Overview
Dacryodes tessmannii (Engl.) H.J.Lam is a tree species that belongs to the family Burseraceae. It is found in the tropical forests of West and Central Africa and is known for its numerous uses including medicinal and culinary purposes.
Common Names
Dacryodes tessmannii is also known by the common names black plum, bush mango, African mango, wild mango, and Iroko.
Appearance
The tree can grow up to 40 meters tall with a large trunk and a dense and rounded crown. The leaves are evergreen, alternate, and cluster toward the ends of branches. They are long and elliptical, reaching about 20 cm long and 10 cm wide. The fruit of Dacryodes tessmannii is spherical or oblong, with a size of about 10 to 20 cm in diameter. The fruit's skin is green and thick, and when ripe, it turns yellow or orange. The inner part of the fruit is juicy, yellow, and fibrous with a single seed in the center.
Uses
Dacryodes tessmannii is known for its several uses. The fruit pulp is edible and used in cooking. The fruit can be eaten raw, boiled, or roasted, or the pulp can be extracted and used as a sauce or jam. The seed is also edible and can be roasted or boiled and eaten as a snack. The tree bark and roots are used for medicinal purposes to treat various ailments such as fever, diabetes, and diarrhea. The seeds are also used in traditional medicine to treat microbial infections. Additionally, the wood of Dacryodes tessmannii is used in construction, and the oil extracted from the fruit kernel is used in making soap, lotion, and cooking oil.
Light Requirements
Dacryodes tessmannii typically grows well in areas with bright to moderate sunlight. It prefers areas with filtered light or partial sunlight, such as the understory of forests. However, it can tolerate direct sunlight for brief periods of time.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Dacryodes tessmannii is between 22°C to 30°C (71.6°F to 86°F). It does not grow well in areas with temperatures below 15°C (59°F). The plant can withstand occasional temperature drops as low as 10°C (50°F) but will experience stunted growth if exposed to low temperatures for extended periods.
Soil Requirements
Dacryodes tessmannii needs well-draining, moderately fertile soil for optimal growth. It grows best in soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and its texture should be light and porous to ensure there is enough aeration. Excessive moisture in the soil can cause root rot and stunted growth. It is advisable to incorporate mulch or other forms of organic matter regularly into the soil around the plant to maintain soil nutrition.
Cultivation Methods for Dacryodes tessmannii (Engl.) H.J.Lam
Dacryodes tessmannii (Engl.) H.J.Lam is typically found growing naturally in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. Cultivating this plant indoors can provide a unique and visually striking accent to any space. Here are some cultivation methods to consider when growing Dacryodes tessmannii:
- Choose a location that gets plenty of bright and indirect light.
- Plant in well-draining soil that is a mix of sand, perlite, and peat moss.
- Water weekly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
- Prune as needed to maintain the desired shape and size, making sure to cut just above a leaf node.
- If growing indoors, provide a humid environment by using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant to prevent dryness.
Watering Needs for Dacryodes tessmannii (Engl.) H.J.Lam
Proper watering is crucial to the health and survival of Dacryodes tessmannii (Engl.) H.J.Lam. Here are some tips to ensure the plant receives the right amount of moisture:
- Water once a week, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
- Never let the plant sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot.
- Adjust watering frequency as needed based on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.
- It's better to underwater than overwater this plant, as overwatering can lead to leaf drop and root rot.
Fertilization for Dacryodes tessmannii (Engl.) H.J.Lam
Fertilizing Dacryodes tessmannii (Engl.) H.J.Lam can help promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Use a half-strength solution to avoid over-fertilizing.
- Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season, as this can lead to fertilizer burn and damage the plant.
Pruning Dacryodes tessmannii (Engl.) H.J.Lam
Pruning is essential to ensure the plant maintains the desired shape and size. Here are some tips to keep in mind when pruning Dacryodes tessmannii:
- Prune regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess.
- Cut just above a leaf node when trimming the plant.
- Remove any dead or damaged leaves or branches promptly to prevent the spread of disease.
- Prune during the growing season when the plant is actively growing to minimize stress.
Propagation of Dacryodes tessmannii
Dacryodes tessmannii, commonly known as African plum, is a tropical tree native to West and Central Africa. The tree is highly valued for its edible fruit, which is rich in oil and has a pleasant flavor. Propagation of D. tessmannii can be achieved through several methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and grafting.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating D. tessmannii. The seeds are extracted from the fruit, cleaned, and sown in a seedbed. Seed germination can take anywhere from four to eight weeks, depending on the temperature and moisture conditions. It is important to note that seeds should be sown as soon as possible after removing them from the fruit to prevent them from losing viability.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method commonly used to propagate D. tessmannii. This method involves taking cuttings from the parent tree and planting them in a rooting medium. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free branches and should be at least 15 cm long. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone to encourage root development. After rooting, the cuttings can be transplanted to a pot or directly to the field.
Grafting
Grafting is another method of propagating D. tessmannii, although it is less common than seed propagation and vegetative propagation. This method involves joining a scion from the desired variety onto a rootstock of a related species. Grafting is often used to propagate cultivars or varieties with desirable traits, such as disease resistance or improved fruit quality.
Disease and Pest Management for Dacryodes tessmannii
Dacryodes tessmannii is a tree species that belongs to the Burseraceae family. It is found in tropical Africa and produces edible fruit. As with any plant, disease and pest management are essential to ensure optimal growth and good yield. Here, we will discuss some common diseases and pests that might affect Dacryodes tessmannii and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white powder on the leaves and stems. It usually occurs in humid conditions and can be prevented by ensuring adequate ventilation and spacing of the plants. If the plant is already infected, a sulfur-based fungicide could be applied.
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that affects the fruits of Dacryodes tessmannii. It appears as dark spots on the fruit's surface, and the affected parts can rot. The best management strategy is to remove and destroy the affected fruits. Good sanitation practices and application of appropriate fungicides can help to prevent the spread of the disease.
Root rot: This is caused by soil-borne fungi, and it affects the roots of the plant, making them weak and prone to damage. The best way to manage root rot is to ensure that the plant is growing in well-draining soil and to avoid over-irrigating. If the plant is already infected, it could be treated with a fungicide or via soil drenching.
Common Pests
Mealybugs: These pests appear as white, fuzzy patches on the plant's leaves and stems. They feed on the plant's sap, leading to stunted growth and eventual plant death. To manage mealybugs, one could use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Thrips: These are tiny insects that are difficult to see with the naked eye. They feed on the plant's sap, causing damage to the leaves and buds. The best way to manage thrips is to apply insecticides such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Aphids: These are small insects that feed on the plant's sap, leading to the stunted growth and deformation of leaves. One could manage aphids by removing them physically or by applying insecticides such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Conclusion
Dacryodes tessmannii is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Proper management practices such as good sanitation, appropriate use of pesticides and fungicides, and cultural practices such as adequate spacing and irrigation can go a long way to prevent and manage diseases and pests in this plant.
