Lannea Oleosa A.chev.

Introduction

Lannea oleosa A.Chev., commonly known as Marula, is an evergreen tree native to the African savannah and woodland regions. This tree is an all-purpose tree held in high esteem by the local people, owing to its beneficial uses.

General Appearance

The Marula tree can grow up to a height of 18 meters, and it has bright green leaves which are 4-12cm long. The tree produces small, sweet-smelling, greenish-yellow flowers, while the fruits are orange-yellow and have a leathery outer layer, the bark of the tree is patched and peeling.

Common Names

Commonly referred to as Marula, the tree is also known as oilslick tree, elephant tree, Maroela (in Afrikaans), Umqokolo (in Xhosa), and Mngwevu (in Zulu).

Uses

The Marula tree plays a significant role in African culture and is widely used for a variety of purposes. The fruits of the tree are used for making jam and jelly, while the nuts are used for making oil that is used for cooking, cosmetics, and medicinal purposes. It is also used by rural communities in making traditional beer known as Amarula. The tree’s bark has anti-inflammatory properties, while its roots have been used to treat respiratory issues such as tuberculosis and pneumonia. The wood of the tree is used to make furniture, fence posts, and sometimes as firewood. In conclusion, the Lannea oleosa A.Chev., also known as Marula, is an all-purpose tree with a vital role in African culture as it has been used for many years in traditional medicine, food, entertainment, and even for cosmetic purposes.

Light requirements

Lannea oleosa A.Chev., commonly known as the Marula tree, thrives well in areas of high light intensity. This tree prefers full sun or partial shade.

Temperature requirements

The Marula tree grows well in a warm environment. It requires a minimum temperature of 20°C (68°F) for proper growth. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 25°C (77°F) and 35°C (95°F).

Soil requirements

The Marula tree prefers well-drained sandy loam soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate poor soils but grows best when fertilized. Additionally, it can grow in a range of soils from clayey to rocky soils.

Water requirements

The Marula tree requires moderate watering. It can tolerate drought conditions but grows optimally in areas with regular watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot.

Air humidity requirements

The Marula tree can grow in both humid and dry environments. However, it prefers areas with low humidity and has low susceptibility to diseases that thrive in humid conditions.

Cultivation:

Lannea oleosa A.Chev., commonly known as Marula tree, thrives well in warm climatic conditions. It can be grown as either a single tree or in an orchard. The plant prefers well-drained soils and cannot tolerate waterlogging. It can be propagated either vegetatively or by seeds. When using seeds, soak them in water for 24 hours before planting them in pots. The plant should be transplanted in the field only after its stem has attained a minimum thickness of 2-3 cm.

Watering Needs:

Marula trees require moderate watering. Depending on the climatic conditions, they should be watered two to three times a week in their early growth stages. As the plant grows, it becomes more drought-tolerant, and watering can be reduced up to once a week. However, the plant should not be left to dry out completely without water, as this may lead to unnecessary stress and hamper its growth.

Fertilization:

Lannea oleosa A.Chev. does not require an excessive amount of fertilizers. However, in the initial stages of growth, it's advisable to apply a balanced fertilizer, containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. For organic fertilizers, farmyard manure can be applied. The application of fertilizer should be done before the onset of the rainy season to allow for maximum uptake by the roots.

Pruning:

Pruning is necessary for the health of Marula trees and to create a preferred shape. The best time for pruning is during the dormant season, which is usually between June and August. The main objective of pruning is to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Additionally, selective pruning of the tree's canopy will allow more light to penetrate within the tree, leading to better fruit quality. Young trees should be pruned to create a sturdy framework of branches for future growth.

Propagation of Lannea oleosa A.Chev.

Lannea oleosa A.Chev. is commonly propagated through both seeds and hardwood cuttings.

