Overview of Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. casteelsii De Wild.
Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. casteelsii De Wild. is a tropical evergreen tree that belongs to the family Sapotaceae. It is a variant of the Chrysophyllum africanum tree, which is commonly referred to as the African star apple, and it is known by various local names such as agbalumo, ehu, udala, and udara.
Origin and Distribution
The Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. casteelsii De Wild is indigenous to the tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa, covering countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Congo. It thrives in lowland rainforests with adequate rainfall and well-drained soils.
General Appearance
The Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. casteelsii De Wild can grow up to 20m tall with a dense, rounded crown that provides ample shade. It has glossy, dark-green leaves that are leathery in texture and an oval or elliptical shape. The tree produces small, white, fragrant flowers that bloom from November to March, after which it produces small red-orange colored fruits with a velvety, hairy skin that are approximately 1.5cm in diameter.
Uses
The fruits of Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. casteelsii De Wild. are edible and highly valued for their juicy, sweet pulp, which is believed to have a diuretic effect and is often consumed to quench thirst. The fruits are especially popular during the dry season in West African countries and are often sold in local markets. The tree's bark is believed to have medicinal properties and is commonly utilized for treating stomach ailments, fever, and malaria. Additionally, the timber from the tree is often used for construction, and the roots are used for making traditional African drums.
Light requirements
Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. casteelsii De Wild. is a tropical plant that requires bright but filtered light for optimal growth. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves and cause them to wilt. It is best to place the plant near a west or east-facing window where it can receive bright, indirect light.
Temperature requirements
The ideal temperature range for Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. casteelsii De Wild. is between 20°C and 30°C. The plant cannot tolerate temperatures below 15°C or above 35°C. It is important to keep the plant away from drafty areas, such as open windows or air conditioning vents that can cause sudden temperature changes.
Soil requirements
Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. casteelsii De Wild. prefers fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can cause the roots to rot. A good soil mix for this plant contains equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and organic matter.
Cultivation Methods
Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. casteelsii De Wild. is a tropical tree that requires a warm and humid environment to thrive. It is best suited for cultivation in areas with temperatures ranging between 18 to 34 degrees Celsius. It flourishes in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH, and it prefers to grow in a location that receives partial sunlight.
The plant can be propagated through seed or vegetatively through stem cuttings. The seeds should be sown in well-prepared soil and kept moist until germination occurs. Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy and mature trees and rooted in a suitable rooting hormone before transplanting.
Watering Needs
Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. casteelsii De Wild. requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth. Its watering needs vary with the seasons and depend on the plant's age, size, and growing condition. Young plants require more frequent watering than mature ones, and during the dry season, the plant should be watered more often to prevent water stress.
It is essential to ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. Watering should be done in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce the risk of water evaporation and enable the plant to absorb water more efficiently.
Fertilization
The use of organic fertilizers such as compost and manure is recommended for Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. casteelsii De Wild. It should be applied to the soil during the early development stage of the plant to support healthy and robust growth.
The frequency of fertilization varies depending on the plant's age and growing condition. In young plants, fertilization should be done every three to four months, while in mature plants, it should be done twice a year. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can cause plant burn and leach nutrients to the soil.
Pruning
Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. casteelsii De Wild. requires minimal pruning to shape and maintain its size. Pruning should be done in the early summer or late winter when the plant is in its dormant phase.
Dead, weak, and diseased branches should be removed to promote healthy growth. Branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other should also be pruned to prevent damage. The pruning tools should be disinfected before use to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. casteelsii De Wild.
Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. casteelsii De Wild. is commonly known as African star apple. The plant is a fruit tree that is native to Africa. It is usually propagated by seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method for African star apple trees. The seeds should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture, and kept moist until sprouts appear in about four to six weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted to individual containers and grown until they are large enough to be planted in the ground.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is a potential alternative to propagation by seeds. Cuttings should be taken from a healthy and mature tree and should be about six inches long. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining soil mixture. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment until roots appear in about four weeks.
In conclusion, Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. casteelsii De Wild. is commonly propagated by seeds and cuttings. Both methods can be successful with proper care and attention to the plant's needs.
Disease Management
Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. casteelsii De Wild. is susceptible to several diseases, but the most common ones include:
- Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots and cankers on the stems and branches. It is prevalent in warm and moist conditions. To manage anthracnose, prune and dispose of infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, use fungicides, and maintain good plant hygiene.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a powdery grey-white coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, prune infected parts, improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply fungicides, and maintain moderate temperature and humidity.
- Root rot: Root rot is a soil-borne disease caused by fungi like Phytophthora and Pythium. It causes wilting, yellowing, and death of leaves, stunted growth, and root decay. To manage root rot, improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, use fungicides in severe cases, and discard infected plants.
Pest Management
Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. casteelsii De Wild. is vulnerable to several pests, but the common ones include:
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap, causing stunted growth, yellowing, and death of leaves. To manage mealybugs, prune infected plant parts, use insecticidal soaps or oils, and maintain good plant hygiene.
- Mites: Mites are tiny arachnids that suck plant sap, causing damage to leaves, flowers, and fruits. They also transmit viral diseases. To manage mites, prune infected parts, improve air circulation, use insecticidal soaps or oils, and maintain moderate temperature and humidity.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies that feed on leaves, causing defoliation and sometimes plant death. To manage caterpillars, hand-pick them off, use BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) or spinosad-based insecticides, and use row covers to protect young plants.
