Overview
Butyrospermum parkii, also known as shea butter tree, is a small to medium-sized tree that belongs to the plant family Sapotaceae. The tree is native to West Africa and mainly found in countries like Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, and Sudan. It is a vital source of food, income, and medicine for the people living in these regions
General Appearance
The shea butter tree is an evergreen tree that grows up to 15-20 meters tall. The tree has a dense crown of leaves that are dark green, glossy, and alternate in arrangement. The leaves are elongated, lance-shaped, and have finely toothed margins. Mature trees usually have rough, gray-colored bark that is deeply fissured and scaly.
The fruit of the shea butter tree is a large, green or yellowish-green berry that is about the size of a plum. The fruit has a hard, egg-shaped nut inside, which contains the precious shea butter.
Uses
Shea butter is the most significant product of the shea butter tree. It is a highly valued ingredient in the skincare and cosmetic industry due to its nourishing, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory properties. In West African countries, the butter is also a major source of food and income for women who process and sell it locally.
Other uses of the shea butter tree include the treatment of various skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, as well as the treatment of minor cuts, insect bites, and bruises. The tree's bark and roots also have medicinal properties that can be used to treat conditions like malaria, dysentery, and diarrhea.
Common Names
The shea butter tree goes by various common names depending on the region. Some of the popular names include:
- Karité
- Ori
- Sheanut tree
- Vitellaria paradoxa
- Galam butter tree
Light Requirements
The Butyrospermum parkii (G.Don) Kotschy plant requires a good amount of sunlight to grow properly. The plant thrives best in partial shade to full sunlight. Inadequate sunlight can lead to weak growth, poor fruit and nut production, and an overall unhealthy plant. Therefore, it is essential to provide the plant with the appropriate amount of sunlight to achieve the optimal growth rate.
Temperature Requirements
For optimal growth of the Butyrospermum parkii (G.Don) Kotschy plant, the temperature should be warm and consistent. It thrives best in tropical and subtropical regions with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C, with cooler temperatures leading to slower growth rates, poor flowering, and ultimately unhealthy plants. However, this plant can tolerate cooler temperatures down to 4°C for short periods.
Soil Requirements
The Butyrospermum parkii (G.Don) Kotschy plant prefers a well-draining soil with adequate organic matter for optimal growth. The plant prefers soils with pH levels ranging from 6.0 to 7.5, which have good water retention and drainage properties. The soil should be able to retain some moisture while also draining well to prevent waterlogging. Plants grown in poor soils will be weak and may exhibit slow growth rates, unhealthy foliage, and poor fruit and nut yields.
Cultivation Methods
Butyrospermum parkii, commonly known as shea tree, is a native of Africa, and it thrives well in tropical regions. It requires a rich, well-draining soil to grow and enough sunlight. You can grow it from seeds, cuttings, or seedlings. To grow it from seeds, you should place them in warm water for a day or two to soften the seed coat. Alternatively, you can sow them directly into the soil after the last frost date.
If you are using cuttings or seedlings, plant them in a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball. Cover the roots with soil and water generously. Shea trees are slow-growing, and you may need to wait for several years before they mature.
Watering Needs
Shea trees require frequent watering, especially during the dry season. Irrigate the trees weekly, and give them sufficient water to penetrate the root ball's depth. Once the trees establish, you can reduce the watering frequency to twice a month.
However, it's advisable to observe the soil's moisture level before watering your shea trees. If the soil is still moist, you can hold off watering until the topsoil becomes dry.
Fertilization
Shea trees require regular fertilization for optimal growth and development. Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Apply the fertilizer during the growing season, which starts in spring and ends in fall.
You can apply granular fertilizer by scattering it evenly on the soil surface. Water your shea tree after fertilization to dissolve the granules and facilitate nutrient absorption. Alternatively, you can use liquid fertilizer, which you apply by diluting it in water, then irrigating the tree's root zone.
Pruning
Shea trees require minimal pruning, but you need to remove broken, damaged, or diseased branches promptly. Additionally, you can prune your shea trees to shape them or control their size.
Use a pair of sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts, and sterilize the tools before pruning to avoid spreading diseases. Prune during the dormant season, which is usually in winter. Never remove more than one-third of the tree's canopy in a single pruning session.
Propagation of Butyrospermum parkii (G.Don) Kotschy
Butyrospermum parkii, commonly known as shea tree, is propagated through several methods that include seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation through Seeds
Shea tree seeds are collected and sown in well-drained soil in the nursery. The seeds are initially soaked in water to remove any pulp and dried in shade for a day. The seeds are then planted in the nursery beds at a depth of 2-3 cm and watered regularly. The seeds usually germinate within 2-3 weeks.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is an alternative method to seed propagation. Semi-hardwood cuttings of about 20 cm in length with two or three leaves are obtained from the mature and healthy shea tree. The base of the cuttings is treated with rooting hormones and planted in the nursery soil, and then watered regularly. The cuttings take approximately 2-3 months to develop roots and ready for transplanting.
Propagation through Grafting
Grafting is an advanced method of propagation, usually done to produce improved and disease-resistant cultivars. A young shea tree (rootstock) with a diameter of about 5-7 cm is selected as the base, and then a scion is taken from a mature tree. The scion is then grafted onto the rootstock carefully, and the joint is covered with grafting tape. The grafted plants are then kept in controlled conditions to enable the development of roots before transplanting to the main field.
Disease and Pest Management for Butyrospermum parkii (G.Don) Kotschy
Butyrospermum parkii, commonly known as shea tree, is a native species to Africa and is economically important due to its various uses in medicine, cosmetics, and food. Unfortunately, the plant is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause significant damage if left unmanaged.
Common Diseases
One common disease that affects shea trees is powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that can cause leaf yellowing and distortion. Another disease is leaf spot, which is a fungal infection that can affect the leaves, causing lesions and defoliation. Lastly, shea dieback is another disease that can affect the tree, causing wilting and death of branches or the entire plant.
To manage powdery mildew and leaf spot, it is essential to keep the surrounding area clean and remove any infected plant debris. Fungicides such as sulfur or copper can also be applied to control the spread of the disease. For shea dieback, pruning infected areas and fertilizing the plant can help improve its overall condition and reduce susceptibility to the disease.
Common Pests
Aphids and spider mites are common pests that can affect shea trees. Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaf curling and yellowing. Spider mites, on the other hand, are tiny arachnids that suck the sap from leaves, causing them to wilt and eventually die.
To manage aphids, it is important to remove any infected plant debris and use insecticidal soaps or neem oil to control their population. For spider mites, spraying the plant with water or using insecticidal soap can help control their numbers.
It is also important to note that stem borers and termites can also affect shea trees, causing damage to the trunk and branches. To manage these pests, it is essential to monitor the tree regularly and apply insecticides if necessary.
