Origin
Butyrospermum paradoxum (C.F.Gaertn.) Hepper subsp. parkii (G.Don) Hepper, also known as the African Shea tree, originated from tropical West Africa. It can be found in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Togo, Benin, and Guinea.
Common Names
The African Shea tree has several common names depending on the country. In Nigeria, it is known as Ori, Okwuma, and Oji. In Ghana, it is called Nku, Bambuk butter tree or Ghana Shea tree. In Ivory Coast, it is referred to as Karethic or Baré. In Togo, the tree is known as Kiru or Kaamba. In Benin, the tree is called Rega. The most commonly used name for the Shea tree is Shea butter tree.
Uses
The Shea tree has been used for centuries by local communities for medicinal, cosmetic, and nutritional purposes. The nuts of the tree are high in fat and are processed to obtain Shea butter which is used as a moisturizer, skin and hair conditioner, and even as a cooking oil. The oil from the Shea nuts is also used in traditional medicine to heal wounds, reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. The bark and leaves of the tree are used to produce traditional medicines for diarrhea, constipation and other ailments.
General Appearance
The Shea tree is a medium-sized tree that reaches up to 15 metres tall. The tree has a thick, gnarled trunk and a rounded crown of dark green leaves that are compound and alternate. The tree bears fruit in the form of spherical green-brown nuts enclosed in a fleshy greenish-yellow fruit. The nuts are hard and contain a white, oily kernel which is the source of Shea butter.
Light Requirements
The Butyrospermum paradoxum subsp. parkii plant typically requires a moderate amount of light to grow. It can tolerate both partial shade and full sun conditions but prefers an area with mild sunlight. Inadequate light can lead to stunted growth and leggy plants, while excessive light can cause leaf scorch and sunburn. Therefore, it is recommended to grow the plant in a place where it receives moderate light intensity.
Temperature Requirements
The Butyrospermum paradoxum subsp. parkii plant thrives in tropical or subtropical environments with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. It prefers warm temperatures and cannot withstand frost or high winds. The minimum temperature that this plant can tolerate is 12°C, and it should be protected from extremely low temperatures. Therefore, it is necessary to grow the plant in an area with stable temperatures within the required range and avoid exposing it to extreme temperature variations.
Soil Requirements
The Butyrospermum paradoxum subsp. parkii plant requires well-draining soils with a pH ranging from 4.5 to 8.0. It can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils as long as they are well-drained. The plant prefers soil rich in organic matter, and it is important to add compost to the soil before planting. It is essential to avoid waterlogged soils as they can lead to root rot and other fungal infections. Therefore, it is recommended to plant the Butyrospermum paradoxum subsp. parkii plant in well-drained soils that are not prone to waterlogging.
Cultivation and Care for Butyrospermum paradoxum subsp. parkii
Butyrospermum paradoxum subsp. parkii, commonly known as African shea tree or simply shea tree, is a small to medium-sized tree native to Africa. It's a popular ornamental plant and grown for its nuts that are used to extract shea butter.
Cultivation
Shea trees grow best in tropical and subtropical regions where the temperature doesn't go below 10°C. The trees prefer a well-draining soil that's rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for the soil is between 6.0-7.5. Shea trees require plenty of sunlight, so plant them in an area where they can receive full sun. The trees can grow up to 20 meters high, so make sure to plant them in a spacious area where they'll have enough space to grow.
Watering Needs
Young shea trees need to be watered regularly until they become well established in the ground. Water them at least once a week, or more frequently if the weather is too hot and dry. Once the trees mature, they require less water, but make sure to keep the soil moist at all times to promote steady growth. Avoid overwatering the trees as they're susceptible to root rot.
Fertilization
Shea trees are heavy feeders, so they require regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. Apply a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium during the growing season. Fertilize the trees every three months for optimal results. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to salt build-up in the soil, which is harmful to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of the shea tree. Remove the dead or diseased branches as soon as you notice them. Prune the trees annually during the dry season to promote new growth. Keep the tree's canopy narrow and compact to prevent it from becoming too tall and bulky. Prune the lower branches to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of diseases.
Propagation of Butyrospermum paradoxum subsp. parkii
Butyrospermum paradoxum subsp. parkii, commonly known as shea butter tree or African shea tree, is a valuable agroforestry species that is native to African savannah regions. Propagation of this plant is important for conservation, commercial, and subsistence purposes. Various methods, including propagation by seed and vegetative propagation, can be used to produce new plants.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is the most common method used to propagate shea butter trees. The plant produces fruit that contains seeds inside. The seeds can be collected from mature fruit that has fallen to the ground. The seeds are then extracted from the fruit and cleaned. After cleaning, the seeds must be stored in a cool, dry place until planting. The seeds can be planted in soil or in seedling trays filled with a propagation mixture of soil, sand, and compost. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 2-3 times their diameter, and they should be watered regularly.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is a method used to produce new plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant. This method is useful for propagating cultivars that have desirable traits. The most common methods used to propagate shea butter trees vegetatively are grafting and rooting cuttings. Grafting involves joining a scion from the desired cultivar onto a rootstock from a related plant. Rooting cuttings involves taking a cutting from a healthy shea butter tree and rooting it in a propagation mixture of soil, sand, and compost. Both methods require careful handling, appropriate growing conditions, and attention to detail to achieve successful propagation.
Disease Management
When it comes to disease management, the Butyrospermum paradoxum subsp. parkii plant is fairly resistant to many common plant diseases. However, there are still a few diseases that may affect it. Here are some of the most common diseases and ways to manage them:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes leaf spots and cankers on the plant. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy any infected plant material and use a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Bacterial leaf spot: This bacterial disease causes small water-soaked lesions on the leaves. To manage bacterial leaf spot, remove and destroy any infected plant material and use a copper-based fungicide.
- Root rot: This fungal disease can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil that's too heavy. To manage root rot, improve drainage, reduce watering, and use a fungicide if necessary.
Pest Management
There are several pests that may affect the Butyrospermum paradoxum subsp. parkii plant. Here are some of the most common pests and ways to manage them:
- Mites: These tiny insects can cause significant damage to the leaves of the plant. To manage mites, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray, or introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings.
- Scale insects: These pests can be identified by their small, circular shells on the leaves and stems. To manage scale insects, remove and destroy any infested plant material and use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
- Mealybugs: These insects can be identified by their white or gray waxy coating on the leaves and stems. To manage mealybugs, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray and remove any heavily infested plant material.
