Origin
Campylospermum vogelii (Hook.f.) Farron var. molleri (Tiegh.) Farron, commonly known as African black plum or Udara, is a fruit-bearing plant native to tropical Africa and Madagascar. It is found growing in the wild in countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, and Senegal.
Common Names
The African black plum is known by several common names such as Udara, Udala, Agbalumo, Awin, and Otien in different African countries. In English-speaking countries, it is commonly referred to as the African star apple, velvet tamarind, and cherry.
Uses
The African black plum is a multipurpose plant with several uses. The fruit is highly nutritious, rich in vitamin C, calcium, and iron. It is commonly eaten fresh or used to make juices, jams, and wine. The bark and leaves of the tree have medicinal properties and are used to treat various ailments such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and fever in traditional African medicine. The wood of the tree is used to make furniture, tool handles, and fuel.
General Appearance
The African black plum tree is a medium-sized evergreen tree, growing up to 20 meters tall. The tree has a wide and dense crown with glossy, dark green leaves that are lanceolate or oblong in shape. The bark of the tree is brown, with vertical cracks and fissures. The fruit is a round or oval-shaped berry, typically 5-10cm in diameter, with a smooth, leathery skin that is either purple or green. The fruit has a tangy and sweet taste, with a juicy pulp that contains multiple seeds. The tree produces small, white, fragrant flowers, which are followed by the fruit, typically available from January to April.
Light Requirements
Campylospermum vogelii var. molleri thrives in a tropical environment with high light levels. It requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow properly.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers a warm and humid environment with temperatures ranging between 22°C to 30°C. It can withstand brief periods with temperatures as high as 35°C, but prolonged exposure will stress the plant and reduce its growth rate. Cold temperatures below 16 °C may cause leaf drop and eventual death of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Campylospermum vogelii var. molleri is not very picky when it comes to soil type, but it requires a well-draining medium. A soil pH of 6 to 7 is ideal for this plant to grow optimally. Soil rich in organic matter will help retain moisture while ensuring adequate aeration for the roots. It can also tolerate dry conditions, but frequent watering is necessary during dry spells to keep the plant healthy.
Cultivation Methods
Campylospermum vogelii (Hook.f.) Farron var. molleri (Tiegh.) Farron is a hardy plant that can thrive in a wide range of conditions. It is native to Africa and is commonly found in savanna regions. The plant grows to about 3 meters in height and has a spread of around 2 meters.
If you are planning to cultivate Campylospermum vogelii (Hook.f.) Farron var. molleri (Tiegh.) Farron, it is best to plant it in well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant prefers full sun, but it can also grow in partial shade. It is essential to ensure that the plant has enough space to spread to prevent overcrowding.
Watering Needs
Campylospermum vogelii (Hook.f.) Farron var. molleri (Tiegh.) Farron requires regular watering during its growth phase. It is essential to keep the soil moist but not overly saturated. The plant is drought-tolerant, but it may not produce as much foliage or flowers during a dry season.
It is advisable to water the plant early in the morning or late in the afternoon to prevent water evaporation during hot periods. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be detrimental to the plant's growth and development.
Fertilization
Campylospermum vogelii (Hook.f.) Farron var. molleri (Tiegh.) Farron benefits from regular fertilization, which can help promote root development and overall growth. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 is suitable for the plant.
You can apply the fertilizer once every three months during the growing season. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label to avoid overfertilization, which can damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Campylospermum vogelii (Hook.f.) Farron var. molleri (Tiegh.) Farron can help to promote bushy growth and overall plant health. The best time to prune the plant is during the dormant season, which is typically in the winter months.
To prune the plant, you can remove any dead or damaged branches and leaves. You can also trim the plant to shape it or control its size. Be sure to use sharp and clean pruning shears to prevent any disease transmission between plants.
Propagation methods for Campylospermum vogelii var. molleri
Propagating Campylospermum vogelii var. molleri can be achieved through several methods. These include:
Seed propagation
Campylospermum vogelii var. molleri can be propagated from seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature fruits. Cleaning of the seeds can be achieved by removing the dried fruits, which are then threshed to obtain the seeds. Before sowing, the seeds should be treated to break seed dormancy, which can be achieved through scarification using a scalpel or abrasion with sandpaper. The prepared seeds can then be sown directly in the field or in a nursery.
Cuttings
Cuttings are another method of propagating Campylospermum vogelii var. molleri. Terminal or semi-hardwood cuttings can be collected from the mother plant during the growing season. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings can be planted either directly in the field or in a nursery under optimal growing conditions.
Air-layering
Air-layering is another technique used to propagate Campylospermum vogelii var. molleri. The method involves making a cut on the stem, then wrapping moist sphagnum moss around the cut area and covering it with a plastic wrap to retain moisture. Roots will form at the cut area. The air-layered plant can then be detached from the mother plant and planted in a nursery or directly in the field.
Grafting
Grafting can also be used to propagate Campylospermum vogelii var. molleri. Grafting involves joining a scion from the mother plant with a rootstock from a related plant. Grafting is a complex method that requires specialized knowledge and skills.
Disease Management
Campylospermum vogelii (Hook.f.) Farron var. molleri (Tiegh.) Farron is susceptible to a variety of diseases that can affect its growth and development. Some of the common diseases that affect this plant species include powdery mildew, leaf spots, and stem rot.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It can be managed by improving air circulation around the plant, avoiding overhead watering and using fungicides.
Leaf spots are caused by fungi, viruses and bacteria. Infected leaves exhibit spots and develop necrosis. Leaf spots can be managed by removing and destroying affected leaves, using fungicides and practicing good sanitation.
Stem rot is a fungal disease that causes the plant's stems to become soft and mushy, eventually leading to the plant's death. It can be prevented by avoiding overwatering and ensuring proper drainage, as well as using fungicides.
Pest Management
Campylospermum vogelii (Hook.f.) Farron var. molleri (Tiegh.) Farron is also susceptible to a variety of pests. The most common pests that attack the plant include mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites.
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that are covered in a white powdery wax. They suck sap from the plant and weaken it. Mealybugs can be removed by handpicking or using insecticidal soap.
Aphids are tiny insects that suck sap from the plant's new growth. They can cause stunted growth and curled leaves. Aphids can be controlled by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water, using insecticidal soap, or ladybugs – they feed on these insects.
Spider mites are small insects that produce webs. They attack the underside of the leaves causing them to turn yellow or brown. Spider mites can be controlled by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or using insecticidal soap or oils.
Regular inspection, early detection, and prompt management of diseases and pests is essential for the health and productivity of Campylospermum vogelii (Hook.f.) Farron var. molleri (Tiegh.) Farron.
