Overview of Chrysophyllum lungii De Wild.
Chrysophyllum lungii De Wild., also known as Omiyende in Nigeria, is a plant species in the family Sapotaceae. It is native to West and Central Africa, specifically Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria, and Congo. The plant is recognized for its medicinal and economic benefits, making it a significant resource in traditional medicine and the food industry.
Common names
The plant is known by several names across its native range, including Omiyende (Nigeria), Akaraka (Cameroon), Kituambula (Congo), and Fumbua (Gabon).
Appearance
Chrysophyllum lungii De Wild. is an evergreen tree that grows up to 30 m tall. The tree has a thick, mottled bark and large, glossy, obovate leaves measuring 9-15 cm in length and 5-10 cm in width. The white, fragrant flowers are small and appear in clusters of 5-12. The fruit, which is edible and sweet, is a globose berry with a diameter of 3-6 cm and a smooth, yellow-orange rind.
Uses
The Chrysophyllum lungii tree has a wide range of uses. The fruit is consumed fresh or used to make jam, jelly, wine, and liqueur. The seeds of the fruit are roasted and eaten as a snack. The leaves are used to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, fever, and cough. The bark and roots of the tree contain compounds with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties, making them useful in traditional medicine. The wood of the tree is hard and durable, making it suitable for construction and furniture making.
Growth Conditions for Chrysophyllum lungii De Wild.
Chrysophyllum lungii De Wild. is a plant that has specific growth requirements that need to be considered when cultivating it.
Light Requirements
The plant requires partial shade to full sunlight in order to grow and thrive. It can tolerate direct sun exposure but for optimal growth, it needs some shade to moderate the intense sunlight. Too much shade can result in elongated and weak stems.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best at temperatures between 20-30°C. It can tolerate low temperatures, but growth will be stunted below 15°C. Similarly, high temperatures above 35°C can cause the leaves to wilt and the plant to stop growing. The plant is known to thrive in tropical and subtropical climates.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 5.5-7.5. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged as this can cause root rot. The plant doesn't tolerate saline soils.
In summary, Chrysophyllum lungii De Wild. requires partial shade to full sunlight, temperatures between 20-30°C, and well-draining soils rich in organic matter, with a pH between 5.5-7.5. By providing these optimal growing conditions, the plant can grow and thrive, producing an abundance of foliage and fruits.
Cultivation Methods
Chrysophyllum lungii De Wild. is a subtropical plant that can tolerate a range of temperatures and soils. It prefers well-drained, moist, and fertile soils. Prepare the soil before planting by mixing in organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve soil structure and fertility. The ideal pH range for cultivation is between 5.5 to 6.5.
Propagate the plant by seed or by vegetative means such as stem cuttings. When propagating by seed, soak them in water overnight to soften the seed coat, which will aid in germination. Sow the seeds in well-drained seed starting mix and place them in a warm location with plenty of light.
Watering Needs
Chrysophyllum lungii De Wild. requires regular watering to thrive. Water the plant deeply and regularly, especially during periods of drought. Ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Water more frequently during hot weather, and reduce watering during the winter months. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilization is necessary to promote healthy growth and fruiting. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Use a slow-release fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). Avoid fertilizing during the winter or when the plant is not actively growing.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the shape of the plant and to promote healthy growth. Prune the plant during the dormant season to reduce its size and remove any dead or diseased wood. Remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Cut back any branches that are growing too long or out of shape. Regular pruning will encourage the plant to produce more fruit and maintain a manageable size.
Propagation of Chrysophyllum lungii De Wild.
Chrysophyllum lungii De Wild., commonly known as the African star apple, is a tropical tree that is native to Central and West Africa. The tree is popular for its fragrant flowers, edible fruit, and medicinal properties. There are several methods of propagating the Chrysophyllum lungii De Wild. Here are some of the propagation methods:
Seed Propagation
One of the most common methods of propagating Chrysophyllum lungii De Wild. is through seed propagation. For seed propagation, select fully matured seeds from ripe fruit, and sow the seeds in well-prepared seedbeds. Keep the soil moist and protected from direct sunlight. Germination rates may take up to 4 weeks, and the seedlings will be ready for transplanting after six to ten months.
Air Layering
Another method of propagating Chrysophyllum lungii De Wild. is through air layering. For this method, select a healthy and mature branch from the tree and make a cut in the bark about 1/3 of the way around the branch. Apply rooting hormone to the area, and wrap damp sphagnum moss around the cut. Cover the moss with a plastic bag, and wait for roots to form. After roots have formed, cut the stem below the rooted area, and plant it in a well-draining soil mixture.
Cuttings
The third propagation method for Chrysophyllum lungii De Wild. is through stem cuttings. Select healthy and mature stems that are about 10-15 cm long and cut at an angle. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mixture. Place the pot in a well-lit area but avoid direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist, and roots should start forming within six to ten weeks.
In conclusion, Chrysophyllum lungii De Wild. can be propagated through several methods, namely seed propagation, air layering, and stem cuttings. These propagation methods are simple and effective, ensuring that the tropical tree can be propagated with ease.
Disease and Pest Management for Chrysophyllum lungii De Wild.
Chrysophyllum lungii De Wild., commonly known as African star apple, is an evergreen tree that is susceptible to several diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management measures are essential to help the plant grow healthy and produce a generous yield.
Common Diseases
The African star apple tree is prone to different fungal pathogens, such as anthracnose, botryosphaeria canker, and cercospora leaf spot.
Anthracnose: This disease attacks the leaves, branches, and fruits of the tree, causing brown, water-soaked lesions and sunken spots. To manage anthracnose, it is necessary to prune affected branches, remove infected fruits, and destroy them to prevent the spread of the disease.
Botryosphaeria Canker: This disease causes cankers on the limbs and trunk, causing them to dieback. To manage Botryosphaeria canker, it is necessary to remove the infected branches and apply a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Cercospora Leaf Spot: This disease causes yellow spots with dark brown borders on the leaves, which can lead to early defoliation. To manage cercospora leaf spot, it is necessary to remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide.
Common Pests
The African star apple tree is also affected by several pests such as fruit flies, scales insects, and mealybugs.
Fruit Flies: Fruit flies can cause considerable damage to the African star apple tree by laying eggs in the fruits, resulting in their decay. To manage fruit flies, it is necessary to remove and destroy infected fruits and use insecticides.
Scales: Scales are sucking insects that attach themselves to the tree's bark and leaves. The insect's feeding results in leaf yellowing, wilting, and the tree's growth being stunted. To manage scales, it is necessary to prune affected branches and apply insecticides.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small insects that feed on the tree's sap and excrete honeydew, which leads to the growth of black sooty mold on the leaves and fruits. To manage mealybugs, it is necessary to apply insecticides and use sticky traps to attract and trap the insects.
Conclusion
Disease and pest management practices are necessary to ensure the healthy growth of the African Star Apple tree. To prevent diseases and pests, regular monitoring, sanitation practices, pruning, and the use of appropriate insecticides and fungicides are necessary.
