Overview
Cassipourea gummiflua Tul. var. verticillata (N.E.Br.) J.Lewis, commonly known as "Bahia," is a species of flowering plant in the Rhizophoraceae family. It is native to Central and South America, including Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela. The plant's scientific name is derived from the Latin word "gummi" because of the gum produced by the tree bark.General Appearance
This tree species can grow up to 25 meters in height and has a rounded to a pyramidal crown. The trunk is straight and has a grayish-brown bark with slightly raised vertical lenticels. The leaves are simple, dark green, and arranged in a whorled pattern around the branches.Uses
Cassipourea gummiflua Tul. var. verticillata has a wide range of traditional medicinal uses. The tree's resin or gum is used as a cure for varicose veins, snakebites, and skin sores. The leaves, bark, and roots can be brewed into a tea that is believed to alleviate fever, stomach ailments, and coughs. The wood of the tree is durable and is used in the manufacturing of furniture, construction, and tools.Common Names
This plant is known by various common names in different regions, including Bahia, Redwood, Sangre de Madero, Alemi, Capa-O-Perro, Negrita, Chicunga, and Maka.Light Requirements
Cassipourea gummiflua Tul. var. verticillata (N.E.Br.) J.Lewis requires partial to full sun exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade may lead to stunted growth and fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm to tropical conditions, with average temperatures ranging between 18 and 28°C. Cold temperatures below 10°C can cause damage to the leaves and stems, which can negatively affect the growth of the plant. It is also sensitive to frost and should be protected if temperatures drop close to freezing.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Cassipourea gummiflua Tul. var. verticillata (N.E.Br.) J.Lewis should be well-drained, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The plant prefers sandy loam soils but can also grow in clay soils as long as they are well-draining. It is essential to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Cassipourea gummiflua Tul. var. verticillata (N.E.Br.) J.Lewis, commonly known as African breadfruit, is a tree that is typically found in forests and savannahs across tropical regions of Africa. It grows best in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. It is most commonly propagated through seeds, which should be planted at a depth of 1 to 2 cm in the soil.
Watering Needs
African breadfruit requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. It is important not to let the soil dry out completely as this can lead to stunted growth and poor fruit production. However, overwatering can also be detrimental to the plant as it can cause root rot. A good rule of thumb is to water the plant thoroughly once a week, but adjust watering frequency depending on the weather conditions and the moisture level of the soil.
Fertilization
Cassipourea gummiflua Tul. var. verticillata (N.E.Br.) J.Lewis can benefit from regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth and fruit production. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied every four to six weeks during the growing season. The amount of fertilizer to be used will depend on the age of the plant and the soil fertility. It is also advisable to apply organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil quality and fertility.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to keep the African breadfruit tree in good health and shape. It should be done during the dormant season to avoid damage to the new growth. The main goals of pruning are to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, increase air circulation and light penetration, and remove any unwanted shoots or suckers. The tree should be pruned to maintain a central leader with well-spaced lateral branches. It is important not to over-prune as this can lead to reduced fruit production and poor growth.
Propagation methods for Cassipourea gummiflua Tul. var. verticillata (N.E.Br.) J.Lewis
Cassipourea gummiflua Tul. var. verticillata (N.E.Br.) J.Lewis, commonly known as black cabbage tree, is a small tree that belongs to the family Rhizophoraceae. It is native to East Africa and can be propagated through various methods.
Seed propagation
Seeds from ripe fruits can be collected and sown in seedbeds filled with a mixture of topsoil and compost. It is important that the seeds are not dried out before sowing, as this can reduce their germination rates. The seedbeds should be kept moist and shaded until the seedlings emerge.
Vegetative propagation
Cassipourea gummiflua Tul. var. verticillata can also be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings and air-layering. Stem cuttings should be taken from mature trees and treated with rooting hormones before being planted in a rooting medium. Air-layering involves making a cut in a branch, applying rooting hormone, and wrapping the cut with a moist medium. Roots will form at the cut, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant once it has established.
Sucker propagation
Cassipourea gummiflua Tul. var. verticillata can also be propagated through suckers, which are shoots that emerge from the base of the tree. Suckers can be dug up and replanted in a suitable location, taking care to ensure that they have a good root system and are not damaged during the transplantation process.
Disease and Pest Management for Cassipourea Gummiflua Tul. var. Verticillata (N.E.Br.) J.Lewis
Cassipourea gummiflua Tul. var. verticillata (N.E.Br.) J.Lewis, commonly known as African oak, is a tropical plant that may face various diseases and pest infestations. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that may affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases that Affect Cassipourea Gummiflua Tul. Var. Verticillata (N.E.Br.) J.Lewis
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small, circular spots on the leaves. The spots may appear yellowish or brownish and may be surrounded by a yellow halo. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves and destroy them. Avoid overhead irrigation, and ensure proper aeration around the plant.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that may cause leaf wilting, yellowing, and defoliation. The disease may also cause discoloration and sunken areas on the stem. To manage this disease, prune the infected areas and remove the fallen leaves. Apply a fungicide that contains copper or chlorothalonil as an active ingredient.
Rust: Rust is caused by a fungal pathogen that may cause yellowish-orange-colored pustules on the leaves. The disease may cause premature defoliation and weaken the plant. To manage rust, remove the infected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide containing propiconazole or tebuconazole as an active ingredient.
Common Pests that Affect Cassipourea Gummiflua Tul. Var. Verticillata (N.E.Br.) J.Lewis
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, oval-shaped insects that may attach themselves to the leaves of the plant. The insects may cause yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth of the plant. To manage the infestation, prune and destroy the infected areas and apply insecticidal soap directly on the insects.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that may cause yellowing and defoliation of the leaves. The mites may also produce webs-like structures on the underside of the leaves. To manage spider mites, eliminate weeds and ensure adequate humidity around the plant. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, cotton-like insects that may feed on the sap of the plant. The insects may cause stunted growth and wilting of the plant. To manage mealybugs, prune and destroy the infested areas and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil on the plant.
Proper sanitation, regular inspection, and prompt management practices can help keep Cassipourea gummiflua Tul. var. verticillata (N.E.Br.) J.Lewis healthy and pest-free.
