Introduction
Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. aubrevillei (Pellegr.) Aubrév. is a tree species that is native to the tropical regions of western and central Africa. It is a member of the family Sapotaceae and is commonly known as "African star apple" or "udara".
Appearance
The African star apple tree is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 40 meters in height. It has a dense, round canopy that is made up of broad, dark green leaves that grow up to 20cm in length. The tree produces small, white flowers that are followed by round, green fruit that turns a yellow or orange color when ripe. The fruit has a thin skin and a sweet, juicy pulp that is edible. The fruit is typically 5-10cm in diameter, and contains 1-4 seeds.
Uses
The African star apple is a popular fruit that is valued for its sweet, juicy pulp. The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked, and is often used in jams or other preserves. The leaves and bark of the tree are also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including malaria, diarrhea, and toothache. The tree's timber is also highly valued for its strength and durability, and is used for construction, furniture, and tools.
Growth conditions for Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. aubrevillei (Pellegr.) Aubrév.
Light requirements: Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. aubrevillei is a tropical rainforest tree that requires ample sunlight for optimal growth. The tree thrives in full sun to partial shade and cannot tolerate extremely shady conditions.
Temperature requirements: This species grows best in warm temperatures that range between 20°C to 35°C. The tree cannot tolerate extreme cold or frost and is susceptible to damage during winter months.
Soil requirements: Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. aubrevillei thrives in well-drained, moist, and fertile soil. The tree prefers soils that are rich in organic matter and have a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It cannot tolerate soil with poor drainage or high salinity.
Water requirements: The tree requires regular watering, particularly during the hot and dry seasons. However, it is essential to avoid waterlogging the soil as this can lead to root rot and ultimately, the death of the plant.
Nutrient requirements: Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. aubrevillei requires a variety of minerals and nutrients to grow well. The tree requires a steady supply of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium to support healthy growth. Regular application of organic mulch or compost can help provide the necessary nutrients.
Other requirements: Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. aubrevillei requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and size. It is also susceptible to pests and diseases, which can harm the growth of the tree. Regular inspection, early identification of issues and application of appropriate measures can help protect this species.
Cultivation methods
The Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. aubrevillei (Pellegr.) Aubrév. plant can be grown either from seeds or stem cuttings. If you choose to propagate your plant from stem cuttings, ensure that you place the cuttings in a warm and shady spot until they have developed roots to avoid excessive moisture loss. Additionally, you can use a rooting hormone to increase the chances of the stem cutting rooting.
When planting Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. aubrevillei (Pellegr.) Aubrév. plant, ensure you choose a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter to guarantee optimum growth for the plant. If your soil is sandy, you may need to add compost manure to increase the water retention of the soil.
Watering needs
The Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. aubrevillei (Pellegr.) Aubrév. plant requires frequent watering, especially during the dry season. However, excessive watering of the plant may cause the roots to rot, so you need to be cautious. During the wet season, reduce the amount of water you give to the plant to maintain the soil moisture content adequately. It is best to ensure the soil is relatively moist but not water-logged.
Fertilization
Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. aubrevillei (Pellegr.) Aubrév. plant needs to be fertilized regularly to support its growth and avoid stunted growth. You can add a slow-release granular fertilizer to the plant's soil every spring and summer, or use liquid fertilizers during the growing season. Ensure you apply the fertilizer as per the manufacturer's instructions to prevent over-fertilization, which may harm the plant.
Pruning
Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. aubrevillei (Pellegr.) Aubrév. does not require much pruning. However, as the plant grows, it may develop broken, dying, or diseased roots which require pruning. During the pruning, consider using sterile and sharp pruning tools to prevent the transfer of infections from one part of the plant to the other. Pruning also helps you control the height and shape of the plant and can be done anytime, especially after flowering.
Propagation of Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. aubrevillei (Pellegr.) Aubrév.
Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. aubrevillei (Pellegr.) Aubrév. can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. aubrevillei (Pellegr.) Aubrév. are relatively easy to germinate. The seeds can be collected from mature fruit pods and sown immediately without any pre-treatment. However, soaking the seeds in water for a few hours before sowing can enhance germination rates. The seeds require well-draining soil and should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within 2 to 4 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location after they reach a size of 10 cm.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings of Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. aubrevillei (Pellegr.) Aubrév. can be obtained from semi-hardwood or hardwood stems. The cuttings should be around 15 cm long and have at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder before planting in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment until they develop roots, which usually takes 6 to 8 weeks. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly to their permanent location.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is a more advanced propagation method for Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. aubrevillei (Pellegr.) Aubrév. It involves joining a scion of the desired cultivar onto a rootstock of a closely related species, which provides a strong root system. The scion should be a young shoot with a diameter of around 1 cm and should be grafted onto the rootstock using a whip-and-tongue or cleft grafting technique. The graft union should be wrapped with grafting tape and kept in a warm and humid environment until the scion establishes new growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. aubrevillei (Pellegr.) Aubrév.
Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. aubrevillei (Pellegr.) Aubrév. is a fruit tree that is commonly cultivated in West Africa. However, it is susceptible to a number of diseases and pests that can negatively affect its growth and productivity. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant, as well as suggested ways to manage them.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, fruit, and branches of the Chrysophyllum africanum tree. Symptoms include brown spots on leaves, fruit rot, and twig blight. Anthracnose can be managed by pruning infected branches, practicing good sanitation by removing fallen leaves and fruit, and applying fungicides to prevent further spread of the disease.
Cocoa Pod Borer
The cocoa pod borer is a pest that attacks the fruit of the Chrysophyllum africanum tree. Symptoms include holes in the fruit, premature fruit drop, and reduced fruit quality. To manage this pest, it is important to regularly monitor the tree for signs of infestation, remove infected fruit from the tree and soil, and apply insecticides to prevent further damage.
Mango Mealybug
The mango mealybug is a pest that feeds on the sap of the Chrysophyllum africanum tree, leading to stunted growth and reduced fruit quality. Symptoms include white cottony masses on leaves, shoots and fruit. To manage this pest, it is important to regularly monitor the tree for signs of infestation, remove infected shoots and fruit mechanically, and apply insecticides to prevent further damage.
Rust
Rust is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the Chrysophyllum africanum tree, causing yellow spots on upper leaf surfaces and rust-coloured spots on the underside of leaves. Rust can be managed by practicing good sanitation by removing fallen leaves, avoiding overhead irrigation, and applying fungicides to prevent further spread of the disease.
Overall, proper management practices can help prevent and control many common diseases and pests affecting Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. aubrevillei (Pellegr.) Aubrév. trees. It is important to regularly monitor trees for signs of disease or pests, and to take appropriate measures to control any issues before they become severe.
