Overview
Anthocleista gabonensis Hort. ex Gentil is a medium to large-sized evergreen tree that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is commonly found in West and Central Africa, particularly in countries like Cameroon, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Common Names
The plant is known by several common names, including Gabonese cherry, Minquini, Ogoue tree, White star apple, Mbwele, and Njo.
Appearance
Anthocleista gabonensis is a tree that grows up to 30 meters in height. It has a straight trunk that can be up to 100 centimeters in diameter. The bark is brown or grey, and its branches are opposite and horizontal. The plant's leaves are shiny, leathery, and dark green in color. They are 8-20 centimeters long and 4-11 centimeters wide. The leaves have a wavy margin and are arranged in an opposite pattern.
The plant produces white or yellowish flowers that are 5-10 centimeters in diameter. The flowers are fragrant and grow in clusters. They bloom from December to March. The fruit of the plant is a woody capsule that is 4-8 centimeters in diameter. The fruit contains many small seeds.
Uses
Anthocleista gabonensis has a long history of medicinal use in traditional African medicine. The plant's bark and leaves are used to treat a variety of conditions, including malaria, hepatitis, and dysentery. The bark has also been used as an insecticide and a fish poison.
The wood of the plant is durable and is used for construction and furniture making. The fruit of the plant is edible and is used to make a sweet, juicy pulp that is eaten fresh or used in making jam.
Typical Growth Conditions of Anthocleista gabonensis Hort. ex Gentil
Anthocleista gabonensis Hort. ex Gentil is a tropical evergreen tree that is native to Central and West Africa. It is commonly found in rainforests and other humid environments where it can grow up to 50 feet tall.
Light Requirements
This plant prefers partially shaded areas with dappled sunlight. It can tolerate full sun, but exposure to direct sunlight for extended periods can cause its leaves to burn.
Temperature Requirements
Anthocleista gabonensis Hort. ex Gentil prefers warm and humid conditions with temperatures ranging from 68-80°F (20-27°C). It cannot tolerate frost or extreme cold temperatures, and exposure to cold temperatures can cause severe damage or death to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers soils that are well-drained and rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH but prefers slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot.
Cultivation of Anthocleista gabonensis Hort. ex Gentil
Anthocleista gabonensis Hort. ex Gentil, commonly known as African satinwood, is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures and humid conditions to grow well. It is a slow-growing plant that can be planted from seeds or cuttings.
When planting from seeds, it is advised to soak them in water for 24 hours before planting them in well-draining soil to improve germination rates. Cuttings should also be planted in well-draining soil and kept in a warm and humid location until they root.
The plant requires partial to full shade and protection from direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves and stunt growth. As such, it is best to plant the plant under the canopy of larger trees or in a shaded location.
Watering Needs of Anthocleista gabonensis Hort. ex Gentil
Anthocleista gabonensis Hort. ex Gentil requires regular watering, especially during the dry season, to sustain its growth. It prefers moist but not waterlogged soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal infections that can kill the plant.
It is advisable to water the plant in the morning or evening when the sun is not too hot to avoid scorching the leaves. Mulching around the base of the plant can help retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Fertilization of Anthocleista gabonensis Hort. ex Gentil
Anthocleista gabonensis Hort. ex Gentil requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and blooming. An all-purpose fertilizer can be applied every two months, starting from the beginning of the growing season until the end.
Alternatively, a slow-release fertilizer can be incorporated into the soil during planting to provide steady nutrients throughout the plant's life.
Pruning of Anthocleista gabonensis Hort. ex Gentil
Anthocleista gabonensis Hort. ex Gentil requires minimal pruning, mainly to remove dead or damaged branches. The plant has a naturally attractive shape, and it is advisable to let it grow without much interference.
However, pruning can be done to control the size of the plant or shape it into a desired form. The best time to prune the plant is during the dry season when the plant is dormant to avoid stimulating new growth that may be susceptible to damage.
Propagation of Anthocleista gabonensis Hort. ex Gentil
Anthocleista gabonensis Hort. ex Gentil can be propagated via seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Anthocleista gabonensis Hort. ex Gentil can be collected from ripe fruits, which are large and green. The viable seeds are black and about 1 cm in diameter. They can be stored in a cool and dry place for up to 6 months, but it is best to sow them as soon as possible.
Before sowing, the seeds should be scarified to enhance their germination rate. This can be done by soaking them in hot water (at about 80-90°C) for 24 hours, or by nicking the seed coat with a knife or sandpaper.
Once scarified, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mix, and kept moist and warm (at about 25-30°C). Germination can occur in about 2-3 weeks, but it can take up to several months.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings of Anthocleista gabonensis Hort. ex Gentil can be taken from young shoots or semi-hardwood branches. They should be about 10-15 cm long, and have at least 2-3 nodes.
The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone, and inserted into a well-draining rooting medium (such as sand or vermiculite). They should be kept in a warm and humid environment (at about 25-30°C and 80-90% relative humidity), and protected from direct sunlight.
Rooting can occur in about 4-6 weeks, and the rooted cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots with a suitable potting mix. They should be kept in a shaded and protected area for a few weeks before being gradually exposed to full sunlight.
Disease management
Anthocleista gabonensis, like many plants, is susceptible to several diseases that could impede its growth and productivity. Below are some common diseases that might affect A. gabonensis and ways to manage them:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is caused by a fungus that affects the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant, causing lesions and browning. To manage anthracnose, affected plant parts should be removed and destroyed immediately. Fungicides can also be used to prevent the spread of the disease.
Leafspot
Leafspot is caused by a fungus that affects the leaves of the plant, producing small to large leaf spots. Infected leaves should be removed and destroyed immediately. Fungicides can also be used to manage leafspot.
Pest management
Anthocleista gabonensis is also susceptible to pest infestation, which could result in significant damage to the plant. Below are some common pests that might affect A. gabonensis and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are sap-sucking insects that could cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. To manage aphids, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed. Insecticidal soaps or neem oil can also be used to manage aphid populations.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that could cause discoloration and distortion of leaves, and even plant death in severe cases. To manage spider mites, affected plant parts should be removed and destroyed. Insecticidal soaps or neem oil can also be used to manage spider mite populations.
