Origin of Lannea rubra (Hiern) Engl. var. elongata Van der Veken
Lannea rubra (Hiern) Engl. var. elongata Van der Veken, commonly known as the West African lannea, belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. It is native to tropical Africa, ranging from Nigeria to Angola, and can be found in various forest types including moist semi-deciduous and evergreen forests.
Common Names of Lannea rubra (Hiern) Engl. var. elongata Van der Veken
The West African lannea is known by several common names, depending on the region. In Ghana, it is called "yaa" or "ehuru yaa" while in Nigeria, it is known as "igogo" or "okpeye." The plant is also referred to as "red poison tree" due to the presence of toxic compounds in the bark and leaves.
Uses of Lannea rubra (Hiern) Engl. var. elongata Van der Veken
Lannea rubra (Hiern) Engl. var. elongata Van der Veken has various traditional uses across Africa. The bark of the plant is used for medicinal purposes, particularly in the treatment of conditions such as malaria, rheumatism, and diarrhea. The leaves and bark are also used as a natural insecticide to protect stored grains from pest infestation.
In addition to its medicinal properties, the fruit of the West African lannea is edible and is consumed by local communities during the dry season when other sources of food are scarce. The fruit is high in vitamin C, calcium, and phosphorus, making it a valuable source of nutrients.
General Appearance of Lannea rubra (Hiern) Engl. var. elongata Van der Veken
The West African lannea is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 25 meters tall. It has a smooth grayish-brown bark that peels off in flakes. The leaves are alternate and pinnately compound, consisting of 5 to 6 pairs of leaflets. The tree produces small, pink to reddish-brown flowers in clusters, which are followed by round, green to yellow fruits that turn red when ripe. The seeds are enclosed in a hard, woody shell and are dispersed by animals such as monkeys, birds, and bats.
Light Requirements:
Lannea rubra var. elongata prefers full sun to part shade for optimal growth and development. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements:
This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and requires warm temperatures to thrive. The optimal temperature range for growth and development is between 20-30°C (68-86°F). Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can cause significant damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements:
Lannea rubra var. elongata grows well in a well-draining, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH range of 6-7.5. This plant can tolerate some drought conditions, but it requires regular watering during the dry season to maintain healthy growth. Additionally, it is important to avoid waterlogging the soil, as this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation
Lannea rubra (Hiern) Engl. var. elongata Van der Veken is a plant that can be grown in both pots and garden soil. The soil used to plant this species should be fertile, well-draining and moisture-retentive. In regions with high temperatures, the plant should be grown under partial shade. In contrast, if humidity is low, it must be grown in an area with shade protection to avoid stress caused by drought.
Watering needs
The watering requirements for Lannea rubra (Hiern) Engl. var. elongata Van der Veken are high as they grow successfully when there is an adequate water supply. The plant requires regular watering, especially during the dry periods. The frequency of watering should be determined by the condition of the soil. When the top inch of soil feels dry, it is time to water moderately to ensure that the moisture reaches the roots beneath the soil.
Fertilization
Fertilizing Lannea rubra (Hiern) Engl. var. elongata Van der Veken is crucial to maintain healthy growth and promote the development of the plant. It is essential to use a balanced fertilizer containing equal amounts of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Fertilization can be done every two weeks or once a month, depending on the soil condition and growth rate of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary for Lannea rubra (Hiern) Engl. var. elongata Van der Veken to maintain its desired shape, promote better air circulation, and prevent insect infestation. Pruning can be done during the early spring when new growth is beginning. It can also be done individually to reduce overcrowding and increase the production of flowers and fruits.
Propagation of Lannea rubra (Hiern) Engl. var. elongata Van der Veken
Lannea rubra (Hiern) Engl. var. elongata Van der Veken can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and air layering. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the grower's intention and level of skills.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the easiest and most cost-effective way of growing Lannea rubra (Hiern) Engl. var. elongata Van der Veken. To germinate the seeds, soak them in warm water for 24 hours before planting them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist, and place the pot in a warm, sunny location. Seeds should germinate within two to three weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is a quicker method of growing Lannea rubra (Hiern) Engl. var. elongata Van der Veken, but it requires more skills and attention. Take a 10-15cm long cutting from the plant, remove the leaves from the lower half, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining potting mix, keep the soil moist, and place it in a bright, warm location. The cutting should establish roots in 2-3 weeks.
Propagation by Air Layering
Propagation by air layering is the most reliable method of growing Lannea rubra (Hiern) Engl. var. elongata Van der Veken, but it is more time-consuming and requires more equipment. To air layer the plant, locate a branch that is at least 1 cm thick, make a 2-3 cm cut just below a node, wrap the cut area with moist sphagnum moss, and cover it with plastic wrap. Keep the moss moist and wait for roots to develop. Once the roots are well-established, cut the branch from the plant and plant it in a pot filled with well-draining soil mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Lannea rubra var. elongata
While Lannea rubra var. elongata is generally a hardy plant, it may still fall prey to certain pests and diseases. Here are some of the common issues that may arise and how to manage them:
1. Leaf spot diseases
Leaf spots are small, discolored lesions on leaves, caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens. Proper sanitation and maintenance methods can help prevent leaf spot diseases. If you notice leaf spots on your Lannea rubra var. elongata, promptly removing the affected leaves and disposing of them can help prevent further spread. Additionally, keeping the plant well-ventilated and not watering it from overhead can reduce the incidence of leaf spot diseases.
2. Powdery Mildew
Powdery Mildew is a fungal disease that causes white, powdery buildup on the leaves and stems of plants. This disease can be managed by avoiding overhead watering and keeping the plant well-ventilated. You can also apply a fungicidal spray to the plant, ideally in the early stages of the disease to prevent further spread.
3. Scale insects
Scale insects are tiny, immobile pests that attach themselves to stems or leaves of the plant. They suck sap and can damage the plant. Rubbing off scales with a soft cloth or cotton swab dipped in alcohol can help manage infestations. You can also use insecticidal soap to control the pests.
4. Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that have a high reproductive rate and can cause significant damage to the plant. Washing the plant with a strong stream of water can help remove aphids manually. You can also use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control the pests.
5. Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of moths or butterflies and can cause extensive defoliation. Regularly inspecting your Lannea rubra var. elongata plant and manually removing the caterpillars can help manage infestations. You can also use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), an organic insecticide that only targets caterpillars.
Overall, the key to managing pest and disease issues in Lannea rubra var. elongata is proper plant maintenance and timely intervention. By inspecting your plant regularly and taking action at the first sign of trouble, you can help keep it healthy and thriving.
