Overview
Garcinia brevipedicellata (Baker f.) Hutch. & Dalziel, commonly known as Angola garcinia, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Clusiaceae family. The plant is native to tropical Africa and is mainly found in Angola, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
General Appearance
Garcinia brevipedicellata is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that grows to a height of 10-15 meters tall. The tree has a dense crown and is characterized by a straight trunk. The bark of the tree is grey-brown, rough and flaky. The leaves are glossy, oval-shaped and measure approximately 10-20 centimeters long and 5-10 centimeters wide. The tree produces small yellow flowers that appear in clusters, and the fruit is a small reddish-brown berry that measures approximately 2-3 centimeters in diameter.
Common Names
Garcinia brevipedicellata is commonly known as Angola garcinia in English. The plant is also known as "Musilika" in Bangala, one of the languages spoken in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Uses
The fruit of Garcinia brevipedicellata is edible and is sometimes used to make jams and jellies. The bark of the tree and the leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat a range of conditions, including fever, stomach ailments, and malaria. The wood of the tree is used for making furniture and crafts, and it is also used as fuelwood.
Light Requirements
Garcinia brevipedicellata prefers full to partial sun exposure. It can grow in areas with indirect light, but this may result in slower growth. When planting indoors, it is important to place the plant in a location where it can receive adequate light.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 20°C to 30°C during the day and 16°C to 21°C at night. The plant can still survive in temperature below the ideal range, but growth rate may be affected. Extreme temperatures, especially below 10°C or above 38°C are not suitable for this plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter with a good mixture of compost, sand, and loam. Avoid soil that may promote waterlogging. Drainage is important as the roots of Garcinia brevipedicellata do not tolerate waterlogging and may lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Garcinia brevipedicellata
Garcinia brevipedicellata is a tropical plant and prefers warm and humid conditions. It grows well in well-drained, nutrient-rich soils that are slightly acidic to neutral. This plant is propagated by seeds or cuttings. The seeds are sown in germination trays, and the cuttings are planted in pots containing well-drained soils. The best time for planting is during the warm, rainy season.
Watering Needs for Garcinia brevipedicellata
Proper watering is essential for the healthy growth of Garcinia brevipedicellata. It requires a moderate amount of water, and the soil must be kept moist but not waterlogged. During the dry season, the plant should receive regular watering, preferably twice a day, while during the rainy season, the watering frequency should be reduced. However, it is important to avoid overwatering the plant, as it may lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization for Garcinia brevipedicellata
Garcinia brevipedicellata responds well to organic fertilizers. During the growing season, the plant should be fertilized every three to four months. Organic fertilizers, such as compost, manure, and bone meal, are recommended. Chemical fertilizers can also be used, but they should be applied sparingly, as excessive use can result in fertilizer burn and adversely affect the growth of the plant.
Pruning for Garcinia brevipedicellata
Pruning is an important aspect of the care of Garcinia brevipedicellata. Regular pruning helps to maintain the shape and size of the plant and promotes healthy growth. The plant should be pruned once a year, during the dry season. Any dead or diseased branches should be removed, as they can inhibit the growth of the plant. In addition, any excessive growth should be trimmed to encourage the development of new growth.
Propagation of Garcinia brevipedicellata
Garcinia brevipedicellata, commonly known as African mangosteen, is a tree species found in western Africa, specifically in Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon. The plant is known for its edible fruit, which is similar to the well-known tropical fruit mangosteen. Here are the ways to propagate the Garcinia brevipedicellata:
Propagating through seed
The easiest and most common way to propagate Garcinia brevipedicellata is through seeds. Fresh seeds are sown in a mixture of sand and compost at a depth of 2cm. After planting, make sure to water thoroughly and fertilize regularly with an all-purpose fertilizer.
The seeds usually germinate after 2-4 weeks, at which point they can be transplanted into their own pots. Place the seeds in a well-draining soil mix with about 50% organic material. The plants should be carefully monitored until they have established a root system and have begun developing shoots.
Propagating through cuttings
Another method of propagation for Garcinia brevipedicellata is through stem cuttings. Stem cuttings are collected from healthy, mature trees, preferably 6 months to 1 year old. Make sure to collect the cuttings during the dormant season, when the tree is not actively growing.
Cuttings should be kept in a shaded, humid area until the roots begin to grow. Once the cuttings have grown roots, they can be planted in a well-draining soil mix. Cuttings should be watered regularly but not kept too wet. They should also be protected from direct sunlight until they have become established.
Air layering
Air layering is another propagation method for Garcinia brevipedicellata, although it can be more challenging. Air layering involves cutting a small groove around a branch, applying rooting hormone, and then wrapping the area in wet sphagnum moss. A plastic covering is then placed over the moss to maintain high humidity.
After a few weeks, roots should have formed and can be seen through the plastic. At this point, the plastic wrap can be removed and the branch can be cut and planted in a well-draining soil mix.
Overall, propagating Garcinia brevipedicellata can be achieved through several methods, but it is important to keep in mind that this plant requires patience and care to get successful propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Garcinia brevipedicellata
Garcinia brevipedicellata is a tropical tree native to West Africa and often cultivated for its edible fruit and medicinal properties. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can reduce its productivity and cause economic losses. To protect your Garcinia brevipedicellata trees from these threats, you need to implement the following disease and pest management practices:
Common Diseases Affecting Garcinia brevipedicellata and their Management
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that usually affects the leaves of Garcinia brevipedicellata, causing yellow or orange-colored spots on the upper surface and brownish pustules on the lower surface. To manage rust, you need to remove and destroy all the infected leaves, improve air circulation by pruning the trees, and apply fungicides according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is another fungal disease that affects the leaves, branches, and fruits of Garcinia brevipedicellata trees, causing sunken lesions on the affected parts. To manage anthracnose, you need to prune diseased branches, remove and destroy infected fruits, and apply fungicides as recommended by the manufacturer. Also, avoid overhead irrigation and improve air circulation in the orchard to prevent the spread of the disease.
Common Pests Affecting Garcinia brevipedicellata and their Management
Fruit Fly: Fruit flies are common pests of Garcinia brevipedicellata trees, causing damage to the fruit and reducing its quality and yield. To manage fruit flies, you can use bait traps, apply insecticides, and harvest the fruit regularly to remove the infested ones. Also, remove any fallen fruit from the ground to minimize the breeding sites for the pest.
Citrus Psyllids: Citrus psyllids are small insects that feed on the leaves and shoots of Garcinia brevipedicellata trees, causing yellowing, curling, and distortion of the leaves. To manage citrus psyllids, you need to remove and destroy infested leaves, apply insecticides as recommended by the manufacturer, and use reflective mulch to repel the pests. Also, avoid using nitrogen-rich fertilizers that can attract the insects.
Implementing these disease and pest management practices will help you to protect your Garcinia brevipedicellata trees from the most common threats and ensure their health and productivity.
