Description of Drypetes ovata Hutch.
Drypetes ovata Hutch., also known as the African basketwood or the sour plum tree, is a flowering evergreen tree that belongs to the Putranjivaceae family.
Origin
Drypetes ovata is native to tropical Africa, specifically found in countries like Ghana, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, and Congo.
Common names
This plant is also commonly referred to as the African basketwood, due to its hardwood being used for basket weaving in some African countries. It is also called the sour plum tree, due to the sour taste of its fruits.
General appearance
Drypetes ovata can grow up to 30 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter. Its leaves are ovate or elliptic in shape, ranging from 4-12 cm in length and 2-6 cm in width. The tree produces small flowers that are greenish-white in color and later develop into small, oval-shaped fruits that are about 1 cm in diameter. The fruit is yellowish-green when unripe and turns into a red-black color when matured.
Uses
The hardwood of Drypetes ovata is used in the production of various items like tool handles, furniture, and fuelwood. The tree also has medicinal value, with its leaves and bark being used to make herbal remedies for ailments like coughs, colds, and stomach aches. Additionally, the fruits of the tree are eaten by both humans and animals, with the sour taste being a unique trait in some African cuisines.
Light Requirements
Drypetes ovata Hutch. grows best in full sunlight to partial shade. It can tolerate light shade but may not thrive if planted in heavy shade. It requires at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day to grow well.
Temperature Requirements
Drypetes ovata Hutch. prefers warm to hot temperatures and does not tolerate cold temperatures well. It grows best in environments with temperatures ranging from 22-27°C (71-81°F). It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) and as high as 35°C (95°F) for short periods.
Soil Requirements
Drypetes ovata Hutch. can grow in a variety of soil types, but it does best in well-draining, moist soil with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. It does not tolerate waterlogged soil and requires adequate drainage to prevent root rot. It can grow in sandy or loamy soil types and can also tolerate clay soils.
Cultivation Methods for Drypetes ovata Hutch.
Drypetes ovata Hutch. commonly known as East African greenheart, is a flowering plant native to East Africa. The plant thrives in well-drained soils rich in organic matter. It prefers a sunny or partially shaded position and a sheltered location.
In terms of propagation, Drypetes ovata Hutch. can be grown from seed. The seeds must be stratified (kept in the fridge for a few weeks) before sowing. Alternatively, it can be propagated from cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
Watering Needs
Although Drypetes ovata Hutch. prefers well-drained soils, they appreciate regular watering. This is especially true during periods of drought. Avoid overwatering as too much water can lead to rot and pests.
It's essential to apply water directly to the base of the plant and avoid getting water on the leaves. Wet leaves can lead to the formation of molds and diseases.
Fertilization
A well-fertilized Drypetes ovata Hutch. can produce healthy and vibrant foliage, and it encourages a good flower set. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers are best as they promote foliage growth. Choose a fertilizer that contains iron and magnesium, as these minerals are essential for healthy foliage.
Fertilizer should be applied during the plant's active growth phase, which is usually in the spring and summer months. The application can be repeated every four to six weeks during the growing season.
Pruning
Drypetes ovata Hutch. requires minimal pruning. Dead or damaged branches should be clipped off as soon as possible. To control size and shape, pruning should be carried out during the dormant winter months. Cut back no more than one-third of the plant, and aim for a neat and tidy shape.
It's essential to sterilize your pruning tools before and after use. This can be achieved by wiping the blades with rubbing alcohol or a household disinfectant.
Propagation of Drypetes ovata Hutch.
Drypetes ovata Hutch. can be propagated either by seed or vegetative means.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Drypetes ovata Hutch. can be collected from mature fruits in the wild or from cultivated plants. To increase the germination rate of the seeds, the outer fleshy layer of the fruit should be removed. This can be done by soaking the fruit in water until the flesh softens and can be easily removed. The seeds can then be washed and dried before planting.
Before planting, it is essential to scarify the seeds. Scarification is the process of breaking the seed coat to allow water and air to reach the embryo. This can be done by rubbing the seeds with sandpaper, or soaking them in hot water for several hours. After scarification, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining growth medium and covered lightly with soil. They should be kept moist and placed in a warm, shaded area until germination occurs.
Vegetative Propagation
Drypetes ovata Hutch. can also be propagated vegetatively using stem cuttings or layering. Stem cuttings are taken from mature, healthy plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be taken from the tips of the branches and should be at least 15 cm long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining growth medium. They should be kept moist and placed in a warm, shaded area until roots form.
Layering is another vegetative propagation method that can be used for Drypetes ovata Hutch. In this method, a low branch of a mature plant is bent down and buried in the soil. The branch should be wounded where it touches the soil and held in place using a stake or rock. Roots will form at the wound site, and after several weeks, the branch can be severed from the parent plant and transplanted.
Disease Management
Drypetes ovata Hutch. is generally a hardy plant that is resistant to many diseases. However, it is still susceptible to some common plant diseases such as root rot and powdery mildew.
Root Rot: Root rot can be caused by a variety of fungal and bacterial pathogens that attack the roots of the plant. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing and wilting of leaves, stunted growth, and a foul odor coming from the soil. To manage root rot, it is important to remove any infected plant material and to improve soil drainage to prevent excess water in the soil.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white or gray powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. It can cause the leaves to become distorted and can stunt the growth of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to remove any infected plant material and to improve air circulation around the plant by pruning it regularly.
Pest Management
Drypetes ovata Hutch. is also susceptible to pest infestations. Some common pests that may affect the plant include mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They are often found in clusters on the undersides of leaves and on the stems of the plant. To manage mealybugs, it is important to remove any infected plant material and to use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, flattened insects that attach themselves to the plant and suck the sap out of it. They can be found on the leaves, stems, and branches of the plant. To manage scale insects, it is important to remove any infected plant material and to use an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the sap of the plant. They can be identified by the webbing they produce on the undersides of leaves. To manage spider mites, it is important to remove any infected plant material and to use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.
