Overview
Chrysobalanus orbicularis Schumach., commonly known as the "goldenleaf plums" or "roundleaf chrysobalanus," is a flowering evergreen shrub that belongs to the Chrysobalanaceae family. This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, particularly in West and Central Africa.
Appearance
The goldenleaf plums plant typically grows up to 1.5-3 meters tall, with a dense and bushy habit. The leaves are round, glossy, and leathery, measuring up to 12 cm in diameter. The leaves' upper surface is a bright green colour, while the underside is covered with dense golden-yellow hairs that give the plant its common name.
The plant produces small, reddish-brown, and insignificant flowers that bloom from November to February. The fruit that follows is a small, globose drupe that measures up to 3 cm in diameter. The fruit is edible and has a yellow flesh that is rich in ascorbic acid.
Uses
Chrysobalanus orbicularis Schumach. has several uses in traditional medicine. The plant's leaves, bark, and fruits contain bioactive compounds that have antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. The bark and leaves of the plant can be decocted and taken orally or applied topically to treat fever, dysentery, and skin infections. The fruit's juice or pulp is often mixed with water and used to treat coughs, colds, and sore throat.
Moreover, the plant is also of economic importance. The fruits are edible and often gathered for the production of jams and jellies. The plant's wood is also sometimes used as fuel or for making small wooden objects.
In some areas of Africa, the plant's leaves are also used as a fodder for livestock during the dry season.
Light Requirements
Chrysobalanus orbicularis Schumach. requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade may result in poor growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
Chrysobalanus orbicularis Schumach. is native to the tropical regions of South America and therefore prefers warm and humid environments. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) but it thrives best in temperatures between 70°F and 80°F (21°C to 27°C).
Soil Requirements
Chrysobalanus orbicularis Schumach. grows best in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It prefers neutral to slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. The plant can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they do not get water-logged. Water-logging can lead to root rot and poor growth of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Chrysobalanus orbicularis Schumach. is a tropical fruit tree that prefers a humid and warm tropical climate with consistent rainfall. It can grow in a variety of soil types, but a well-drained soil is ideal for the growth and development of the plant. The plant can be propagated using seeds or stem cuttings. The ideal time for planting the seeds or cuttings is during the rainy season when the soil is moist.
Watering Needs
Chrysobalanus orbicularis Schumach. requires consistent watering to ensure proper growth and fruiting. The plant should be watered regularly, preferably every week or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil type. However, care should be taken not to overwater the plant as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to ensure healthy growth and fruiting. A balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied every three to four months during the growing season. The fertilizer should be applied to the soil around the base of the plant and watered thoroughly to ensure proper absorption.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to control the size and shape of the plant and enhance fruiting. It is recommended to prune the plant during the dry season to avoid moisture-related diseases. Pruning should be done by removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches. It is also advisable to remove any branches that cross each other or grow inward towards the center of the tree. Regular pruning will help to increase airflow around the plant and promote healthy growth and fruiting.
Propagation of Chrysobalanus orbicularis Schumach.
Chrysobalanus orbicularis Schumach., commonly known as Round-leafed Chrysobalanus or Round-leafed Plum, is a tropical evergreen shrub or small tree that belongs to the family Chrysobalanaceae. It is native to Brazil and can grow up to 3 meters tall. Chrysobalanus orbicularis Schumach. can be propagated through various methods.
Seed Propagation
Chrysobalanus orbicularis Schumach. can be propagated through seeds that are collected from the ripe fruits. The seeds should be cleaned and soaked in warm water for 24 hours before sowing. The sowing can be done in a propagator or a seed tray filled with a well-draining seed raising mix. The seeds should be lightly covered with the mix and kept in a warm and humid place. The germination usually occurs within 2-4 weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Chrysobalanus orbicularis Schumach. can also be propagated through softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings. The cuttings should be taken during the growing season from healthy and disease-free plants. The cuttings should be around 10-15 cm long and have at least 3-4 nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder. The cuttings can be placed in a pot filled with a well-draining rooting mix and kept in a warm and humid place. The rooting usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Air Layering Propagation
Chrysobalanus orbicularis Schumach. can also be propagated through air layering. This method involves creating a wound on a healthy and disease-free branch and covering it with a rooting hormone powder and moist sphagnum moss. The moss should be covered with plastic wrap and secured with a rubber band. Roots should appear within a few weeks. Once the roots are formed, the branch can be cut and planted in a well-draining potting mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Chrysobalanus orbicularis Schumach.
Chrysobalanus orbicularis Schumach., commonly known as the roundleaf chrysobalanus, is a shrub that is native to Central and South America. It is grown for its edible fruit and as an ornamental plant. Like all plants, it is vulnerable to diseases and pests that can cause damage and reduce yield. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that affect Chrysobalanus orbicularis Schumach. and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Phytophthora Root Rot: Phytophthora root rot is a fungal disease that causes the roots of the plant to rot, leading to wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant. It is commonly caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or planting in heavy soils. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering the plant, improve drainage, and plant in well-draining soil. If the disease has already set in, remove the plant and replace it with disease-resistant varieties.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots, wilting, and cankers on the branches and stems of the plant. It thrives in warm, wet conditions. To manage anthracnose, remove infected plant material, prune affected branches, and treat the plant with a fungicide. It is also important to ensure adequate air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It is usually caused by high humidity and poor air circulation. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected plant material, increase air circulation, and avoid overhead watering. Treat the plant with a fungicide if necessary.
Pests
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant. They suck the sap from the plant, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. To manage scale insects, remove them by hand or spray the plant with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny, spider-like insects that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing yellowing, stippling, and leaf drop. They thrive in dry, dusty conditions. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to increase humidity, prune affected leaves, and treat with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white insects that look like cotton or fluff and attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant. They suck the sap from the plant, causing serious damage. To manage mealybugs, remove them by hand or spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. It is also important to keep the plant clean and free of debris.
In summary, Chrysobalanus orbicularis Schumach. is vulnerable to a variety of diseases and pests that can cause damage and reduce yield. It is important to take steps to manage these diseases and pests, including proper watering, good soil management, adequate air circulation, and the use of organic and chemical control measures as necessary.
