Nandi flame - Spathodea campanulata

Description and Uses

Spathodea campanulata (Nandi flame) is a tropical tree from East Africa. It is mainly grown for its ornamental crops (medium shelflife), but also Other uses include; nut and ornamental can be produced. The crop is harvested by total removing. It starts flowering after 3 - 4 years. The seed/nut is edible. Medical uses include; Array The bark contains - n/a - (0% - 0%). The tree`s wood is called n/a and has a density of 350 - 470 kg/m³. Regarding firewood production the tree`s growing speed is fast, its energetic value is 4000 ckal/kg and the wood`s drying speed is medium; for firewood production it is not ideal. After 70 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Spathodea campanulata has a lifespan of 120 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 33 meters tall. It is fast growing and tolerates not less light than shade tolerant. Spathodea campanulata has a shallow root-system and forms symbiotic relations it has symbiotic associations with the Glomus intraradices fungus. (endo-mycorrhiza). It is not able to fix nitrogen. The tree`s flower-morphology is hermaphroditic and is pollinated by itself. Spathodea campanulata is evergreen and not allelopathic and has no thorns.

Spathodea campanulata thrives in an altitude of 0 to 2000 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 6°C and optimally between 25 - 32°C. The optimal rainfall is 2300 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 1300 - 2000 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 5.0 - 8.0 in a soil texture of loam. To salt it is a bit tolerant to wind a bit tolerant and to fire tolerant.

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Pests and Diseases

Acherontia lachesis,Hyblaea puera,Psilogramma menephron and But rot,Heart rot diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are recalcitrant and can be stored for 2 months. There are approximative 125000 seeds/kg. The seeds can be propagated as followed: (1) Keep seeds in water between 20-27 C, (2) Soak the seeds overnight in warm water before sowing., (3) press the seeds twice its size in the soil soil.

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