Propagation through Seeds:

Seeds of Lannea oleosa A.Chev. are relatively easy to germinate and grow into healthy plants. The following steps can be followed for the propagation of Lannea oleosa A.Chev. through seeds:

1. Collect the mature seeds of Lannea oleosa A.Chev. from the parent plant. The seeds can be collected from the ground after they have naturally fallen from the parent plant or can be manually removed from the fruit.
2. Clean the seeds by removing any remaining fruit or debris. Rinse the seeds well with clean water and let them air dry for a few hours.
3. After drying, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining potting mix. The potting mix should be moistened before sowing the seeds.
4. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of potting mix and gently pressed in to ensure good contact with the soil.
5. Place the container in a location with bright, indirect sunlight and keep the soil moist. Germination should occur within a few weeks.

Propagation through Hardwood Cuttings:

Lannea oleosa A.Chev. can also be propagated through hardwood cuttings taken from mature plants during the dormant season. The following steps can be followed for the propagation of Lannea oleosa A.Chev. through hardwood cuttings:

1. Collect hardwood cuttings of approximately 6-8 inches in length from the parent plant during the dormant season. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants.
2. Cut the hardwood stems into sections that have at least two nodes each.
3. Dip the bottom end of the cuttings into a rooting hormone and plant them in a potting mix of sand and peat moss or other appropriate propagation mix.
4. Keep the cuttings in a warm, humid environment, such as a greenhouse or shade house, watering them gently as necessary and misting the leaves regularly.
5. The cuttings should root in 4-8 weeks, at which point they can be transplanted to larger containers or directly into the ground.

Disease and Pest Management for Lannea oleosa A.Chev.

Lannea oleosa A.Chev., commonly known as the Marula tree, is a valuable plant species in African countries. It is often used for its fruits, medicinal properties, and production of various products such as beer, oil, and cosmetics. However, the plant is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. Hence, proper disease and pest management practices are essential to ensure healthy growth and high yields.

Common Diseases that Affect Lannea oleosa A.Chev.

The common diseases that affect Lannea oleosa A.Chev. are:

• Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots and shoot blights. It can lead to defoliation and reduced fruit production.
• Leaf spot: This disease causes yellow or brown spots on leaves, which can cause defoliation and reduced photosynthesis.
• Root rot: Lannea oleosa A.Chev. is vulnerable to root rot caused by several fungal pathogens. This can affect the plant's health and productivity.

Pest Management for Lannea oleosa A.Chev.

The common pests that affect Lannea oleosa A.Chev. are:

• Mites: Several types of mites, such as spider mites, eriophyid mites, and rust mites, can infest Lannea oleosa A.Chev. These pests feed on the plant's leaves, which can lead to a reduction in its photosynthetic efficiency and growth.
• Caterpillars: The African armyworm and the fruit-feeding caterpillar Larvae can eat through the foliage, resulting in defoliation and reduced yields.
• Beetles: The Marula beetle and the Marula fruit weevil are two pests that can affect the Marula tree's fruits. These pests burrow into the fruit, causing it to rot, and reduce the plant's yield.

Disease and Pest Management Techniques for Lannea oleosa A.Chev.

The following practices can help in managing the pests and diseases that affect Lannea oleosa A.Chev:

• Proper sanitation: Cleaning up fallen leaves and fruits can help reduce disease and pest pressure as it removes their breeding or hiding spots.
• Use of fungicides: Applying fungicides can help control fungal infections such as anthracnose and leaf spot. Chemical control is one option but make sure to consider the environmental impact of chemical usage.
• Use of organic pesticides: Organic pesticides such as neem oil can be used for controlling pests like mites and caterpillars. They provide a natural and effective pest control strategy without adverse environmental effects.
• Pruning: Proper pruning techniques can prevent or remove diseased or infected parts of the plant, which can reduce disease and pest pressure.
• Crop rotation: Crop rotation can help prevent soil-borne diseases such as root rot by reducing populations of soil-borne pathogens.

In conclusion, proper disease and pest management techniques are essential for ensuring healthy growth and productivity of Lannea oleosa A.Chev. Careful selection of management techniques should be made based on the particular pests or diseases that are present, environmental considerations, and plant sensitivity to the control agents.