Origin
Dacryodes macrophylla, commonly known as African plum or safou, is a fruit tree species that belongs to the family Burseraceae. It is native to the tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa, including Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Nigeria, and Côte d'Ivoire.
Common names
Aside from African plum or safou, Dacryodes macrophylla is known by several other names, including bush butter tree, atanga, and nku. The name 'safou' is derived from the Bantu language and means 'hard plum' due to the fruit's firmness.
Uses
Dacryodes macrophylla is primarily cultivated for its fruit, which is harvested from January to June depending on the location. The fruit is oval-shaped, about the size of an avocado, and has a green or purple skin that turns brown when ripened. It has a creamy yellow flesh that is rich in fats and oils, making it a staple food for many African communities. The fruit can be eaten boiled, roasted, fried, or mashed to make sauces, and is often served as a side dish or appetizer.
Aside from being a food source, safou has several medicinal properties. The fruit and bark have been used to treat various ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and wound healing. The sap from the bark is also used as an emetic to induce vomiting in cases of poisoning.
General appearance
Dacryodes macrophylla is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. It has a dense crown with dark green leaves that are leathery and about 20-30 cm long and 10-15 cm wide. The tree has smooth, papery bark that is beige or brownish-gray. The flowers are small, yellowish-green, and highly fragrant, and are followed by clusters of fruit that contain a single seed. The tree is relatively easy to propagate through seeds or cuttings and is adaptable to a wide range of soils and climatic conditions.
Growth Conditions for Dacryodes macrophylla (Oliv.) H.J.Lam
Light: Dacryodes macrophylla (Oliv.) H.J.Lam thrives in full sunlight or partial shade. However, it is important to note that insufficient sunlight may affect the development of the fruits.
Temperature: This plant species prefers a warm and humid climate, with an average temperature range of 18°C to 27°C. Temperatures below 10°C or above 35°C may cause damage to the plant.
Soil: A well-draining soil with good texture is suitable for the growth of Dacryodes macrophylla (Oliv.) H.J.Lam. The soil pH should be between 5.0 and 6.5. High soil fertility is important for optimal plant growth and fruit production.
Water: This plant requires adequate water for optimal growth and fruit production. However, it is important to avoid waterlogged conditions as it can lead to root rot. Irrigation should be done regularly, especially during the dry season.
Humidity: Dacryodes macrophylla (Oliv.) H.J.Lam prefers a high humidity level ranging from 70% to 85%. Low humidity may lead to leaf drop and affect fruit development.
Fertilizer: The application of NPK fertilizer is important for the optimal growth of this plant species. Fertilizer should be applied in a balanced manner, with an emphasis on potassium for fruit development.
Cultivation Methods for Dacryodes macrophylla
Dacryodes macrophylla is a tropical tree that requires a warm and humid climate to grow correctly. It can thrive in both partial shade and full sunlight. The tree must be grown in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter to allow for proper nutrient uptake. Also, ensure that the tree has sufficient space to grow freely.
Watering Needs for Dacryodes macrophylla
Dacryodes macrophylla requires regular irrigation to help maintain proper growth and development. Water the tree regularly, making sure the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. During periods of drought, water the tree frequently to avoid drying out.
Fertilization for Dacryodes macrophylla
Unlike other tropical plants, Dacryodes macrophylla needs minimal fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once every six months to ensure adequate nutrient supply for the plant. However, if the plant begins to show signs of nutrient deficiency, supplement with organic fertilizers to supply essential nutrients.
Pruning Dacryodes macrophylla
Regular pruning helps maintain the appropriate shape and size of the Dacryodes macrophylla tree. Pruning also allows for increased airflow and sunlight penetration, which promotes healthy growth. Prune the tree in early spring before new growth starts to remove damaged, diseased, or dead branches. Younger trees require more pruning to establish an appropriate shape.
Propagation of Dacryodes macrophylla
Dacryodes macrophylla can be propagated through various methods including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and air layering. Understanding these techniques can help improve the chances of successful propagation.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation involves collecting seeds from a matured Dacryodes macrophylla tree. The seeds should be collected from healthy fruits that are ripe but not rotten. Once collected, they should be cleaned to remove any pulp or debris, and then soaked overnight to help soften the seed coat. Afterward, the seeds can be sown in seedling trays or pots filled with a suitable growing medium. The trays should be kept in a warm and humid environment to encourage germination. The seedlings can be transplanted to larger pots when they reach a suitable size.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation is a method that involves using parts of the plant to grow a new plant. This method requires a healthy donor plant that is free from disease and pests. Some parts of Dacryodes macrophylla that can be used for vegetative propagation include stem cuttings, root cuttings, and bud grafting. Stem cutting is the most common and easiest method and involves cutting a stem tip with a few leaves and placing it in a growing medium. Root cuttings and bud grafting are more advanced techniques and require more skills and expertise.
Air layering
Air layering is a propagation technique where a portion of a branch is stimulated to grow roots while still attached to the parent plant. To propagate Dacryodes macrophylla using air layering, a small section of the branch to be propagated is identified, and a ring of bark is removed from the stem. The area is then wrapped with moist sphagnum moss and covered with a plastic bag to keep the moisture. After a few weeks, roots will start to grow, and the branch can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to provide suitable growing conditions such as adequate water, nutrients, and light to encourage healthy growth of the Dacryodes macrophylla plant.
Disease and pest management for Dacryodes macrophylla (Oliv.) H.J.Lam
Dacryodes macrophylla (Oliv.) H.J.Lam, also known as the African native pear or bush pear, is a popular fruit tree for smallholder farming in West and Central Africa. Disease and pest management are crucial for improving plant health and productivity. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect the plant, and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Fruit rot: Fruit rot is a common disease that affects the fruit of Dacryodes macrophylla. This can be caused by fungal or bacterial organisms. The disease usually starts as small spots on the fruit, which gradually spreads and causes the fruit to rot.
Powdery Mildew: The powdery mildew disease affects the leaves of Dacryodes macrophylla. It is characterized by a white powdery substance on the leaves, which causes the leaves to wilt and turn yellow.
Pest Management
Fruit fly: Fruit flies can be a major pest that affects the Dacryodes macrophylla plant. The female fruit fly lays eggs on the fruit, which develops into larvae that feed on the fruit flesh. Some ways to manage fruit flies include using traps, spraying insecticides, and practicing good orchard hygiene by removing fallen fruits and prunings.
Termites: Termites are known to feed on the bark and roots of Dacryodes macrophylla, which causes stunted growth and reduces productivity. Soil treatment with insecticides is an effective method to control termites.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can cause damage to the leaves of Dacryodes macrophylla, which affects its growth and productivity. Biological control methods, such as introducing natural predators, can be effective for managing caterpillars.
In conclusion, proper disease and pest management are critical for maintaining the health and productivity of Dacryodes macrophylla. A combination of preventive and curative measures can help to manage diseases and pests and improve the yield of the plant.
