The Plant Garcinia Dandi De Wild.
Garcinia dandi De Wild. is a plant species that belongs to the family Clusiaceae. It is a small, medium-sized evergreen tree that is native to tropical Central and West Africa, specifically in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Gabon.
Common Names.
The plant is commonly known as "sweet dande," "sweet dandi," or "wild dandi" in English. In local languages, it is known as "ekambi," "belinga," "gamboge," or "abounde."
Uses.
The fruit of Garcinia dandi De Wild. is edible and has a sweet and sour taste. It is widely used in Central and West African cuisines to add flavor to soups, stews, and sauces. The fruit has also been used traditionally for medicinal purposes, such as treating diarrhea, dysentery, and abdominal pain.
The bark of the tree contains a yellow resin, which is used for dyeing clothes and as a substitute for gamboge, a pigment used in watercolors. The wood is used for making furniture, crates, and poles.
General Appearance.
The Garcinia dandi De Wild. tree can grow up to 18 meters in height, with a trunk diameter of up to 60 centimeters. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and ovate in shape, around 15 to 30 centimeters in length. The flowers are small, yellow, and have four petals, which bloom between September and November. The fruit is a globular berry that is bright yellow-orange in color, around 5 to 7 centimeters in diameter, and contains seeds that are surrounded by a fleshy pulp.
Overall, Garcinia dandi De Wild. is a versatile plant species that provides both nutritional and economic benefits to the people of Central and West Africa.
Growth Conditions of Garcinia dandi De Wild.
Garcinia dandi De Wild. is a plant species that thrives in the tropical regions of West and Central Africa. For optimal growth, the plant requires certain growth conditions that must be met.
Light
The plant requires a lot of sunshine for proper growth. It needs exposure to full sunlight to grow, develop, and produce fruit. Once planted, Garcinia dandi De Wild. needs to be exposed to sunlight for at least 6 hours every day. Lack of sunlight will result in a slow growth rate, poor development, and little to no fruit production.
Temperature
The plant grows well in warm and humid conditions with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. The ideal temperature for the plant to grow is around 25°C. Low temperatures will slow down the plant's growth rate and may destroy the young shoots, while high temperatures may cause the plant to wilt.
Soil Requirements
The soil should be moderately and well-drained with a slightly acidic pH level of 6.0 - 6.5. The roots are susceptible to waterlogging, which can lead to root rot, so soil with excellent drainage is critical. Fertile soil is also required, rich in organic matter, and low in salinity. The soil should be prepared adequately by adding compost, manure and loosening the soil to ensure enough air penetration.
Therefore, if all these growth conditions are adequately met, Garcinia dandi De Wild. will grow to a healthy, robust plant with a lot of fruit production.
Cultivation of Garcinia dandi De Wild.
Garcinia dandi De Wild., commonly known as 'bhola', is a tropical fruit tree that is native to Africa and has recently been introduced to South America. The plant requires a warm and humid climate for its growth and cultivation. It is preferred to plant Garcinia dandi De Wild. in well-drained soil, rich in organic matter.
The best season for planting these trees is the onset of the rains, from April to June, with a recommended spacing of 4m x 4m. The seedlings should be planted in holes of about 50 x 50 x 50 cm, with the addition of organic matter and topsoil.
Watering needs of Garcinia dandi De Wild.
Garcinia dandi De Wild. requires regular watering, especially during the first few years after planting. The tree prefers moist soil, but not waterlogged, so watering should be controlled and done only when necessary.
In the rainy season, the trees may not require extra watering, but during the dry season, it is essential to water the plant regularly with a watering can or drip irrigation system. The frequency of watering will vary depending on the age and size of the tree. Younger trees may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization of Garcinia dandi De Wild.
Proper fertilization is essential for the optimal growth of Garcinia dandi De Wild. The use of organic fertilizers is recommended, such as farmyard manure, compost, or green manure crops. These fertilizers help to provide essential nutrients for the plant, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
The application of these fertilizers should be done before planting and annually after that. The recommended amount of fertilizer application is 20-25 kg of organic manure per tree per year. It is important to note that excessive use of chemical fertilizers can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning of Garcinia dandi De Wild.
Pruning is necessary to ensure the production of good quality fruits. The best time to prune is during the dry season, after fruiting. The pruning should be done to remove the damaged branches and to provide air circulation and light penetration to the middle of the tree.
The lower branches of the tree should be removed to prevent pests and diseases from attacking the tree. The tree should be pruned in such a way that it remains in a pyramid shape, with a height of about 5-6 meters. Pruning should not be done excessively as it can affect the plant's growth and production.
Propagation Methods
The propagation method for Garcinia dandi De Wild. can be done using vegetative propagation and seed propagation.
Vegetative Propagation
Garcinia dandi De Wild. can be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings, air layering, and grafting. To propagate using stem cuttings, select healthy branches that are free from disease and pests. Cut the branches with a sharp and clean pruning shears, making a 6-inch cutting. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip it in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in moist and well-drained soil, then cover it with a plastic bag to maintain moisture. After several weeks, new shoots will start to appear.
Air layering can also be done as a propagation method for Garcinia dandi De Wild. To do this, select a healthy stem and make a small incision on the lower node of the stem. Insert a small piece of a toothpick to keep the wound open. Apply rooting hormone and wrap the stem with moist sphagnum moss. Cover the moss with plastic wrap, then secure it with tape. After several weeks, roots will start to appear, and the stem can be cut and planted.
Grafting is also a possible propagation method for Garcinia dandi De Wild. It involves attaching a scion to a rootstock of a closely related species, which is usually stronger and more resistant to diseases. The scion must be cut cleanly and at an angle, then inserted into a slit in the rootstock. Secure the graft with plastic wrap, then keep the plant in a humid area until it starts to grow.
Seed Propagation
Propagating Garcinia dandi De Wild. using seeds involves selecting ripe and healthy fruits. Remove the pulp and wash the seeds. Soak the seeds overnight in water to soften the outer covering. Discard seeds that float as these are not viable. Sow the seeds directly in a well-draining potting mix, then cover with a thin layer of soil. Water well, then place the pot in a warm area with indirect sunlight. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which can take several weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Garcinia dandi De Wild.
Garcinia dandi De Wild., commonly known as "false mango," is a tropical plant that may face several disease and pest problems. Effective management strategies are necessary to maintain its growth and productivity.
Common Diseases
Garcinia dandi De Wild. is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: This fungus causes leaf spots and fruit rot. Using resistant varieties and avoiding overhead watering can help manage this disease.
- Leaf rust: This fungal disease causes the formation of yellow-orange rust spots on leaves. Pruning infected leaves and using fungicides can help curb its spread.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery film on leaves and can lead to leaf drop and stunted growth. Pruning infected parts and using fungicides can help manage this disease.
Common Pests
Garcinia dandi De Wild. may face attacks from several pests, including:
- Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can cause deformation of leaves and stunt growth. Using insecticidal soaps and neem oil can help manage their spread.
- Scale insects: These insects feed on plant sap and can cause leaf yellowing and stunted growth. Physically removing them and using neem oil can be effective against them.
- Fruit flies: These insects lay eggs on ripening fruits, leading to fruit damage. Using baits or insecticides can help manage their population.
Proper cultural practices, such as maintaining good plant hygiene, adequate watering, and nutrition, can help prevent and manage disease and pest problems in Garcinia dandi De Wild. Regular monitoring and timely management can help maintain its health and productivity.
