Overview
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. gracilipes (Mildbr.) Verdc., also known as the African whitewood, is a plant species that belongs to the Meliaceae family. It is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 25 meters tall and 60 centimeters in diameter at breast height. The tree is native to various regions in Africa, including Ethiopia, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Sudan.
Common Names
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. gracilipes (Mildbr.) Verdc. has several common names, including African whitewood, ichikozo, ukinga, umgona, and mbololo.
Uses
The plant's bark, leaves, and fruit have been used for various medicinal purposes for centuries in African traditional medicine. The bark is believed to have antimalarial and anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to treat fever, dysentery, and rheumatism. The leaves are used to stimulate lactation, and the fruit is believed to have antipyretic properties.
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. gracilipes (Mildbr.) Verdc. is also a valuable source of timber, used for construction and furniture making. The pulp and seeds of the fruit are used to make soap, while the fruits are also consumed by local communities for their nutritional value.
Appearance
The African whitewood is a large evergreen tree with a thick, rough, and dark-brown bark. Its leaves are pinnate, with 5-9 leaflets, and up to 25 centimeters long. The tree produces small, yellowish-white flowers that are followed by green fruit that ripens to yellow or orange. The fruit is about 4.5 centimeters long and contains a hard, woody shell enclosing one or two seeds.
Growth Conditions for Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. gracilipes (Mildbr.) Verdc.
Light Requirements: Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. gracilipes (Mildbr.) Verdc. requires full sun exposure to partial shade. It can grow in both shaded and open areas, but direct sunlight is essential for its growth and development.
Temperature Requirements: This plant requires warm to hot temperatures and cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. The optimal temperature range for Bersama abyssinica Fresen varies from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius can affect the growth and development of the plant.
Soil Requirements: Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. gracilipes (Mildbr.) Verdc. prefers deep, well-drained soils, and can thrive in various soil types such as sandy, loamy or clay soils. The plant requires moderate pH levels ranging from 5.5 to 7.5.
Water Requirements: This plant requires moderate water, and it can survive drought conditions. However, too much water or waterlogging may lead to root rot and affect the growth and development of the plant. During the dry season, it is essential to water the plant thoroughly, and provide mulch around the base of the plant to prevent soil erosion and retain moisture.
Fertilizer Requirements: Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. gracilipes (Mildbr.) Verdc. requires moderate fertilization, with an appropriate balance of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. It is advised to use well-composted organic matter as the primary source of nutrients, avoid excessive use of chemical fertilizers, and regularly monitor the soil's fertility status.
Propagation: Propagation of Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. gracilipes (Mildbr.) Verdc. is best done through seed propagation. The seeds should be soaked in water for approximately 24 hours, and then planted in trays or pots filled with fertile soil. Keep the soil moist and place the tray in an area with direct sunlight. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Cultivation of Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. gracilipes (Mildbr.) Verdc.
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. gracilipes (Mildbr.) Verdc. is a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate a wide range of climate conditions. It can be easily grown in pots or in the ground and requires minimal effort to establish and maintain. The plant prefers well-draining soil and requires adequate sunlight to grow.
Watering Needs of Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. gracilipes (Mildbr.) Verdc.
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. gracilipes (Mildbr.) Verdc. requires regular watering, especially during the dry season, to maintain optimum growth. However, the plant should not be overwatered, as excessive moisture can lead to the development of root rot. It is recommended to water the plant when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization of Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. gracilipes (Mildbr.) Verdc.
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. gracilipes (Mildbr.) Verdc. benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. A slow-release fertilizer, applied every three months, is ideal for this plant. Fertilizers that are high in nitrogen can be particularly useful for young plants, while established plants require phosphate and potassium-rich fertilizers.
Pruning Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. gracilipes (Mildbr.) Verdc.
Pruning Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. gracilipes (Mildbr.) Verdc. is generally not required, but it can be done to maintain the shape and size of the plant. It is best to prune in the early spring, just before the plant's growth period begins, to avoid disrupting the plant's natural growth cycle. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and trim any excessive growth to promote bushier growth.
Propagation of Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. gracilipes (Mildbr.) Verdc.
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. gracilipes (Mildbr.) Verdc. is usually propagated through seed. The seeds of this plant are best collected when they turn from green to brown and begin to split open naturally. The collected seeds must be cleaned and then soaked in warm water for 24 hours to ensure germination.
Another propagation method for Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. gracilipes (Mildbr.) Verdc. is through stem cuttings. Cuttings can be taken from semi-hard wood, preferably from the plant's lateral branches, and must be about 10-15 cm in length. These cuttings are then planted into a well-draining rooting medium and kept moist until roots develop.
In addition to seed and stem cutting propagation methods, Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. gracilipes (Mildbr.) Verdc. can also be propagated through root division. The plant's rhizomes can be divided during the dormant season, ensuring that each piece has a viable bud or shoot. These divided roots can then be planted into their own pots or directly into the ground.
Overall, Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. gracilipes (Mildbr.) Verdc. can be propagated through various methods, allowing for a diversity of options to maintain the plant's population.
Disease Management
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. gracilipes (Mildbr.) Verdc. is a hardy plant that is resistant to many diseases. However, it may be susceptible to certain fungal infections.
One common fungal disease that affects this plant is powdery mildew, which manifests as a white, powdery substance on the leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, use a fungicide containing potassium bicarbonate or neem oil. Regular pruning and proper spacing of the plant can also reduce the risk of powdery mildew.
Another fungal disease that can affect Bersama abyssinica is Anthracnose, which causes lesions on the leaves and stems. To prevent Anthracnose, remove infected plant debris and apply copper-based fungicides early in the growing season.
Pest Management
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. gracilipes (Mildbr.) Verdc. is typically not affected by major pests. However, it may be targeted by certain insects.
One common pest that may attack this plant is the mealybug, which appears as white, cottony clusters on the plant. To manage mealybugs, regularly inspect the plant and remove any infested leaves or branches. Use a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control the infestation.
The coffee white stem borer is another pest that can affect Bersama abyssinica. It attacks the stem and branches, leading to twig dieback and girdling. To control this pest, prune and destroy infested twigs and branches. Use a systemic insecticide, such as imidacloprid or fipronil, to control severe infestations.
