Overview of Cnestis macrophylla Gilg ex G.Schellenb.
Cnestis macrophylla Gilg ex G.Schellenb. also known as "Nkeng-Nkeng" belongs to the family Connaraceae. This flowering plant is native to tropical Africa and can be found in Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria. The plant is a small tree or a shrub that grows up to 15m in height.
General Appearance of Cnestis macrophylla Gilg ex G.Schellenb.
Cnestis macrophylla Gilg ex G.Schellenb. has a woody stem, and its leaves are shiny and dark green in color, with a width of approximately 7-25 cm, and length up to 30 cm. The tree has tiny, white, and fragrant flowers that grow in clusters of 5-6 cm. These flowers later develop into reddish-brown fruits that are up to 3.5 cm long, with seeds measuring about 1.5 cm.
Common Names of Cnestis macrophylla Gilg ex G.Schellenb.
Cnestis macrophylla Gilg ex G.Schellenb. is widely known in Africa as "Nkeng-Nkeng." The plant is sometimes referred to as "Cam wood" due to the red dye extracted from its bark. In Cameroon, the Bulu and Fang ethnic groups call it "Biaa," while the Ewondo people of Central Africa refer to it as "Ike ape."
Uses of Cnestis macrophylla Gilg ex G.Schellenb.
The bark, leaves, and roots of Cnestis macrophylla Gilg ex G.Schellenb. have several medicinal values. The bark is used to reduce fever, treat malaria, and relieve rheumatism pain. The red dye extracted from the bark is used to make clothes, rugs, and jewelry. The leaves have an astringent taste, and their decoctions are used to alleviate diarrhea, nose bleeding, and stomach pains. The roots are taken as a purgative and to treat menstrual pain and other female reproductive system disorders.
Light Requirements
Cnestis macrophylla Gilg ex G.Schellenb. prefers full sun to partial shade. It grows best in areas that receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. When grown in areas with less sunlight, the plant may become leggy and weak.
Temperature Requirements
Cnestis macrophylla Gilg ex G.Schellenb. prefers a warm and humid tropical climate. The plant can withstand temperatures as low as 10°C but grows optimally in temperatures ranging from 23°C to 30°C. It cannot survive in freezing temperatures, and frost can cause severe damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Cnestis macrophylla Gilg ex G.Schellenb. prefers well-drained acidic soils with a pH between 4.0 and 6.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it grows best in soils rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate occasional dry periods but does not do well in waterlogged soils.
Cultivation methods
Cnestis macrophylla is best grown in areas with well-draining soils and abundant sunlight. Optimal growth conditions can be maintained by planting the shrub in an area with good air circulation. The plant is widely cultivated in various African countries, with Nigeria being the largest producer.
Watering needs
Cnestis macrophylla requires moderate watering, with regular intervals that ensure the soil remains moist. Too much watering can lead to the development of root rot, while too little watering can increase the plant's susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Fertilization
Applying compost or well-aged manure to the soil around the plant can provide the necessary nutrients for optimal growth. The shrub can also benefit from the application of balanced fertilizers, especially during periods of active growth.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of caring for Cnestis macrophylla. The shrub's branches should be pruned to maintain a compact shape and promote healthy growth. Regular pruning can also help prevent the spread of diseases and promote the development of new shoots.
Propagation Methods for Cnestis macrophylla Gilg ex G.Schellenb.
Cnestis macrophylla Gilg ex G.Schellenb., commonly known as the African cherry, is a tropical tree species found in sub-Saharan Africa. It produces large, fleshy, and edible fruit that are rich in vitamin C, making it a popular addition to local diets in the region. Propagation of this species is primarily done through seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagation for Cnestis macrophylla is through seeds. The tree produces small, black seeds with a hard outer shell. These seeds can be collected from ripe fruit and planted in a well-draining soil mix. Seeds should be planted at a depth of about 1 inch and kept moist until they germinate in about 4 to 6 weeks. Seedlings should be transferred to individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grown under bright, indirect light until they are large enough to be planted in the garden or field.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another common method used to propagate Cnestis macrophylla. This method involves taking cuttings from the stem of a healthy, mature tree and planting them in a soil mix. Cuttings should be about 6 to 10 inches long and taken from the current season's growth. The bottom of the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until roots form, which can take about 6 to 8 weeks. Once roots have formed, cuttings can be transplanted to individual pots and grown under bright, indirect light until they are large enough to be planted in the garden or field.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is a more advanced propagation method used for Cnestis macrophylla, which involves joining a scion (a detached shoot or twig) from a desired plant onto a rootstock of a closely related species. This method is used to propagate improved cultivars or disease-resistant trees. Grafting should be done during the dormancy period, usually during late winter or early spring. The scion should be carefully selected to match the size and type of the rootstock. The graft union should be wrapped tightly with grafting tape to hold the two parts together until they form a strong bond. The newly grafted plant should be grown under bright, indirect light and kept moist until it forms new growth.
Propagation of Cnestis macrophylla through seeds, cuttings, and grafting provides a variety of options for growers to propagate and grow this valuable tree species.
Disease Management
Cnestis macrophylla Gilg ex G.Schellenb. can be affected by various diseases. Leaf spot diseases are among the most common fungal diseases that affect this plant. Symptoms include small, dark spots on the leaves that enlarge and merge with other spots to form large areas of dead, brown tissue. The use of fungicides can help manage leaf spot diseases effectively. Bacterial blight is another disease that can be managed by removing the infected tissues and spraying the plant with copper-based fungicides. Powdery mildew is also a common fungal disease that affects leaves of this plant. It can be controlled using sulfur-based fungicides.
Pest Management
Cnestis macrophylla Gilg ex G.Schellenb. can be affected by various pests that can cause severe damage to the plant. One common pest is the scale insect. They attach themselves to the plant's stems, branches, and leaves, where they suck sap from the plant, causing significant damage. Horticultural oils can be used to control and manage scales effectively.
Spider mites are another common pest that can cause damage to the plant by feeding on the leaves. They cause stippling, discoloration, and eventually defoliation. To manage spider mites, you can use insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils.
Finally, aphids can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking sap from the leaves, which results in stunted growth and reduced yield. The use of insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils can help manage aphids effectively.
