Introduction
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. paullinioides is a plant species commonly found in East and Central Africa. It belongs to the Meliaceae family, which includes many economically important tropical species. Bersama abyssinica var. paullinioides is a subspecies of Bersama abyssinica and sometimes referred to as the rare and endangered subspecies.
Origin and Distribution
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. paullinioides is native to East and Central Africa and is found in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. The species can grow in a variety of habitats, including riverine forests, savannas, and wooded grasslands.
Common Names
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. paullinioides is commonly known as the East African cherry, African mutheri, White cherry, or mukakahwa in Swahili.
Uses
The plant has many traditional uses, and its bark and roots are used in African traditional medicine. The bark extract is used to treat a variety of ailments, including malaria, dysentery, and fever. The roots of the plant are used to cure a cough, stomach aches and diarrhea. The bark and roots' extractives are also used to tan animal hides and as a dye for textiles.
General Appearance
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. paullinioides is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20 m tall. The tree has a dense crown with spreading branches, and the bark is smooth and grey. The leaves are compound, alternate, and imparipinnate, and can be up to 35 cm long. The flowers are small, greenish-white and produced in dense terminal or axillary panicles. The fruit produced from the flowers is round, fleshy, and green, turning yellow when mature and contains a single seed.
Overall, Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. paullinioides is an important species with significant cultural, medicinal, and economic value in East and Central Africa.Light Requirements
The plant Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. paullinioides requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but excessive shade can lead to stunted growth and poor fruiting. Therefore, planting in an area that receives adequate sunlight is recommended.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is found in tropical and subtropical regions and therefore thrives in warm temperatures. It can survive temperatures as low as 5°C and as high as 35°C. However, it grows best in temperatures between 20°C to 30°C. Extreme temperatures, whether too hot or too cold, can hinder growth and fruiting.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers sandy loam soil but can also grow in rocky and clay soils. The soil pH should be between 5.5 to 7.5. It is important to avoid waterlogged conditions as this can lead to root rot. Adequate moisture is necessary for growth but the plant can also survive in moderately dry conditions once established.
Cultivation Methods
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. paullinioides, commonly known as African Dogwood, requires well-draining, fertile soil to grow well. It thrives well under full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. The best method to grow the plant is via seeds or stem cuttings, sown during the spring.
Watering Needs
African Dogwood requires moderate watering, especially during the dry season. Always make sure never to overwater the plant as it can cause root rot. During the rainy season, you can reduce the watering frequency to avoid waterlogging the soil. Always ensure the topsoil is dry before watering your plant.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth, African Dogwood requires fertilization. You can use an all-purpose organic fertilizer once or twice a month during the growing season. African Dogwood is sensitive to salts; therefore, always flush the soil before application to prevent salt accumulation and burn to the plant. Avoid applying fertilizer during the dormant season to prevent causing stress to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning the African Dogwood is critical to promote growth and a gorgeous canopy. The best time to prune is during the early spring before new growth. Remove dead, diseased, or weak branches to promote airflow and improve the plant's overall health. Avoid pruning during the dormant season as it can cause stress to the plant.
Propagation of Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. paullinioides
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. paullinioides, commonly known as the African Dogwood, is a fast-growing shrub that can reach up to 7 meters in height. It is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and produces small yellow-green flowers that turn into red-black fruits. The plant is propagated by seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The propagation of Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. paullinioides by seeds is a common method. The seeds should be collected from ripe fruits and cleaned thoroughly. After cleaning, the seeds can be sown in nursery beds or containers filled with prepared soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically occurs within two to four weeks, and the seedlings should be thinned out to prevent overcrowding. At about two months of age, the seedlings can be transplanted into individual bags or containers, which should be kept in a shaded area until they are well established.
Propagation by Cuttings
The propagation of Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. paullinioides by cuttings is a more labor-intensive method. Softwood cuttings are preferred, taken from young, healthy plants. Cuttings should contain at least two nodes and should be taken in the early morning or late evening when the plant is least likely to be stressed. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormones and planted in prepared soil in a mist bed. The mist bed should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be monitored regularly for signs of wilting or infection. After two to three months, the cuttings should have developed strong root systems and can be transplanted to individual bags or containers.
Disease and Pest Management for Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. paullinioides
Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. paullinioides is a plant commonly found in Africa and is known for its medicinal properties. However, the plant is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can significantly reduce its growth and yield. Hence, good disease and pest management practices are essential to keep the plant healthy and productive.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that can affect Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. paullinioides include leaf spot, powdery mildew, and rust. Leaf spot is caused by fungi that infect the leaves, causing circular or angular spots that can be brown, yellow, or black. Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems, and can cause severe deformations. Rust is a fungal disease that results in yellow, orange, or brown powdery spots appearing on the leaves and stems.
Disease Management
To manage diseases in Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. paullinioides, it is crucial to keep the plant healthy and stress-free. The following are some disease management practices:
- Remove diseased plant parts and destroy them to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Practice crop rotation to prevent the buildup of pathogens in the soil.
- Ensure the plant has adequate nutrients, water, and sunlight to prevent stress.
- Apply approved fungicides at the recommended rates to control the disease.
Common Pests
Several insects can infest Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. paullinioides, including aphids, whiteflies, and caterpillars. Aphids are small insects that can suck sap from the leaves and cause stunted growth. Whiteflies, on the other hand, appear like white moths and can cause leaf yellowing and wilting. Caterpillars can feed on the leaves and destroy entire plant parts.
Pest Management
The following are some pest management practices you can adopt for Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. paullinioides:
- Introduce natural enemies of the pests, such as ladybirds and lacewings, to the planting area
- Practice crop rotation to reduce the buildup of pests in the soil.
- Use insecticides only when necessary, following the recommended rates and application methods.
- Use crops that repel pests, such as garlic or onions, in combination with the plant to discourage pests from attacking the plant.
By implementing the above pest and disease management strategies, you can reduce the impact of pests and diseases on Bersama abyssinica Fresen. var. paullinioides and keep the plant healthy and productive.
