Introduction:
Garcinia lucida Vesque is a plant variety that belongs to the Clusiaceae family. It is commonly found in the tropical and subtropical regions of West and Central Africa. The plant is also called African mangosteen, Imbe, or Ndzehi.General appearance:
This plant grows as a small-sized tree that can reach 6 to 18 meters in height and 60 cm in width. The leaves are large and glossy, reaching 20 cm long and 10 cm wide. The fruit is oval-shaped, ranging in size from 3 to 6 centimeters.Uses:
Garcinia lucida is used for medicinal purposes such as treating wounds and skin infections due to its antimicrobial properties. The plant extract is also used as a natural remedy for diarrhea, stomachache, and dysentery. The fruit is eaten raw or used to make a delicious jam, while the wood is used to make tools, furniture, and construction materials.Conclusion:
In conclusion, Garcinia lucida Vesque is a plant variety indigenous to West and Central Africa, commonly known for its fruit- the African mangosteen. The plant offers various benefits for human use, including medicinal and culinary benefits. Its unique and diverse uses make it a valuable plant variety in these regions.Light Requirements
Garcinia lucida Vesque thrives in bright light but also tolerates some shade. The plant requires a minimum of four hours of direct sunlight daily for its optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires a warm climate and cannot survive in temperatures below 15°C. The optimum temperature range for Garcinia lucida Vesque growth is between 20°C and 30°C. Temperatures below or above this range can adversely affect the plant's growth and development.
Soil Requirements
Garcinia lucida Vesque prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should also be moist, although not waterlogged. Water-logging can cause root decay and affect the plant's growth and health.
Cultivation methods
Garcinia lucida can be propagated through seed germination or vegetative propagation. For seed germination, seeds are harvested when ripe and soaked in warm water for about 24 hours to soften the seed coat. The seeds are then sown in nursery beds filled with sandy soil, kept moist and provided with partial shade until seedlings appear. For vegetative propagation, stem cuttings are taken from mature plants, treated with a rooting hormone, and planted in potting soil and placed in a warm, humid area. Planting should be done in well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
Watering needs
Garcinia lucida requires regular watering, especially during the dry season, to ensure optimal growth and fruiting. Young plants should be watered regularly to encourage root growth. Mature plants may tolerate dry spells and can be watered deeply once a week. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for the healthy growth and fruiting of Garcinia lucida. Organic fertilizers like compost, manure, or bone meal can be applied in the planting hole or around the base of established plants at the beginning of the growing season. Foliar sprays of a balanced liquid fertilizer can also be applied during the growing season to boost growth. Avoid applying fertilizer directly on foliage or during periods of drought.
Pruning
Pruning is not essential for Garcinia lucida, but it can be helpful in shaping the plant and promoting bushier growth. Pruning should be done after fruiting, and diseased, damaged, or dead branches should be removed. Light pruning can be done to control the size or shape of the plant, but heavy pruning may reduce fruit production. Pruning should be done with sterile tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Garcinia Lucida Vesque
Garcinia lucida Vesque is commonly propagated by seeds, stem cuttings, and budding.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Garcinia lucida Vesque can be collected from mature fruits during the fruiting season. The seeds should be planted immediately in well-drained soil, preferably mixed with sand and compost. They should be planted at a depth of about 3cm and watered regularly.
Germination usually occurs within 4-6 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots or directly to the field when they are about 10cm tall. Seeds can take longer to mature, about 7-10 years before they start flowering and fruiting.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
The stem cuttings of Garcinia lucida Vesque are usually taken from mature trees during the rainy season. The cuttings should be about 20-25cm long and taken from healthy branches. The leaves from the lower part of the cutting should be removed, and a shallow incision made at the base.
The base of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a pot containing well-drained soil mixed with sand and compost. The pot should be covered with a plastic bag, and the soil kept moist. The cutting should root in about 4-6 weeks, and the plastic bag can be removed. The young plant can be transferred to the field when it is about 20cm tall.
Propagation by Budding
Budding is the easiest method of propagating Garcinia lucida Vesque, and it involves grafting a scion from a mature tree onto a seedling rootstock. The best time to do budding is during the rainy season when the sap is flowing.
The seedling rootstock should be about 6-8 months old and healthy. A bud from a mature tree should be sliced and inserted into a T-shaped incision made on the seedling rootstock. The bud should be tied using a rubber band, and the grafted plant should be covered using a polythene bag.
The grafted plant should be kept in a shaded area and watered regularly until the bud starts to grow. The grafted plant can be transferred to the field when it is about 30cm tall.
Disease and Pest Management for Garcinia lucida Vesque
Garcinia lucida Vesque, also known as African Garcinia or Bitter Garcinia, is a tropical plant that is susceptible to several diseases and pests. Identifying and managing these issues early will ensure a healthy and successful harvest.
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot: One of the most common diseases affecting Garcinia lucida is leaf spot. This fungal disease causes small spots on the leaves that eventually turn yellow or brown. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and avoid overhead irrigation.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is another fungal disease that affects the fruit of Garcinia lucida. It causes black spots on the fruit and can lead to a decrease in yield. To prevent anthracnose, use disease-resistant varieties and avoid overhead irrigation.
Phytophthora Root Rot: Phytophthora root rot is a soil-borne disease that affects the roots of Garcinia lucida. It causes the plant to wilt, and if left unchecked, can lead to its death. To manage this disease, use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Common Pests
Fruit Flies: Fruit flies are a common pest that affects Garcinia lucida. They lay their eggs on the fruit, and the larvae feed on the flesh. To manage fruit flies, remove any infested fruit and avoid leaving ripe fruit on the tree.
Mites: Mites are another common pest that can affect the leaves of Garcinia lucida. They cause discoloration and distortion of the leaves. To manage mites, use a miticide or insecticidal soap, and remove any severely infested leaves.
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the leaves and stems of the plant. They can cause deformities and discoloration of the leaves. To manage aphids, use a strong spray of water to remove them from the plant or use insecticidal soap.
Overall, by identifying and managing diseases and pests early, you can ensure a healthy and productive harvest of Garcinia lucida.
