Overview
Garcinia kerstingii Engl. is a plant species native to tropical and subtropical rainforests of Africa. It is a member of the Clusiaceae family, which includes other well-known Garcinia species such as Garcinia cambogia.
Common Names
In the local African language, Garcinia kerstingii Engl. is known as "Nzambi" or "Mamokumbo." It is also commonly referred to as African mangosteen or wild mangosteen.
Uses
The fruit of Garcinia kerstingii Engl. is edible and has a sweet and sour flavor. It is traditionally used in African medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as fever, diarrhea, and stomach pains. The fruit is also sometimes used as a food ingredient or flavoring agent.
In addition to its medicinal and culinary uses, Garcinia kerstingii Engl. is also sought after for its wood. The tree is known for its hard and durable timber, which is used for construction, furniture making, and other purposes.
General Appearance
Garcinia kerstingii Engl. is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 25 meters tall in the right conditions. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, and its flowers are small and yellow. The fruit is round and dark purple, about the size of a small apple.
The tree's bark is smooth and grayish-brown, and the wood is light in color with a fine texture. Its branches are dense, and it forms a compact crown.
Growth conditions for Garcinia kerstingii Engl.
Garcinia kerstingii Engl., also known as African mangosteen or kersting's garcinia, is a tropical plant that is native to West Africa. It is a slow-growing, evergreen tree that requires specific growth conditions to thrive.
Light requirements
African mangosteen trees require partial shade to full sun exposure to grow and thrive. Seedlings should be kept in 50% to 70% shade for the first two years, after which they can be gradually exposed to more sunlight.
Temperature requirements
Garcinia kerstingii thrives in warm climates with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. Seedlings should be protected from frost and cold temperatures below 10°C, which can damage their growth and development.
Soil requirements
The plant grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate soils that are slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, with pH levels ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. Adequate moisture is important for growth, but the soil should not be waterlogged as this can lead to root rot.
It is recommended to add compost or other organic matter to the soil before planting to improve nutrient availability and water retention. It is also important to ensure that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged to promote healthy growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
Garcinia kerstingii Engl. is a tropical evergreen plant that requires a warm and humid environment to grow. The plant can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or grafting. The seeds should be planted in well-drained soil with moderate moisture content. Cuttings should be taken from a healthy tree and planted in a mixture of sand and peat moss. Grafting is the most common method and can be done by grafting the desired variety onto a rootstock of a related species.
Watering Needs
Garcinia kerstingii Engl. requires frequent watering to maintain moderate moisture levels in the soil. The plant should be watered once or twice per week depending on the weather conditions. During the dry season, the plant may need more frequent watering to prevent drought stress. It is important not to overwater the plant as this can lead to root rot and other issues.
Fertilization
Garcinia kerstingii Engl. requires regular fertilization to maintain its growth and health. The plant should be fertilized twice per year, once in the spring and again in the fall. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended. In addition, adding organic matter to the soil can also help improve the nutrient levels and overall health of the plant.
Pruning
Garcinia kerstingii Engl. can benefit from regular pruning to promote healthy growth and improve fruit production. Pruning should be done in the early spring before new growth begins. The plant can be shaped and thinned by removing any dead or diseased branches. Fruit production can be improved by removing any weak or non-productive branches and by thinning out older branches to allow for new growth.
Propagation of Garcinia kerstingii Engl.
Garcinia kerstingii Engl., commonly known as African Mangosteen or Bush mango, is a tropical tree that is native to Africa. The plant produces a fruit that is similar in appearance to the mango, but with a deeper orange color and a tangy flavor. Propagation of this plant can be done using different methods, including seeds and vegetative processes.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method of propagating Garcinia kerstingii. Seeds should be collected from ripe fruits, as immature or damaged seeds will not germinate. After collecting the seeds, they should be cleaned and allowed to dry in a cool, dry place. Once the seeds are dry, they can be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dry place until planting time.
When planting the seeds, they should be sown in well-draining soil and covered lightly with soil. It is recommended to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the seeds germinate, which usually takes between 4 to 6 weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough, they can be transplanted to individual pots or directly into the ground.
Propagation by vegetative processes
Propagating Garcinia kerstingii by vegetative processes involves using parts of the parent plant such as stem cuttings or air-layering. Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free parent plants, preferably during the rainy season when plant growth is most active.
The selected stem cuttings should be approximately 15 to 20 centimeters long with at least three nodes. The bottom end of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cuttings should be placed in a shaded area until they are fully established.
Air-layering, on the other hand, involves wounding the parent plant's stem and covering the wound with rooting hormone and a moist medium such as sphagnum moss or cocopeat. The wound should be covered with polythene film until roots have formed, usually in 4 to 6 weeks, then the rooted section can be carefully removed and planted in a pot or directly in the ground.
Disease Management
Garcinia kerstingii Engl. is generally a disease-resistant plant. However, it can still fall prey to some fungal and bacterial infections.
- Leaf spot disease: This is a common fungal disease that appears as circular or irregularly shaped spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove and dispose of all infected leaves, practice good sanitation, and apply a fungicide.
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease caused by a waterlogged soil. To manage this disease, ensure proper drainage and avoid over-watering. You can also apply a fungicide to the soil.
- Bacterial leaf spot: This is a bacterial disease that affects the leaves, causing water-soaked spots that later turn brown. To manage this disease, prune and dispose of infected leaves, keep the plant dry, and apply a copper-based bactericide.
Pest Management
Garcinia kerstingii Engl. is also prone to pest infestations. Some of the common pests that affect this plant include:
- Scale insects: These pests suck sap from the plant causing curled leaves, stunted growth, and yellowing foliage. To manage this pest, apply an insecticide or remove the scale insects manually.
- Mealybugs: These pests also target the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves. To manage this pest, isolate the infected plant, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, and prune and dispose of heavily infested parts.
- Caterpillars: These pests feed on the leaves, causing holes and defoliation. To manage this pest, manually remove the caterpillars and their eggs or apply a caterpillar-specific insecticide.
