Description of Azanza garckeana (F.Hoffm.) Exell & Hillc.
Azanza garckeana, popularly known as Snot Apple or Bastard Stringy Bark, is a deciduous shrub or tree that belongs to the family Malvaceae. It is native to Southern Africa and is found in countries like Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa. The plant prefers warm temperatures and can grow in a variety of soils. Azanza garckeana can grow up to 3-4 meters in height and is known for its showy pink to purple flowers and edible fruits.
Uses of Azanza garckeana
In Southern Africa, various parts of Azanza garckeana are used for medicinal purposes. For instance, the root bark and leaves are boiled into a concoction that is taken to relieve female reproductive system issues like menstrual pain and cramps. Additionally, the roots of the plant are chewed and the juice is swallowed to help in the treatment of chest complaints and coughs.
The Snot Apple fruit is also widely consumed in Southern Africa. The fruit is harvested, peeled and eaten fresh, or the pulp can be mashed into a refreshing drink. The fruit is also known for its high vitamin C content and is believed to help with the treatment and prevention of scurvy.
General appearance of Azanza garckeana
Azanza garckeana features showy pink to purple flowers with five petals that are often found in clusters at the ends of branches. The fruits are round to oval-shaped and range in size from 1-2 centimeters in diameter. The mature fruit is green and becomes yellowish when ripe. The pulp of the fruit is soft and snot-like when ripe, hence its common name, Snot Apple. The bark of the Azanza garckeana tree is stringy, which is where it gets its other common name, Bastard Stringy Bark.
In conclusion, Azanza garckeana is an important plant in Southern Africa, valued for its medicinal and nutritional benefits. It is also an attractive plant, adding showy flowers and intriguing fruit to the landscape.
Light Requirements
Azanza garckeana is a plant that requires full sun exposure to grow well. It can tolerate some shade, but prolonged exposure to shade will result in leggy and weak growth.
Temperature Requirements
Azanza garckeana prefers a warm to hot climate and is not cold tolerant. It is best suited to regions with a temperature range of 20-30°C. Temperatures below 10°C can damage the plant, and frost can potentially kill it.
Soil Requirements
Azanza garckeana prefers well-draining soils that are fertile, loamy, and slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7.0). It can tolerate dry or sandy soils, but it will grow best in soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant is also sensitive to salty soils, so it is best to avoid planting in coastal areas or areas with high salt content in the soil.
Cultivation Methods for Azanza Garckeana
Azanza garckeana is a fast-growing plant that typically grows well in subtropical and tropical regions with warm temperatures. The plant can be cultivated using both seeds and cuttings. When using seeds, plant them in a well-draining soil mixture in pots or containers and keep them moist until they sprout. When using cuttings, use a well-draining soil mix, and ensure that the cutting is at least 6 inches long for better rooting.
Watering Needs for Azanza Garckeana
Azanza garckeana requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The plant should be watered once or twice a week, depending on the soil's moisture content. However, it is essential to avoid overwatering the plant as this may lead to root rot. To determine the plant's watering needs, check the soil moisture by inserting a finger into the soil up to the second joint. If the soil feels dry, it is time to water the plant.
Fertilization for Azanza Garckeana
Azanza garckeana requires regular fertilization for healthy growth and optimum yields. Fertilizer should be applied once every three to four weeks during the growing season. Ensure that you use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). However, avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this may cause excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers and fruits.
Pruning for Azanza Garckeana
Azanza garckeana requires pruning to remove dead or diseased branches and to shape the plant. Pruning should be done after the blooming season to encourage new growth. Use clean and sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts and avoid tearing the plant's tissues. Ensure that you sterilize the pruning shears with a solution of 70% isopropyl alcohol before and after every use to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Azanza garckeana
Azanza garckeana, commonly known as the sausage tree, can be propagated by both seed and vegetative methods.Propagation by Seed
Seeds of Azanza garckeana are the easiest and most commonly used method for propagation. The seeds of the tree germinate easily if the correct conditions are provided. To propagate, the seeds should be collected when mature and sown in well-drained soil. The ideal time to sow seeds is in the beginning of spring or at the end of the rainy season. Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing. The seeds should be sown directly in pots or seedbeds and covered lightly with soil. The soil must be kept moist but not waterlogged. The germination of seeds typically takes about 3 to 4 weeks.Vegetative Propagation
Azanza garckeana can also be propagated through vegetative methods such as hardwood cuttings, softwood cuttings, and air layering. Hardwood cuttings can be taken in late winter or early spring, from the previous season's growth. The cuttings should be around 12 to 15 cm long and about 1 cm thick. The base of the cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining medium. Softwood cuttings can be taken from new growth in the spring or early summer. These cuttings should be about 10 cm long and include the tip of the branch. They should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a well-drained medium. Air layering involves making a cut in a branch of Azanza garckeana and covering it with moist sphagnum moss. The area should be wrapped in plastic to keep moisture in. After roots have formed, the branch should be cut and planted in a well-draining medium. Overall, Azanza garckeana can be propagated successfully by both seed and vegetative methods.Disease Management
The plant Azanza garckeana may be subject to diseases, some of which are common and may cause significant damage. Here are some of the most common diseases and ways to manage them:
- Bacterial blight: This disease appears as water-soaked lesions on the leaves, which eventually turn dark brown. The best way to manage it is to remove any infected plant material and apply a copper-based fungicide.
- Cercospora leaf spot: This disease causes purplish-brown spots on the leaves. The best approach to manage it includes regular pruning, cultural control, and routine applications of fungicide spray.
- Powdery mildew: This disease shows as a powdery white coating on the leaves. The most effective way to manage it is to water the plant only during the day and when necessary, use a fungicide containing sulfur, potassium bicarbonate or neem oil.
Pest Management
Azanza garckeana is also prone to pests, which can lead to weakening and other disorders. Here are a handful of pests that are likely to attack this plant and ways to manage them:
- Aphids: These are small, sap-sucking insects that cause yellowing on the leaves. The best way to manage them is to spray the plants with soapy water and prune infested branches, or alternatively, apply a pesticide containing pyrethrins, neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: These pests are usually green and will eat the leaves of Azanza garckeana. The best way to manage them is to spray the plant with Bacillus thuringiensis, a natural pesticide that targets the caterpillars specifically and keeps other beneficial insects unaffected.
- Spider mites: These are tiny, hard-to-spot pests that feed on the leaves of plants, causing yellowing and webbing. You can manage them by regularly hosing down the plants and, if necessary, using a pesticide containing neem oil or insecticidal soap.
