Plant Description:
Dacryodes fraxinifolia, also known as African pear or safou, is a tropical fruit tree in the Burseraceae family that is native to West and Central Africa. The tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and its leaves are typically long and pointed, with a glossy dark green color. The flowers are small and yellowish-green with five petals and are usually produced in clusters on the tree.
Common Names:
African pear (English), safou (French), atanga (Cameroon), udara (Nigeria), among others.
Uses:
The fruit of the Dacryodes fraxinifolia tree is edible and is an important food source for people living in West and Central Africa. The fruit has a green or brown outer skin and a soft yellow flesh that tastes similar to avocado, with a buttery texture and a slightly sweet taste. It is often eaten fresh or used in cooking, and can also be processed into a paste or oil. The oil from the seeds of the fruit is also used in cosmetics and traditional medicine in some parts of Africa.
General Appearance:
The Dacryodes fraxinifolia tree is a large, evergreen tropical tree that has a straight trunk with a dense canopy of leaves. The leaves are long and pointed, and have a glossy dark green color. The flowers are small and yellowish-green with five petals, and are produced in clusters on the tree. The fruit is spherical or ovoid in shape, with a green or brown outer skin and a soft yellow flesh inside.
Overall, the Dacryodes fraxinifolia is an important food and economic resource in Africa that deserves attention and potential wider use outside Africa.Growth Conditions for Dacryodes fraxinifolia
Dacryodes fraxinifolia is a dioecious, evergreen tree that grows extensively in tropical regions. The tree is commonly found in rainforests and areas that have a consistent supply of moisture.
Light Requirements
The tree thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, although it can also grow in partial shade. Direct sunlight for prolonged periods can harm the tree's leaves and roots, so it is crucial to provide some form of shading during hot afternoons.
Temperature Requirements
The tree grows best in areas with tropical temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Temperatures below 15°C (59°F) or above 35°C (95°F) can be fatal to the tree. The tree should be protected from cold drafts and strong winds, which can also damage the leaves and branches.
Soil Requirements
The tree prefers well-draining, loamy soils with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and provide good aeration for the roots. The tree can tolerate mildly acidic or slightly alkaline soils, but highly acidic or alkaline soils are unsuitable for growth. Regular watering is also essential to keep the soil moist and promote healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods
Dacryodes fraxinifolia is a slow-growing, evergreen plant that thrives in tropical rainforests. It prefers a warm, humid climate with partial shade and well-draining soil. The plant can be propagated by seed or cuttings, and it is recommended to start with a healthy plant or high-quality seeds.
It is important to provide adequate space for the plant to grow, as it can reach up to 20 meters in height. Regular pruning can help to maintain its shape and size.
Watering Needs
Dacryodes fraxinifolia requires moderate watering. It is important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot. The frequency of watering will depend on the climate and soil conditions, but it is recommended to water the plant thoroughly once a week during the growing season.
During the dry season, the plant may require more frequent watering to maintain proper hydration. It is also important to avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can stress the plant and lead to leaf drop.
Fertilization
Dacryodes fraxinifolia benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and development. It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, and it is important not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to the buildup of salts in the soil. A light application of fertilizer every 4-6 weeks should be sufficient to meet the plant's nutrient needs.
Pruning
Pruning can help to shape and maintain the size of Dacryodes fraxinifolia. It is recommended to prune the plant in the early spring, before new growth begins.
Dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be removed, as well as any crossing branches or branches that are growing too close together. It is also recommended to remove any damaged or yellowing leaves.
Depending on the desired shape and size of the plant, selective pruning can be used to remove excess growth. It is important not to remove more than one-third of the plant's growth during a single pruning session.
Propagation of Dacryodes fraxinifolia
Dacryodes fraxinifolia can be propagated both by seeds and vegetative methods. However, propagation by seeds is the most viable and most commonly used method for this plant species.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation by seeds requires careful attention to the collection, processing, germination, and growth stages of the plant. Mature fruits of Dacryodes fraxinifolia should be collected promptly as they ripen and fall to the ground naturally. To avoid damage to the seeds, the fruit should not be collected before they are fully ripened.
After collection, the fruit pulp should be removed by rubbing the seeds with a clean cloth or any suitable abrasive material. The cleaned seeds should then be sun-dried for a few days to reduce their moisture content to less than 10%. This will help the seeds to maintain viability for a long time.
The next step involves sowing the seeds in a well-prepared nursery bed. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 2 centimeters, with a spacing of 10-15 centimeters between each seed. After sowing, the seeds should be covered with mulching material to maintain moisture.
Germination of the seeds usually takes about two to three weeks. After germination, the seedlings should be thinned out to one or two plants per pot or spaced out in the nursery bed.
Propagation by Vegetative Methods
Dacryodes fraxinifolia can be propagated by vegetative methods such as cuttings and grafting. However, these methods are less used compared to propagation by seeds.
Propagation by cuttings involves taking cuttings from mature healthy trees and dipping them in rooting hormone. The cuttings are then planted in a well-drained mixture of sand and peat moss and kept moist until roots develop. This method is less successful compared to propagation by seeds.
Propagation by grafting also involves taking scions from mature healthy trees and grafting them onto rootstocks. This method is also less successful compared to propagation by seeds.
Overall, propagation by seeds is the most viable and common method used to propagate Dacryodes fraxinifolia. It is cost-effective, yields a high-quality seedling, and has a higher success rate compared to vegetative methods.
Disease and Pest Management for Dacryodes fraxinifolia
Dacryodes fraxinifolia, commonly known as the bush butter tree, is a resilient plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, in some instances, the plant may suffer from certain ailments. Below are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant, and suggested management methods.
Diseases
Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves of the plant. The spots may increase in size and eventually lead to defoliation. To manage this disease, it is recommended to prune affected leaves and destroy them. Fungicide can also be applied to prevent the spread of the disease.
Root rot: This disease is caused by a fungus that affects the roots of the plant, leading to wilting and death. To prevent root rot, it is important to ensure that the plant is grown in well-drained soil. Fungicide may also be necessary to manage the disease.
Pests
Scale insects: These insects are small and flat and can be found on the leaves and stems of the plant. They suck sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth. To manage scale insects, prune affected areas and apply insecticidal soap or oil to kill the insects.
Spider mites: These are tiny, red spider-like pests that infest the undersides of leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to prune affected areas and apply insecticidal soap or oil. Regularly spraying the plant with water can also discourage infestation.
Dacryodes fraxinifolia is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. By taking proactive measures to manage diseases and pests, you can ensure that your plant remains healthy and vibrant for years to come.
