Overview of Eugenia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand
Eugenia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand, also known as Ako berry, is a fruit-bearing tree native to West and Central Africa. It belongs to the botanical family Myrtaceae and is closely related to other edible fruits such as guava, jaboticaba, and Surinam cherry.
Common Names
In different African countries, Eugenia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand is referred to by various common names, including Ako, Akoe, Mkakase, and Uda.
Uses
The Ako berry fruit is a popular ingredient in traditional African cuisine, where it is often used to add flavor and nutritional value to stews, soups, and beverages. The fruit is known for its sweet, tart taste and is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
In addition to its culinary uses, the bark, leaves, and roots of the Ako berry tree contain several medicinal compounds and are used in traditional African herbal medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, cough, and diarrhea.
General Appearance
The Ako berry tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a dense, rounded crown of dark green foliage. The leaves are elliptical in shape, about 4-9 cm long, and have a shiny surface. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, and appear in clusters from the axils of the leaves. The fruit is a small, round berry, about 1 cm in diameter, with a smooth, shiny skin that ranges from green to reddish-brown in color.
Growth conditions of Eugenia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand
Eugenia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand is a plant that requires specific growth conditions to ensure its successful growth and development. Here are the typical growth conditions:
Light
Eugenia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand plant requires bright, but indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause its leaves to scorch, so it is recommended to place it in a spot that receives bright, filtered light or partial shade. This plant can tolerate low light conditions but will grow more slowly and produce fewer flowers in the absence of adequate light.
Temperature
Eugenia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand plant grows naturally in tropical regions and prefers warm and humid conditions. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 18°C to 27°C. Temperatures below 15°C can cause damage to the plant and brown patches may appear on the leaves. In contrast, high temperatures above 30°C can cause leaf scorching and damage. It is also important to avoid exposing this plant to cold drafts, as it can cause the plant to suffer from shock and damage.
Soil
Eugenia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand prefers well-draining soil that is nutrient-rich and slightly acidic with a pH ranging between 5.5 to 6.5. It is recommended to use a potting mix that contains a combination of peat and perlite or vermiculite, which helps to retain moisture and promotes adequate drainage. Additionally, this plant doesn’t tolerate saline soils; thereby, avoid those soils that have excess salt concentrations.
Watering
This plant prefers its soil to be moist but not saturated. Overwatering the plant can lead to root rot and other diseases. It is recommended to water the plant after the top inch of the soil has dried out. During the growing season, the plant should be fed with a balanced and water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks to promote healthy growth and development.
Air Humidity
Eugenia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand prefers humid conditions. Its leaves can be misted regularly, or it can be placed on a pebble tray to increase the humidity around the plant. It is also recommended to avoid placing the plant near airconditioners, heating vents, or any other source of hot or cold air, as it can cause the plant to wilt.
Overall, providing the right light, temperature, soil, watering, and air humidity conditions can help Eugenia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand to grow healthy and thrive to its maximum potential.
Cultivation of Eugenia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand
Eugenia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand, commonly known as the African Cherry, is a tropical plant that thrives in warm temperatures. It can grow up to 15 meters tall and has dark glossy leaves.
When cultivating Eugenia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand, it is important to choose a location that provides partial to full sun, fertile well-draining soil, and protection from strong winds. The plant is sensitive to cold temperatures and frost, so it is best to grow it in a warm and sheltered spot.
Watering Needs for Eugenia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand
Eugenia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand thrives in moist soil but does not tolerate waterlogging. Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season, to keep the soil evenly moist.
During the dry season, it is important to water the plant more often to prevent the leaves from drying out. However, make sure not to overwater it as it can cause the roots to rot and affect the plant's overall health.
Fertilization of Eugenia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand
Eugenia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and development. Apply a balanced fertilizer every three months during the growing season, starting in the early spring.
It is also beneficial to incorporate organic matter into the soil, such as well-rotted manure or compost, to improve the soil's fertility and nutrient content.
Pruning Eugenia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand
Eugenia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and size. Prune the plant during the dormant season, typically in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, as well as any crossing or overcrowded branches. To encourage bushier growth, pinch back the soft tips of the branches after flowering.
Propagation of Eugenia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand
Eugenia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand, also known as Bioko Eugenia, is propagated through both seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
Seeds are the easiest and most common way to propagate Eugenia dewevrei. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix that is kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. The potting mix should be placed in a warm, well-lit location with temperatures between 70-85°F.
Within a few weeks, the seeds should begin to germinate. Once the seedlings have a few true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots. These plants should be kept in a warm, well-lit location until they are established and can be planted outside in their permanent location.
Propagation by cuttings
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Eugenia dewevrei. Softwood cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The tip of the stem, that includes 3-4 pairs of leaves, should be cut with a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears.
Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. Place the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist. The cutting should develop roots within 4-6 weeks.
Once the roots have developed, the cutting can be transplanted into a larger pot or outside into its permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Eugenia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand
Eugenia dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand, commonly known as the African stopper tree, is a hardy plant that is resistant to many diseases and pests. However, there are some common diseases and pests that may affect the plant, and it is essential to manage them to ensure the plant's health and growth.
Common Diseases
Eugenia dewevrei is susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and anthracnose. Powdery mildew appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the plant's leaves and stems, while anthracnose results in the formation of dark spots on the leaves and eventual leaf drop.
To manage powdery mildew, remove affected leaves and provide adequate air circulation around the plant. Neem oil or a sulfur-based fungicide can also be used to control the disease.
For anthracnose, prune infected branches and dispose of them appropriately. Apply a copper-based fungicide, and avoid overhead watering to prevent the disease's spread.
Common Pests
The African stopper tree may also be affected by pests such as spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant sap, causing leaves to yellow and eventually fall off. Scale insects and mealybugs also feed on plant sap and can cause leaf drop, stunted growth, and weakened branches.
To manage spider mites, rinse the plant with a strong jet of water and apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil. For scale insects and mealybugs, wipe the plant with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, or apply an insecticidal soap.
Regular pruning and maintenance of the African stopper tree can also prevent diseases and pests. Ensure the plant is grown in well-draining soil, and avoid overwatering or fertilizing, as this can attract pests and promote fungal growth.
