Overview
Dovyalis zenkeri Gilg is a plant species that belongs to the genus Dovyalis and the family Salicaceae. It is a native plant to tropical Africa, particularly in countries like Cameroon, Angola, Nigeria, and Zambia.
Common Names
Dovyalis zenkeri Gilg goes by different common names, including African apricot, Kei apple, and Umkokola. These names usually refer to the fruit of the plant that is edible and highly valued for its unique taste.
Uses
The fruit of Dovyalis zenkeri Gilg is one of the main uses of the plant. It is eaten fresh or processed into jams, jellies, and juice. The fruit is rich in Vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants, making it a healthy snack. In some African countries, the fruit is also used to make traditional medicines for treating diarrhea, dysentery, and other digestive problems.
Aside from its fruit, the plant has other uses as well. Its leaves and bark are used for dyeing textiles, while its wood is used for making furniture and construction.
Appearance
Dovyalis zenkeri Gilg is a small tree that can grow up to 6 meters in height. It has a bushy and thorny habit, with its branches covered in sharp, curved thorns. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and alternate, and can grow up to 5 cm long. The flowers are small, white, and inconspicuous, while the fruit is an oblong or round berry that can measure up to 5 cm in diameter. The fruit has a yellow to orange skin and is filled with numerous seeds embedded in a gel-like pulp.
Light Requirement
Dovyalis zenkeri Gilg prefers a bright, sunny location with some shade protection during the hottest hours of the day. It can tolerate partial shade but is likely to produce fewer fruits in such conditions.
Temperature Requirement
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Dovyalis zenkeri Gilg is 20°C to 35°C. It tolerates high humidity levels but does not tolerate frost or freezing temperatures well. Young plants are particularly sensitive to the cold.
Soil Requirement
The plant grows best in well-draining, light loamy or sandy soils, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It is important to avoid waterlogged soils as this can lead to root rot. The addition of organic matter such as compost is beneficial.
Cultivation of Dovyalis zenkeri Gilg
Dovyalis zenkeri Gilg is a popular tropical fruit tree that can grow up to 10m tall. The best planting method is to use seeds or grafting. The plant grows best in sunny and well-drained soils. When planting, ensure that the spacing between plants does not exceed 5 meters.
Watering Needs for Dovyalis zenkeri Gilg
The plant requires regular watering, especially during the hot and dry season. Irrigate the plant frequently to ensure that the soil is always moist. However, avoid overwatering as that can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization of Dovyalis zenkeri Gilg
The tree needs regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. Fertilization should be done immediately after planting and repeated after every four months. Use organic fertilizers such as compost or manure, rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Pruning of Dovyalis zenkeri Gilg
Since the plant has numerous thorns, pruning and training should be done with caution. Prune only during the dry season to avoid diseases. Some of the pruning activities that can be done include removal of infected branches, pruning for shape, and canopy control.
Propagation of Dovyalis zenkeri Gilg
Dovyalis zenkeri Gilg, commonly referred to as African wild apricot or green apple, is a multi-stemmed shrub that can grow up to 8 meters tall. The plant is native to West Africa and is cultivated for its edible fruits. Propagation of Dovyalis zenkeri Gilg can be done using the following methods:
Seed propagation
Propagation of Dovyalis zenkeri Gilg can be done using seeds, although this method is not commonly used as the seeds have a long dormancy period and the plants may take longer to mature and bear fruits. If you choose to propagate using seeds, ensure that the seeds are fresh and clean. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat and then sow them in a seedling tray filled with a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the tray in a warm place with filtered sunlight. The seeds will germinate in 2-3 weeks, and once they develop two true leaves, you can transplant them into individual pots.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation is the most common method used to propagate Dovyalis zenkeri Gilg. This method involves taking cuttings from mature trees and rooting them to form new plants. The best time to take cuttings is during the early part of the rainy season when the plants are actively growing. Take cuttings that are about 10-15 cm in length, with a diameter of about 0.5-1 cm. Remove all the leaves from the lower two-thirds of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a rooting medium such as sand or vermiculite and keep them in a warm place with high humidity. The cuttings will root in about 3-4 weeks, after which you can transplant them into individual pots or directly into the field.
Air layering
Air layering is another method that can be used to propagate Dovyalis zenkeri Gilg, although it is not commonly used. This method involves making a shallow incision on a mature branch and ring-barking it by removing a small ring of bark. Cover the exposed area with moist sphagnum moss and secure it with plastic wrap. Keep the moss moist and wait for roots to develop, usually in about 4-6 weeks. Once the roots have formed, cut off the branch below the rooting area and transplant the rooted portion into a separate container or directly into the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Dovyalis zenkeri Gilg
Dovyalis zenkeri Gilg, commonly known as the African Cucumber or Bush Mango, belongs to the Flacourtiaceae family that is native to tropical Africa. These plants are fairly tolerant to some diseases and pests, and can grow well in different environmental conditions. However, they may be susceptible to several diseases and pests, which can cause severe damage if not managed effectively.
Common Diseases of Dovyalis zenkeri Gilg
Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spots and rotting of fruits. As a preventative measure, ensure proper drainage and avoid overhead irrigation. Also, remove infected plant parts and avoid contact with other healthy plants. If necessary, use a fungicide to manage the disease.
Root Rot: This disease is caused by several fungal agents, and it affects the roots of the plants. The infected plants may show signs of wilting and stunted growth. To manage this disease, ensure appropriate watering practices, avoid waterlogging, and use fungicides if necessary.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease may cause white powdery patches on leaves and fruits. Proper ventilation and pruning can help manage this disease. Use fungicides if powdery mildew is severe.
Common Pests of Dovyalis zenkeri Gilg
Fruit Flies: These pests can cause damage to fruits, leading to reduced yield and quality. To manage fruit flies, use pheromone traps or insecticides. Ensure proper sanitation and remove fallen fruits to reduce pest pressure.
Aphids: Aphids can cause wilting and reduce plant growth. They can also transmit viruses. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage aphids. Encourage natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest populations.
Thrips: Thrips can feed on leaves and fruits, causing damage and reducing the yield. Use insecticides to manage thrips, or release natural predators such as predatory mites.
Overall, proper plant care, including timely pruning, regular inspection, and management of environmental conditions, can help minimize the damage caused by pests and diseases. Always use appropriate management techniques, including biological, mechanical or chemical interventions, to ensure optimum health and productivity of Dovyalis zenkeri Gilg plants.
