Origin
Bakeriella dulcifica (Schumach. & Thonn.) Dubard, commonly known as the "miracle fruit," is a plant species that belongs to the family of Sapotaceae. It is native to West Africa, specifically in Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon.
Common Names
The plant has several common names, including miracle fruit, miracle berry, sweet berry, and miraculous berry, among others.
Uses
The fruit of Bakeriella dulcifica is famous for its miraculous sweetening properties. The fruit contains miraculin, a protein that can mask the sour or bitter taste of any sour food or drink, making it taste sweet. People who consume the fruit typically eat sour foods afterward and taste them as sweet, allowing them to enjoy the flavor without consuming added sugar. The miracle fruit has several potential uses, including making sour foods more palatable for people who cannot tolerate sour flavors due to medical conditions or age.
General Appearance
Bakeriella dulcifica is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to five meters tall. The plant has a dark green, glossy foliage that is around 30 cm long. The flowers of the plant are small, white, and tubular. The fruit is ellipsoid, around 2cm long, and turns from green to red when ripe. The fruit comprises a thin, fleshy layer covering a large seed. The fruit's pulp is juicy and contains a sweet-tasting protein called miraculin.
Light Requirements
Bakeriella dulcifica is a tropical plant that requires bright but filtered light to grow to its full potential. It cannot tolerate direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves. Therefore, it is advisable to grow it indoors, where it can receive bright and indirect light, or outdoors, under tree canopies.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 32°C. It does not tolerate frost and will die if exposed to prolonged freezing conditions. Therefore, it is best to grow it in areas where the temperature never drops below 10°C.
Soil Requirements
Bakeriella dulcifica thrives in well-draining soil. It prefers soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic, with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. The plant also requires moist soil, but it cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the soil consistently moist, but not wet.
Cultivation of Bakeriella Dulcifica
Bakeriella Dulcifica is an evergreen shrub that grows best in tropical and subtropical regions. It is essential to choose a location that provides partial shade, as exposure to full sun may cause damage to the leaves. The plant grows in various soil types but thrives best in loamy soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Before planting, ensure that the soil is well-draining and thoroughly moistened.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. It is essential to keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering as it may cause root rot. During the winter season, reduce watering to avoid waterlogging the soil. Ensure that excess water is drained from the pot after watering to prevent water retention in the root zone.
Fertilization
Bakeriella Dulcifica requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and development. It is essential to use a balanced fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content during the growing season to encourage leaf development. Apply the fertilizer every two to three months, following the manufacturer's instructions. During the winter season, reduce fertilizer application as the plant undergoes dormancy.
Pruning
Pruning Bakeriella Dulcifica should be done during the dormant season to avoid damaging the plant. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to remove any dead or damaged branches. It is also advisable to pinch off the tips of new growth to encourage bushier growth. Regular pruning promotes air circulation and sunlight penetration, creating optimal conditions for the plant to thrive.
Propagation of Bakeriella dulcifica
Bakeriella dulcifica (Schumach. & Thonn.) Dubard is commonly known as the miracle fruit or sweet berry. It is a slow-growing shrub that can reach a height of up to 20 feet. The fruit of this plant has a unique property of making sour and bitter foods taste sweet. As a result, this plant has been gaining popularity in recent times, especially in the food industry for creating sugarless sweeteners. Propagation of this plant can be done through two main methods - seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
Propagation through seeds is the most common method for growing Bakeriella dulcifica. The fruit of the plant contains several small seeds that can be collected and sown in a seedling tray. The seedling tray should be filled with rich, well-draining potting soil and kept moist throughout the germination process. The seeds should be sown about half an inch deep, and the tray should be kept in a warm, bright location but away from direct sunlight. Germination of the seeds can take up to several weeks, and once the seedlings are about two inches tall, they can be transplanted into larger pots.
Vegetative propagation
Bakeriella dulcifica can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. This method involves taking a stem cutting from a mature plant and planting it in well-draining potting soil. To ensure successful propagation, the cutting should have at least two leaves and should be about six inches long. The bottom of the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth before planting. The cutting should be planted in a pot with a mixture of rich potting soil and sand, with the leaves just above the soil surface. The pot should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cutting should be placed in a bright, warm location but away from direct sunlight.
Disease Management
Bakeriella dulcifica is a plant that is generally resistant to various diseases. However, there are some common diseases that can infect this plant. One of the most common diseases that affect the plant is root rot. This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi. To prevent the spread of root rot, it is necessary to avoid over-watering the plant and to ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil. Additionally, it is essential to remove infected plants from the area to avoid the spread of the disease to other plants.
Another disease that can infect Bakeriella dulcifica is leaf spot. This disease is caused by bacteria or fungi and can result in the formation of dark spots on the leaves of the plant. To prevent the spread of leaf spot, it is necessary to maintain proper ventilation around the plant. Additionally, it is crucial to remove infected leaves and plants from the area.
Pest Management
Bakeriella dulcifica is relatively resistant to pests. However, some common pests can infect the plant. One of the most common pests is the mealybug, which feeds on the sap of the plant. To control mealybugs, it is essential to monitor the plant regularly for signs of infestation. If an infestation is detected, it is necessary to remove the affected parts of the plant. Additionally, it may be necessary to apply an insecticide to control the infestation.
Another pest that can infect Bakeriella dulcifica is the spider mite. Spider mites can cause the leaves of the plant to turn yellow and may result in the loss of plant vigor over time. To control spider mites, it is necessary to monitor the plant regularly for signs of infestation. If an infestation is detected, it is necessary to remove the affected parts of the plant. Additionally, it may be necessary to apply an insecticide to control the infestation.
