Overview
Achras sericea Schumach., commonly known as the Velvet Plum, is a flowering plant species in the Sapotaceae family native to Africa. This plant is highly valued for its fruits and has several medicinal benefits and uses.
Appearance
The Velvet Plum is a deciduous tree that can reach a height of up to 25 meters. The bark is grayish-brown and rough. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oblong-lanceolate, with a velvety and hairy texture. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow. The fruits are fleshy drupes, green when unripe, and purple to black when ripe, about the size of a cherry, with a sweet and juicy flavor.
Common Names
The plant Achras sericea Schumach. has a variety of common names that vary according to the region and language. Some of the common names include Velvet Plum, Velvet Apple, African Mango, Mukamuka, Osupa, and Osonu.
Uses
The fruits of the Velvet Plum are highly valued for their sweet and juicy flavor and are used in traditional medicine to treat several ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, stomach ulcers, and skin infections. The bark and leaves of the plant are also used for medicinal purposes. The Velvet Plum is used in agroforestry as a shade tree for crops such as coffee and cocoa. The wood of the tree is used in construction and for making charcoal. The plant is also grown as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks.
Growth Conditions of Achras sericea Schumach
Achras sericea Schamuch, commonly known as the velvet apple, is an evergreen tropical tree known for its edible fruits. The tree is native to West Africa and grows in humid forests and lowlands, where the climate is warm and humid.
Light Requirements
The velvet apple tree prefers to grow in partial shade to full sun. In its native habitat, it grows in the understory of the forest and receives dappled sunlight. When grown in full sun, the tree can tolerate high temperatures but will require regular watering to prevent drying out.
Temperature Requirements
The velvet apple tree grows best in tropical regions with temperatures ranging between 20 to 35°C (68 to 95°F). It is a frost-sensitive plant and cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C (50°F). The best temperature for growth is between 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F).
Soil Requirements
The velvet apple tree prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate acidic to neutral soil, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The tree can also grow in sandy loam soil, clay soil, or laterite soil. However, the tree cannot survive in water-logged soil, which can cause root rot and other diseases.
Furthermore, the tree requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. However, it cannot tolerate water-logged soil, so it is essential to ensure proper drainage.
Cultivation Methods for Achras sericea Schumach.
Achras sericea Schumach. is a plant that thrives in warm climates and prefers well-draining soil. When planting, select an area that gets plenty of sunshine and has soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. Prepare the soil by removing weeds and rocks and adding organic matter.
It is recommended to plant in the spring or early summer months, as this is when the plant is most likely to establish a strong root system. Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball and place the plant in the hole, backfilling with soil and pressing the soil down firmly.
Watering Needs for Achras sericea Schumach.
A sufficient amount of water is essential for the growth and development of Achras sericea Schumach. Water the plant deeply once a week, making sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During hot, dry spells, watering may need to be increased. Young plants require more frequent watering until established.
Be sure to avoid overhead watering, as this can encourage disease and fungal growth. Instead, use a soaker hose or dripper irrigation system to water the plant at the base.
Fertilization for Achras sericea Schumach.
To promote healthy growth and maximize yields, it is recommended to fertilize Achras sericea Schumach. every three to four weeks. Use a balanced fertilizer with the ratio NPK of 10-10-10 or one that is specific to fruit trees. Apply fertilizer around the base of the tree, and water it in well.
Avoid fertilizing during winter months, as this can promote new growth that may be damaged by frost.
Pruning for Achras sericea Schumach.
Pruning is an essential method in maintaining the growth, shape, and productivity of Achras sericea Schumach. Prune after the fruiting season, trimming back dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Remove any shoots growing toward the center of the tree to improve light penetration and air circulation for better fruit development.
It is recommended to prune the tree every three years to control the size and shape. Major pruning should be done in the spring or early summer months before the new growth starts.
Propagation of Achras sericea Schumach.
The propagation of Achras sericea Schumach. can be done through several methods such as seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation by seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagating Achras sericea Schumach. is through seed propagation. Seeds should be collected from ripe fruits and sown immediately. The seedlings should be transplanted into individual containers after germination to allow for root development.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another method that can be used for Achras sericea Schumach. Cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood or hardwood and should be at least 8 inches long. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone before being planted in a container filled with rooting medium. The container should be placed in a shaded area and kept moist to ensure proper rooting.
Propagation by grafting
Grafting is an effective way to propagate Achras sericea Schumach. This should be done during the dormant season. The rootstock should be of the same genus and species or a closely related species. The scions should be taken from mature plants and should be grafted onto the rootstock using a bark graft or a whip and tongue graft.
Disease and Pest Management for Achras sericea Schumach.
Achras sericea Schumach., commonly known as "velvet star apple," is a tree species belonging to the Sapotaceae family. It is an important fruit crop in West Africa, especially in Nigeria, where it is one of the most popular fruits consumed locally. However, like other fruit trees, velvet star apples are susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause significant crop losses. Proper disease and pest management practices are essential to ensure high yields and good fruit quality.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases affecting Achras sericea Schumach. include:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes dark sunken lesions on the fruits and leaves. The lesions can merge and cause extensive tissue damage, leading to premature fruit drop. To manage anthracnose, it is essential to use disease-free planting materials, maintain good sanitation practices, and apply fungicides regularly.
- Bacterial canker: This is a bacterial disease that causes cankers on the branches and trunk of the tree, leading to stunted growth and eventual death. The disease is often spread through contaminated pruning tools or insects. To manage bacterial canker, it is important to practice good sanitation, avoid over-pruning, and apply copper-based fungicides.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery growth on the leaves and fruits. The disease affects the photosynthetic ability of the tree, leading to reduced growth and yield. To manage powdery mildew, it is necessary to avoid overhead irrigation, maintain good ventilation, and apply fungicides.
Common Pests
The most common pests affecting Achras sericea Schumach. include:
- Fruit flies: These are small insects that lay eggs in the fruits, causing them to rot and drop prematurely. To manage fruit flies, it is essential to maintain good sanitation practices, use pheromone traps, and apply insecticides.
- Aphids: These are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and distort. Heavy infestations can lead to reduced growth and yield. To manage aphids, it is necessary to use resistant varieties, maintain good hygiene practices, and apply insecticides.
- Mites: These are tiny arachnids that feed on the leaves, causing discoloration and defoliation. They can also transmit viral diseases. To manage mites, it is important to maintain good hygiene practices, use predatory mites, and apply acaricides.
In conclusion, disease and pest management for Achras sericea Schumach. is critical to ensure high yields and good fruit quality. Familiarizing oneself with the common diseases and pests that affect the plant, and implementing proper control measures such as using disease-free planting materials, good sanitation practices, maintaining a clean environment, and applying appropriate chemicals can help to reduce pest damage to the crop.
