Overview:
Butyrospermum parkii (G.Don) Kotschy subsp. niloticum (Kotschy) J.H.Hemsl., commonly known as Shea or Karite tree, is an African plant that grows in 21 countries across the continent, including Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, and Uganda. This tree is mostly cultivated for its butter, which is extracted from its seeds and has various uses in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.
Appearance:
The Shea tree is a deciduous plant that can grow up to 15 meters in height. Its crown is quite broad and can reach up to 12 meters wide, making it an excellent shade provider in hot and dry regions. The tree has a grayish-brown trunk that is deeply furrowed, and its leaves are green, glossy, and elliptical in shape, measuring between 9 and 17 cm in length.
Uses:
One of the most notable uses of Shea is in the production of Shea butter, which is an ivory-colored fat that is extracted from the nuts of the Shea tree. Shea butter is widely used in the cosmetic industry for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used in the food industry as a substitute for cocoa butter and has a unique flavor that is similar to that of nuts. Additionally, Shea butter has several medicinal properties and is used to treat various skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
The wood of the Shea tree is also used for various purposes, including making furniture, utensils, and tool handles. The Shea fruit is eaten both raw and cooked and is also fermented to make a local alcoholic beverage. Moreover, the Shea tree has significant cultural and spiritual value in some African societies, and its leaves, bark, and roots are used in traditional medicine and rituals.
Light Requirements
Butyrospermum parkii subsp. niloticum prefers full sunlight to partial shade. The plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for healthy growth and maximum productivity. Insufficient sunlight can lead to stunted growth and reduced production of seeds.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in warm temperatures between 25°C – 35°C (77°F – 95°F). However, it can tolerate cooler temperatures down to 18°C (64°F) and hot temperatures up to 40°C (104°F). Temperatures below 5°C (41°F) are not suitable for the plant. Freezing temperatures can cause damage to the leaves and branches, leading to reduced productivity during the growing season.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 4.0 – 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and the plant requires regular watering to maintain soil moisture. However, the soil should not be waterlogged to avoid root rot. The plant can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Soil with a good structure and texture can improve the plant's growth and inhibit soil erosion.
Cultivation Methods
Butyrospermum parkii (G.Don) Kotschy subsp. niloticum (Kotschy) J.H.Hemsl., commonly known as Shea butter tree, is native to Africa. It is a tropical, drought-resistant tree that requires a well-drained soil for cultivation. It grows well in areas with a warm and humid climate, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35°C. The tree can be propagated through grafting and stem cuttings. The best time to plant a Shea butter tree is during the rainy season.
Watering Needs
Shea butter tree requires moderate watering, especially during the dry season. Young trees require frequent watering to establish a deep root system. Once established, the tree requires watering only when the soil becomes dry to a depth of at least 2 inches. Overwatering can lead to waterlogging and root rot, which can kill the tree. It is advisable to water the tree early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce water loss due to evaporation.
Fertilization
Shea butter tree requires a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and production. The fertilizer should be rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizer application should be done during the rainy season when the tree is actively growing. The fertilizer should be applied at the base of the tree, and care should be taken not to allow the fertilizer to come into contact with the tree trunk as it can cause damage.
Pruning
Shea butter tree requires minimal pruning, mainly to remove dead or diseased branches. Pruning should be done during the dry season when the tree is dormant. The pruning should be done carefully, taking care not to damage the tree bark. It is advisable to use sharp and clean pruning tools to avoid transmitting diseases from one part of the tree to another.
Propagation of Butyrospermum parkii (G.Don) Kotschy subsp. niloticum (Kotschy) J.H.Hemsl.
Propagation is the process of producing new plants from a parent plant. Butyrospermum parkii (G.Don) Kotschy subsp. niloticum (Kotschy) J.H.Hemsl., also known as the African Shea tree, can be propagated through multiple methods.
Seed Propagation
Butyrospermum parkii (G.Don) Kotschy subsp. niloticum (Kotschy) J.H.Hemsl. can be propagated through seeds. The seeds can either be planted directly in the field or in a nursery. The best time to plant seeds is during the rainy season. The ideal soil type for seed propagation is sandy loam soil. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 3-4 cm with a spacing of 10-12 cm. After planting, the seeds should be watered regularly, and the germination time is around 2-3 weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Butyrospermum parkii (G.Don) Kotschy subsp. niloticum (Kotschy) J.H.Hemsl. can also be propagated using cuttings. The cuttings used for propagation should be healthy and disease-free. The best time to take the cuttings is during the beginning of the rainy season. The cuttings should be taken from a healthy parent plant and should have at least two nodes. After taking the cuttings, they should be treated with a rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix, and the soil should be kept moist. The rooting time for cuttings is around 3-4 weeks.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another method of propagating Butyrospermum parkii (G.Don) Kotschy subsp. niloticum (Kotschy) J.H.Hemsl. This method involves making an incision in the bark of a parent plant and wrapping it with moist soil or sphagnum moss. The wrapped portion is then covered with plastic to retain moisture. After a few weeks, roots will develop, and the new plant can be cut and transplanted into soil.
Propagation of Butyrospermum parkii (G.Don) Kotschy subsp. niloticum (Kotschy) J.H.Hemsl. through seeds, cuttings, and air layering helps in the production of more plants for commercial use and conserves the genetic diversity of the species.
Disease Management
Butyrospermum parkii (G.Don) Kotschy subsp. niloticum (Kotschy) J.H.Hemsl. is resistant to many diseases and pests. However, it might be affected by the following diseases:
- Phytophthora root rot: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots of the plant, resulting in the plant wilting and dying. To manage this disease, it is essential to practice good sanitation measures, such as removing infected plants and avoiding waterlogging the soil.
- Powdery mildew: This disease is characterized by white or gray powdery growth on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, it is essential to reduce humidity levels, provide adequate airflow, and spray the plant with a fungicide.
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the leaves and stems of the plant, resulting in the plant wilting and dying. To manage this disease, it is essential to practice good sanitation measures, such as removing infected plants and debris and providing adequate airflow.
Pest Management
The plant Butyrospermum parkii (G.Don) Kotschy subsp. niloticum (Kotschy) J.H.Hemsl. might also be affected by the following pests:
- Mites: These tiny pests can cause stippling on the leaves and can sometimes lead to leaf drop. To manage mites, it is essential to spray the plant with a miticide and prune infected areas.
- Scale insects: These pests appear as small, hard, brown or black shells on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage scale insects, it is essential to prune infected areas and apply a horticultural oil or insecticide to the plant.
- Caterpillars: These pests can eat through the leaves and stems of the plant, resulting in significant damage. To manage caterpillars, it is essential to handpick them off the plant or apply a biological or chemical insecticide.
