Overview
Citropsis gabunensis (Engl.) Swingle & M.Kellerm. is an evergreen tree that belongs to the citrus family, Rutaceae. It is commonly known as African cherry orange or Gabon cherry. The plant is native to the forests of Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria in West Africa.
Appearance
Citropsis gabunensis is a small to medium-sized tree that grows up to 20 meters in height. The bark is smooth and grey-brown in color. The leaves are ovate, dark green, and glossy with a distinct fragrance when crushed. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant. The fruit is a berry that is spherical to oblong in shape, and it varies in size from 1.5 to 3 cm in diameter. The fruit changes in color from green to yellowish-orange when ripe, and it has an edible pulp that surrounds the seeds.
Uses
The fruit of Citropsis gabunensis is considered to be sweet and sour with a pleasant aroma and flavor, and it is used as a food source in West Africa. The fruit is also used in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as stomach problems, fever, and flu. The bark, leaves, and roots of the tree have been reported to have antimicrobial and antimalarial properties. The wood of Citropsis gabunensis is hard and durable, and it is used for construction, furniture making, and carving.
Cultivation
Citropsis gabunensis is a slow-growing tree that prefers well-drained soils and a warm, humid environment. The plant is propagated from seed, and it can take up to five years to produce fruit. The tree requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and size.
Growth Conditions for Citropsis gabunensis (Engl.) Swingle & M.Kellerm.
Citropsis gabunensis, commonly known as Gabon cherry, is a fast-growing, semi-deciduous tree that can reach up to 25 meters in height. This plant is native to West and Central Africa and is commonly found growing in lowland forests. Here are the typical growth conditions required for the optimal growth of Citropsis gabunensis:
Light Requirements
Citropsis gabunensis grows best in partial shade to full sun conditions, and it requires a minimum of 50% sunlight to thrive. The plant prefers dappled sunlight conditions under the canopy cover of taller trees. It is essential to provide the plant with sufficient sunlight, as inadequate light can result in stunted growth and poor fruit production.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Citropsis gabunensis growth is between 18 to 30°C. During its growth period, the plant requires warm temperatures for optimal development and fruiting. However, the plant can tolerate mild frost and short periods of drought.
Soil Requirements
Citropsis gabunensis prefers well-draining, nutrient-rich, and slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant grows best in loose, sandy, or loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should have good water retention capacity but also be free-draining to prevent waterlogging. Adequate soil preparation, such as adding organic matter, will help improve soil fertility, water retention, and drainage, which is crucial to the plant's growth.
Providing the optimal growth conditions for Citropsis gabunensis is crucial to ensuring its healthy growth and development. These recommended growth conditions play a critical role in the plant's productivity, fruit quality, and disease resistance.
Cultivation Methods for Citropsis gabunensis (Engl.) Swingle & M.Kellerm.
Citropsis gabunensis is a tropical tree that requires warm temperatures and abundant sunlight to grow. It is typically grown from seed or propagated by stem cuttings, and it can be grown either in the ground or in containers. If growing in containers, choose a well-draining potting mix and ensure the container has good drainage holes.
The tree prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 6.5. It is also important to provide the tree with ample space, as it can grow up to 15 meters in height and spread. Avoid planting the tree near structures or other trees that may limit its growth.
Watering Needs for Citropsis gabunensis (Engl.) Swingle & M.Kellerm.
When planting Citropsis gabunensis, it is important to keep the soil moist but not overly saturated. During the growing season, water the tree deeply once or twice a week, depending on local weather conditions. Avoid watering the leaves and branches, as this can lead to fungal diseases.
In the winter months, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging, but do not allow the soil to completely dry out. Always check the top soil before watering the tree, and adjust the frequency as necessary.
Fertilization for Citropsis gabunensis (Engl.) Swingle & M.Kellerm.
Citropsis gabunensis benefits from regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer, applying it in the spring and summer months. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the amount and frequency of application.
Avoid over-fertilizing the tree, as this can cause salt build-up and other problems. Monitor the tree's growth and adjust the fertilization regimen accordingly.
Pruning Citropsis gabunensis (Engl.) Swingle & M.Kellerm.
Pruning is an important part of Citropsis gabunensis care. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches as soon as they are noticed, as they can harbor pests and diseases.
In addition to removing damaged branches, prune the tree to control its size and shape. Prune in the winter months when the tree is dormant, making cuts just above a growth node. Avoid heavy pruning that may damage the tree.
Regular pruning will encourage healthy growth and improve the aesthetic appeal of the tree.
Propagation of Citropsis gabunensis
Citropsis gabunensis (Engl.) Swingle & M.Kellerm. is a plant species that is native to tropical Africa. It is a rare and exotic fruit tree that is grown for its edible fruit. There are two main methods of propagating Citropsis gabunensis, namely, seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and economical method of propagating Citropsis gabunensis. The seeds of this plant species are polyembryonic, which means that each seed contains multiple embryos. This characteristic makes seed propagation an efficient method as one seed can produce several plants. The seeds are usually sown in a well-draining soil mixture after being cleaned and soaked for 24 hours. They should not be planted too deep, as the seeds need sunlight to germinate. The soil should be kept moist, and the temperature should be between 25°C to 28°C to stimulate germination, which typically occurs within 2 to 4 weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is a method of producing new plants from vegetative parts of the parent plant, such as cuttings. This method is useful when the availability of seed is limited or when propagating a particular variety of the plant. Citropsis gabunensis can be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings. A 20 to 30cm long, healthy stem is selected and cut just below a leaf node. The bottom part of the stem is dipped into a rooting hormone and inserted into a well-draining soil mix. The cutting is then kept in a humid and warm environment, and once roots have developed, it can be transplanted to a bigger container or the field.
Disease Management
The Citropsis gabunensis plant is susceptible to several diseases that can affect its growth and development. The following are some common diseases that might affect this plant:
- Anthracnose: This disease causes the leaves of the plant to wilt and develop small yellow or brown spots. Eventually, the leaves may fall off, and the stems may become cankered. To manage anthracnose, make sure to keep the plant well-watered and prune any infected parts of the plant.
- Leaf spot: This disease affects the leaves of the plant, causing them to develop small brown or black spots. These spots may merge, leading to large areas of discoloration. To manage leaf spot, remove any affected leaves and avoid overwatering the plant.
- Dieback: This disease causes the tips of branches to die back, leading to stunted growth of the plant. To manage dieback, prune any dead or dying branches and avoid damage to the stem or roots of the plant.
Pest Management
The Citropsis gabunensis plant can also be affected by pests that can cause damage to the leaves, stems, and roots. Here are some common pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them:
- Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to wilt and turn yellow. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Mealybugs: These pests look like small cottony masses on the leaves and stems of the plant. They can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage mealybugs, wipe the plant with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
- Caterpillars: These pests eat the leaves of the plant, causing large holes and defoliation. To manage caterpillars, handpick them off the plant or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide.
