Overview of Dovyalis chirindensis Engl.
Dovyalis chirindensis Engl. belongs to the family Salvadoraceae and is commonly known as Mbita mburu, Chirinda tamarind, or Kenyan tamarind. The small deciduous tree is native to Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Kenya, where it is a popular plant for its fruit and medicinal uses. The tree grows up to 6 meters high with a multi-branched stem, and has a dense canopy of dark green leaves.
Appearance of Dovyalis chirindensis Engl.
The crown of Dovyalis chirindensis Engl. is dense and rounded, with a grayish-brown trunk that is crooked and has a diameter of about 30 cm. The young branches are covered in sharp thorns. The leaves of the plant are alternate, simple, elliptical, and have a glossy texture. The tree bears small, fragrant, yellow-green flowers in clusters in spring, followed by edible fruit, which is a small, round berry, about 2-3cm in diameter, with a thin, but tough skin. The fruit has an acidic, sour taste and can be eaten raw or used in preserves, sauces, and beverages.
Uses of Dovyalis chirindensis Engl.
The fruit of Dovyalis chirindensis Engl. is rich in vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, making it a valuable food source. It is also known to have medicinal properties, and the bark and roots are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, stomach pains, and diarrhea. The thorny branches of the plant are used as fencing material, and the wood is used for charcoal.
In conclusion, Dovyalis chirindensis Engl. is a useful and versatile plant, with a variety of uses. Its ornamental value, fruit production, and medicinal properties make it a popular plant in many African countries.
Light conditions
Dovyalis chirindensis Engl. plant typically prefers an area with partial shade or full sun exposure. It can thrive in the full sun if provided with enough water to avoid water stress. The plant should be shielded from the strong afternoon sun if planted in an area with full sun exposure.
Temperature requirements
The plant prefers a warm and humid climate. A temperature range of 15 to 30°C is ideal for the growth of Dovyalis chirindensis Engl. Extreme temperatures or frost can damage the plant. During winter, it is advisable to move the plant to a sheltered area or indoors to avoid any damage to the plant due to frost.
Soil requirements
The plant requires well-draining, loamy soils with high organic matter content. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH, but a soil pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 is ideal. The planting area must be cleared of any weeds or debris. Before planting, it is recommended to mix the soil with compost to improve the nutrient content. Adequate drainage must be ensured to avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
Cultivation
Dovyalis chirindensis Engl. is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures to grow, and it is best grown outdoors unless you are living in an environment that remains warm throughout the year. The plant requires well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, and it should be planted in an area with access to full sun to promote healthy growth.
Watering Needs
The ideal watering method for Dovyalis chirindensis Engl. is to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. You can achieve this by watering the plant deeply once a week rather than shallow watering frequently, which contributes towards waterlogging. Additionally, it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-drained to avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
Fertilization
Dovyalis chirindensis Engl. requires regular feeding to obtain proper nutrition and growth. It is essential to provide a balanced fertilizer with a higher concentration of phosphorus and potassium to promote strong flowering and fruit development. Fertilize the plant every four to six weeks during the growing season, and be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying the fertilizer.
Pruning
To promote healthy growth in Dovyalis chirindensis Engl., regular pruning is essential. Remove any dead or diseased branches as soon as you notice them. Prune the plant in early spring and late autumn by removing any unwanted or crowded branches to promote proper air circulation. Additionally, prune the top stem to encourage the plant to branch outward and grow bushier.
Propagation of Dovyalis chirindensis Engl.
Dovyalis chirindensis Engl. is commonly known as the Chirinda sour plum. The plant is native to Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It produces small, edible fruits which are rich in vitamin C. To propagate Dovyalis chirindensis Engl., there are three main methods:
Seed Propagation
The propagation of Dovyalis chirindensis Engl. from seed is possible but can be a challenging process. It involves sowing seeds in a seedbed and then transplanting them to a larger container after they have reached a certain size. The seeds of Dovyalis chirindensis Engl. are best sown in a well-draining potting mix. The soil mix should be moist at all times, and the seeds should germinate within 8-10 weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings of Dovyalis chirindensis Engl., taken from semi-hardwood stems, can be propagated. First, take cuttings at a length of 10-20cm and remove the bottom leaves. Apply rooting hormone to the cut ends and then insert the cuttings into a soil mix of perlite, sand, and loam. Keep the soil mix moist. The rooted cuttings can be transplanted into a larger container or planted in the ground after one year.
Air-layering Propagation
Air-layering makes use of a part of the existing plant to produce a new one. This method of propagation is also possible for Dovyalis chirindensis Engl. Look for a healthy stem with no visible damage or signs of disease. Remove a small section of the bark at a height of approximately 5cm above the soil line. Apply rooting hormone to the exposed area and cover it with sphagnum moss or moist soil. Keep the moss or soil moist throughout the rooting period. After a few months, once roots have formed, sever the new plant from the parent plant and replant in a new container or in the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Dovyalis chirindensis Engl.
Dovyalis chirindensis Engl. is a drought-tolerant plant belonging to the family of Flacourtiaceae. The plant is hardy and can resist several pests and diseases. However, some common pests and diseases can cause damage to the plant, affecting its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the Dovyalis chirindensis Engl. plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Bacterial Spot: Bacterial spot is a common disease affecting Dovyalis chirindensis Engl. plants. It is characterized by brown spots on the leaves and fruits. This disease is caused by the bacteria Xanthomonas campestris. To manage bacterial spot, the affected areas should be removed and destroyed. Copper-based fungicides can also be applied to prevent further damage to the plant.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease caused by the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides fungus. It is characterized by spotting and wilting of leaves, stems, and fruits. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy the infected areas. Fungal sprays containing copper or sulfur can be applied to prevent further damage.
Pests
Fruit Flies: Fruit flies are common pests that attack Dovyalis chirindensis Engl. fruits. These pests lay eggs in the fruits, causing fruit rot and spoilage. To manage fruit flies, the fruits should be harvested early and regularly. Insecticides can also be applied to prevent infestation. Sanitation measures such as removing fallen fruits can help reduce fruit fly populations.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that attack the leaves of the Dovyalis chirindensis Engl. plant and suck its juices, causing the leaves to dry out and die. To manage spider mites, the use of predatory insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can be helpful. Insecticides containing neem oil or other natural ingredients can also be used.
In conclusion, Dovyalis chirindensis Engl. is a hardy plant that can resist several pests and diseases. However, bacterial spot and anthracnose are common diseases, while fruit flies and spider mites are common pests that can cause significant damage. The use of preventive measures and appropriate control measures can help manage these pests and diseases and improve the plant's yield and growth.
