Overview of Fagara cabrae De Wild.
Fagara cabrae De Wild. is a small, deciduous tree belonging to the Rutaceae family. This plant is native to Africa, specifically in Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria.
Common Names
The plant, Fagara cabrae De Wild. has several common names. In Cameroon, it is known as "Ako Ododo," in Gabon as "Ngugli," while in Congo as "Nkoukou" and in Nigeria as "Ata umu."
Appearance
The plant can grow up to 10 meters tall, with a thin stem, and brownish-grey bark. The leaves are pinnate, with about six to ten leaflets, and each leaf can be up to 20 cm long. The branches are thin, and the flowers are small, white, and fragrant. The fruit is a round, fleshy drupe that is about 2 cm wide, turning black when fully mature.
Uses
Fagara cabrae De Wild. has several medicinal and traditional uses. In African traditional medicine, the roots, bark, and leaves are used to treat several ailments such as fever, diarrhea, stomach pains, and dysentery. The leaves and bark are also used to treat skin diseases such as ulcers, yaws, and scabies. The fruit pulp is edible and is consumed in some African cultures. Oil from the seeds has also been used for medicinal purposes.
In addition to medicinal uses, the plant's wood is used to make handles, small tools, musical instruments, and furniture. The leaves and bark are also used for dyeing fabrics.
In summary, Fagara cabrae De Wild. is a small, deciduous tree native to Africa with several medicinal and traditional uses. It has pinnate leaves, small white flowers, and black fleshy fruits when fully mature.Growth Conditions of Fagara cabrae De Wild.
Fagara cabrae De Wild. is a tropical plant that can grow in a variety of conditions. Typically, it is found in humid forests and savannas. It is an evergreen shrub that can reach a height of 4-6 meters.
Light Requirements
Fagara cabrae De Wild. requires partial to full sunlight to grow properly. It can tolerate some shade but, too much shade can lead to stunted growth. The plant should be placed in a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can be grown in a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures as high as 35°C and as low as 5°C. However, the plant prefers to grow in temperatures ranging from 20-30°C. Extreme temperatures can lead to slow growth and may even kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
Fagara cabrae De Wild. grows well in well-draining, fertile soil. The soil should be slightly acidic or neutral with a pH ranging from 5.5-7.5. The plant can also tolerate soil that is slightly alkaline. The soil should be enriched with organic matter, and regular fertilization is necessary for healthy growth.
The plant requires a humid environment, so it is essential to ensure that the soil is kept moist. However, the soil should not be waterlogged as this can lead to root rot. The plant should be watered regularly, but the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly before watering again.
Cultivation Methods
Fagara cabrae De Wild. is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures to grow properly. The plant can be cultivated through seeds or cuttings. To grow the plant from seeds, it is best to plant them in well-drained soil in a warm environment. If using cuttings, make sure the cuttings are from mature plants and place them in a well-drained and warm environment.
The plant needs sufficient sunlight to grow, so it is best to keep it in a location where it can get full sun. The plant also needs to be placed in an area where wind can easily circulate.
Watering Needs
Fagara cabrae De Wild. needs moderate watering. It is best to water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to wilt and die. During the rainy season, the plant may not require much watering, but it is best to monitor the plant's condition to avoid overwatering.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to grow. It is best to use a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. During the winter season, fertilization should be reduced, or the plant can go without fertilization entirely. Excessive fertilization can cause the plant to grow too fast and become damaged.
Pruning
Fagara cabrae De Wild. requires minimal pruning. It needs to be pruned only to remove the dead or dried leaves and stems. This will help the plant grow better and ensure that the plant's growth is not hindered by the dead parts.
Propagation of Fagara cabrae De Wild.
Fagara cabrae De Wild. is propagated by both sexual and asexual means.
Sexual Propagation
The seeds of Fagara cabrae De Wild. can be collected from mature fruits of the plant. The collected fruits should be cleaned and soaked in water for a few days to soften the hard seed coat. After that, the seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix, covered lightly with soil, and kept moist. The pot should be kept in a warm place with partial shade until the seeds germinate. Seed germination will take about 2 to 3 weeks. It is important to maintain adequate moisture levels without overwatering, as this may cause the seeds to rot.
Asexual Propagation
Fagara cabrae De Wild. can also be propagated by vegetative means. The most common method of vegetative propagation is through stem cuttings. To propagate through stem cuttings, choose a healthy, disease-free stem of about 10-15 cm length with a few leaves and no flowers. Remove the leaves from the lower portion of the stem, leaving only a few at the top. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a potting mix. Water the cutting and keep it in a warm location with bright, indirect light. It is important to keep the soil moist until the stem has developed roots, which normally takes around 4 to 6 weeks.
Overall, Fagara cabrae De Wild. can be propagated successfully by seed propagation and stem cutting propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Fagara cabrae De Wild.
Fagara cabrae De Wild., also known as African cherry, is a versatile plant with many medicinal benefits. However, like every other plant, it is susceptible to pests and diseases. Here is detailed information on how to manage diseases and pests that might affect the plant.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Fagara cabrae De Wild. is leaf spot, which is caused by the fungus Cercospora apii. The disease is characterized by irregular, dark brown spots on the leaves. These spots can spread and cause the leaves to wilt and eventually fall off. To manage this disease, it is important to keep the plant dry by avoiding overhead watering. Fungicidal sprays can also be used to manage the disease.
Another disease that affects African cherry is powdery mildew. It is characterized by a powdery layer on the leaves, stems, and flowers. The disease is caused by the fungus Erysiphe fischeri and can be managed by pruning infected areas and using fungicidal sprays.
Common Pests
Scale insects are common pests that affect Fagara cabrae De Wild. They are pests that suck the sap out of the leaves and stems, leaving them yellowed and weakened. To manage the infestation, prune infected areas and use insecticidal soaps or oil sprays. Mealybugs are also common pests that affect African cherry. They leave a waxy coating on the leaves and stems, making them appear dusty. They, too, can be managed with insecticidal solutions.
Another pest that can affect Fagara cabrae De Wild. is spider mites, which are tiny pests that feed on the leaves and cause them to turn yellow and become distorted. The pest can be managed by washing the plants with a strong jet of water or using insecticidal sprays.
In conclusion, regular monitoring of Fagara cabrae De Wild. plants is crucial to keep them healthy and free from diseases and pests. It is important to take necessary measures in managing the common diseases and pests that affect the plant to ensure its growth and wellness.
