Origin and Common Names
Butyrospermum paradoxum (C.F.Gaertn.) Hepper subsp. niloticum (Kotschy) Hepper is a plant species that belongs to the Sapotaceae family. It is commonly known as the African Shea Tree or the Shea Butter tree. The plant is native to the savannas of Sub-Saharan Africa, including countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Mali, Guinea, and many others.
Appearance
The African Shea Tree is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. The tree has a rough, gray-brown bark that is deeply furrowed. Its leaves are alternate, compound, and imparipinnate. They can grow up to 30 centimeters long and are shiny and dark green in color. The flowering period of this species occurs between February and April, and it produces small, greenish-white flowers that grow in clusters.
The plant's fruit is an ovoid drupe, typically about 2.5 - 4 cm long and 1.5 - 3 cm in diameter. This fruit has a thin, yellow-green skin with a pulp that is rich in oil. The pulp encloses a single seed, which is surrounded by a hard, brown shell that protects a white kernel, from which Shea Butter is extracted.
Uses
The African Shea Tree is an important economic crop for many African countries that depend on it for both domestic use and export. The plant's nuts contain a highly nutritious oil, Shea Butter, that is widely used in the cosmetics and personal care industry. Shea Butter is used in many skincare products because of its excellent moisturizing and healing properties.
The plant's nuts are not only used for their oil, but also for their medicinal and nutritional properties. They are rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins A, E and F, and are suitable for cooking. Additionally, the leaves of this plant have been used in traditional African medicine for the treatment of many ailments such as dysentery, diarrhea, and fever.
Furthermore, the African Shea Tree has significant environmental benefits. It is a drought-resistant plant that helps to reduce erosion and improves soil fertility. The tree also provides shade and habitat for many wildlife species, and its wood is used for carving and as firewood.
Light Requirements
Butyrospermum paradoxum subsp. niloticum prefers to grow in full sunlight. It can tolerate some shade, but it must receive a minimum of 4 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow properly.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Butyrospermum paradoxum subsp. niloticum growth is between 20°C to 40°C. It can tolerate temperatures of up to 45°C but cannot withstand frost or freezing conditions. The plant prefers a moderate to high humidity environment with good ventilation to allow for healthy growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and nutrients. Sandy to loamy soils with a neutral pH range between 6.0 to 7.5 are preferred. However, the plant can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions from acidic to alkaline. Regular watering is necessary to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot and stunted growth.
Cultivation Methods
Butyrospermum paradoxum subsp. niloticum is a slow-growing tree that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It prefers a well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. The plant can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, or grafting. When planting seeds, they should be sown in well-draining soil, and the pot should be kept in a warm and humid place until the seeds sprout. When planting cuttings, make sure that each cutting has at least two leaves and a healthy stem. Grafting is a relatively easy method for propagation, and it ensures better growth and yield.Watering Needs
The Butyrospermum paradoxum subsp. niloticum tree requires regular watering during the growing season, primarily when the topsoil becomes dry. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot. During the winter months, the plant should be watered occasionally.Fertilization
Fertilization should be done every three to four months during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended. Organic fertilizers like compost and manure can also be used. Avoid overfertilizing, as it can lead to salt build-up in the soil.Pruning
Pruning is crucial for maintaining the shape and size of the tree and improving the yield. It should be done during the dormant season, mainly in late winter. Dead branches, damaged, or diseased branches should be removed to promote healthy growth. Also, pruning helps to control the density of the tree canopy and improve the amount of sunlight reaching the tree's interior.Propagation of Butyrospermum paradoxum subsp. niloticum
Butyrospermum paradoxum subsp. niloticum is a tree species belonging to the family Sapotaceae. The tree is mainly propagated through seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation through seeds is the most common method of propagating Butyrospermum paradoxum subsp. niloticum. The seeds are produced in spherical fruits that contain a single seed. The fruits are collected from trees between June and August when they are mature. After collection, the fruits are allowed to ripen and dry for a week before extraction of the seeds.
The extracted seeds are soaked in hot water for 24 hours to break their dormancy. The soaked seeds are then sown in seedbeds filled with a mixture of topsoil and sand. The seedlings are transplanted into pots when they reach the two-leaf stage and nurtured for up to 5 months before being transplanted into the field.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is another method of propagating Butyrospermum paradoxum subsp. niloticum. Semi-hardwood cuttings with a length of 20 cm and a diameter of 1 cm are collected from mature trees between June and August.
The bottom of the cuttings is dipped in rooting hormone, and the leaves are removed, leaving only two topmost leaves. The cuttings are planted in a rooting medium that is a mixture of topsoil and sand in a ratio of 1:1. The cuttings are placed under shade, and humidity is maintained by regular misting. Rooting occurs in 3-4 months, and the rooted cuttings are nurtured in a nursery for six months before transplanting into the field.
Propagation through Grafting
Propagation through grafting is used to grow Butyrospermum paradoxum subsp. niloticum cultivars that exhibit desirable characteristics. The method involves grafting buds or scions from the desired cultivar onto rootstock from a related species.
The process involves making a diagonal cut across a rootstock branch, followed by a vertical cut that creates a slit at the center of the diagonal cut. The scion is then prepared by making a sloping cut at its base and connected to the slit in the rootstock. The graft union is wrapped with grafting tape and covered with a plastic bag to create a humid environment for the scion to take.
Disease and Pest Management for Butyrospermum paradoxum subsp. niloticum
Butyrospermum paradoxum subsp. niloticum, commonly known as the African shea tree, is a valuable plant that provides a range of economic, ecological, and cultural benefits. As with any other plant, African shea trees are susceptible to a range of pests and diseases that may affect their growth and productivity. Effective pest and disease management strategies are therefore important for ensuring the optimal growth and yield of African shea trees. Some of the common pests and diseases that affect African shea trees include:
Diseases
1. Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of African shea trees, causing them to develop brown or black spots. This disease can weaken the tree and reduce its yield. To manage anthracnose, it is important to prune infected leaves and apply a fungicide to prevent the spread of the fungus.
2. Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of African shea trees, causing them to develop a white powdery coating. This disease can reduce the yield of the tree. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to prune infected leaves and apply a fungicide.
3. Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of African shea trees, causing them to rot and eventually die. This disease can reduce the yield of the tree. To manage root rot, it is important to ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering the trees.
Pests
1. Shea caterpillar: The shea caterpillar is a pest that feeds on the leaves of African shea trees, causing them to develop holes and patches. This pest can reduce the yield of the tree. To manage the shea caterpillar, it is important to prune infected leaves and apply an insecticide.
2. Aphids: Aphids are pests that suck the sap from the leaves of African shea trees, causing them to wilt and deform. This pest can reduce the yield of the tree. To manage aphids, it is important to apply an insecticide or use natural predators like lady beetles.
3. Termites: Termites are pests that feed on the wood of African shea trees, causing structural damage to the tree. This pest can reduce the yield of the tree. To manage termites, it is important to regularly inspect the tree for signs of damage and apply a termiticide if necessary.
Overall, effective pest and disease management for African shea trees involves a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical approaches. It is important to choose an integrated pest management approach that is cost-effective, environmentally sound, and socially acceptable.
