Description of Bakeriella cerasifera
Bakeriella cerasifera (Welw.) Dubard, commonly known as the cherry plum or myrobalan plum, is a small-sized fruit-bearing tree in the Rosaceae family. It is native to the African continent, particularly in Angola, Namibia, Congo and Zambia.
Appearance of Bakeriella cerasifera
The cherry plum tree typically reaches a height of up to 10 meters and has a slender trunk with smooth bark. The leaves are ovate in shape and have serrated edges, while the flowers are white and grow in dense clusters. The fruit of Bakeriella cerasifera resembles a small plum or cherry, with a firm and slightly acidic pulp.
Uses of Bakeriella cerasifera
The cherry plum is a valuable fruit tree, utilized for both its edible fruit and its hard timber. The fruit is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and is often consumed fresh or processed into jams, jellies, and other food products. The wood of Bakeriella cerasifera is durable and used in construction, carving, and other woodworking applications.
The cherry plum tree is also utilized in traditional medicine, with various parts of the plant being used to treat gastrointestinal ailments, fever, and respiratory problems.
In addition, Bakeriella cerasifera is used as an ornamental tree in gardens and landscapes due to its attractive flowers and fruit.
Overall, Bakeriella cerasifera is a valuable and versatile tree with various applications in food, medicine, and industry.Growth Conditions of Bakeriella cerasifera
Bakeriella cerasifera is a small to medium-sized evergreen shrub that requires specific growth conditions for optimal growth and development.
Light Requirements
Like most plants, Bakeriella cerasifera requires an adequate amount of light. It thrives best in areas with bright, indirect light, but it can also grow in partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
Bakeriella cerasifera is a plant that requires moderate temperatures to grow well. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers average temperatures between 20°C to 25°C.
Soil Requirements
Bakeriella cerasifera grows best in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. It can grow in most soil types, including sandy or loam soils. However, it does not tolerate water-logged or poorly-drained soils.
Watering Requirements
Bakeriella cerasifera requires moderate watering. It does not tolerate dry soil, nor does it tolerate water-logged soil. It is best to water the plant when the top inch of soil becomes dry.
Fertilizer Requirements
Bakeriella cerasifera requires regular fertilization to maintain optimal growth. It responds well to a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that is applied in early spring.
Conclusion
Bakeriella cerasifera is a beautiful shrub that thrives best under specific growth conditions. Adequate light, temperature, well-draining soil, moderate watering, and regular fertilization are all essential to maintain the optimal growth of this plant.
Cultivation
Bakeriella cerasifera (Welw.) Dubard, commonly known as the African apricot or wild apricot, is a tropical native of Africa. This plant requires warm temperatures and high humidity to thrive, making it suitable for outdoor cultivation in tropical climates or indoors in areas with dry air. When planting outdoors, select a location that receives full sun or partial shade. The soil should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, and kept moist.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is vital to the health of Bakeriella cerasifera. These plants require consistent moisture without being waterlogged. The soil should be kept moist but not saturated, and the plant should be watered regularly during the growing season. During the winter, reduce watering to allow the plant to enter dormancy, but ensure that the soil remains slightly moist to prevent dehydration.
Fertilization
Bakeriella cerasifera benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season, usually in spring and summer months. Use a balanced fertilizer, diluted to half strength, and apply it every two weeks. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Pruning
Bakeriella cerasifera requires minimal pruning. However, pruning should be done in the early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead or diseased wood, cut back any crossing or rubbing branches, and thin out any overgrown shoots. Trim the plant to maintain its shape and size, but avoid excessive pruning as it can damage the plant.
Propagation of Bakeriella cerasifera
Bakeriella cerasifera (Welw.) Dubard, also known as the African cherry plum, is a fruit-bearing tree commonly found in sub-Saharan Africa. The tree is often propagated through seed or cuttings, and various methods can be used to ensure successful propagation.
Seed Propagation
Propagating Bakeriella cerasifera through seed is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to grow the tree. Seeds can be collected from ripe fruits and cleaned before planting in well-draining soil. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 2-3 cm and at a spacing of 30-60 cm. Watering should be done regularly to keep the soil moist, and germination usually occurs within 4-6 weeks.
It is important to note, however, that Bakeriella cerasifera has a long juvenile period and may take up to 8 years before they start producing fruit. Therefore, seed propagation is more suitable for large-scale plantations and not for individuals looking for quick results.
Cuttings Propagation
Bakeriella cerasifera can also be propagated through cuttings, either from softwood or hardwood. Softwood cuttings are taken from young and tender shoots during the growing season, while hardwood cuttings are taken from mature wood during the dormant season.
For softwood cuttings, the shoots should be cut at an angle to create a 10-15 cm cutting. The lower leaves should be removed, leaving only the top few leaves. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist, and roots should start to develop within 2-4 weeks.
For hardwood cuttings, branches should be cut into 20-30 cm lengths, and any lateral shoots removed. The cuts should be made at an angle, with the top cut above a bud and the bottom cut just below a bud. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist, and roots should start to develop after several months.
Overall, Bakeriella cerasifera can be propagated through various methods, and with proper care and attention, can grow into a productive tree.
Disease Management
Bakeriella cerasifera is susceptible to several diseases that can cause severe damage to the plant's health and productivity. Below are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
Crown gall
Crown gall is a bacterial disease caused by the bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens. It causes galls or tumors to form on the roots, stems, or branches of the plant, which can limit water and nutrient uptake. Management techniques include ensuring diseased plant parts are not used for propagation, removing infected plant parts, and avoiding root damage during planting.
Leaf spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that appears as circular, brown spots on the leaves. The spots eventually enlarge and coalesce, causing the leaves to die. The disease spreads quickly in humid conditions. To manage it, remove infected plant parts, reduce overhead watering, and avoid crowding the plants.
Root rot
Root rot is a fungal disease caused by soil-borne pathogens. It causes the roots to rot, leading to wilted leaves, stunted growth, and plant death. To manage it, ensure proper drainage, avoid overwatering, and use pathogen-free soil.
Pest Management
Bakeriella cerasifera is also susceptible to several pests that can cause damage to the plant. Below are some common pests and ways to manage them:
Scale insects
Scale insects are small, sap-sucking insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant. They appear as small bumps and can cause yellowing, curling, stunted growth, and plant death. To manage them, prune affected plant parts, remove them by hand, use horticultural oil, or introduce natural enemies like ladybugs or lacewings.
Aphids
Aphids are soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. They are also vectors of viral diseases. To manage them, remove them by hand, use insecticidal soap, or introduce natural enemies like ladybugs or lacewings.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing, stippling, and webbing. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and reproduce quickly. To manage them, remove them by hand, use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, or introduce natural enemies like predatory mites or ladybugs.
