Overview of Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. engleriana (Gürke) Verdc.
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. engleriana (Gürke) Verdc. is a perennial plant species that belongs to the Meliaceae or mahogany family. It is native to eastern and southern Africa, including countries such as Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The plant is commonly known as the African dogwood or red-star apple tree.
Appearance of Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. engleriana (Gürke) Verdc.
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. engleriana (Gürke) Verdc. typically grows up to 10 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 50 cm. The plant has dense foliage, with pinnate leaves that are arranged alternatively along the stems. Each leaf is composed of up to 19 pairs of leaflets that are ovate to lanceolate shaped and have serrated margins. The plant has small flowers that are white or light pink in color and produce a fruity, pleasant scent. The fruit produced by the plant is a round to oval-shaped berry that is approximately 1.5 to 3 cm in diameter. The berries are initially green but turn yellow, orange, or red as they mature. They have a thin skin and contain a pulp that is juicy and edible.
Uses of Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. engleriana (Gürke) Verdc.
The various parts of Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. engleriana (Gürke) Verdc. have various traditional uses. The bark of the plant is used to treat various ailments, including fever, malaria, stomach pains, and coughs. The leaves are used to treat skin diseases, wounds, and snakebites. The fruit of the plant is edible and is consumed either raw or cooked. It is rich in vitamin C and is also used to make jams and jellies. The wood of the plant is hard and durable and is used for making furniture, tool handles, and building materials.
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. engleriana (Gürke) Verdc. is also used for landscaping purposes due to its attractive appearance and shade-providing qualities. In addition, the plant is used in reforestation and erosion control programs due to its fast growth and ability to thrive in poor soil conditions.
Light Requirements
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. engleriana (Gürke) Verdc. prefers a partially shady environment. It grows well under the canopy of taller trees, which provides optimal light conditions. If planted in direct sunlight, the plant can quickly become stressed and eventually die. It is, therefore, best to plant it in a partially shaded area where it receives a few hours of direct sunlight each day.
Temperature Requirements
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. engleriana (Gürke) Verdc. is a tropical plant that can withstand high temperatures. The plant grows best in temperatures between 25°C and 30°C. If the temperature drops below 15°C, the plant will begin to experience stress, leading to stunted growth or death. The plant is intolerant to frost, so it is best to avoid planting it in cold areas that experience frost.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow in a wide range of soils, including acidic, neutral, and alkaline. However, it prefers moist, well-draining soils. Heavy clay soils or poorly drained soils can hinder the plant's growth and development. It is essential to amend the soil with organic matter to increase soil fertility, improve moisture retention, and enhance soil structure. The ideal soil pH for Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. engleriana (Gürke) Verdc. is between 6.0 and 7.5.
Cultivation Methods for Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. engleriana (Gürke) Verdc.
The cultivation method for this plant requires a well-drained soil with an acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.0. It thrives well in full sunlight and does not tolerate frost or low temperatures. The ideal temperature for this plant ranges between 20-26°C. Being a low maintenance crop, it can be grown without any special care and attention to the soil type, except maintaining an adequate pH and drainage system.
Watering Needs for Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. engleriana (Gürke) Verdc.
Although the plant can tolerate drought, it requires a moderate amount of water during the growing season. Irrigation is critical during the first year of planting, particularly during the dry season. It's recommended to avoid over-watering as it can lead to the development of root-rot. It's better to water the plant deeply once or twice a week than to give it small amounts of water frequently.
Fertilization Techniques for Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. engleriana (Gürke) Verdc.
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. engleriana (Gürke) Verdc. does not require excessive fertilizer applications as it can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced fruiting. A well-balanced fertilizer with N:P:K ratio of 4:4:4 should be applied to young or immature specimens once a year at the start of the growing season. Mature plants require fertilizer applications twice a year, one in spring and another in autumn. Organic fertilizers and manure are highly recommended for fruit trees as they boost soil fertility and improve the general health of the plant.
Pruning Techniques for Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. engleriana (Gürke) Verdc.
Pruning is vital in maintaining desired tree shape, managing tree size, and increasing fruit production. It's recommended to prune the plant during the dormant season, mainly in early spring, before the growth begins. Dead and diseased wood should be removed, and crossing branches thinned out. It's also essential to prune off any water sprouts that emerge from the lower trunk or rootstock. Proper pruning enhances light penetration, increases air circulation, and improves fruit quality.
Propagation of Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. engleriana (Gürke) Verdc.
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. engleriana (Gürke) Verdc. can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by Seeds
The plant produces seeds that can be collected once they have fully matured. The seeds need to be stratified before planting. Stratification involves exposing the seeds to cold temperatures for a period to initiate growth. The seeds can then be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. Germination can take up to four weeks, and the plant starts to develop its true leaves after six weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. engleriana (Gürke) Verdc. can be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer from the current year's growth. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept moist and can root within a few weeks. Once rooted, the plant can be transplanted into a larger pot.
Propagation by Layering
Layering is another propagation method for Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. engleriana (Gürke) Verdc. This method involves bending a low hanging branch of the plant and making a small incision in the bark. The incision should be treated with rooting hormone, and the branch should be buried in the soil, leaving the treated area exposed. The branch should be kept moist, and within a few weeks, roots will start to develop. Once the plant is firmly rooted, the branch can be cut from the main plant and transplanted into a larger pot.
Disease and Pest Management for Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. engleriana (Gürke) Verdc.
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. engleriana (Gürke) Verdc. is generally considered a hardy plant species, but it is still susceptible to a number of diseases and pests that can damage the plant and reduce its yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and some suggestions for managing them:
Diseases
Anthrachnose: This fungal disease can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves and stems. To manage this disease, remove infected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide.
Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause white spots and patches on leaves and stems. To manage this disease, prune and remove infected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide.
Leaf spot: This bacterial disease can cause the development of brown or black spots on leaves. To manage this disease, remove infected parts of the plant and apply a bactericide.
Pests
Aphids: These insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause it to wilt. To manage this pest, remove infected leaves and apply an insecticide.
Whiteflies: These insects can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves and cause the plant to produce less fruit. To manage this pest, remove infected leaves and apply an insecticide.
Spider mites: These insects can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves and cause the plant to produce less fruit. To manage this pest, remove infected leaves and apply an insecticide.
