Origin
Chrysobalanus icaco L. subsp. atacorensis (A.Chev.) F.White, commonly known as the Atacora cherry or pineapple cherry, is a plant species that belongs to the family Chrysobalanaceae. It is native to West Africa, particularly in Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Nigeria.
Common Names
The plant has several common names such as Atacora cherry, pineapple cherry, West African Almond, and Cameroon cherry. In Ghana, it is known as the 'akuka' fruit, while in Nigeria, it is commonly called the 'udu' fruit.
Uses
Chrysobalanus icaco L. subsp. atacorensis is a fruit-bearing plant used for its medicinal and nutritional properties. The fruit is rich in vitamin C, iron, and dietary fiber and is widely used as a food source in West African countries. It is also utilized for various medicinal purposes such as treating fever, dysentery, and diarrhea. Additionally, the bark and leaves of the plant are used to treat headache, snakebites, and wounds.
General Appearance
The Atacora cherry is a small, evergreen tree or shrub that typically grows between 2-6 meters in height. It has a dense crown, and its leaves are elliptical to oblong in shape and are about 5-12 cm long and 2-5 cm wide. The plant produces pale pink flowers that bloom between April and May, which later give way to small, round fruit that is about 1-2.5 cm in diameter. The fruit is green when young but turns yellow or red when ripe.
Light Requirements
Chrysobalanus icaco L. subsp. atacorensis (A.Chev.) F.White is a plant that requires high levels of sunlight to thrive. This plant usually grows in open habitats such as savannas or near the edges of forests where there is ample sunlight. If grown indoors, it should be placed in a south-facing window to ensure it receives adequate sunlight. Insufficient light can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves or premature shedding of leaves.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to warm temperatures and cannot withstand freezing temperatures. The plant grows best within 25-33 degrees Celsius, and anything below 15 degrees Celsius can cause damage to the leaves or even death of the plant. Temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius can lead to dehydration, cause the ground to dry up, and reduce the plant's overall productivity.
Soil Requirements
Chrysobalanus icaco L. subsp. atacorensis (A.Chev.) F.White prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil. The soil's pH should range from 5.5 to 6.5. The plant can tolerate a range of soil types ranging from clay to sandy soils; however, it thrives in loamy soils. The soil should never be allowed to be waterlogged since the roots could rot or suffer from suffocation. A consistent moisture level should be maintained to allow for healthy growth and a maximum yield of fruits.
Cultivation Methods
The Chrysobalanus icaco L. subsp. atacorensis plant is a shrub that is grown in subtropical and tropical regions. It prefers well-drained soils with high organic matter content. The plant can tolerate both acidic and alkaline soils, but a pH range of 6 - 7.5 is preferred. The plant also requires moderate sunlight for optimal growth.
Propagation of the plant is typically done by seeds or stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood in the spring, while seeds should be planted during the autumn when temperatures are cooler. Seedlings should be transplanted to their permanent location once they are around 4-5 inches tall.
Watering Needs
The Chrysobalanus icaco L. subsp. atacorensis plant requires moderate watering. The plant should be watered at least once a week, but care should be taken to avoid waterlogging the soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases. During the dry season, additional watering may be required to prevent the plant from drying out completely.
Fertilization
Fertilization is an essential part of Chrysobalanus icaco L. subsp. atacorensis plant care. A balanced fertilizer should be applied every six months, during the active growing season. The fertilizer should be applied in a ring around the plant's drip line, and the soil should be watered well after application to aid in nutrient absorption.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of Chrysobalanus icaco L. subsp. atacorensis plant care. The best time to prune is during the dormant season when the plant is not actively growing. Pruning should be done to remove dead or diseased wood, to promote better airflow and sunlight penetration, and to maintain the plant's overall shape. The plant can be cut back by up to a third without harming it significantly.
Propagation of Chrysobalanus icaco L. subsp. atacorensis (A.Chev.) F.White
Chrysobalanus icaco L. subsp. atacorensis (A.Chev.) F.White is commonly propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and layering.
Seeds Propagation
Seeds are collected from the fruit which is mature when it changes color from green to yellow or orange. The seeds must be cleaned and sown immediately as they lose viability rapidly. The seeds require warm, humid conditions for germination, which takes about 1-3 months. Alternatively, seeds can be stored for up to six months in the refrigerator or other cold storage.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Stem cuttings are taken from semi-hardwood stems that have not yet fully matured. They are usually about 10 cm long and have a diameter of around 5 mm. The cuttings are taken from healthy plants and are dipped in a rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings are then planted in a well-draining medium and kept moist until roots develop. Rooting may take several weeks to several months.
Layering Propagation
Layering is another propagation method that can be used to grow Chrysobalanus icaco L. subsp. atacorensis (A.Chev.) F.White. It involves bending a low-lying branch of the plant to the ground and covering a section of it with soil. Once the branch begins to root, it can be cut from the parent plant and planted elsewhere.
