Overview
Chrysophyllum wilmsii Engl., also called Alstonia wilmsii K.Schum., is a tree species that belongs to the plant family Sapotaceae. It is native to Central African countries such as Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria. It is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall and has a large trunk up to 1 meter in diameter. It produces small, edible fruits that are yellow or orange when ripe.
Common Names
Chrysophyllum wilmsii goes by different names depending on the countries and regions it grows. In some parts of Cameroon and Nigeria, it is called "Eko" or "Ekoroma" while in other areas it is called "Abeng", "Ambeleti", or "Kosso". The species does not have any widely recognized common name in English.
Uses
The tree and its different parts have various uses and applications in traditional medicine, cooking, and construction.
Medicinally, the bark, leaves, and roots are used to treat a range of ailments such as fever, malaria, stomachache, diarrhea, and wounds. They are also used to stimulate lactation in breastfeeding women and as a general tonic.
The fruits are edible and are consumed raw or processed into a drink or jam. They have a sweet and slightly acidic taste and are rich in vitamins and minerals. The wood is hard, durable, and resistant to termites and is used for making furniture, poles, and construction materials.
General Appearance
Chrysophyllum wilmsii is a tall, evergreen tree with a conical or broadly pyramidal crown. The bark is smooth and gray when young, becoming rough and cracked with age. The leaves are leathery, glossy, and dark green, with a length of up to 25 cm and a width of up to 8 cm. They are arranged spirally around the stem and have a pointed tip. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, with a diameter of about 1 cm. The fruits are round, about 2 cm in diameter, and have a yellow or orange color when ripe. The seeds are enclosed in a fleshy pulp and are brown or black in color, ellipsoid, and flattened.
Light Requirements
Chrysophyllum wilmsii Engl. requires a moderate amount of sunlight to grow. Too much sunlight can cause leaf scorching, while too little sunlight can hinder growth. As a tropical plant, it does well in bright, indirect light. It is recommended to place the plant in a shaded area with some exposure to the sun, such as near a window with a sheer curtain.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Chrysophyllum wilmsii Engl. is between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Temperatures below 15°C (59°F) or above 35°C (95°F) may halt growth or cause damage to the plant. It is important to provide consistent temperatures and avoid placing the plant in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations, such as near drafty windows.
Soil Requirements
Chrysophyllum wilmsii Engl. grows best in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range (6.0 to 7.0). A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and sand or other coarse materials can provide good drainage. It is important to avoid overwatering, as the roots can become waterlogged and rot. Water should be provided when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Cultivation Methods
Chrysophyllum wilmsii Engl. prefers to grow in a warm and humid environment. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. The plant likes rich, well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. It is essential to protect the plant from strong winds and direct sunlight.
Watering Needs
The Chrysophyllum wilmsii Engl. plant requires moderate watering, meaning that the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Regular watering during the growing season is recommended. In winter, reduce the watering frequency but do not allow the soil to dry out entirely as it can lead to root damage.
Fertilization
It is essential to fertilize the Chrysophyllum wilmsii Engl. plant with organic fertilizers to promote vigorous growth. Apply fertilizers during the growing season, preferably every two weeks. It is advisable to reduce fertilization in the winter when the plant is dormant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to help maintain the shape and size of the Chrysophyllum wilmsii Engl. plant. It is advisable to prune during the dormant season. Remove any damaged, diseased, or dead stems, and prune back any lateral branches that grow beyond the desired shape of the plant. Be careful not to over-prune as it can lead to stunted growth.
Propagation of Chrysophyllum wilmsii Engl.
Chrysophyllum wilmsii Engl. is a small to medium-sized tree that belongs to the Sapotaceae family. The tree is native to West Africa and can grow up to 12 m tall. Propagation of this plant can be done through different methods.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagation of Chrysophyllum wilmsii Engl. is through seeds. The seeds of this tree are easy to germinate and have a high success rate. The seeds should be collected from the ripe fruits and sown in a mixture of sand and soil. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept in a warm and moist environment. The seedlings will emerge within a few weeks, and they should be transplanted to individual pots when they have grown enough.
Propagation by Cuttings
Chrysophyllum wilmsii Engl. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from the healthy and mature branches of the tree in the early morning. The cuttings should be at least 15 cm long and should have at least four nodes. The bottom nodes of the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone, and then they should be planted in a mixture of sand and soil. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment, and they should be watered regularly. The cuttings will develop roots within 4-6 weeks, and they can be transplanted to their final location.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is another method of propagation that can be used to propagate Chrysophyllum wilmsii Engl. This method is usually used when high-quality trees need to be propagated. The scion wood from a healthy tree is grafted onto a rootstock of a closely related species or a seedling of the same tree. Grafting ensures that the desirable qualities of the parent tree are preserved in the offspring.
Overall, the propagation of Chrysophyllum wilmsii Engl. is relatively simple, and it can be done through seeds, cuttings, or grafting. With the right care, the young plants will thrive and grow into healthy trees.
Disease and Pest Management for Chrysophyllum wilmsii Engl.
Chrysophyllum wilmsii Engl. is vulnerable to several diseases and pests that can significantly impact its growth and productivity. Effective management of these threats is critical for the health of the plant, and preventing an infestation can help avoid expensive damage control efforts.
Diseases
Leaf spots: One of the most common diseases to affect this plant is leaf spots caused by fungal pathogens. The spots typically appear yellow in color and initially occur on the lower leaves before spreading to the upper foliage. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and plant debris to prevent the spread of the fungi. Moreover, avoid watering the plant's foliage, or in the evening to prevent the growth of fungi is essential. Apply a copper-based fungicide as a preventative or treatment option.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is another fungal issue that can impact the plant's productivity. It initially appears as white, powdery spots on the surface of the leaves. It can be managed by pruning infected branches, avoiding overhead watering, and reducing humidity around the plant. Application of a sulfur-based fungicide in the early stages of development is beneficial.
Pests
Aphids: These pests are tiny insects that can affect the Chrysophyllum wilmsii Engl. Aphids typically appear on the foliage and feed by sucking the sap out of the plant. The plant's leaves become yellow and eventually curl in response to high levels of infestation. To control aphids, mechanically remove them with a strong jet of water or remove the infected leaves. Introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs is also useful in aphid control.
Scale insects: Another pest that can affect the plant's health is scales. These tiny insects attach themselves to the leaves and stems, forming visible scales. They feed on the plant's sap, causing it to weaken and die. The best way to manage scales is by mechanically removing them using a scrubbing brush. Insecticidal soaps can also be used, but they must be applied at an early stage of infestation.
Overall, effective disease and pest management for Chrysophyllum wilmsii Engl. requires a proactive approach. Regular monitoring of the plant, combined with timely and appropriate interventions, is an excellent way to manage these threats and maintain a healthy plant.
