Chrysophyllum delevoyi De Wild.
Chrysophyllum delevoyi De Wild. is a medium-sized tree that is indigenous to the tropical rainforests of Cameroon in Central Africa. It is also commonly known as "Ako", "Egusi" or "Mammee sapote".
Appearance
The tree has a dense, compact and symmetrical crown with a height of up to 30 meters. Its leaves are a glossy dark green with a leathery texture. The flowers of the Chrysophyllum delevoyi are clustered in the axils of mature leaves. The fruit of this tree has a round shape and can grow up to 10 cm in diameter. The flesh is a golden yellow color that is juicy and sweet.
Uses
The fruit of Chrysophyllum delevoyi is edible and is often consumed fresh or made into juice, marmalade, or jams. It is also a good source of essential nutrients and vitamins such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and C. The bark and leaves of the tree are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever and stomach problems. The wood of the tree is also used to make furniture, tools, and construction materials.
In addition to its uses, the Chrysophyllum delevoyi tree is valued for its shade and ornamental purposes in parks and gardens. It is also an important wildlife habitat for birds and other small animals that rely on the tree for food and shelter.
Growth Conditions for Chrysophyllum Delevoyi De Wild.
Chrysophyllum delevoyi De Wild. is a species of plant that is native to the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is commonly found in the forest understory and in riverine forests. The following are the typical growth conditions for Chrysophyllum delevoyi De Wild.
Light Requirements
Chrysophyllum delevoyi De Wild. grows best in partial shade to full shade. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much light can lead to stunted growth and leaf burn.
Temperature Requirements
Chrysophyllum delevoyi De Wild. prefers warm temperatures between 20°C to 30°C. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C, but long-term exposure to cold temperatures can stunt growth and cause leaf drop.
Soil Requirements
Chrysophyllum delevoyi De Wild. grows best in well-draining, slightly acidic soils. The ideal soil pH for this plant is between 5.5 and 6.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy loams, clay loams, and lateritic soils. However, it does not grow well in soils that are constantly waterlogged.
Fertilizer Requirements
Chrysophyllum delevoyi De Wild. benefits from regular application of fertilizer during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season.
Water Requirements
Chrysophyllum delevoyi De Wild. requires regular watering during the growing season to maintain healthy growth. Water the plant deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering. During the dry season, increase watering frequency to keep the soil consistently moist.
Propagation
Chrysophyllum delevoyi De Wild. can be propagated from seed, cuttings, or grafting. Seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and kept moist until they germinate. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of branches and rooted in a well-draining potting mix. Grafting is a more advanced method of propagation and should be done by experienced gardeners.
Cultivation Methods
Chrysophyllum delevoyi De Wild. is a tropical plant that grows in a wide range of soils, as long as they are well-draining. It prefers partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun. The plant needs to be protected from frost and strong winds. It can be grown in a pot or in the garden.
Watering Needs
Chrysophyllum delevoyi De Wild. likes to be watered regularly, but it does not tolerate waterlogging. The soil should be kept moist, but not wet. In the hot season, it may need to be watered more frequently, while in the winter, it can go longer between waterings. When watering, it is best to avoid getting the leaves wet, as this can cause fungal diseases.
Fertilization
A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every three months during the growing season. However, over-fertilizing should be avoided as it can lead to excessive foliage growth and lower the plant's fruit production. Organic fertilizer can also be used to enrich the soil.
Pruning
Pruning Chrysophyllum delevoyi De Wild. is best done in the spring. It can help to stimulate new growth, maintain the plant's shape, and improve its fruit production. Dead or damaged branches should be removed with a sharp, clean tool. Any branches that are rubbing against each other should also be cut away. Avoid pruning the plant too heavily as this can affect its fruiting ability.
Propagation of Chrysophyllum delevoyi De Wild.
Propagation of Chrysophyllum delevoyi De Wild. can be done through both sexual and asexual methods. The plant can be propagated from seeds or through vegetative means such as stem or root cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method of reproducing Chrysophyllum delevoyi De Wild. Seeds should be collected from ripe fruits and cleaned before planting. The seeds should be placed in a well-draining soil mix, covered with a thin layer of soil, and kept moist until germination.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is a reliable method for reproducing Chrysophyllum delevoyi De Wild. Cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and taken from the semi-hardwood section of the stem. The lower leaves are removed, and the cuttings are dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining potting mix. The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings will begin to root in 2-3 weeks.
Propagation by root cuttings
Propagation by root cuttings is similar to stem cutting propagation. Cuttings should be taken from the fleshy roots, and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and warm, with temperatures between 20-25°C, and will start to root within 4-6 weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Chrysophyllum delevoyi De Wild.
Chrysophyllum delevoyi De Wild. is known for its overall resilience to diseases and pests. However, it is susceptible to some common problems that can be managed effectively. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Leaf spot disease is a common problem that can affect Chrysophyllum delevoyi. It is caused by fungal pathogens and can be identified by circular brown spots with yellow halos on the plant's leaves. To manage this problem, you can remove the infected leaves and avoid watering the plant from the top. Instead, water the plant from the soil level to prevent water from accumulating on the leaves.
Root rot is another disease that can affect Chrysophyllum delevoyi. It is caused by overwatering and can be identified by brown and mushy roots. To manage this problem, you can reduce watering and ensure that the soil is well-drained. You can also transplant the plant to a new pot with fresh soil.
Pests
The primary pest that affects Chrysophyllum delevoyi is the mealybug. It is a small, white, and cottony pest that feeds on the plant's sap. To manage this pest, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to spray the affected parts of the plant.
Spider mites are another pest that can affect the plant. They are tiny, red, and destructive pests that feed on the plant's sap. To manage this pest, you can increase humidity levels around the plant by misting it daily. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to spray the affected parts of the plant.
Overall, proper care and management practices can keep your Chrysophyllum delevoyi De Wild. healthy and free from pests and diseases. Regular inspection and prompt management of any problems that arise can also help ensure the plant's longevity.
