Overview
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. kandtii (Gilg & Brehmer) Verdc. is a plant species that belongs to the family of Meliaceae, which is commonly known as the Mahogany family. This plant is native to East Africa and can be commonly found in countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. It is a shrub or a small tree that can grow up to 5 meters tall and is known for its medical properties.
Common Names
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. kandtii has many names in different languages, including Koko (Ethiopia), Mombasa mahogany (English), Mukuku (Tanzania), and Muwoloko (Uganda). It is also commonly referred to as the Abyssinian bersama.
Appearance
The Abyssinian bersama is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 5 m tall. The leaves are pinnately compound, with up to 11 leaflets. The individual leaflets are oblong-shaped, glossy, and measure up to 15 cm long and 5 cm wide. The flowers of the plant are small and greenish-white, and the fruit is a round, green drupe that measures up to 1 cm in diameter.
Uses
The Abyssinian bersama has many uses, especially in traditional medicine. The root bark is used to treat fever, malaria, and as a pain killer. The leaves are used to treat various skin conditions, such as rashes, boils, and wound healing. The fruits are also edible and are sometimes used in the preparation of traditional dishes. Additionally, the plant has ecological values as it is used to control soil erosion and as a shade plant for coffee and tea farms.
Growth Conditions of Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. kandtii (Gilg & Brehmer) Verdc.
Light Requirements: Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. kandtii (Gilg & Brehmer) Verdc. is a shade-loving plant that can be grown under the canopy of larger trees. It prefers bright but indirect light that is filtered through the leaves of other plants. Direct sunlight can be harmful to its growth.
Temperature: This plant thrives in warm temperatures and is adapted to tropical and subtropical climates. It can withstand average low temperatures of 10°C and high temperatures of up to 40°C. Temperatures below 10°C can slow down its growth while frost can be fatal.
Soil Requirements: Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. kandtii (Gilg & Brehmer) Verdc. grows best in fertile, well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It prefers soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant is adaptable to different soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils.
Water Requirements: This plant is moderately drought-tolerant and can survive short periods of dryness. However, for optimal growth and development, it requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. Overwatering can lead to waterlogging and root rot, which can be detrimental to the plant's health.
Nutrient Requirements: Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. kandtii (Gilg & Brehmer) Verdc. has moderate nutrient requirements. It responds well to organic fertilizers such as compost and manure. Nitrogen is essential for its growth and development, and phosphorus and potassium are necessary for flowering and fruiting.
Propagation: The plant can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and root cuttings. Seedlings are easy to establish, and they can be transplanted into the field after six to eight weeks of growth. Stem and root cuttings require a rooting hormone to enhance their chances of survival.
Cultivation Methods for Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. kandtii (Gilg & Brehmer) Verdc.
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. kandtii (Gilg & Brehmer) Verdc. is a small tree that is native to parts of East Africa. It is a hardy plant that thrives in different types of soil and moisture conditions. For successful cultivation, follow these methods:
- Plant in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter.
- Choose a location with partial shade to full sunlight exposure.
- Ensure adequate spacing of at least 3 meters between plants.
- Plant during the rainy season for optimum growth and establishment.
Watering Needs for Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. kandtii (Gilg & Brehmer) Verdc.
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. kandtii (Gilg & Brehmer) Verdc. requires moderate watering. The following tips can help:
- Water regularly during the initial planting phase until the tree establishes roots.
- Water deeply to encourage deep root growth and drought resistance.
- Reduce watering during the dry season to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization for Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. kandtii (Gilg & Brehmer) Verdc.
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. kandtii (Gilg & Brehmer) Verdc. responds well to regular fertilization. Here are some tips:
- Apply organic fertilizers such as compost, manure or mulch during the planting phase.
- Use balanced inorganic fertilizers during the growing phase. The recommended dosage is 150g per tree applied every three months.
- Before applying fertilizer, rake away any mulch or debris that might interfere with root absorption.
Pruning for Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. kandtii (Gilg & Brehmer) Verdc.
Pruning is necessary to control the shape and size of the plant. Follow these tips for successful pruning:
- Prune when the tree is dormant during the dry season to promote new growth in the following growing season.
- Remove any dead or diseased branches as soon as they appear to prevent the spread of disease.
- Remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other to prevent damage.
- Always sterilize pruning equipment to prevent the spread of disease between plants.
Propagation of Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. kandtii (Gilg & Brehmer) Verdc.
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. kandtii (Gilg & Brehmer) Verdc., commonly known as Ethiopian berry, is a woody plant that is grown for its edible berries. The plant belongs to the family Meliaceae and is native to Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania. It is a slow-growing plant that can reach up to 10 meters in height. The plant is propagated by various methods that include seeds, cuttings, and air layering.
Propagation by Seeds:
The most common method of propagation for Bersama abyssinica is through seeds. The seeds are collected from ripe fruit and are sown in well-draining soil. Before sowing, the seeds are soaked in water for a day to soften the seed coat. The seeds are then sown at a depth of 1-2 cm and kept in a warm, humid, and bright place. Germination occurs within 2-4 weeks, and the seedlings are transplanted into individual pots when they reach a height of 5-6 cm.
Propagation by Cuttings:
Bersama abyssinica can also be propagated by cuttings. Softwood cuttings are taken from the new growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be around 10-15 cm in length with a diameter of 1 cm. The leaves are removed from the lower end of the cutting, and it is dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting is planted in a well-draining, moisture-retentive soil mix and placed in bright, indirect light. The cutting should root within 4-6 weeks, and it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Propagation by Air Layering:
Air layering is another method of propagating Bersama abyssinica. This method is used to propagate larger, established plants. A section of the stem is selected, and a ring of bark is removed from around the stem. A rooting hormone is applied to the wound, and it is wrapped with damp moss. The moss is then wrapped with plastic to retain moisture. After 6-8 weeks, roots should appear, and the rooted section of the stem can be cut and transplanted into its own container or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. kandtii (Gilg & Brehmer) Verdc. is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Leaf spot: Caused by the fungus Cercospora. Symptoms include circular, reddish-brown lesions on the leaves. To manage, remove the infected leaves and dispose of them properly. Apply fungicides such as copper-based compounds or chlorothalonil as a preventive measure.
- Anthracnose: Caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Symptoms include circular, sunken lesions with dark margins on the leaves. To manage, remove the infected leaves and dispose of them properly. Apply fungicides such as copper-based compounds or chlorothalonil as a preventive measure.
- Powdery mildew: Caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum. Symptoms include a white powdery growth on the leaves. To manage, remove the infected leaves and dispose of them properly. Apply fungicides such as sulfur-based compounds or potassium bicarbonate as a preventive measure.
Pest Management
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. kandtii (Gilg & Brehmer) Verdc. is also susceptible to several pests, including:
- Scale insects: Small, immobile insects that secrete a protective covering over their bodies. Symptoms include yellowing leaves with sticky residue on the surface. To manage, prune heavily infested branches and apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: Tiny arachnids that suck the sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and bronzing. To manage, spray the plant with water to dislodge the mites and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: Larvae of moths or butterflies that feed on the leaves and cause defoliation. To manage, handpick the caterpillars and dispose of them properly. Apply biological agents such as Bacillus thuringiensis or spinosad as a preventive measure.
