Overview of Chrysophyllum longipes Engl.
Chrysophyllum longipes Engl. is a tree of the Sapotaceae family native to West and Central Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Congolese star apple, African star apple, and rubbery star apple.
Appearance
Chrysophyllum longipes Engl. is a slow-growing evergreen tree that can grow up to 25 meters tall with a dense, rounded crown. The leaves are simple, alternate, and clustered at the end of the branches, with their shape varying from oblong to obovate. The tree produces small, white, and fragrant flowers that bloom from June to August, which later give way to rounded or oblate edible fruits, measuring about 3-4 cm in diameter. The fruit has jelly-like white flesh with a sweet flavor and contains 3-4 smooth seeds.
Uses
The fruit Chrysophyllum longipes Engl. is edible and is a traditional local delicacy. The fruit is believed to possess medicinal properties and is used to treat dysentery, diarrhea, and hypertension. The gum obtained from the tree trunk is useful in the production of adhesives and varnishes due to its great adhesive power and solubility in alcohol and oils. The bark and leaves are also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, malaria, and stomach disorders. The wood of the tree is hard and durable and used for carpentry, and the tree also serves as a shade and ornamental tree in gardens and parks.
Light Requirements:
Chrysophyllum longipes Engl. typically grows in an area with partial shade to full sun exposure. The plant can tolerate direct sunlight for a few hours each day, but it prefers partial shade to prevent scorching and leaf damage. It is best to place it in an area where it can receive filtered light during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements:
The ideal temperature range for Chrysophyllum longipes Engl. is between 20°C to 30°C. The plant can tolerate a minimum temperature of 15°C and a maximum temperature of 35°C. It is important to protect the plant from frost and extremely low temperatures because it can cause significant damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements:
Chrysophyllum longipes Engl. grows well in well-draining, rich, and loamy soil. The plant prefers soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. It is important to ensure adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging because the plant is susceptible to root rot. The plant can also grow in sandy soil as long as there is adequate moisture retention and nutrient content.
Cultivation methods
Chrysophyllum longipes Engl. thrives in well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight. The plant should be grown in a warm and humid environment, and frost-prone areas should be avoided. Being tropical in nature, it is better to grow the plant in a greenhouse in cooler regions. Propagation of the plant can be done through its seeds.
Watering needs
Chrysophyllum longipes Engl. requires frequent watering, especially during the growing season, but proper drainage is necessary to prevent the roots from rotting. It is important to keep the soil moist without allowing it to become waterlogged. In the winter months, the plant requires less water compared to the summer months.
Fertilization
To keep the plant healthy and boost its growth, fertilize it regularly. A balanced fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and potassium is ideal for the plant. Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure can also be used to provide the plant with essential nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning Chrysophyllum longipes Engl. at regular intervals can help maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Prune the plant after it has finished flowering in the spring season. Cut off any dead, damaged or diseased branches or stems. Remove any branches that are rubbing against each other as they can cause damage to the plant. If necessary, prune the plant again in the summer to control its height or shape.
Propagation of Chrysophyllum longipes Engl.
Chrysophyllum longipes Engl., commonly known as African star apple, is a tropical fruit tree that is native to West Africa. The tree grows up to 30 meters in height and is well-known for its delicious and nutritious fruit.
There are different methods of propagating Chrysophyllum longipes Engl. Here are the three most common ones:
Seed propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Chrysophyllum longipes Engl. is through seeds. The fruit contains several seeds, and these can easily be collected and planted in a suitable planting medium. The seeds should first be removed from the fleshy pulp and cleaned with water. They are then planted in well-draining soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. The planted seeds should be kept moist and warm, and they should germinate within three to four weeks.
Grafting propagation
Grafting is another common method of propagating Chrysophyllum longipes Engl. This method involves taking a bud or shoot from a mature tree and grafting it onto a young seedling rootstock. The graft union is then wrapped with grafting tape to hold it in place and promote healing. Grafted seedlings will take two to three years to grow into mature trees that can start bearing fruit.
Cutting propagation
The cutting method of propagation is also possible for Chrysophyllum longipes Engl. Softwood cuttings with leaves can be taken from new branch growth that is at least 10 cm long. Care should be taken to moisten the cuttings, keep them in cool and shaded areas until they form roots, and then transplant them into a potting mix. If the rooted cuttings are well-maintained, they can develop into healthy trees that produce fruits in about five years.
Disease and Pest Management for Chrysophyllum longipes Engl.
Chrysophyllum longipes Engl. is a tropical fruit tree that belongs to the Sapotaceae family. It is native to West Africa and is commonly referred to as African star apple, yellow fruit tree or bush-butter tree. Chrysophyllum longipes can be prone to several diseases and pests that can affect the growth and yield of the plant.
Common Diseases
The common diseases that affect Chrysophyllum longipes are:
- Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits of Chrysophyllum longipes. Symptoms include brown lesions or spots on leaves and fruit, and premature fruit drop. To manage anthracnose, remove infected fruit and debris, apply fungicides, and maintain proper soil drainage.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot is another fungal disease that affects the foliage of Chrysophyllum longipes. Symptoms include circular brown spots with yellow halos on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves, apply fungicides, and avoid overhead irrigation.
- Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of Chrysophyllum longipes. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, wilting, stunted growth, and a foul odor. To manage root rot, remove infected plants, improve soil drainage, and ensure proper watering practices.
Common Pests
The common pests that affect Chrysophyllum longipes are:
- Fruit fly: Fruit flies can damage the fruit of Chrysophyllum longipes. Symptoms include punctured fruit with larvae inside. To manage fruit flies, cover the fruit with bags or use insecticides.
- Mites: Mites can cause discoloration and deformation of the leaves of Chrysophyllum longipes. To manage mites, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or predatory insects.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can feed on the leaves of Chrysophyllum longipes, causing defoliation. To manage caterpillars, remove and destroy infected leaves, use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), or introduce natural predators.
In conclusion, disease and pest management for Chrysophyllum longipes is essential to ensure the plant's health and yield. It is important to recognize the common diseases and pests that can affect the plant and take appropriate actions to manage them. Regular pruning, proper irrigation, and sanitation practices can also help prevent disease and pest infestations.
