Overview
Dovyalis glandulosissima Gilg, commonly known as the African wild apricot, is a small tree or shrub that belongs to the family Salvadoraceae. It is native to various regions in Africa, including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia. The plant is named after the German botanist Gustav Adolf Hugo von der Decken who first discovered it in East Africa.
General Appearance
The African wild apricot usually grows up to a height of 4 meters and has a spreading habit. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate in shape, measuring about 3-8 cm long and 2-6 cm wide. They are dark green, shiny, and have a serrated margin. The tree's bark is brown and smooth with small bumps on it, while the twigs are green and hairy.
Uses
The African wild apricot has several uses, including medicinal and culinary. The fruit is edible and has a sour taste. It is rich in vitamin C and can be eaten raw, cooked, or used to make jams and jellies. The fruit also has medicinal properties and is used to treat various ailments, such as diarrhea, constipation, and stomach ulcers. The bark and roots of the tree are also used to make traditional medicine.
Additionally, the plant is used for ecological purposes. The African wild apricot is a nitrogen-fixing plant, which means that it has the ability to restore nitrogen to the soil. This feature makes it useful in agriculture and reforestation projects. The tree's leaves and branches are also important in traditional livestock feeding practices, providing a source of food and shade for animals.
Cultivation
The African wild apricot grows well in tropical and subtropical climates and prefers well-drained soils. It is propagated through seeds or cuttings and requires regular watering, especially during dry spells. The tree is susceptible to pests and diseases, and proper management practices are necessary to ensure healthy growth.
In conclusion, Dovyalis glandulosissima Gilg or the African wild apricot is a versatile and useful plant that has significant cultural, culinary, and medicinal importance in various African regions. With proper management practices, it can be cultivated for its various uses while contributing to environmental conservation efforts.Light requirements
Dovyalis glandulosissima Gilg requires full sun exposure for optimum growth. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Shaded or partially shaded areas are not suitable for its growth, and it may struggle to thrive in such conditions.
Temperature requirements
This plant thrives in warm temperatures and cannot withstand frost. The optimal temperature range for Dovyalis glandulosissima Gilg growth is between 22°C and 32°C. Anything above or below this range may hinder its growth. Care should be taken in regions where temperatures can become extreme in either direction.
Soil requirements
The plant requires fertile, well-drained soil to grow correctly. The soil pH level should be between 6.5 and 7.5, and the soil should be rich in organic matter. Sandy loam or loam soils are excellent for Dovyalis glandulosissima Gilg, but clay soils with good drainage may also be suitable. It is advantageous to use compost to enrich the soil before planting.
Cultivation methods for Dovyalis glandulosissima Gilg
Dovyalis glandulosissima Gilg, commonly known as velvet tomato, is a small to medium-size drought-resistant plant native to Africa. To cultivate this plant, you need a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter. Velvet tomato thrives in full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade. The ideal germination temperature for this plant is between 22°C to 30°C, and it takes approximately two weeks for seeds to germinate.
Watering needs for Dovyalis glandulosissima Gilg
Watering requirements for velvet tomato differ based on the environment, but generally, it requires low to moderate watering. Young seedlings need more water to establish the root system, while mature plants can withstand drought. It is best to water this plant thoroughly once the soil is dry, but avoid watering the foliage as it may cause fungal diseases.
Fertilization for Dovyalis glandulosissima Gilg
Fertilization is essential in promoting growth and fruiting for velvet tomato. Use a slow-release fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio. Apply fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season and reapply every few months. Do not over-fertilize as it may cause the plant to produce more leaves than fruits.
Pruning for Dovyalis glandulosissima Gilg
Pruning is necessary to shape the plant, promote growth, and increase fruit production. Prune the plant during the dormant season, preferably in winter. Remove dead and damaged branches and cut back the plant's tips to encourage bushy growth. Be careful not to remove too much foliage, as this may affect the plant's ability to produce fruits.
Propagation of Dovyalis glandulosissima Gilg
Dovyalis glandulosissima Gilg is a shrub that can be propagated by seed or cuttings.
Propagation by seed
The plant produces small round orange fruits that contain tiny seeds. The seeds should be separated from the fruit pulp and soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing. The best time to sow the seeds is in the spring.
The seeds can be sown in a mixture of sand, loam, and compost. They should be sown shallowly and kept moist until germination. Germination can take between 2-4 weeks.
Propagation by cuttings
The shrub can be propagated by stem cuttings taken from a mature plant. Cuttings taken in the spring or summer are the most successful.
The cuttings should be 6-8 inches long and should have a few leaves attached to them. The lower leaves should be removed, and the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting should be placed in a pot with a mixture of sand and peat moss. The pot should be covered with a plastic bag to create a humid environment.
The cutting should be kept in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight. It should be kept moist until roots begin to form in 4-6 weeks. After the roots have formed, the cutting can be transplanted into a larger pot or into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Dovyalis glandulosissima Gilg
Dovyalis glandulosissima Gilg, commonly known as Velvet-leaved Dovyalis or Wild Apricot, is a fruit-bearing shrub found in tropical Africa. Being a hardy plant, it rarely requires disease and pest management if grown in optimal conditions. However, poor planting techniques, unfavorable environmental factors, and insect infestation can lead to various diseases and pests that can damage the plant's foliage and reduce fruit production. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the plant's leaves and fruits, causing them to develop tan to brown circular spots. The infected leaves may yellow and fall off, while the affected fruits may rot and fall prematurely. A preventive measure to control anthracnose is to practice good sanitation by removing all infected plant debris and ensuring that the plant has proper air circulation to prevent moisture buildup. Fungicide treatment can also help to control the spread of the disease.
Bacterial Spot: Bacterial spot is another disease that affects Dovyalis glandulosissima and is usually characterized by small, watery lesions with yellow halos on the leaves and fruits. It can be easily spread through plant contact, rain, and irrigation water. To manage bacterial spot, remove all infected plant material, disinfect tools and equipment, and adjust irrigation to minimize leaf wetness. Copper-based fungicides are also useful in controlling bacterial spot.
Common Pests
Fruit Flies: Fruit flies are one of the most common pests that can attack the plant's fruits and cause severe damage. The adult fruit flies lay eggs in immature fruits, and the larvae feed on the fruits, causing them to rot and drop prematurely. A good management practice for fruit flies involves removing all overripe and fallen fruits, practicing regular irrigation to minimize fruit cracking and reduce fruit fly breeding opportunities. Traps and baits can also be used to control the fruit fly population.
Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers are small, winged insects that suck sap from the plant's leaves, causing yellowing and curling. They may also spread viruses, leading to stunted growth, leaf distortion, and reduced fruit production. Cultural methods such as maintaining good plant hygiene, weeding, and removal of infected plant parts help to prevent their infestation. Insecticidal treatment can also aid in managing a severe leafhopper infestation.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests in Dovyalis glandulosissima is essential in avoiding severe damage to the plant's foliage and fruit production. A good preventive measure often involves maintaining proper sanitation practices, implementing cultural practices that reduce pest infestation and monitoring the establishment of fast-acting management strategies in case of an infestation.
