Origin and Common Names
Eugenia toxanatolica Verdc. is a plant species native to Tanzania, East Africa. It is a member of the Myrtaceae family and is commonly known as Mkilifi cherry, Mkilifi myrtle, Mkilifi guava, or African hardwood.
Appearance
The Eugenia toxanatolica Verdc. plant is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. It has an upright trunk with smooth, brownish-grey bark. The leaves are simple and glossy with a dark green color on the upper surface and a lighter green hue on the underside. The plant bears small, white flowers that give way to green fruits, which turn deep red when ripe.
Uses
The Eugenia toxanatolica Verdc. plant has various uses in traditional medicine. The leaves, bark, and fruits are used for their medicinal properties to treat fever, cough, and rheumatism. The bark and wood of the plant are also harvested for their hardwood, which is used in carpentry, construction, and furniture making due to its durability and resistance to termite infestation.
Light Requirements
Eugenia toxanatolica Verdc. grows best in partial shade to full sunlight. It requires about 50-70% of sunlight to thrive. The plant is native to tropical regions and can tolerate high levels of solar radiation.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Eugenia toxanatolica Verdc. growth is between 18°C and 30°C. The minimum temperature that it can withstand is around 10°C, while the maximum temperature is 40°C. The plant prefers a warm humid climate.
Soil Requirements
Eugenia toxanatolica Verdc. prefers well-draining soils that are rich in nutrients. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. A slightly acidic to neutral pH level ranging from 5.5 to 7.5 is ideal for the plant's growth. It also requires moderate moisture levels and adequate irrigation.
Cultivation of Eugenia toxanatolica Verdc.
Eugenia toxanatolica Verdc. is a beautiful shrub that can grow up to 4 meters, and it is native to Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia. The ideal soil for this plant is well-drained, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. It can withstand both full sun and partial shade.
Watering Needs of Eugenia toxanatolica Verdc.
Water is essential for the growth of Eugenia toxanatolica Verdc. However, it is important not to overwater this plant since it can cause root rot. The best time to water is in the morning or late afternoon. During the summer, watering once or twice a week is ideal, while during winter, once a week is enough. Always check the moisture level of the soil before watering.
Fertilization of Eugenia toxanatolica Verdc.
Eugenia toxanatolica Verdc. needs regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and ample flowering. The ideal fertilizer is a balanced granular fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK). Apply the fertilizer during the growing season, which is usually between spring and summer, at least every six weeks.
Pruning of Eugenia toxanatolica Verdc.
Pruning Eugenia toxanatolica Verdc. is important to maintain its shape and size and ensure healthy growth. Prune this plant just after flowering, which is usually during the summer season. Remove any dead or damaged branches and shape the plant as desired. Aim to remove no more than one-third of the plant's growth each year.
Propagation of Eugenia toxanatolica Verdc.
Eugenia toxanatolica Verdc. can be propagated by various methods including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and grafting.
Seed propagation
The seeds of Eugenia toxanatolica Verdc. can be sown either directly in the field or in pots. For pot sowing, fill the pots with soil mix, and sow the seeds 1-2 cm deep in the soil. Water the soil properly and keep it moist. It is recommended to cover the pot with polythene sheets to retain moisture. The seeds will germinate in 4-6 weeks. Once the seedlings are 6-8 cm tall, they can be transplanted in the field or into bigger pots.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation is another popular method for Eugenia toxanatolica Verdc.. The cuttings taken from the plant should be 10-12 cm long with 2-3 leaves. Dip the basal end of the cutting in rooting hormone solution and insert it in sand or soil mix. Water the cutting and keep it in shade. The cuttings will root in 8-10 weeks. Once the cuttings develop roots, they can be transplanted into a bigger pot or in the field.
Grafting
Grafting is a method of propagation that combines the desirable qualities of two plants into one. For Eugenia toxanatolica Verdc., grafting is done on seedlings of the same species or related species. The scion, which is the desired plant variety, is grafted onto the rootstock, which provides the necessary root system to the plant. The grafted plants need to be taken care of until they establish.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases that might affect Eugenia toxanatolica Verdc. is anthracnose, caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Symptoms of this disease include small, circular spots on the leaves that gradually enlarge, turn brown or black, and may drop from the plant. To manage anthracnose, it is important to remove and destroy any infected plant debris from around the plant and reduce humidity by increasing air circulation. Fungicides may be used as a preventative measure.
Another disease that can affect Eugenia toxanatolica Verdc. is leaf spot, caused by the fungal pathogen Cercospora eugeniae. Symptoms include circular or irregular brown spots on the leaves that may be surrounded by a yellow ring. To manage leaf spot, it is important to remove and destroy any infected plant debris and provide good air circulation by pruning dense foliage. Fungicides may be used as a preventative measure.
Pest Management
One of the common pests that might affect Eugenia toxanatolica Verdc. is the mealybug. Symptoms of infestation include the presence of white, cottony masses on the underside of leaves. To manage mealybugs, remove them by hand or use a strong stream of water to spray them off the plant. Insecticidal soaps or horticultural oil can also be used as a treatment.
Another pest that can affect Eugenia toxanatolica Verdc. is the spider mite. Symptoms of infestation include small yellowish or brown spots on the leaves, which may also show signs of webbing. To manage spider mites, regularly spray the plant with a strong stream of water to remove them and improve humidity levels by misting the leaves. Insecticidal soaps or horticultural oil can also be used as a treatment.
