Overview
Butyrospermum paradoxum (C.F.Gaertn.) Hepper, commonly known as the paradox shea tree, is a species of flowering plant in the family Sapotaceae. It is native to West and Central Africa, including Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Sudan.Description
The paradox shea tree is a medium-sized, deciduous tree that can grow up to 20-30 meters tall. It has a dense, round crown and a short trunk that can reach up to 1 meter in diameter. The bark is smooth and gray, with shallow fissures. The leaves are simple, alternate, and glossy green, with a leathery texture. They are oblong or elliptic, with a length of 10-20 cm and a width of 4-10 cm. The flowers are small, yellowish-white, and fragrant, with a diameter of about 5 mm. They appear in dense, axillary clusters and bloom from February to May. The fruit is a large, spherical drupe that can reach up to 8 cm in diameter. It has a thick, woody shell that contains a single seed, which is surrounded by a fleshy, oily pulp. The pulp is white or yellowish and has a high content of fatty acids.Uses
The nuts of the paradox shea tree are used to extract shea butter, a valuable ingredient in the cosmetic and personal care industry. Shea butter is rich in vitamins A, E, and F, and has moisturizing and healing properties. It is used in various skincare and haircare products, such as lotions, creams, soaps, shampoos, and conditioners. The paradox shea tree is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as pain, inflammation, fever, and diarrhea. The bark and leaves are used to make decoctions and infusions, which are taken orally or applied topically. In addition, the paradox shea tree is used for timber, firewood, charcoal, and shade. Its flowers attract bees and other pollinators, and its fruit is consumed by various wildlife, such as elephants, primates, and birds.Conclusion
Overall, the paradox shea tree is a valuable plant that provides various benefits to humans and nature. Its nuts yield shea butter, a widely used ingredient in the cosmetic industry, and its leaves and bark have medicinal properties. Its fruit and flowers also play an important role in the ecosystem.Light Requirements
Butyrospermum paradoxum requires full sun exposure to grow properly. The plant needs at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, but it can tolerate partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in warm temperatures. It thrives in temperatures between 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). However, it can survive in colder temperatures as long as it's not too extreme. The minimum temperature required for the plant's survival is around 5°C (41°F).
Soil Requirements
Butyrospermum paradoxum grows best in soil that is well-drained, fertile, and has a slightly acidic pH. The ideal pH range for the plant is between 5.5 and 6.5. The soil should be rich in nutrients and organic matter. A mix of compost, perlite, and sand can be added to the soil to improve drainage, aeration and provide some nutrients.
The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, sandy, loamy, or even rocky soils. However, it is essential to ensure that the soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Butyrospermum paradoxum is a tropical tree species that is native to West Africa. To cultivate this plant, you will need to provide it with the appropriate environmental conditions. The plant prefers temperatures between 24 to 29°C and requires well-drained soil to grow. You can either grow the plant through seeds or stem cuttings.
Watering Needs
Adequate watering is essential to maintain the health of Butyrospermum paradoxum. The plant requires moderate moisture levels, which can be achieved by watering it once a week. During the dry season, you may need to increase the frequency of watering to avoid drying out of the soil. Watering should be done in the early morning or late afternoon to prevent the water from evaporating quickly.
Fertilization
Fertilizing the Butyrospermum paradoxum is necessary to promote healthy growth. It is recommended to apply a high nitrogen fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season. During the flowering stage, you can switch to a fertilizer that contains low nitrogen and high phosphorus levels. This will stimulate flower and fruit production.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to promote the growth and development of Butyrospermum paradoxum. It also helps to maintain the plant's shape and size. Pruning should be done during the dormant season to avoid damage to the plant. You can remove dead or damaged branches, but avoid pruning the main stem or trunk. To promote vigorous growth, you can also prune back to the point where new growth is emerging.
Propagation methods of Butyrospermum paradoxum
Butyrospermum paradoxum, commonly known as the shea tree, is propagated through various methods, including:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Butyrospermum paradoxum. It involves planting fresh seeds that have been properly cleaned and stored. The seeds have to be planted in sterile, well-draining soils mixed with organic matter. It is recommended to sow the seeds in nursery beds first before transplanting them to the field. Seedlings would start to emerge after about 6-8 weeks of planting.
Vegetative propagation
Butyrospermum paradoxum can also be propagated vegetatively, which involves taking cuttings from mature trees. The cuttings should be about 30cm long and include a section of the stem, part of the root, and some leaves. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and then planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The cutting would start to grow after about 2-3 weeks.
Greenwood cuttings propagation
Greenwood cuttings are also used to propagate Butyrospermum paradoxum. This method involves taking cuttings from the current year's growth. The cuttings should be taken during summer and should be about 10cm long. They should then be planted in a rooting medium, kept moist, and covered to maintain humidity. The cuttings start to form roots after 2-3 weeks.
Air layering
Another method of propagation is air layering, which involves removing a ring of bark from a mature tree's stem and covering the exposed area with a rooting medium. This method takes time and may take up to 6 months before the cuttings start to produce roots. After the roots develop, the new plant can be separated from the mother plant and transplanted to its permanent site.
Disease Management:
Butyrospermum paradoxum is relatively resistant to diseases when grown under optimal conditions, but the following are some common diseases that may affect the plant:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes circular or irregular brown spots on the leaves. The best way to manage it is by avoiding overhead watering and ensuring good air circulation around the plant.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by a fungus that causes the roots to rot, leading to wilting and death of the plant. It can be avoided by ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overwatering.
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes brown spots and blights on the leaves and stems. It can be managed by pruning affected parts and applying fungicides.
Pest Management:
Butyrospermum paradoxum is also relatively resistant to pests, but the following are some common pests that may affect the plant:
- Aphids: These small insects can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. They can be managed by washing them off the plant with water or by using insecticidal soap.
- Mealybugs: These pests feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. They can be managed by wiping them off the plant with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Caterpillars: These pests can cause extensive damage to the leaves and stems of the Butyrospermum paradoxum plant. They can be managed by handpicking them off the plant or by using Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) insecticide.
