Origin
Allophylus zimmermannianus Gilg ex Engl. is a tropical plant that belongs to the Sapindaceae family. It is endemic to Central and Eastern Africa and commonly found in countries such as Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
The plant goes by various common names, including the Zimmermann's allophylus, African alder, African Pepper tree, and Pinkwood.
Appearance
The Allophylus zimmermannianus is a small to medium-sized tree that grows up to six meters tall. It has a dense and rounded crown with a smooth and light brown bark. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and spiral with a glossy dark green color above and a paler green color beneath. The leaves are up to 20cm long with eight pairs of leaflets. The tree produces small pinkish-white flowers arranged in clusters, that emerge from the leaf axils. These then turn into clusters of small shiny bright red to coral red fruit when ripe, which give the tree its common name, African pepper tree.
Uses
The different parts of Allophylus zimmermannianus have various medicinal properties. The leaves and bark have been used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments such as abdominal pains, colds, and skin diseases. The bark and fruit have been used in the treatment of stomach ache, diarrhoea, and reducing fever levels. The fruits are edible and are used in some parts of Africa to make traditional beverages and as a spice. They are also used in various food preparations, including making tea, jelly, and can be added as flavoring agents to other drinks. The tree can also be used for shade, its wood used for construction and fuel.
Light Requirements
Allophylus zimmermannianus Gilg ex Engl. typically grows well in areas with partial to full sun exposure. It will not do well in the shade where it will not receive the necessary sunlight it needs for photosynthesis and growth.
Temperature Requirements
This plant grows best in areas with warm to hot temperatures. It tolerates temperatures between 25-35°C and does well in tropical and subtropical climates. It cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures and should be grown in areas with a minimum temperature of 10°C.
Soil Requirements
Allophylus zimmermannianus Gilg ex Engl. grows well in soils with good drainage and plenty of organic matter. It thrives in loam and sandy loam soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The plant also prefers soils rich in nutrients and exposed to wet-dry cycles. It requires moderate irrigation, especially during the dry season, and should not be overwatered.
Cultivation
Allophylus zimmermannianus, also known as the Zimmermann's Allophylus, is a small tree or shrub that is native to Tanzania.
It requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5 and prefers full sun, although it can grow in partial shade.
In areas with a cold climate, it can be grown in a greenhouse or indoor and protected from frost. The ideal temperature range is between 18-27°C.
Watering Needs
Allophylus zimmermannianus requires regular watering so that the soil remains moist in the growing season. However, it would be best if you avoided overwatering, which can cause root rot.
During the dry season, you should mulch around the tree to retain moisture in the soil.
Fertilization
You should fertilize Allophylus zimmermannianus every six months with a slow-release fertilizer to improve soil fertility.
Fertilizers with high nitrogen content should be avoided, as they can cause excessive foliage growth and reduce the tree's fruit production.
Similarly, fertilizers with high phosphorus content may encourage root rot and should also be avoided.
Pruning
Allophylus zimmermannianus requires minimal pruning, especially if grown as a shrub.
If grown as a tree, it may require pruning to remove any damaged or weak branches during the dormant season for the best yield and tree health.
To prune, use clean and sharp pruning shears to ensure that the tree does not get infected.
Propagation of Allophylus zimmermannianus Gilg ex Engl.
Allophylus zimmermannianus Gilg ex Engl. can be propagated through different methods such as seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of the Allophylus zimmermannianus Gilg ex Engl. can be collected during the fruiting season. The seeds can be sown in a seedbed or a pot filled with well-draining soil. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1 to 1.5 cm and watered regularly. Germination usually occurs after two to four weeks. After germination, the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the field.
Propagation through Cuttings
Cuttings are another way to propagate the Allophylus zimmermannianus Gilg ex Engl. Select healthy and disease-free stems for the cuttings. The ideal time for taking cuttings is during the spring or summer months. The stems should be cut into 10 to 15 cm long sections and should include at least two nodes. The leaves should be removed from the lower half of the cutting. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a pot filled with well-draining soil. The pots should be covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. After four to six weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation through Grafting
Grafting is a preferred method for propagating Allophylus zimmermannianus Gilg ex Engl. Grafting is done to maintain the desirable traits of the parent plant. The rootstock used should be a related species in the same family. The scion should be taken from a healthy and disease-free plant and should be grafted onto the rootstock. The grafted plant should be kept in a moist and warm environment to promote healing. After three to four weeks, the grafted plant should have fused, and the plastic wrap can be removed.
Disease Management
Allophylus zimmermannianus Gilg ex Engl. is generally a healthy plant that is resistant to most diseases. However, some diseases may still affect the plant and should be managed to avoid damage or death of the plant.
One common disease that may affect this plant is leaf spot caused by the fungus Cercospora spp. The disease can spread through splashing water, hence it is important to avoid watering the leaves of the plant. Remove infected leaves and destroy them to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides such as copper sprays can also be applied to manage the disease.
Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is another disease that may affect Allophylus zimmermannianus Gilg ex Engl. Infected leaves may have dark spots that enlarge and merge, causing defoliation and stunted growth. The disease spreads rapidly in warm, wet weather conditions. Avoid planting the plant in areas with poor drainage as this can increase the risk of the plant getting infected. Applying fungicides such as mancozeb and chlorothalonil can help manage the disease.
Pest Management
Allophylus zimmermannianus Gilg ex Engl. has few pests that commonly affect it. Below are common pests and strategies to manage them.
Spider mites can infest Allophylus zimmermannianus Gilg ex Engl. and cause damage by sucking sap from its leaves. They are tiny and hard to see with the naked eye. Yellowing or mottling of leaves can be a sign of spider mite infestation. Regularly spraying the plant with a powerful jet of water helps to dislodge and control the pests. In severe cases, using insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be effective in controlling a spider mite infestation.
Scales are also common pests that may infest the plant. They usually appear as small, immobile bumps on the leaves or stems of the plant. The pests produce a sticky substance, which can attract fungi and black sooty mold. Use a soft brush to dislodge visible scales and control their population. If scales persist, use insecticidal soap or neem oil as a control measure.
