Overview
Fagara inaequalis Engl. is a type of plant species that belongs to the family Rutaceae. It is native to sub-Saharan Africa, including Angola, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Uganda. This plant is known for various medicinal purposes, particularly in its bark and leaves.
Common Names
Fagara inaequalis Engl. is known by several common names, including Anamu-ikro, Anamugluwara, Anamui, Anmanbierok, Anmangeawara, Anmangluwara, Anmedenkpo, Mubeasa, Nkorun, Ngoluo, Odu Jobi, Ogaluwaro, Wubit, and Zanzi.
Description
Fagara inaequalis Engl. is a medium-sized shrub or tree that can grow up to 8 to 15 meters tall. It has a straight and cylindrical stem, with a diameter of up to 30 cm. The bark is greyish-brown with rough texture and has prominent lenticels. The leaves are green, simple, alternate, and elliptic to oblong-lanceolate. They measure 5-17 cm long and 2-6 cm wide. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, borne in clusters. The fruit is a fleshy drupe that measures 1-2 cm in diameter and contains one or two seeds.
Uses
Fagara inaequalis Engl. has various medicinal uses. The bark and leaves of this plant are used to treat fever, malaria, and other tropical diseases. It is also used as a tonic to improve digestion and appetite. The root bark is used to treat gonorrhea, dysentery, and diarrhea. The fruit is edible, and it is used in traditional African cuisines to make sauces and soups. The plant also has insecticidal and pesticidal activities.
Aside from its medicinal and culinary uses, Fagara inaequalis Engl. is also used in traditional African rites and ceremonies. The plant is believed to have spiritual properties, and it is used to ward off evil spirits and negative energies.
Light Requirements
The Fagara inaequalis Engl. plant prefers to grow in areas with partial shade to full sun exposure. However, it can still tolerate low light conditions but may result in slower growth compared to those planted in brighter areas. In areas with high light intensity, it is recommended to provide them some shade.
Temperature Requirements
The Fagara inaequalis Engl. requires warm temperatures between 18 to 27 degrees Celsius (65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit), and cannot endure frost. It can survive in a wide temperature range, but it will thrive in regions with consistent temperatures in a relatively high range
Soil Requirements
Fagara inaequalis Engl. requires low to moderately fertile, well-draining soil. It prefers soil that ranges from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. This species can thrive in many types of soils such as sandy soils, loamy soils, and clay soils. It is also tolerant of drought. However, it is important to keep the soil moist, not waterlogged.
Cultivation of Fagara inaequalis Engl.
Fagara inaequalis Engl., commonly known as the Hedgehog lime or Cumin lime, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Rutaceae family. It is native to West Africa. Before beginning the cultivation process, ensure that the soil is suitable for Fagara inaequalis. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
If you are planning to grow Fagara inaequalis from seeds, sow them in seedling trays filled with well-draining soil. Keep the trays in a warm and humid place until germination occurs. Once the seedlings reach a height of about 10 cm, they can be transplanted into the ground.
Watering needs of Fagara inaequalis Engl.
Fagara inaequalis requires moderate watering. Water the plant deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist, but not waterlogged. During the growing season, the plant may need more frequent watering, especially during hot and dry weather. Inadequate watering may cause the leaves to curl or drop, while overwatering may lead to root rot and other plant diseases. Always water Fagara inaequalis at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage.
Fertilization of Fagara inaequalis Engl.
Fagara inaequalis requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer once every two months during the growing season. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this may lead to salt buildup in the soil, which can damage the plant.
Pruning Fagara inaequalis Engl.
Pruning is an essential part of Fagara inaequalis care. It helps to promote bushy growth, prevent legginess, and maintain the plant's shape and size. Prune Fagara inaequalis in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged stems. Then, prune the remaining stems back to a length that suits your desired shape and size. Always use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Fagara inaequalis Engl.
Fagara inaequalis Engl., also known as the Jamaica wild lime or shaddock, can be propagated through various methods.
Seed Propagation
The plant can be propagated through seeds that are obtained from mature fruit. The seeds have a hard coat and require scarification before sowing. Scarification can be done mechanically by a sharp blade or chemically by soaking the seeds in hot water for several hours to weaken the seed coat. After scarification, the seeds can be sown in well-drained soil mixed with organic matter. Germination may take up to three months.
Cuttings Propagation
The plant can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings from the previous season's growth can be taken during the dormant season. The cuttings should be approximately six inches long and should be taken from healthy plants. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cuttings, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant the cuttings in a mixture of sand and peat. Proper moisture, temperature, and light conditions are essential for rooting the cuttings.
Air Layering Propagation
Another propagation method is air layering. In this method, a branch of the plant is selected and a section of the bark is removed, exposing the inner wood. A rooting hormone is then applied to the exposed area, and the wounded area is wrapped in moist sphagnum moss, covered in plastic, and secured with string or tape. Roots will form in the moss, and when they are well-developed, the branch can be cut from the parent plant and potted.
Propagation of Fagara inaequalis Engl. can be accomplished by any of these methods. The choice of method should depend on the resources available and personal preference.
Disease and Pest Management for Fagara inaequalis Engl.
Fagara inaequalis Engl., also known as the African Cherry, is a fruit tree that is naturally resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it can still be affected by a few problems. Proper disease and pest management practices are necessary to ensure a healthy and productive African Cherry tree.
Common Diseases
Fagara inaequalis is susceptible to certain diseases, such as black leaf spot. This fungal disease can cause black spots on the leaves and fruit, leading to defoliation and fruit drop. To manage black leaf spot, prune infected branches and remove infected fallen leaves. You can also use a copper-based fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease. Leaf blight, another fungal disease, can cause smaller black or brown spots on the leaves, which will eventually turn yellow. To control this disease, you need to prune and dispose of the infected parts of the tree and apply fungicides.
Common Pests
Fagara inaequalis is generally resistant to pests. However, some pests can damage the tree, such as the African Cherry fruit fly and the African Cherry stem borer. The fruit fly lays eggs on the fruit, and when the larvae hatches, they feed on the fruit pulp, causing the fruit to fall prematurely. The African Cherry stem borer attacks the bark of the tree, affecting the tree's growth and productivity. You can control these pests by using insecticides and by removing and destroying infected fruits and branches.
Preventative Measures
The best approach to disease and pest management for Fagara inaequalis is good cultural practices. This includes planting trees in well-drained soil and providing proper irrigation. It is essential to keep the tree pruned to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to poor air circulation and increased fungal growth. You can also use plant-based repellents, such as neem oil or garlic extract, to keep pests away.
Overall, proper management practices are crucial for a healthy and productive African Cherry tree. By being proactive and identifying potential diseases and pests, you can take the necessary steps to prevent and control them, ensuring a bountiful harvest of this delicious fruit.
