Description of Chrysophyllum normandii A.Chev.
Chrysophyllum normandii A.Chev., commonly known as Yellow Apple, is a tropical evergreen tree that is native to Nigeria and Cameroon. This plant belongs to the Sapotaceae family and is known for its useful fruit and excellent timber. The tree is grown in tropical regions worldwide and is valued for its delicious fruit.
History and Common Names
Chrysophyllum normandii A.Chev. is also known by several other names like African Star Apple, Yellow Star Apple, and Golden Star Apple. The fruit is consumed in different parts of Africa, including Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, and Sierra Leone. The fruit is known as "Agbalumo" in Yoruba, "Udara" in Igbo language, and "Alasa" in Ghana.
Uses
The fruit of Chrysophyllum normandii A.Chev. is popular for its sweet-sour taste and nutritional value. The fruit is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It is consumed fresh and can be processed for juice, jams, and wine production. The fruit is also believed to possess medicinal properties, and the bark and leaves of the plant have been used to treat various ailments.
Additionally, Chrysophyllum normandii A.Chev. is a valuable source of timber. The wood is durable and strong, making it suitable for heavy construction works such as decking, flooring, and furniture.
General Appearance
The Chrysophyllum normandii A.Chev. tree is a medium-sized evergreen with a densely branched crown that can grow up to 16 meters tall. The leaves are elliptical and shiny, measuring between 8-21 cm in length and 4-9 cm wide. The tree produces star-shaped flowers that are about 1 cm wide and are pale green or yellow. The fruit is round or oblong, measuring between 2.5-5 cm in diameter, and has a yellowish-orange skin when ripe. The fruit has a tough, papery skin that encases the whitish, sweet-sour pulp and numerous seeds.
In conclusion, Chrysophyllum normandii A.Chev. is a valuable plant in tropical regions worldwide. It provides delicious fruit, timber, and medicinal properties. Additionally, it adds to the beauty of any landscape with its dense foliage and brightly colored fruit.
Light requirements
Chrysophyllum normandii A.Chev. thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. As a tropical plant, it requires a lot of light but can tolerate some shade.
Temperature requirements
The plant prefers warm, humid conditions with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. It cannot tolerate cold temperatures and should be protected from frost.
Soil requirements
Chrysophyllum normandii A.Chev. does well in well-drained, moist soil. It thrives in a slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant does not do well in sandy soils or those that are poorly drained.
It is also important to ensure that the soil is rich in nutrients and organic matter to promote healthy growth. Regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer will help provide the necessary nutrients.
Cultivation Methods
Chrysophyllum normandii A.Chev., commonly referred to as the "Chrysophyllum fruit," requires warm temperatures and a humid environment to grow successfully. This plant can grow in various soils, but it thrives best in loamy soils that provide good drainage. The ideal soil pH should range from 6.5 to 7.5 to ensure optimum growth. While this plant can do well in both sun and shade, it may require partial sun to ensure optimal fruit production.
Watering Needs
The Chrysophyllum normandii A.Chev. requires regular watering to ensure optimal growth and fruit production. The plant should be watered at least twice a week, and the soil should be kept evenly moist. The amount of water applied to the plant should be adjusted based on the prevailing weather conditions, with more water being applied during hot and dry seasons.
Fertilization
The Chrysophyllum normandii A.Chev. requires regular fertilization to promote optimum growth and fruit production. This plant requires a balanced fertilizer, with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10, applied during the growing season. Fertilizers should be applied at the base of the plant, and the amount applied should be adjusted based on the size of the plant and the recommended dosage on the label.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to promote optimal growth and fruit production in the Chrysophyllum normandii A.Chev. Pruning should be done in the early stages of growth, and this should involve the removal of dead or diseased branches. Later, once the plant is established, light pruning can be done to shape the plant and promote good air circulation for healthy growth and fruit production.
Propagation of Chrysophyllum normandii A.Chev.
Chrysophyllum normandii A.Chev. can be propagated both sexually and asexually. Propagation through seeds is the sexual method, while propagation through cuttings and grafting is the asexual or vegetative method.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation through seeds is possible for Chrysophyllum normandii A.Chev. However, the process can be slow and unpredictable. The seeds must first be collected from mature fruits of the plant. The seeds must be cleaned and soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing. The germination time for Chrysophyllum normandii A.Chev. seeds can take up to three months. The seeds can be sown in seedling containers with good drainage and fertile soil. Once the seedlings are strong enough to handle, they can be transplanted into larger containers or outdoors.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation of Chrysophyllum normandii A.Chev. through cuttings is the most commonly used asexual method. The best cutting material for propagation is semi-hardwood stems or branches up to 15 cm in length. The cuttings must be taken in the early morning or late afternoon when the plant has the most water in its system. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted into a rooting medium containing sand, perlite, and peat. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a warm, humid environment until roots have formed. Once roots have formed, the cuttings can be transplanted into larger containers or outdoors.
Propagation through Grafting
Grafting is also a possible method to propagate Chrysophyllum normandii A.Chev. The scion to be grafted onto a rootstock should be taken from a healthy and mature plant with desirable traits. The rootstock should be taken from a closely related species to ensure compatibility. The scion and rootstock must be cut at a 45-degree angle and fit securely together. The graft must then be wrapped with a grafting tape and kept in a warm, humid environment until the graft has taken and new growth has emerged. Once the graft has taken, the plant can be transplanted and treated as a single plant.
Disease Management
Chrysophyllum normandii A.Chev. is generally a hardy plant with few significant disease problems. However, some of the common diseases that can affect this plant are:
- Leaf spot diseases: These are caused by fungi and can cause small spots on the leaves that grow larger over time. To manage these diseases, it is necessary to promptly remove any infected leaves and destroy any debris around the plant to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Anthracnose: This is another fungal disease that can affect the plant and is characterized by large brown spots on the leaves. Preventive measures include proper sanitation practices as well as avoiding overhead watering and controlling humidity levels to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Aside from diseases, pests can also be a problem for Chrysophyllum normandii A.Chev. Some potential pests include:
- Mealybugs: These small, white, cottony insects can infest the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves. To manage this pest, it is necessary to spray the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Scale insects: These pests resemble small, brown or black bumps on the plant's leaves and stems. A severe infestation can cause the leaves to yellow and drop. Prune and dispose of heavily infested parts of the plant and treat with neem oil or an insecticidal soap to manage this pest.
