Exomicrum Pellucidum (de Wild. & T.durand) Tiegh.

Description of Exomicrum Pellucidum

Exomicrum pellucidum, also known as De Wild. & T.Durand Tiegh., is a plant species that belongs to the Clusiaceae family. It is native to tropical Africa, specifically found in the Congo Basin, Gabon, and Cameroon. It is a highly valued plant for its various medicinal properties and is commonly used in traditional African medicine.

Common Names

The plant has several common names, including African mango, Ogbono, wild mango, bush mango, and dika. These names are derived from the fruit it produces, which is similar to the common mango but smaller in size.

General Appearance

The Exomicrum pellucidum plant is a tree that can grow up to 40 meters tall, with a trunk that can reach up to two meters in diameter. The bark of the tree is rough and greyish-brown in color. The leaves are simple, leathery, and glossy, with a dark green color on top and a lighter shade of green on the underside. The tree produces small, yellow flowers that are around 1.5cm in diameter, and the fruit it bears is brown and woody, containing up to 10 seeds.

Uses

The fruit of the Exomicrum pellucidum plant is highly valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties. The fruit is rich in fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C and is commonly used in cooking and for making soup in West and Central Africa. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, constipation, and fever. Some studies suggest that the plant may have other health benefits such as reducing cholesterol levels and promoting weight loss.

The bark of the tree also has medicinal properties and is used to treat wounds, skin infections, and other medical conditions. The wood of the tree is hard and durable, making it suitable for construction and furniture making. Additionally, the tree provides habitat and food for various wildlife in its native forests.

Growth Conditions of Exomicrum pellucidum

Exomicrum pellucidum (De Wild. & T.Durand) Tiegh. is a tropical plant that requires specific growth conditions to thrive. These conditions include appropriate light, temperature, soil, and water requirements.

Light Requirements

The Exomicrum pellucidum plant requires bright, indirect sunlight or partially shaded conditions. It can tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight, but if exposed to prolonged exposure, it can damage the plant's leaves. Therefore, it's best to place the plant near a window with sheer curtains that can filter intense sunlight.

Temperature Requirements

Exomicrum pellucidum plant loves warm temperatures and cannot tolerate cold temperatures. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 20°C-30°C (68°F-86°F). Therefore, it's essential to place the plant in a warm room away from cold drafts or air conditioning.

Soil Requirements

The Exomicrum pellucidum plant requires well-draining, moist soil with a pH level between 6.0- 7.0 for optimal growth. It should be grown in nutrient-rich soil with ample organic matter that retains moisture. An appropriate potting mix for the plant includes peat moss, perlite, and soilless mix.

Water Requirements

The Exomicrum pellucidum plant needs consistent moisture, but it's essential to avoid waterlogged soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot and damage the plant. The plant should be watered when the top inch of the soil is dry. A watering frequency of once per week or when necessary is recommended.

In conclusion, Exomicrum pellucidum (De Wild. & T.Durand) Tiegh. grows best in warm temperatures, bright, indirect sunlight, well-draining soil, and consistent moisture.

Cultivation

Exomicrum pellucidum is a tropical plant that can tolerate partial to full shade. It is a slow-growing species and requires a well-draining soil rich in organic matter. The plant can be grown in pots or containers and needs to be protected from strong winds.

Watering Needs

The plant requires regular watering throughout the growing season, and its soil must be kept consistently moist. The watering frequency can be reduced in the winter months when growth slows down. Prolonged waterlogging can lead to root rot.

Fertilization

Exomicrum Pellecidum can benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. It is recommended to fertilize every two to four weeks, following the package instructions. It is essential to avoid over-fertilization as it can cause salt build-up, leading to root damage.

Pruning

Pruning Exomicrum pellecidum is essential to remove damaged, diseased, or overcrowded branches. It is recommended to carry out pruning in the early spring before the new growth begins. Pruning can also be done to shape the plant and control its size. Regular pruning will help maintain the plant's vigor and keep it healthy.

Propagation of Exomicrum pellucidum

Exomicrum pellucidum is a plant species that belongs to the family Annonaceae. It is commonly known as 'mlimi' in Cameroon, where it is traditionally used for medicinal purposes. If you want to propagate Exomicrum pellucidum, you can use different methods such as seeds, cuttings, and grafting.

Propagation by seeds

The most common propagation method for Exomicrum pellucidum is by using seeds. The seeds of Exomicrum pellucidum are flat, black, and have a smooth surface. To propagate Exomicrum pellucidum by seeds, you need to follow these steps:

1. Collect ripe fruits from the plant
2. Remove the seeds from the fruits and clean them
3. Place the seeds in a sterile growing medium
4. Water the seeds regularly and keep them in a warm place
5. The seeds will germinate in a few weeks, and you can transplant the seedlings into individual pots

Propagation by cuttings

You can also propagate Exomicrum pellucidum by using cuttings. Cuttings are taken from the stems of the plant and planted directly into soil. This method is faster than seeds, and it allows you to produce plants that are identical to the parent plant. To propagate Exomicrum pellucidum by cuttings, you need to follow these steps:

1. Select healthy stems of about 15 cm long
2. Cut the stems with a clean and sharp blade
3. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the stem
4. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder
5. Plant the stem into a container filled with soil
6. Water the stem regularly and keep it in a warm and shady place
7. The stem will develop roots in a few weeks, and you can transplant it into a bigger pot or into the ground

Propagation by grafting

Grafting is a method used to propagate Exomicrum pellucidum that is not frequently used. This method is useful when you want to combine the favorable characteristics of two different plants. To propagate Exomicrum pellucidum by grafting, you need to follow these steps:

1. Select a healthy rootstock and a scion from different plants
2. Make a clean cut on the rootstock and scion
3. Join the two parts together, making sure the cambium layers match
4. Secure the union with grafting tape
5. Cover the union with wax to prevent desiccation
6. Keep the grafted plant in a warm and shady place
7. The plants will fuse together in a few weeks, and you can transplant it into a bigger pot or into the ground

Disease management

Exomicrum pellucidum is generally resistant to most plant diseases. However, it may occasionally develop fungal infections, especially when grown in wet conditions.

To manage fungal diseases, it is essential to maintain good sanitation practices. Remove and destroy all infected plant materials promptly to minimize the spread of the disease. Also, make sure to provide adequate air circulation, avoid overcrowding, and control moisture levels to prevent fungal growth.

Pest management

Exomicrum pellucidum can be attacked by various insect pests. Some of the common pests that might affect this plant include aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects.

To manage these pests, it is essential to regularly monitor the plant for any signs of infestation. Early detection and control are critical to preventing pest-related damage. One effective management strategy is to use natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest populations. Additionally, you can use neem oil, horticultural oils, or insecticidal soaps to control pests without harming beneficial insects.

However, before using any chemical insecticides, it is important to carefully read the label and follow the instructions for use and safety.