Overview
Chrysophyllum subnudum Baker, commonly known as "Goldenleaf star apple," is a tropical tree that belongs to the family Sapotaceae. The plant is native to West and Central Africa, particularly in Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon.Appearance
The tree can grow up to 15-24 meters tall, and its bark is usually gray, smooth, and peeling. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and have a distinctive golden-yellow underside, which makes them stand out in the forest. The fruits are round, about 5-7 centimeters in diameter, and have a smooth, waxy skin, which turns yellowish-brown when fully ripe. The flesh of the fruit is sweet, juicy, and has a unique custard-like texture.Uses
The Chrysophyllum subnudum Baker tree has significant economic and cultural importance in Africa. The fruit is a favorite delicacy in many African countries and is highly valued for its sweet, refreshing taste and nutritional value. In Nigeria, the fruit is commonly referred to as taffy apple, and the locals believe that the juice from the fruit can cure eye infections and other ailments. The bark and leaves of the Goldenleaf star apple tree are also used for medicinal purposes. The bark contains an alkaloid known as chrysophylline, which has been used to treat fevers, malaria, dysentery, and other illnesses. The timber of the tree is highly valued for its durability and is used for creating furniture and other wood products.Conclusion
In conclusion, Chrysophyllum subnudum Baker, commonly known as "Goldenleaf star apple", is a tropical tree native to West and Central Africa. The tree has a distinctive appearance, with dark green leaves and golden-yellow undersides and produces round, sweet and juicy fruits that are highly prized for their flavor. The plant has significant cultural and economic importance in Africa, with its fruits and other parts used for medicinal purposes, as well as for their wood products.Light Requirements
Chrysophyllum subnudum Baker requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shading, but too much shade can lead to stunted growth and reduced fruit production.
Temperature Requirements
This plant grows well in warm to hot temperatures, within the range of 25-35°C (77-95°F). It is suitable for tropical and subtropical climates, where temperatures don't drop below 10°C (50°F).
Soil Requirements
The Chrysophyllum subnudum Baker plant prefers well-draining, light to medium clay soil that is slightly acidic to neutral in pH (6-7.5). It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil should be rich in organic matter, with good water-holding capacity, as the plant requires consistent soil moisture.
Cultivation Methods
The Chrysophyllum subnudum Baker plant is native to West Africa and primarily grows in the rainforests of Sierra Leone, Cameroon, and Ghana. The plant requires a warm and humid climate to grow healthily. It can be grown indoors or outdoors in well-draining soil. If grown indoors, place the plant in a location where it can receive bright indirect sunlight.
Watering Needs
Water the Chrysophyllum subnudum Baker plant regularly but do not overwater it. The plant requires moist soil but not waterlogging. During the growing season (typically from spring to fall), watering once a week is sufficient. However, reduce watering to once every two weeks during the dormant season (usually from winter to early spring).
Fertilization
Fertilize the Chrysophyllum subnudum Baker plant every 2-3 months during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer or a slow-release fertilizer, ensuring that the nutrients are well-balanced. Overfeeding with fertilizers can damage the plant, so follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer carefully.
Pruning
Prune the Chrysophyllum subnudum Baker plant to maintain its shape and promote growth. Remove any dead or damaged stems and branches to improve the plant's health. Pruning back one-third of the plant during the dormant season (winter to early spring) promotes vigorous growth in the following season. You can also lightly prune the plant during the growing season to shape it and control its size. However, avoid trimming the plant to the extent of harming its growth.
Propagation of Chrysophyllum subnudum Baker
Chrysophyllum subnudum Baker, commonly known as the Yellow Star Apple, can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Seed Propagation
The most common way to propagate Chrysophyllum subnudum is through seeds. The seeds must be fresh and should be planted within a few days after obtaining them. Prior to sowing, the seeds can be soaked in water for 24 hours to help soften the seed coat and increase germination. Sowing can be done directly into the ground in a shaded area. The seeds must be planted at a depth of 2-3 cm in well-draining soil. Germination can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks and success rate is approximately 50-60%.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation involves the use of vegetative materials to produce new plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant. Chrysophyllum subnudum can be propagated asexually using air-layering and stem cuttings.
Air-layering: This method involves wounding the parent plant's stem and covering it with moist soil or sphagnum moss to induce rooting. The stem must not be fully detached from the parent plant until the root system is established. Once roots have formed, the stem can be cut and planted in a pot or directly in the ground.
Stem Cuttings: This method involves taking cuttings from the parent plant's stem and planting them in a rooting medium. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm long and should be taken from semi-hardwood sections of the stem. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. Rooting can take 2-3 months and success rate is approximately 50-70%.
Disease and Pest Management for Chrysophyllum subnudum Baker
Chrysophyllum subnudum Baker, commonly known as Yellow Plum or Golden Apple, is a small to medium-sized tree that grows up to 15 meters tall. It is native to West and Central Africa and is widely cultivated for its edible fruits. Like any other plant, Chrysophyllum subnudum Baker is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can significantly reduce its yield and vitality.
Common Pests affecting Chrysophyllum subnudum Baker
The following are some of the pests that pose a serious threat to Chrysophyllum subnudum Baker:
Fruit Fly
The fruit fly is a common pest that attacks the fruits of Chrysophyllum subnudum Baker. The larvae of the fruit fly feed on the fleshy part of the fruit, making it inedible. To control fruit flies, farmers can use insecticides specifically designed for fruit fly control. They can also practice good orchard sanitation by removing and destroying infested fruits and fallen leaves and burying them away from the orchard to reduce the chances of re-infestation.
Aphids
Aphids are small sap-sucking insects that feed on the leaves of Chrysophyllum subnudum Baker. Severe infestations can cause leaf drop and stunted growth. To control aphids, farmers can use insecticides that specifically target aphids. They can also encourage the presence of natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps that feed on aphids.
Common Diseases affecting Chrysophyllum subnudum Baker
The following are some of the diseases that commonly affect Chrysophyllum subnudum Baker:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, flowers, and fruits of Chrysophyllum subnudum Baker. It appears as small, circular, sunken lesions that may merge to form larger irregular spots. Severe infections can cause defoliation, flower and fruit drop and even death of the tree. To control this disease, farmers can use fungicides specifically formulated to control anthracnose. They can also practice good orchard sanitation by removing and destroying infected plant parts, reducing plant stress, and promoting good air circulation.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves of Chrysophyllum subnudum Baker. Severe infections can cause leaf drop, stunted growth and reduce the yield. To control this disease, farmers can use fungicides specifically formulated to control powdery mildew. Additionally, they can maintain good air circulation, provide adequate spacing between plants, and avoid overwatering that can contribute to high humidity levels.
In conclusion, Chrysophyllum subnudum Baker faces many challenges in terms of pests and diseases. However, with proper management practices such as avoiding over-crowding, practicing good orchard sanitation, and applying the right pesticides and fungicides at the right time, farmers can effectively manage pests and diseases, increase productivity and achieve a higher yield of this valuable plant.
