Deinbollia xanthocarpa (Klotzsch) Radlk.
Deinbollia xanthocarpa, also known as yellow berry or yellow pea berry, is a small to medium-sized tree that belongs to the Sapindaceae family. It is native to Africa and can be found in countries such as Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Cameroon. The plant grows in open savannas, woodlands, and forests and can also be found on rocky hillsides or near riverbanks.
General Appearance
The tree reaches a height of up to 15 meters and has a round crown. The bark is smooth and light grey in color, while the leaves are pinnately compound and measure about 20 cm long. They are dark green and glossy on the upper surface and paler on the underside. The flowers are small, white or greenish-yellow in color, and are arranged in clusters. The fruit is a bright yellow, round to oval berry that measures about 2 cm in diameter and contains a single seed.
Uses
The fruit of Deinbollia xanthocarpa is edible and is consumed by both humans and wildlife. The juicy and sweet berries are used to make jams, jellies, and drinks, while the tree's leaves and bark are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as malaria, fever, and stomach problems. The wood of the tree is used for carving, as it is soft and easily workable.
Deinbollia xanthocarpa is also valued for its ornamental and landscaping purposes. The attractive foliage and bright berries make it an ideal tree for gardens and parks, while its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil makes it useful for soil conservation and reforestation programs.
Light Requirements
Deinbollia xanthocarpa is a shade-loving plant and prefers to grow in partially shaded areas. It can tolerate full sunlight, but it may cause leaf scorching, especially during hot afternoons. Therefore, it is recommended to grow this species in areas with filtered sunlight or under the cover of taller trees or shrubs.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to warm tropical regions and requires a warm temperature range. The ideal temperature range for Deinbollia xanthocarpa growth is between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). The minimum temperature requirement is 10°C (50°F). This plant cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 5°C (41°F).
Soil Requirements
Deinbollia xanthocarpa grows well in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH range should be between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth. This plant prefers moist soil but cannot tolerate waterlogged soil or flooding. In areas with poor soil quality, it is recommended to amend the soil with organic compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility.
Cultivation methods
Deinbollia xanthocarpa, commonly known as yellow, sausage or doodhri, is a shrub or small tree 4-15 m tall. It is grown for its edible fruit, which is used in traditional medicine and is a source of income for many communities. To cultivate this plant, choose well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5 and a sunny or partially shaded location.
Propagation is done through seeds or cuttings. If propagating through seeds, soak them for 24 hours before sowing in a nursery bed. When the seedlings are about 15 cm tall, transplant them to the field. If using cuttings, take them from mature wood and plant them directly into the field.
Watering needs
This plant requires a lot of water during the growing season, especially during the fruiting stage. It is essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Watering should be reduced during the dry season to prevent root damage and waterlogging.
Fertilization
Deinbollia xanthocarpa responds well to regular fertilization. Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer during the growing season and a balanced fertilizer during the fruiting season. Organic compost can also be applied to improve soil fertility and moisture-holding capacity.
Pruning
To improve fruit yield and plant health, prune Deinbollia xanthocarpa during the dormant season. Remove any dead or diseased branches and thin out any overcrowded growth. Leave at least 3-4 healthy branches per plant to ensure proper fruit development. Regular pruning will also promote a more open canopy, allowing more light and air to reach the fruiting branches.
Propagation of Deinbollia xanthocarpa
Deinbollia xanthocarpa, commonly known as yellow berry or umvumvu in Zulu, is a fast-growing evergreen tree that belongs to the family Sapindaceae. It is native to South Africa and often planted as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks due to its attractive foliage and bright yellow fruit.
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Deinbollia xanthocarpa is from seed. The tree produces small black or brown berries that contain several seeds. The seeds can be collected from the fruit, cleaned and dried before planting. The best time to collect the seeds is during the summer season when the fruit ripens.
The seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix. Make sure the potting mix is kept moist and place the pot in a warm and well-lit location. The germination process can take several weeks. Once the seeds have germinated and the seedlings have grown to a desirable size, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Cutting Propagation
Another method for propagating Deinbollia xanthocarpa is through cutting. This method involves taking a cutting from a mature tree and planting it in a suitable growing medium. It is best to take cuttings during the spring or summer when the tree is actively growing.
Take a 15-20cm long cutting from the tree and remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem. Dip the cutting in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth, and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the potting mix moist and place the container in a warm and well-lit location. The cutting will develop roots after a few weeks, and it will start to grow leaves. After a few months, the cutting can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Air-Layering Propagation
Air-layering is another method that can be used to propagate Deinbollia xanthocarpa. This method involves making a small incision in a branch and wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss or peat moss. Cover the moss with plastic to retain moisture, and in a few weeks, roots will develop from the cut area. When the roots are well-developed, cut the branch below the moss and plant the air-layered section in a suitable growing medium.
Propagation of Deinbollia xanthocarpa is relatively easy and can be done through seed, cutting or air-layering. The tree grows quickly and can be grown in pots or in the ground in full sun or partial shade. It is important to provide the tree with well-draining soil and to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
Disease and Pest Management for Deinbollia xanthocarpa (Klotzsch) Radlk.
Deinbollia xanthocarpa (Klotzsch) Radlk., commonly known as "yellow-fruit tallow" plant, is a native species to Africa. Below are the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as white or gray powdery spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can stunt the growth of the plant and reduce the quality of the fruit. To manage powdery mildew, avoid overhead irrigation, improve air circulation around the plant and remove infected plant material. Use fungicides like sulfur-based, copper-based, or potassium bicarbonate to control the disease.
2. Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes circular or irregular brown spots on the leaves and fruit of the plant. It can cause the leaves to become distorted, and the fruit to rot. To manage anthracnose, prune and dispose of the infected plant parts, avoid overhead irrigation, and improve air circulation. Fungicides such as copper-based or sulfur-based can be applied to reduce the infection.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that feed on new growth of the plant. They usually cluster on the undersides of leaves and can cause yellowing and distortion of the leaves. To manage aphids, introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, washing the plant with water, application of neem oil or insecticidal soaps can control the pest.
2. Caterpillars: Caterpillars can cause severe damage to the leaves of the Deinbollia xanthocarpa plant by feeding on them. To manage caterpillars, remove and dispose of any visible caterpillars and their egg masses, handpick the larvae, and avoid over-fertilizing the plant. Use natural insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to manage the pest.
By keeping a close eye on these diseases and pests, you can protect and maintain the health of your Deinbollia xanthocarpa plant.
