Origin:
Diospyros abyssinica F.White subsp. attenuata (Hiern) F.White is a species of the ebony family (Ebenaceae), native to parts of Eastern Africa, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as the East African Persimmon, African Ebony, or Mukombero in the native African language of Kikuyu. In Tanzania, it is known as Mkimbo, and in Uganda, it is called Musyambo.
Appearance:
The East African Persimmon is a medium-sized deciduous tree that grows up to 12-20 meters tall with a trunk diameter of 60 cm. It has a dense, spreading crown and a straight, slender stem that is grayish-brown and rough. The bark of the tree is black and covered with small cracks. The leaves are simple, alternate, and elongated, measuring up to 15 cm in length. They are bright green in color and turn yellow before shedding during the dry season. The tree produces greenish-yellow flowers that grow in clusters at the leaf axils, which is followed by fleshy edible berries that are sweet when ripe and ca. 1 cm in diameter.
Uses:
The East African Persimmon is a useful plant species and has various uses. Its fruit is edible and has a slightly sweet taste when ripe, making it an important food source for many indigenous people in Africa. They are often consumed fresh, but some people also use them to make a fermented beverage. The leaves, bark, and fruit of the tree have medicinal properties and are used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, constipation, stomach aches, and flu. The wood of the tree is hard and durable and is used to make furniture, tools, and carvings. The plant has many cultural and spiritual uses, and its fruit and leaves are used in various traditional ceremonies and rituals.
Light Requirements
The Diospyros abyssinica subsp. attenuata grows well under full sun exposure or partial shade. However, it requires at least 50% of sunlight to photosynthesize and thrive effectively.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to East Africa and can thrive well in regions with moderate temperatures ranging from 20-28°C. It requires warm growing conditions with a minimum temperature of 15°C. It cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C and cannot tolerate frost.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives best in sandy, loamy soils that are well-drained. The soil should have a pH range of 5.5-6.5. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil conditions. It cannot survive in poorly drained or waterlogged soils. It often grows in rocky or stony soils and can tolerate a wide range of soil fertility.
Cultivation of Diospyros abyssinica F.White subsp. attenuata (Hiern) F.White
Diospyros abyssinica F.White subsp. attenuata (Hiern) F.White, commonly known as the East African persimmon or mabolo, grows naturally in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The plant thrives in warm and humid climates with well-draining soil and partial shade.
To cultivate Diospyros abyssinica F.White subsp. attenuata (Hiern) F.White, you should start by selecting a suitable spot with partial shade and well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball of the plant, and amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and provide nutrients. Plant the tree and water well.
Watering Needs
Diospyros abyssinica F.White subsp. attenuata (Hiern) F.White requires regular watering during the growing season to stay hydrated and produce healthy flowers and fruits. Water the plant deeply, but allow the soil to dry slightly between watering. Too much water can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Fertilization is an essential part of caring for Diospyros abyssinica F.White subsp. attenuata (Hiern) F.White. You should fertilize the plant once in the spring and again in the fall with a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer according to the package instructions and water well.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to keep Diospyros abyssinica F.White subsp. attenuata (Hiern) F.White healthy and productive. You should prune the plant in late winter or early spring before the growing season begins to remove damaged or dead branches and promote new growth. Also, prune the tree to maintain its shape and size.
By following the above-given cultivation and care methods, you can keep your Diospyros abyssinica F.White subsp. attenuata (Hiern) F.White plant happy and healthy, producing delicious persimmons for years to come.
Propagation of Diospyros abyssinica F.White subsp. attenuata (Hiern) F.White
Diospyros abyssinica F.White subsp. attenuata (Hiern) F.White, also known as the Ethiopian ebony tree, can be propagated through various methods which include:
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from mature fruits and planted in a well-drained potting mix. The seeds should be treated with a fungicide to prevent damping-off disease. Germination occurs within 3-6 weeks.
Cuttings
Softwood cuttings can be taken from the tree during the growing season and rooted in a well-draining potting mix with a rooting hormone. Hardwood cuttings can also be taken, but rooting may take longer and may require special treatment like wounding or bottom heat.
Air Layering
This method involves creating a wound on a mature stem, surrounding it with moist sphagnum moss and wrapping it in a plastic bag until roots develop. Once roots have emerged, the stem can be cut and potted.
Whichever method is used, it is important to provide the plant with proper care and maintenance to encourage healthy growth and development.
Disease and Pest Management for Diospyros abyssinica F.White subsp. attenuata (Hiern) F.White
Diospyros abyssinica F.White subsp. attenuata (Hiern) F.White, commonly known as the African ebony, is a tropical tree species that is highly valued for its durable and decorative timber. However, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests, which can reduce its productivity and quality. Effective disease and pest management strategies are essential to maintain the health and productivity of the tree.
Common Diseases
The following are some common diseases that may affect Diospyros abyssinica F.White subsp. attenuata (Hiern) F.White:
- Leaf spot diseases: caused by fungi such as Cercospora, Colletotrichum, and Phyllosticta, which cause yellowing and defoliation of leaves, reducing the tree's photosynthesis ability.
- Anthracnose: caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, causing black or sunken lesions on leaves and fruit, leading to premature defoliation and loss of yield.
- Root rot: caused by soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Rhizoctonia, and Phytophthora, which decay the tree's roots, reducing its water and nutrient uptake ability, and ultimately resulting in tree death.
Disease Management
To manage diseases in Diospyros abyssinica F.White subsp. attenuata (Hiern) F.White, the following strategies can be implemented:
- Good tree hygiene: keep the tree and its surroundings clean from fallen leaves and other debris, which harbor disease-causing pathogens.
- Use of disease-resistant cultivars: select and plant cultivars that are resistant to known diseases in the area.
- Application of fungicides: use of fungicides for targeted diseases according to label instructions and regulations
- Crop rotation: practice crop rotation to reduce soil-borne pathogens and prevent diseases from recurring.
Common Pests
The following are some common pests that may affect Diospyros abyssinica F.White subsp. attenuata (Hiern) F.White:
- Termites: they feed on the tree's wood, causing significant damage and weakening the tree's structural integrity.
- Mealybugs: they suck the plant's sap causing stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and weak branches.
- Black twig borers: they bore into the tree's twigs and branches, causing wilting and dieback.
Pest Management
To control pests in Diospyros abyssinica F.White subsp. attenuata (Hiern) F.White, the following strategies can be implemented:
- Integrated pest management (IPM): a combination of various strategies such as use of insecticides, biological control, and cultural practices such as pruning and removing infested twigs and branches.
- Use of insecticides: use insecticides for targeted pests according to label instructions and regulations.
- Planting companion crops: crops such as legumes and cereals can be planted to act as a repellent to pests and help break pest cycles.
