Overview of Chailletia dichapetalum DC. forma macrophylla Tul.
Chailletia dichapetalum DC. forma macrophylla Tul. is a plant species that belongs to the family Chailletiaceae. It is commonly known as “Mammea africana” or “African apple rubber”. It is a tropical tree that is native to African countries such as Cameroon, Nigeria, and Gabon.
General appearance
Chailletia dichapetalum DC. forma macrophylla Tul. grows up to 30 meters tall with a straight trunk. The bark of the tree is rough and grey-brown in colour. The leaves are dark green and glossy, and they are arranged spirally on the branches of the tree. The fruits of the tree are edible and have a round shape with a fleshy pulp. The seeds of the tree are covered in a layer of white, sticky latex.
Uses
The latex produced by Chailletia dichapetalum DC. forma macrophylla Tul. is used in Africa for a variety of purposes. It is used as a glue for repairing household items, as a waterproofing agent for roofs, and as a coating for fishing nets to make them more durable and long-lasting. The seed oil of the plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat skin diseases and as a laxative. The fruits of the tree are edible and have a sweet taste.
The wood of the tree is hard, heavy and durable, and it is used for making furniture, carving and construction.
In addition, Chailletia dichapetalum DC. forma macrophylla Tul. is also a valuable source of food for local wildlife such as monkeys and birds.
Growth Conditions for Chailletia dichapetalum DC. forma macrophylla Tul.
Chailletia dichapetalum DC. forma macrophylla Tul. is a tropical plant species that is endemic to Madagascar. It is a slow-growing plant that requires specific growth conditions for optimal growth.
Light Requirements
Chailletia dichapetalum DC. forma macrophylla Tul. prefers bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade can slow down its growth and weaken the plant.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in warm temperatures between 20-30°C (68-86°F). It cannot survive at temperatures below 15°C (59°F) and will not tolerate freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Chailletia dichapetalum DC. forma macrophylla Tul. requires well-drained soil that is moist but not waterlogged. A slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.0-6.5 is ideal for its growth. It cannot thrive in heavy clay or compacted soils.
The soil should be rich in organic matter and capable of retaining moisture. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and sand can help improve soil drainage and fertility.
Fertilization Requirements
This plant requires regular fertilization to thrive. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can provide the necessary nutrients for its growth. Fertilization should be done during the growing season and reduced or stopped during the dormant season.
Over-fertilization can harm the plant, leading to leaf discoloration, wilt, and stunted growth. Thus, it is essential to follow the recommended dosage and frequency of application for the specific type of fertilizer used.
Cultivation Methods
Chailletia dichapetalum DC. forma macrophylla Tul. is a hardy plant that can thrive in a range of growing conditions. It prefers a soil that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. The plant grows well in full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade.
The best time to plant Chailletia dichapetalum DC. forma macrophylla Tul. is in the spring. When planting, ensure that the soil is moist and that the plant is placed in a hole that is slightly larger than its root ball.
Watering Needs
Chailletia dichapetalum DC. forma macrophylla Tul. requires regular watering to thrive. During the growing season, the plant should be watered twice a week. It is important to ensure that the soil is moist, but not waterlogged.
During periods of drought, the plant may require additional watering. It is important to water the plant deeply to encourage deep root growth.
Fertilization
Chailletia dichapetalum DC. forma macrophylla Tul. requires regular fertilization to ensure its healthy growth. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once every three months during the growing season.
It is important to avoid over-fertilization, as this can damage the plant's roots. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer label and apply the fertilizer to the soil around the plant.
Pruning
Chailletia dichapetalum DC. forma macrophylla Tul. requires minimal pruning. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
The plant can also be pruned to remove any crossing branches and to maintain its shape. When pruning, use a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears to make clean cuts.
Propagation of Chailletia dichapetalum DC. forma macrophylla Tul.
There are several methods for propagating Chailletia dichapetalum DC. forma macrophylla Tul., which include:
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagation is through seeds. The seeds of this plant can be collected from the ripe fruits, which usually fall off the plant once they are mature. To increase the chances of germination of the seeds, it is recommended to soak them in warm water for 24 hours before sowing. The seeds should then be planted in well-draining soil and placed in a bright location with indirect sunlight. Germination usually occurs within two to three weeks, and once the seedlings have developed the second set of leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Cuttings Propagation
If you prefer to propagate Chailletia dichapetalum DC. forma macrophylla Tul. through cuttings, it is best to take semi-hardwood cuttings from the plant during the growing season. The cuttings should be around 10-12cm in length, and all leaves should be removed from the bottom half of the stem. Once the cuttings have been prepared, they should be dipped into rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. It is recommended to place a plastic bag over the cuttings to retain moisture and humidity. As with seed propagation, the cuttings should be placed in a bright location with indirect sunlight. Roots should start to develop within two to four weeks, and once they have developed, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots.
Division Propagation
Another method of propagation for Chailletia dichapetalum DC. forma macrophylla Tul. is through division. This method involves dividing the parent plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a sufficient amount of roots. It is recommended to do this during the growing season when the plant is actively growing. Once the sections have been separated, they should be transplanted into individual pots with well-draining soil and placed in a bright location with indirect sunlight. It is essential to water the newly-transplanted sections regularly to ensure they establish themselves correctly.
Disease Management
Chailletia dichapetalum DC. forma macrophylla Tul. is generally a healthy plant with a very low incidence of diseases. However, certain environmental conditions can promote the development of diseases in this plant.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spots are caused by a variety of fungal pathogens. Symptoms include small, circular or irregular brown to black spots on leaves. Leaf spots can cause leaf shedding, stunted growth, and reduction in the quality and quantity of flowers and fruits. To manage this disease, remove infected plant parts, improve plant nutrition, and avoid overhead irrigation or watering.
Rust: Rust is caused by a fungal pathogen and causes rust-colored spots on leaves and twigs. Infected parts should be removed, and fungicide should be applied to protect plants from further infection.
Sooty Mold: Sooty mold is caused by sap-sucking insects such as aphids and scales. Sooty mold appears as black, powdery coating on leaves, causing a reduction in photosynthesis and the quality of fruits and flowers. To manage this disease, control insect infestations with insecticides and improve plant nutrition to boost plant health.
Pest Management
Chailletia dichapetalum DC. forma macrophylla Tul. is typically not heavily infested with pests. However, some pests like scales, aphids, and mealybugs can cause damage to the plant.
Scales: Scales are sap-sucking insects that infest the plant and cause leaf discoloration and shedding. To manage this pest, prune infected areas and apply insecticides to control the infestation.
Aphids: Aphids are sap-sucking insects that cause yellowing of leaves and stunting of plant growth. Aphids can be controlled by either introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or by using insecticides.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are pests that cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. Mealybugs can be managed by pruning infected parts, improving plant nutrition, and using insecticides.
