Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. likimensis De Wild.
Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. likimensis De Wild. is a tree that belongs to the family Sapotaceae. It is native to tropical Africa and can be found in several African countries, including Cameroon, Nigeria, and Gabon. The tree is commonly known by different names such as 'African star apple' and 'Agbalumo' in Nigeria, 'Alasa' in Ghana, and 'Mbakwe' in Cameroon.
General appearance
The Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. likimensis De Wild. is a fast-growing and evergreen tree that can grow up to 20-25 meters high. The tree has a dense and broad canopy, and its crown is dome-shaped, with a diameter of about 10-12 meters. The leaves are glossy and dark green, and the tree produces flowers from October to December, and the fruits ripen between January and April.
Uses
Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. likimensis De Wild. has various uses. The fruit is edible and highly valued for its sweet, juicy, and sour taste. In Nigeria, the fruit is a significant commercial crop, and juice is extracted from it and sold in stalls. The fruit is rich in vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, Calcium, and Iron.
The bark and leaves of the Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. likimensis De Wild. contain phytochemicals such as tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins and have medicinal properties. The bark is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and decoctions of its leaves are used to manage malaria, hypertension, and wounds. The tree also has cultural importance, and its fruit is used in rituals and celebrations by some African communities.
Light Requirements
Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. likimensis De Wild. is a shade-tolerant plant that thrives well in partial shade to full sun conditions. The plant can grow in low light conditions, making it suitable for indoor growing. However, to achieve optimal growth and development, the plant requires bright light conditions with filtered afternoon sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. likimensis De Wild. is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures to grow. The plant thrives well in ambient temperatures between 20°C to 30°C and cannot tolerate frost. Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause stress to the plant, leading to stunted growth or death.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in fertile, well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 6.0 to 6.5 for optimal growth and nutrient uptake. Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. likimensis De Wild. prefers slightly acidic soils and cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions. Therefore, the soil should be adequately prepared to ensure proper drainage, and watering should be done sparingly.
Cultivation Methods
Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. likimensis De Wild. is a plant that can thrive in a variety of soil types, but it prefers soils that are well-drained and rich in organic matter. The plant can also tolerate acidic soils, but it grows best in neutral to slightly acidic conditions. When planting the seedlings, make sure that you dig a hole that is about twice the size of the pot the plant came from. This will ensure that the roots have enough space to grow and get enough nutrients. You should also ensure that the plant receives enough sunlight, although it can handle partial shade as well.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. likimensis De Wild. depend on the growing conditions. The plant requires regular watering if grown in containers or during periods of extended drought. In general, the plant prefers moist soil conditions but can tolerate brief periods of dryness. It is essential to avoid overwatering the plant as this can lead to root rot and waterlogging. The best way to check if your plant needs watering is to feel the soil's moisture level. If the soil feels dry to the touch, then the plant needs watering.
Fertilization
Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. likimensis De Wild. can benefit from regular fertilization. You should fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) to support healthy growth. Use a slow-release fertilizer or apply liquid fertilizer every two weeks. Don't fertilize the plant during the dormant season (fall and winter) as this can lead to weak growth and other problems.
Pruning
Pruning Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. likimensis De Wild. is not necessary, but it can help promote a bushier, more compact growth habit. You can prune the plant during the growing season by cutting back the stems and branches to the desired size. It is also essential to remove any dead or diseased branches to prevent the spread of disease. Pruning is best done in the early spring before the new growth begins to emerge.
Propagation of Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. likimensis De Wild.
Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. likimensis De Wild., commonly known as African star apple, is a fruit tree that belongs to the Sapotaceae family.
Propagation methods
The plant can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, root suckers, and cutting propagation.
Seed propagation
Seeds should be collected from mature fruits and cleaned to remove the fleshy pulp. The seeds should be sown immediately in a well-draining soil mix containing equal parts of organic matter and sand. The pot should be kept in a warm and humid environment until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 2-3 weeks. Seed propagation is less commonly used as the plants tend to have a long juvenile period before flowering.
Root suckers
Root suckers are sprouts that emerge from the base of the tree. They can be detached from the parent plant using a sharp cutting tool and planted in a separate pot with a well-draining soil mix. A good mix is one that contains equal parts of organic matter and soil. Root suckers should be planted at the same depth as they were on the parent plant and kept well-watered until they become established in their new environment.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation involves taking stem cuttings from the parent plant and planting them in a rooting hormone such as Indolebutyric acid (IBA) to stimulate root growth. A good rooting mix is one that is well-draining and contains equal parts of organic matter and sand. Cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment until they have rooted, usually taking 2-3 weeks. They can then be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Disease Management for Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. likimensis De Wild
Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. likimensis De Wild. is a hardy plant that can resist pests and diseases if grown under the right conditions. However, it can be vulnerable to various pests and diseases that can reduce yield and quality. As such, it is crucial to implement disease management strategies to protect the plant from infections.
Common Diseases Affecting Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. likimensis De Wild.
The most common diseases that affect this plant are fungal and bacterial infections. Here are some of the diseases to watch out for:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark sunken spots on leaves and fruits. It can cause leaves to drop early and reduce yield. To manage, use copper-based fungicides and remove infected plant parts.
- Bacterial leaf spot: This bacterial disease causes small lesions on leaves that turn into brownish-black necrotic spots. To manage, use copper-based bactericides and remove infected plant parts.
- Phytophthora root rot: This fungal disease causes root rot, leading to stunted growth and yellowing leaves. To manage, remove infected plant parts, improve drainage, and apply fungicides.
Pest Management for Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. likimensis De Wild.
Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. likimensis De Wild. is not very susceptible to pest attacks, but some pests can reduce yield and quality. Here are some of the pests to watch out for and how to manage them:
- Fruit flies: These pests lay eggs on ripe fruits, causing them to rot and fall prematurely. To manage, use pheromone traps and apply neem-based insecticides.
- Aphids: These pests suck plant sap, causing yellowing and wilting of leaves. To manage, wash off the pests with water or use neem-based insecticides.
- Mealybugs: These pests suck plant sap and excrete sticky honeydew, promoting mold growth. To manage, use neem-based insecticides or introduce natural enemies like ladybugs and lacewings.
Implementing proper pest and disease management strategies will help protect Chrysophyllum africanum A.DC. var. likimensis De Wild. from infections and promote healthy growth and yield.
