Introduction
Dovyalis afzelii Gilg, commonly known as Bush mango or African wild mango, is a fruit tree native to central and western Africa. The tree is popular for its fruit, which has high nutritional and economic value. Bush mango has been cultivated for many years and is now grown in many parts of the world for its fruits.
General Appearance
The Bush mango tree grows up to a height of 10-15 meters. It has a smooth and grey bark, with thorny twigs, and deep green leaves. The leaves are elliptical in shape, pointed at the tip, and have serrated margins. The flowers are small and sweet-smelling with white or yellowish petals. The fruits are oval or round-shaped, green when unripe, and turn yellow when ripe. They grow up to 10cm in diameter and contain a large seed in the center.
Common Names
The Bush mango tree is known by different names in various African countries. In Nigeria, it is called the African bush mango, ogbono or dika nut tree. In Cameroon, it is referred to as njangsa, wama or bofeko. The tree also goes by the name of safou or atanga in other parts of Africa.
Uses
Bush mango is widely used for its fruits, leaves, and bark. The fruit is commonly used to make soups, sweeteners, and spices. The seeds are also used to make a nutritious oil. The leaves and bark are used to produce natural medicines that treat various ailments such as diarrhea, fever, and diabetes. The tree is also a source of timber and is used in making furniture and other household items.
In conclusion, the Bush mango tree is a valuable asset to the people of Africa. Its many uses and economic potential make it a key resource for many communities in the region. Its cultivation and preservation are important to ensure future generations can enjoy its many benefits.
Light Requirements
Dovyalis afzelii Gilg is a tropical plant that thrives in areas with moderate to high sunlight exposure. Ideally, the plant should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, it is adaptable to varying levels of light intensity. In low light conditions, the plant may produce smaller leaves and less fruit.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures, particularly in the range of 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Dovyalis afzelii Gilg can tolerate some fluctuations in temperature but may suffer from frost damage if exposed to extremely low temperatures. It is important to avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
Dovyalis afzelii Gilg grows well in well-drained, fertile soils that are slightly acidic. The ideal pH range for the soil is between 5.5 and 6.5. The plant does not thrive in waterlogged soils or those with low fertility. Adding organic matter to the soil before planting can boost fertility and improve its water-holding capacity. Additionally, the plant can benefit from periodic application of potassium-rich fertilizer to encourage fruit development and overall growth.
Cultivation Methods
Dovyalis afzelii Gilg, also known as the African wild orange, can be grown in a variety of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate both cold and hot temperatures, with optimal growth occurring between 24 and 32°C. It is recommended to grow the plant in full sun or partial shade and to provide sufficient space for growth, as it can reach up to 5 meters in height.
Watering Needs
It is important to provide adequate watering to Dovyalis afzelii Gilg, particularly during the dry season. The plant prefers well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging, which can damage the roots. Watering should be done regularly, but not excessively, to avoid root rot. A good rule of thumb is to water the plant when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
To promote optimal growth and fruit production, Dovyalis afzelii Gilg should be fertilized regularly during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be used. Fertilizer application should be done in the early morning or late afternoon to prevent foliar burn and washed down into the soil immediately after application by watering.
Pruning
Pruning can help manage the growth of Dovyalis afzelii Gilg and promote optimal fruiting. The plant should be pruned during the dormant season to remove dead or damaged branches. It is also recommended to prune back the branches to promote lateral growth and improve fruit production. Also, regular tree training helps the tree grow to its optimal structure, and it is recommended to remove diseased, damaged, or dead plant material at any point.
Propagation Methods for Dovyalis Afzelii Gilg
Dovyalis afzelii Gilg, commonly known as bush gooseberry, is a tropical plant that belongs to the family Flacourtiaceae. It is mostly found in the African region, including countries like Cameroon, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Propagation of Dovyalis afzelii can be done through different methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Propagation by seeds is the most common method for Dovyalis afzelii, especially in its natural habitat. The seeds should be collected from ripe fruits and sown immediately after collection. The seeds germinate within 2-4 weeks, and the resulting seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots.
Vegetative Propagation
The plant can also be propagated through vegetative means such as stem cuttings, root cuttings, and budding. Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and rooted in a mixture of sand and compost. It is recommended to apply rooting hormones to enhance rooting.
Root cuttings are also a suitable method for propagating Dovyalis afzelii. The process involves digging up the roots during the dormant season, and cutting them into small pieces, each containing a bud. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture, and kept moist until roots form.
Budding is another vegetative propagation method for Dovyalis afzelii. It involves the grafting of a bud from a desired plant onto a rootstock. The two parts are bound together until the graft takes hold.
Air Layering
Air layering is another method used to propagate Dovyalis afzelii. It involves stripping a section of bark from a stem, and wrapping it with sphagnum moss or wet peat. Once the roots develop, the rooted section can be cut off and transplanted into a pot or ground.
Regardless of the propagation method selected, it is important to maintain appropriate environmental conditions such as temperature, soil moisture, and light to ensure successful growth of the new plant.
Disease Management for Dovyalis Afzelii Gilg
Dovyalis afzelii Gilg is a relatively hardy plant that is not prone to many diseases. However, there are some diseases that could affect it, and they include:
- Anthracnose
- Phytophthora root rot
- Powdery mildew
If you observe any of these diseases on your Dovyalis afzelii Gilg plant, it is important to address them quickly to prevent them from becoming serious. To manage these diseases:
- Use fungicides that are recommended for use on the specific pathogen that is causing the disease.
- Prune any infected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly to prevent the disease from spreading.
- Avoid overwatering the plant, as this can create conditions that promote the growth of fungal pathogens.
Pest Management for Dovyalis Afzelii Gilg
Dovyalis afzelii Gilg is not often affected by pests, but some common pests that could attack the plant include:
- Mealybugs
- Aphids
- Fruit flies
If you observe any of these pests on your plant, you can manage them by:
- Using insecticides that are recommended for use on the specific pest.
- Removing any infected parts of the plant and disposing of them properly to prevent the pest from spreading.
- Encouraging natural predators of the pest to thrive in your garden, such as ladybugs or parasitic wasps, to control pest populations.
