing season, but must not stay waterlogged. Rainfall water may be sufficient in areas with consistent rainfall, but additional irrigation may be necessary during the dry season. The Lannea humilis plant prefers moderate watering frequency to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. During the first year, the plant requires regular watering to aid root development, but watering should be reduced once the plant matures.
Fertilization
The Lannea humilis plant requires fertilization to support healthy growth, flowering, and fruiting. The plant may require nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, but the required nutrients are mostly dependent on the soil type. Organic manure or compost can be applied during or before planting to improve soil nutrient content. Fertilizers can be applied once the plant starts producing fruit, but care must be taken not to exceed the recommended dosage. Over-fertilization can lead to leaf scorch, reduced fruit quality, or even death of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning of Lannea humilis is important to promote better branching, improve sunlight penetration, and to keep the plant at manageable size. Pruning is best done during the dry season when the plants are dormant. Dead, diseased, or damaged branches can be removed at any time of the year. The plant can also be pruned to achieve a desirable shape, and the discarded material can be used to propagate new plants. Pruning should be done using clean and sharp tools to reduce the risk of spreading plant diseases.
Propagation of Lannea Humilis (Oliv.) Engl.
Lannea humilis (Oliv.) Engl. is a deciduous woody shrub or thorny tree that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It is a beautiful plant that produces lovely flowers and edible fruits. This plant can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation by seeds
The most common way to propagate Lannea humilis is through its seeds. The seeds of this plant are usually collected from the ripe fruits. The fruits are dried and stored until they split open, revealing the seeds. Seeds may be soaked in water for a few hours before sowing to accelerate germination. Seeds should be sowed in well-draining sandy soil, in a sunny spot. It takes about two to three weeks for the seeds to germinate.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation of Lannea humilis by cuttings is also possible, although less common than seed propagation. Cuttings are usually taken from the mature part of the plant, usually during the rainy season. They are cut about 20-25cm long and with a diameter of 2-3cm. The lower leaves are removed, and the cuttings are then dipped in a rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix. Rooting will take place in about four to six weeks.
Propagation by grafting
Grafting is also another method of propagating Lannea humilis. This method involves taking cuttings from the desired plant variety and grafting them onto a rootstock of a different plant. The rootstock should be sturdy and disease-free. This method is known to be a bit more challenging, as it requires some level of skill and experience. However, it can yield faster growth and a more uniform crop of mature plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Lannea Humilis (Oliv.) Engl.
Lannea Humilis (Oliv.) Engl., commonly known as Maroro or False Marula, is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to Africa. It is known for its medicinal properties and has several uses, including being used as a source of food, firewood, and timber. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause significant harm. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that affect Lannea Humilis and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Lannea Humilis is Powdery Mildew, a fungal disease that causes white powdery patches on leaves, stems, and flowers. The disease affects the plant's ability to photosynthesize and can cause significant damage if left untreated. To prevent Powdery Mildew, it is vital to maintain good air circulation by pruning the branches regularly. Additionally, avoiding overhead watering and removing infected plant parts can help prevent spreading.
Lannea Humilis is also susceptible to Black Spot Disease, a fungal infection that causes black or brownish spots on the leaves. The disease can cause defoliation, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield. To prevent Black Spot Disease, it is essential to remove affected areas and maintain good sanitation practices. Using fungicides and following recommended application rates can also help manage the disease.
Common Pests
The most common pests that affect Lannea Humilis are caterpillars, which can cause significant damage by feeding on the leaves and stems. To manage caterpillar infestations, handpicking them off the plant can be an effective method. Additionally, using insecticides that are labeled for caterpillar control and following recommended application rates can provide a more extensive solution.
Another pest that can cause harm to Lannea Humilis is the spider mite, which feeds on the plant's sap, leading to leaf damage and discoloration. To prevent spider mites, it is essential to maintain adequate moisture levels and regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation. Using insecticidal soaps labeled for spider mite control can also help manage the pest.
Conclusion
Lannea Humilis is an essential plant in African traditional medicine and has several uses. However, like any other plant, diseases and pests can cause significant harm. By following good plant maintenance practices, removing affected areas, and properly using pesticides and fungicides, Lannea Humilis can be a healthy and productive addition to any landscape.
