Origin
Dacryodes normandii Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a plant species that is native to the humid tropical forests of Central Africa, particularly in Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea.
Common Names
The common names of Dacryodes normandii Aubrév. & Pellegr. include African elemi, Congo elemi, Gaboon elemi, and Okume.
Uses
The resin obtained from Dacryodes normandii Aubrév. & Pellegr. is highly valued for its medicinal properties. It is used for treating various ailments such as bronchitis, coughs, and colds. The resin is also commonly used for making incense and perfumes. The wood of the tree is often used in construction and for making furniture.
General Appearance
Dacryodes normandii Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. The bark of the tree is smooth, grey, and sometimes slightly pinkish in color. The leaves are simple, alternate, with a glossy green color, and can grow up to 10-20 cm long. The flowers are small, greenish-white, and are borne in short panicles. The fruit is a fleshy drupe that is yellowish-brown to reddish in color, with a sweet and edible pulp.
Light Requirements
Dacryodes normandii Aubrév. & Pellegr. requires a considerable amount of sunlight to grow and develop properly. The plant thrives well in full sun exposure and cannot survive in shady areas. Insufficient light may lead to stunted growth and the plant's eventual death.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species requires tropical to subtropical conditions to grow correctly, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 32°C. The plant can tolerate temperatures below 18°C if it is not for an extended period. However, temperatures above 32°C may lead to a reduction in growth rate.
Soil Requirements
Dacryodes normandii Aubrév. & Pellegr. prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil and can grow in a wide range of soil types such as sandy loams, clay loams, and lateritic soils. The ideal soil pH ranges from slightly acidic to neutral (5.0-7.5) for optimal growth. The plant requires sufficient nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to support its growth requirements.
Cultivation of Dacryodes normandii Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Dacryodes normandii Aubrév. & Pellegr. or locally known as Abo comprises various species of trees in the tropical rainforest. These plants prefer to grow in a well-lit area with moderate exposure to sunlight. The best soil for Abo cultivation is acidic, fertile, and well-draining. However, they can grow in many kinds of soil, including sandy loam and loamy soil.
To cultivate Dacryodes normandii Aubrév. & Pellegr., first, gather and scarify its seeds before sowing them. Then, plant the seeds in nursery bags or directly in the soil, making sure they are 1 cm deep. Water them regularly to germinate, which can take up to 3 months.
Watering Needs for Dacryodes normandii Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Dacryodes normandii Aubrév. & Pellegr. should be watered frequently until it grows four true leaves. After that, it is recommended to water it every two or three days. When watering, ensure that the soil is adequately moist but not waterlogged.
If the plant is grown in a hot and dry climate, it is recommended to increase the frequency of watering. Conversely, if it grows in a cooler and humid environment, watering can be less frequent.
Fertilization of Dacryodes normandii Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Fertilization is a critical process to provide the necessary nutrients for the Dacryodes normandii Aubrév. & Pellegr. to grow healthily. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 15-15-15, 25-10-10, or any other appropriate formula.
The application of fertilizer should start when the plant is six months old, with regular intervals of 3 to 4 months. The application of organic fertilizers such as compost can also be done yearly. Be sure to follow the package instructions when using synthetic fertilizers to avoid over-fertilization, which can harm the plant.
Pruning of Dacryodes normandii Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Pruning of Dacryodes normandii Aubrév. & Pellegr. can help shape the plant and maintain healthy growth. It is advisable to start pruning this plant when it is two years old to encourage branching out.
When pruning, remove any dead, diseased, or weak branches from the plant. This process allows the plant to regenerate new growth and increases fruit production while reducing the risk of disease spread.
Propagation of Dacryodes normandii Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Dacryodes normandii Aubrév. & Pellegr. is commonly known as African Cherry and is a fruit tree, native to Africa. The plant is propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of the plant are the primary method of propagation. The seeds must be freshly collected from the mature fruits and then washed in water to remove the pulp. The seeds can then be placed in a well-drained potting mix and watered regularly. Germination typically occurs within a few weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted once they have developed strong root systems.
Propagation by cuttings
The plant can also be propagated through vegetative cuttings. Young shoots with three to four leaves can be cut and planted in a rooting hormone. The cuttings should be kept moist and covered with a plastic bag to retain moisture. The roots will develop within six to eight weeks, and then the new plant can be transplanted.
Air layering
Air layering is another method of asexual propagation. A small segment of a branch is selected, and a ring of bark is removed from that portion. The exposed part is treated with a rooting hormone and covered with moist sphagnum moss bound with plastic. In three to four months, root systems will form in the moss, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant.
Diseases and Pest Management for Dacryodes normandii Aubrév. & Pellegr. Plants
Dacryodes normandii is a tropical tree species that is cultivated for its nutritious and flavorful fruits. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests that can reduce its yield and ultimately take a toll on its health. Proper disease and pest management are therefore crucial for maintaining healthy and robust Dacryodes normandii trees. Below are some of the common diseases and pests that affect Dacryodes normandii and their management:
Diseases
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, fruits, and stem of Dacryodes normandii. The symptoms include small brown spots that develop into larger spots with dark brown or black margins. Infected fruits may also have small sunken lesions or become discolored.
To manage anthracnose, the infected plant parts should be promptly removed and disposed of safely. Fungicides may also be used to control the spread of the disease. Proper sanitation practices, including regular pruning and removal of infected plant material, can also help prevent the spread of anthracnose.
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of Dacryodes normandii. It is caused by the soil-borne fungus Phytophthora and typically occurs in areas with poor drainage. The symptoms include stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and the development of soft, mushy roots.
Managing root rot involves improving soil drainage, avoiding over-watering, and ensuring proper aeration around the roots. In severe cases, infected trees may need to be removed and the soil replaced or treated with a fungicide.
Pests
Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are the most common pest of Dacryodes normandii, as they are attracted to the fruit's sweet smell. They lay their eggs on the fruit, which then hatch and feed on the flesh of the fruit, leading to its premature decay.
To manage fruit flies, it is important to regularly remove fallen fruit from the ground and dispose of it properly. Fruit fly traps may also be used to capture the insects, and insecticides can be applied as a last resort.
Termites
Termites can also be a problem for Dacryodes normandii, as they feed on the wood of the tree and can cause significant damage. Infested trees may have weakened branches or may begin to lean to one side.
To manage termites, it is important to promptly remove infested trees and dispose of them properly. Regular termite inspections and treatment of the surrounding soil with insecticides may also help prevent termite infestations.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are another pest that can affect Dacryodes normandii. They are small, immobile insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems, where they feed on the plant's sap. Over time, the leaves may turn yellow and fall off.
To manage scale insects, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation and remove any affected leaves or stems. Insecticidal soaps or oils can also be used to control scale insects, and natural predators such as ladybugs may be introduced to the area.
