Overview
Garcinia mannii Oliv. var. brevipedicellata Baker f. is an evergreen tree that belongs to the family Clusiaceae. It is known by several names such as African mango, wild mango, bush mango, and dika nut tree. This plant is native to western and central Africa and is widely distributed in countries like Cameroon, Nigeria, Gabon, and Congo.Description
This tree can reach up to a height of 40 meters and has a straight trunk that can have a diameter of up to 2 meters. The crown is dense and rounded, and the branches are spreading. The leaves are simple, alternate, and glossy with a dark green color. The shape of the leaf is elliptical, and the blade can measure up to 25 cm in length. The flowers are small and yellowish-green and are arranged in clusters of 4 to 6. The fruit is a large, oblong berry known as dika nut, which can weigh up to 2 kg.Uses
The fruits of Garcinia mannii Oliv. var. brevipedicellata Baker f. have several uses. The dika nut has a hard shell that is cracked open to reveal a yellowish pulp that can be eaten raw or cooked. This pulp, which contains 23% oil, is used in cooking as a thickener for soups and sauces. The oil extracted from the seed is rich in fatty acids and is used in the production of soap, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The bark and leaves of the tree are also used for medicinal purposes.Cultivation
The plant thrives in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It prefers a warm and humid climate and is intolerant of frost. The tree is propagated by seeds, which have a long viability period of up to 6 months. The seeds are planted in prepared nursery beds and are transplanted when they are 8 to 12 months old. The tree can start bearing fruits at the age of 10 to 15 years, and the yield can be as high as 50 kg per tree per year.Light Requirements
Garcinia mannii Oliv. var. brevipedicellata Baker f. requires bright indirect sunlight for optimal growth and development. It is preferable to place the plant in a spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. However, direct exposure to the sun's rays may burn the plant's leaves, so it's important to shield it from direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives when grown in warm and humid conditions. The optimal daytime temperature for the plant is between 20 to 30°C (68 to 86°F), while during the nighttime, temperatures between 16 to 22°C (60 to 72°F) are ideal. Cold temperatures may damage the plant and slow down its growth. It's therefore important to provide warm and humid conditions for the plant to thrive.
Soil Requirements
Garcinia mannii Oliv. var. brevipedicellata Baker f. prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should also be acidic with a pH range between 4.5 and 6.0. The plant requires consistent moisture, so ensure that the soil is moist yet not waterlogged. Adding organic matter such as compost or peat moss to the soil can improve the soil's fertility and water retention capacity.
Cultivation
Garcinia mannii Oliv. var. brevipedicellata Baker f. is best cultivated in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It prefers partial shade to full sun and grows well in tropical and subtropical environments. This plant can reach a mature height of up to 8 meters when cultivated in favorable conditions.
Watering
This plant requires regular watering to ensure that the soil stays moist. In hot weather, it may need to be watered daily. However, care should be taken not to overwater the plant as this may cause the roots to rot. During the wet season, the frequency of watering may need to be reduced.
Fertilization
Garcinia mannii Oliv. var. brevipedicellata Baker f. benefits from regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The fertilizer should be applied during the growing season and in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Generally, fertilizer should be added in small quantities to prevent burning the roots.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the plant's shape and control its size. It is best to prune Garcinia mannii Oliv. var. brevipedicellata Baker f. during the dormant season when there is minimal growth. Close attention should be given to the cutting technique to prevent damage to the main stem. Pruned branches that are still healthy can be used for propagation.
Propagation of Garcinia mannii Oliv. var. brevipedicellata Baker f.
Garcinia mannii Oliv. var. brevipedicellata Baker f. is a small tropical tree that belongs to the Clusiaceae family. It is commonly propagated through seeds and stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The propagation of Garcinia mannii Oliv. var. brevipedicellata Baker f. through seeds is relatively easy. The seeds are collected from the ripe fruits when they fall from the tree. The outer layer of the fruit is removed, and the seeds are cleaned and disinfected. The seeds are then sown in a well-prepared nursery bed in a shady area. The soil should be slightly acidic, fertile, and well-drained. The seeds germinate in 14-28 days, and the seedlings are transplanted into polybags or individual containers after four to six weeks.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Propagation of Garcinia mannii Oliv. var. brevipedicellata Baker f. through stem cuttings is also possible, but it requires specialized techniques and care. The stem cuttings are taken from mature, healthy trees during the growing season, typically in the rainy season. The cuttings should be about 15-20 cm long and must have at least two nodes. The lower leaves are removed, and the stem is treated with rooting hormone powder. The cuttings are then planted in a rooting medium, such as sand or a mixture of sand and peat moss. The cuttings should be kept in a moist, warm environment with high humidity. Rooting occurs within four to six weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted into polybags or individual containers after six months.
Propagation of Garcinia mannii Oliv. var. brevipedicellata Baker f. requires patience and attention to detail. Proper care and management of the young plants are also essential for successful propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Garcinia mannii Oliv. var. brevipedicellata Baker f.
Garcinia mannii Oliv. var. brevipedicellata Baker f. is a tropical plant that can be prone to several diseases and pests. It is important to monitor your plants regularly and take necessary steps to manage any issues that arise promptly.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Garcinia mannii is anthracnose, which is a fungal disease that can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and fruit rot. To manage anthracnose, remove any infected plant tissue and dispose of it in the garbage. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Another disease that can affect Garcinia mannii is powdery mildew. This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating on the leaves, which can cause them to turn yellow and fall off. To manage powdery mildew, improve air circulation, reduce humidity, and remove infected plant parts. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Common Pests
Several pests can affect Garcinia mannii, including scales, mealybugs, and aphids. These insects feed on the sap of the plant, which can cause distorted growth and yellowing leaves. To manage pest infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the insects. You can also try using beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, to control the pest population.
Another pest that can affect Garcinia mannii is the fruit fly. These insects lay their eggs in the fruit, which can cause the fruit to rot and fall off prematurely. To manage fruit fly infestations, use baited traps or insecticides to kill the adults before they can lay their eggs.
Conclusion
Garcinia mannii Oliv. var. brevipedicellata Baker f. is a beautiful tropical plant that can thrive with proper care. By monitoring your plants regularly and taking necessary steps to manage any diseases or pests, you can help ensure that your plants remain healthy and productive.
