Introduction to Lannea Zenkeri Engl. & K.Krause
Lannea zenkeri Engl. & K.Krause is a deciduous tree native to tropical Africa, particularly in countries like Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. It belongs to the family Anacardiaceae and is known by different names in various languages.Common Names and Uses
The tree is called 'Goron' in Hausa, 'Opepe' in Yoruba, and 'Soborom' in Ghana. The fruit is edible and is an essential source of food for humans and animals in Africa. It is commonly used in traditional medicine to treat several ailments such as diarrhea, fever, and malaria. The leaves, bark, and stem also have medicinal properties and are used to treat skin infections and other conditions. The wood of the tree is resistant to insects and is used for making furniture, flooring, and construction materials.General Appearance
Lannea zenkeri is a medium-sized tree that grows up to 25 meters high. It has a single trunk with a diameter of up to 1 meter and a rounded crown of dark green leaves. The leaves are alternate, pinnately compound, and grow up to 30 cm long. The fruit is oval or round, and it varies in size, from 2 to 6 cm in diameter. It is fleshy and contains a hard stone with one seed inside. The skin of the fruit is a light yellow to brown color when ripe, and the fruit pulp is a yellow-orange color. In conclusion, Lannea Zenkeri is a versatile tree that is widely used by people in tropical Africa for medicinal and nutritional purposes. It is a magnificent tree that can be used for various commercial purposes and is a vital part of the biodiversity in African forests.Light
Lannea zenkeri is a plant that prefers partial shade or full sunlight. It can grow in both conditions, but it requires at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day to thrive. However, too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to yellow and scorch. Therefore, it is best to provide shade during the hottest part of the day when grown in full sun.
Temperature
Lannea zenkeri grows best in temperatures between 20°C to 30°C. It cannot tolerate freezing temperatures or even temperatures below 10°C. At the same time, it cannot withstand high temperatures of more than 35°C.
Soil Requirements
Lannea zenkeri grows in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. However, the soil must not be waterlogged, as it can cause root rot. Regular watering is necessary to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
Lannea zenkeri Engl. & K.Krause, commonly known as African mahogany, is a tropical hardwood tree that is indigenous to Africa. It thrives best in warm and humid conditions with evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year. When planting, ensure that the soil is well-drained and does not have a propensity to retain water.
When planting seedlings, ensure that they are not buried too deeply in the soil and that the soil is compacted around the roots to avoid air pockets. African mahogany trees grow at an average pace of approximately 1 meter per year and require ample sunlight to thrive.
Watering Needs
Watering is essential when it comes to African mahogany trees. The trees require regular watering, especially during periods of drought, to ensure that the soil stays moist. When the tree is young, watering should be done consistently until the root system is fully formed. After that, the tree only needs watering occasionally during the dry season.
Fertilization
Regular feeding of Lannea zenkeri Engl. & K.Krause trees is critical for their healthy growth. It is recommended to fertilize the trees twice a year, once during the rainy season and again during the dry season. The fertilizing process should be done at least two weeks before the start of the wet and dry seasons.
Using organic fertilizers or compost is advised for African mahogany trees as they enhance the absorption of nutrients, therefore, creating a nourished soil structure.
Pruning
Pruning of African mahogany trees is essential to maintain their shape and encourage healthy growth. To produce a sturdy tree with a pleasant and balanced form, prune the tree's branches when young and produce several primary branches that support the plant's growth.
Undesirable weak branches and branch crimps should be pruned periodically to allow space and sunlight for the tree's healthy development. Remove any diseased or pest-affected branches immediately to avoid the spread of infection.
Propagation of Lannea zenkeri Engl. & K.Krause
Lannea zenkeri Engl. & K.Krause, commonly known as the African grape, is a deciduous tree belonging to the Anacardiaceae family. The plant is native to Africa and is widely grown for its edible fruit and medicinal properties. Propogation of Lannea zenkeri can be done by various methods:
Seed propagation
Seeds of Lannea zenkeri can be collected during the fruiting season. The fruit is a drupe that contains a single seed. The fruit is collected, cleaned, and the seed is separated. The seed is then soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing. The sowing is usually done in a seed-tray filled with a well-drained growing medium. The seeds germinate within 2-4 weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted to individual containers when they have grown to about 6-8 cm. The seedlings are transplanted to the field after a year when they can withstand the environmental conditions.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings propagation is another way to propagate Lannea zenkeri. The cutting method is useful when the seeds have a low germination rate. The cutting is collected from a healthy mother plant and preferably from the current season's growth. The cutting should be about 15-20 cm long and should have 2-3 nodes. The basal end of the cutting is dipped in a rooting hormone before planting. The cutting should be planted in a soil or sand mix. A high humidity environment should be maintained, and the cuttings should receive indirect sunlight. The cuttings take about 3-4 weeks to root. The rooted cutting can be transplanted to individual containers and moved to the field after one year.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is another method that can be used to propagate Lannea zenkeri. The method involves girdling a stem of a mature plant and applying rooting hormone on the ringed area. The rooted portion is then covered with a polythene bag to maintain a humid environment and ensure the roots grow better. After 8-12 weeks, the new roots are well developed, and the rooted portion can be separated from the mother plant and planted in a new container and grown in the greenhouse before transplanting in the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Lannea Zenkeri Engl. & K.Krause
Lannea zenkeri Engl. & K. Krause is a woody plant and is prone to certain diseases and pests that can affect its growth and productivity. Managing these diseases and pests is critical to ensure the plant's survival and growth.
Common diseases affecting Lannea Zenkeri
Leaf spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that affects the leaves of Lannea zenkeri plants. The disease can cause early leaf drop, leading to reduced plant growth and productivity. The best way to manage leaf spot is to keep the plant healthy by providing adequate water and nutrients. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is another fungus that affects the leaves, stems and fruits of Lannea zenkeri. The disease can cause defoliation, premature fruit drop and bark cracks on the plant. To manage anthracnose, it is essential to prune infected plant parts, maintain proper sanitation, and apply fungicides.
Root rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of Lannea zenkeri. The disease can cause root decay and stunted growth of the plant. The best way to manage root rot is to plant the plant in well-drained soil, maintain optimal moisture levels, and avoid overwatering. Fungicides can also be used to manage the disease.
Common pests affecting Lannea Zenkeri
Termites
Termites are a significant pest problem for many woody plants, including Lannea zenkeri. The pests can cause significant damage to the plant, leading to stunted growth and even death. To manage termite infestations, it is essential to use chemical treatments, baits, or barrier methods.
Mites
Mites are small arthropods that can cause yellowing and stunted growth of the leaves of Lannea zenkeri. The pests can also cause the leaves to curl and dry up. To manage mite infestations, it is essential to remove any infected plant parts and use insecticides.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are another pest that can affect the growth and productivity of Lannea Zenkeri. The pests can cause holes in the leaves and defoliation, leading to reduced plant growth. To manage caterpillar infestations, it is essential to prune infected plant parts and use insecticides.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests is critical to ensure the healthy growth and productivity of Lannea Zenkeri. To manage these issues, it is essential to keep the plant healthy, practice proper sanitation, and use chemical treatments when necessary.
