Overview of Cynometra citrina (Taub.) Harms
Cynometra citrina (Taub.) Harms, also known as yellowfruit dogbane or wild mango, is a species of tropical fruit tree in the legume family. It is native to West Africa, particularly in Ghana, Sierra Leone and Nigeria. The plant is known for its wide range of medicinal properties and is widely used in traditional medicine for various purposes.
General Appearance of Cynometra citrina
The Cynometra citrina tree grows up to a height of 10-20 meters and has a broad, spreading crown. The bark is rough and grey-brown with small cracks. The leaves are dark green and shiny, with a leathery texture, and oblong in shape. The plant produces inflorescences that are small, yellow-green and fragrant. The fruit is a large, round drupe with a bright yellow flesh and a thick, woody shell that splits open when ripe.
Common Uses of Cynometra citrina
The bark, leaves, and fruit of the Cynometra citrina plant have been used for medicinal purposes. The bark is astringent, and the leaves are used as a poultice for various skin ailments. Additionally, the fruit is edible and is used in traditional medicine for treating various conditions such as diabetes, diarrhea, and fever. The bark and fruit are also used as an ingredient to make a yellow dye for textiles. The wood of the tree is used for making furniture, handles for tools, and fuel.
Summary
Cynometra citrina is a tropical fruit tree with a wide range of medicinal properties. It is native to West Africa and is known for its astringent bark, poultice leaves, edible fruit, and use in traditional medicine for treating various ailments. The tree is also useful for making dyes and wooden products such as furniture and tool handles.
Light Requirements
Cynometra citrina requires full sun exposure or partial shade to grow. The plant cannot tolerate complete shade, and it needs at least four hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in warm and humid conditions, with an average temperature range between 20-30°C. Cynometra citrina cannot tolerate temperatures below 15°C, and it is sensitive to frost.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Cynometra citrina grows well in soil with a pH range between 5.5-7.5, and it cannot tolerate soil that is too acidic or too alkaline. Sandy or loamy soil texture is ideal for this plant, and it cannot survive in areas with heavy clay soil.
Cultivation
Cynometra citrina, commonly known as Yellow Kassi, is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures, high humidity, and well-draining soil for optimal growth. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors. If you're planting it in a pot, ensure that the pot has adequate drainage, and use a potting mix with a pH level of 6.5 to 7.5.
Watering Needs
Cynometra citrina requires frequent watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The plant should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry to touch. During the winter, reduce the amount of water provided, but do not let the soil dry out completely. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be fatal to the plant.
Fertilization
Cynometra citrina requires regular fertilization to thrive. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, diluted to half strength, every two weeks during the growing season. Reduce the frequency of fertilizing to once every four weeks during the winter. Avoid overfertilizing as it can cause root burn and damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to promote bushy growth and maintain the plant's shape. Prune the plant in the late winter or early spring, before the growing season begins. Use sterilized pruning shears to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged stems and leaves. You can also prune the plant to control its size and shape. Trim the tips of the branches to promote bushiness.
Propagation of Cynometra citrina (Taub.) Harms
Cynometra citrina (Taub.) Harms can be propagated through various methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the most common method of propagation for Cynometra citrina. Seeds should be harvested from mature fruits, which are yellow-orange in color. The seeds should be allowed to dry for a couple of days before sowing. The seeds can be directly sown into the soil or germinated in a nursery. For direct sowing, a hole about twice the size of the seed is dug and the seed is placed in the center.
For germination in a nursery, the seeds can be sown in poly bags or seed trays filled with a well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be covered slightly with soil and kept moist. Germination usually occurs within two to four weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Cynometra citrina can also be propagated vegetatively. This method involves cutting a part of the plant and rooting it to form a new plant.
Softwood cuttings are taken from the tip of the plant, while hardwood cuttings are taken from mature branches. The cutting is treated with rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept in a humid environment until it roots and is able to withstand drier conditions.
Air Layering
Air layering involves creating a hole in a mature branch and attaching a rooting medium, typically sphagnum moss or rooting hormone, to the exposed area. The area is then wrapped in plastic to maintain humidity and prevent water loss. Roots will eventually form and the new plant can be removed and potted.
Propagation of Cynometra citrina is relatively easy and can be done through various methods. It is important to ensure that the plant is propagated in well-draining soil and given adequate water and sunlight to grow.
Disease and Pest Management for Cynometra citrina (Taub.) Harms
Cynometra citrina (Taub.) Harms, commonly known as Yellow mombin or Wild Mango, is a tropical plant native to South America. While it is a hardy plant, it is still susceptible to a number of diseases and pests. Effective disease and pest management is crucial in preventing significant damage to this plant and ensuring its optimal growth.
Common Diseases of Cynometra citrina
Root Rot: Root rot is a common fungal disease that is caused by poor soil drainage and over-watering. Symptoms of this disease include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and wilting. To manage root rot, it is important to ensure proper soil drainage and avoid over-watering the plant. Fungicides may also be used to treat severe cases of root rot.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that appears as spots on the leaves of the plant. It is caused by high humidity and warm temperatures. To manage leaf spot, it is recommended to remove infected leaves and ensure proper air circulation around the plant. Fungicides may also be used to treat severe cases of leaf spot.
Common Pests of Cynometra citrina
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, immobile pests that attach themselves to the plant, sucking its sap. The infested leaves may turn yellow, and a sticky substance may be present on the plant. To manage scale insects, it is recommended to remove the infested leaves and use insecticidal soaps or oils to kill the pests.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are destructive pests that attack the leaves of the plant, causing discoloration and stunted growth. They thrive in hot and dry conditions. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to keep the plant well-hydrated and increase humidity levels around the plant. Insecticidal soaps or oils may also be used to treat severe infestations.
Preventative Measures
Preventative measures are key in managing diseases and pests in Cynometra citrina. These include:
- Proper sanitation practices: Keeping the plant and its surrounding area clean can help prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
- Regular pruning: Regular pruning of the plant can help prevent the buildup of dead plant material, which can attract pests.
- Proper watering: Over-watering or under-watering the plant can cause stress, making it more susceptible to diseases and pests. It is important to water the plant according to its needs.
- Proper fertilization: Over-fertilization can cause stress on the plant, making it more susceptible to diseases and pests. It is important to fertilize the plant according to its needs.
Overall, ensuring proper care and maintenance of Cynometra citrina is crucial in managing diseases and pests. With proper preventative measures and early detection, it is possible to keep the plant healthy and thriving.
