Overview:
Chrysophyllum msolo Engl., also known as Msolo tree, is a tropical plant species in the genus Chrysophyllum. It is native to Central to Western Africa and is a member of the Sapotaceae family.
General Appearance:
The Msolo tree is a tall evergreen tree, growing up to 60 ft in height. Its trunk is straight, cylindrical, and has a grey-brown bark. The leaves are shiny, oval-shaped, and dark green, measuring up to 8 inches in length. The plant bears small white flowers that grow on long stalks and develop into small green-yellow edible fruit.
Common Names:
The Msolo tree has various common names in different regions, including African star apple, Agbalumo, Udara, and Imbe.
Uses:
The fruit of the Msolo tree is nutritious and widely consumed in Africa, with both the flesh and the seeds being edible. The fruit is a good source of vitamin C, is high in fiber, and has various medicinal properties that have been used in traditional African medicine. The bark and leaves are also used in traditional medicinal practices to treat various ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and throat infections. Additionally, the timber from the Msolo tree is of high quality and is used for furniture making and construction purposes.
Overall, Chrysophyllum msolo Engl. is a cherished plant species in Africa due to its nutritional and medicinal benefits, hardwood timber, and general aesthetic value.
Light Requirements
Chrysophyllum msolo Engl. thrives in areas where there is partial to full sunlight exposure. However, it can grow well in shaded conditions as well. If the plant is grown indoors, it is advisable to provide artificial lighting to support its growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers a temperate to a tropical climate with an average temperature of 22°C to 26°C (72°F to 79°F). It can withstand mild frosts but cannot tolerate extremely low temperatures. Temperatures below 5°C (41°F) can be detrimental to the plant's growth and survival.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained soil with good water retention properties. A pH range of 5.5 to 7.0 is ideal for its growth. Slightly acidic soil conditions can support the plant's growth and development. It can grow in different soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The addition of organic matter, such as compost, can help improve the soil's structure and nutrient content.
Cultivation Methods of Chrysophyllum msolo Engl.
Chrysophyllum msolo Engl., commonly known as Msolo, is a tropical evergreen tree that grows in a variety of soils including sandy, loamy and clay soils. The tree is propagated through suckers, but it can also be propagated through seedlings.
Plant the tree in a location that receives full sun or partial shade. The tree prefers warm and humid weather with temperatures ranging from 22-30 degrees Celsius. Ensure that the planting hole is deep enough to accommodate the roots. Backfill the hole with soil and press down firmly.
Water the tree regularly to keep the soil moist. The tree needs approximately 1-2 inches of water per week. During dry periods, increase watering to maintain moisture levels in the soil. Avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
Watering Needs of Chrysophyllum msolo Engl.
Chrysophyllum msolo Engl. requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. It needs approximately 1-2 inches of water per week. During dry periods, increase watering to maintain moisture levels in the soil. Avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot. The tree is drought-tolerant, but it performs better in moist soil.
Fertilization of Chrysophyllum msolo Engl.
Apply a balanced fertilizer to the tree during the growing season. Use a fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10:10:10 or 15:15:15. Apply the fertilizer at a rate of 0.5 lbs per tree per year. Apply the fertilizer around the tree's drip line and water thoroughly after application.
The tree also benefits from organic fertilizers such as compost and manure. Apply the organic fertilizer at a rate of 2-3 inches per year. The organic fertilizer adds nutrients to the soil gradually, ensuring long-term soil health and tree growth.
Pruning Chrysophyllum msolo Engl.
Prune the tree to maintain its shape and size. Pruning also promotes air circulation and sunlight penetration, which reduces the risk of fungal diseases. The best time to prune the tree is during the dry season.
Remove dead, diseased or damaged branches immediately to prevent the spread of disease. Cut the branches just above the node, leaving a small stub. The stub will eventually dry out and fall off.
When pruning to reduce the tree's size, make the cut just above a node facing the direction you want the new growth to take. This will prevent the tree from developing multiple stems and ensure a clean, single trunk.
Propagation of Chrysophyllum msolo Engl.
Chrysophyllum msolo Engl., commonly known as the African star apple, can be propagated through different methods. These methods include:
Seed propagation
The African star apple produces seeds that can be used for propagation. The seeds should be collected from ripe fruits and washed in clean water. To enhance germination, the seeds can be soaked in water for about 24 hours before planting. The seeds are then planted in a nursery bed with good drainage and fertile soil. They should be covered with a thin layer of soil and lightly pressed down. The nursery should be watered regularly, and the seeds should germinate in about 2-3 weeks. Seedlings grown through this method can be transplanted to a permanent site when they are about 6-12 months old.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation involves the use of stem or root cuttings. Stem cuttings should be collected from healthy and mature trees during the rainy season. The cuttings should be about 25-30 cm in length and have at least three nodes. The leaves should be trimmed to reduce water loss, and the base of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder. The cuttings are then planted in a well-drained and fertile soil mixture in a nursery. The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings should root in about 6-8 weeks. Root cuttings are collected during the dormancy period, and they should be about 10-15 cm in length. The cuttings are then planted horizontally in a nursery with well-drained soil, and they should be watered regularly. Rooting should occur in about 4-5 weeks.
Grafting propagation
Grafting propagation involves the use of a scion from a selected tree and grafting it onto a rootstock from another species. The scion should be selected from healthy and mature trees with desirable traits. The rootstock should be selected from a compatible Chrysophyllum species with good root development. The scion and rootstock should be joined together by grafting, and the graft union should be wrapped with a grafting tape to hold the two parts together. The graft should be kept in a nursery and protected from wind and direct sunlight. The graft union should heal in about 6-8 weeks, and the grafted plant can then be transplanted to a permanent site.
Disease Management for Chrysophyllum msolo Engl.
Chrysophyllum msolo Engl. is susceptible to different diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. These diseases include the following:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes dark, sunken spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can be managed by removing infected plant parts, avoiding overhead watering and applying fungicides such as copper-based products.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot is caused by a fungus that manifests as small, dark spots surrounded by a yellow ring. The best management practices for this disease include removing the infected leaves, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
- Root rot: Root rot is caused by fungi that attack the roots of the plant, causing them to rot. The disease is most common in plants grown in poorly drained soils. To manage this disease, it is essential to improve the drainage of the soil, avoid overwatering and use fungicides to prevent the spread of the fungus.
Pest Management for Chrysophyllum msolo Engl.
The following are the most common pests that attack Chrysophyllum msolo Engl.:
- Mealybugs: These are small, white insects with a powdery wax coating that feeds on the plant sap. The best management practices for mealybugs include physically removing them by wiping them off with a clean, damp cloth, applying insecticides and introducing natural predators such as ladybirds that feed on the mealybugs.
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and deformities on leaves and stems. Controlling aphids includes washing them off the plant with a strong stream of water, introducing natural predators such as ladybirds and lacewings, and applying insecticides.
- Scale insects: Scale insects are small, immobile insects that attach themselves to the plant and suck sap from it. They can be managed by removing them using a clean, damp cloth, using insecticidal soaps, introducing natural predators or applying systemic insecticides.
