Introduction
Garcinia ovalifolia Oliv. also known as bird's mango is a species of Garcinia. It belongs to the Clusiaceae family and is native to tropical Africa, specifically West Africa.
Common Names
The plant has several common names such as bird's mango, African mango, and wild mango. In some parts of West Africa, it is also referred to as Ogbono or Dika.
Appearance
The Garcinia ovalifolia Oliv. plant is a small to medium-sized tree which grows up to 13-15 meters tall. It has dense, rounded and spreading crown with a trunk that can grow up to 60 cm in diameter. The leaves are simple, elliptical to oblong-lanceolate, with a shiny, deep green upper surface and a dull pale green underneath. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, usually white or greenish-yellow in color. The fruits, which are the most conspicuous feature of the tree, are oblong or ovoid, with a rough, thick and woody shell, and contain one to many seeds, which are surrounded by a yellowish or orange sweet pulp. The fruit, when ripe, is about the size of a small apple or plum, and falls to the ground where it is collected.
Uses
The fruit pulp is edible and highly prized for its taste, which is sweet and tangy. It is used in the preparation of various traditional African dishes, such as soups and stews. The seeds, which are high in oil, are also harvested and used in the production of soap and cosmetics. In traditional medicine, various parts of the Garcinia ovalifolia Oliv. plant are used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, malaria, and stomachache. The tree also has cultural significance, and its wood is used for carving and making musical instruments.
Growth Conditions of Garcinia ovalifolia Oliv.
Light Requirements: Garcinia ovalifolia Oliv. is adapted to thrive in partial shade to full sunlight. This plant prefers light shade as it grows naturally in dense forest canopies. In its natural habitat, it grows under-filtered light from the canopy, but it can still tolerate full sun.
Temperature Requirements: This plant is found in tropical to subtropical areas with a temperature range of about 20°C to 30°C. It prefers a warm and humid climate with thriving conditions in high humidity. The plant can tolerate temperatures down to about 15°C but will not thrive if below that temperature for an extended period.
Soil Requirements: Garcinia ovalifolia Oliv. prefers well-drained, acidic soils with a pH of around 5.5 to 6.5, but it can grow in a wide range of soils. The plant needs nutrient-rich and moist soils with adequate organic matter. High-quality, fertile soils are essential for its roots to establish itself so they can take up the required nutrients and water.
Water Requirements: This plant requires moderate water levels, and it is essential to ensure that the soil does not dry out completely. If the soil is waterlogged, it may lead to root rot, so it is crucial to avoid over-watering. The soil should be kept consistently moist during the growing season for optimal growth.
Fertilizer Requirements: To ensure a healthy growth of the Garcinia ovalifolia Oliv., it is necessary to provide it with a balanced fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Fertilizers with a high amount of organic matter and iron are also beneficial. However, excessive use of fertilizers can be detrimental to the plant, so it is crucial to apply them in moderation to avoid any undesired effects.
Cultivation Methods for Garcinia Ovalifolia Oliv.
Garcinia ovalifolia Oliv., commonly called Uvellugu, is a plant that is native to southern India and Sri Lanka. For best growth, it is recommended to cultivate it in a warm tropical or subtropical climate.
The plant thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil that is slightly acidic. Ensure that the soil is loose and not compacted to provide good aeration and drainage. Plant the Uvellugu in a location with partial shade as direct sunlight can harm the plant.
Watering Needs for Garcinia Ovalifolia Oliv.
Garcinia Ovalifolia Oliv. requires moderate watering for optimal growth. It is important to avoid over-watering the plant as it can lead to root rot, which can be fatal. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During the dry season, ensure that the plant is watered more frequently.
Fertilization for Garcinia Ovalifolia Oliv.
Uvellugu is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization to promote growth and fruiting. Apply a balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium every two months during the growing season (May-September).
In addition to the regular fertilizer application, a layer of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure can be added around the base of the plant. This ensures that the soil has the necessary nutrients and helps to retain moisture.
Pruning Garcinia Ovalifolia Oliv.
Pruning is essential for Uvellugu to maintain its shape and promote fruiting. Prune the plant at the end of the growing season to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
Ensure that you do not remove more than a third of the plant as this can weaken it. Prune selectively to encourage a balanced and bushy shape.
It is also recommended to remove any suckers that grow around the base of the plant, as they can deplete the plant's energy and reduce fruit production.
Propagation of Garcinia ovalifolia Oliv.
Garcinia ovalifolia Oliv., also known as the African mangosteen, is a slow-growing plant that is native to Africa and Madagascar. It is a small tree that can grow up to 6 meters in height and has dark green glossy leaves that are oval-shaped. This plant bears edible fruits that are sweet and juicy, and it is commonly propagated through seeds, cuttings, and air layering.
Seed Propagation
The most common way to propagate Garcinia ovalifolia Oliv. is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from the fruits and then cleaned and dried. After that, the seeds can be sown directly into the soil or placed in a seed germination tray. The soil mix should be light and well-drained, and the seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil. The tray or pot should be kept in a warm and humid place, and the seeds should germinate within 1-2 months.
Cutting Propagation
The cutting propagation method involves taking a stem cutting from the parent plant and placing it in a rooting hormone. The cutting should be taken from a healthy and mature branch, and it should have 2-3 nodes. The cutting should be placed in a well-drained potting mix and kept in a warm and humid place. The cutting should develop roots within 4-6 weeks, and it can be transplanted into a bigger pot when it has established roots.
Air Layering Propagation
The air layering propagation method involves making a small incision on a healthy branch of the parent plant and inserting a rooting hormone. A moist sphagnum moss is then wrapped around the incision, and a plastic wrap is used to cover it. The moss should be kept moist, and after 2-3 months, roots should develop from the incision site. Once the roots have grown long enough, the branch can be cut off and transplanted into a pot with well-drained soil.
In conclusion, Garcinia ovalifolia Oliv. can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and air layering. Each method has its advantages, and the choice of propagation method will depend on the availability of plant material, the time and resources available, and the desired outcome.
Disease and Pest Management for Garcinia ovalifolia Oliv.
Garcinia ovalifolia Oliv. is a tropical tree that belongs to the family Clusiaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia and is widely cultivated for its fruits, which are used in traditional medicine and as a food flavoring agent. However, like any other plant, this species is susceptible to diseases and pests that can adversely affect its growth and productivity. Therefore, it is crucial to have adequate disease and pest management strategies in place to protect the plant from harm.
Common Diseases
Garcinia ovalifolia Oliv. is known to be susceptible to fungal diseases such as anthracnose, stem canker, and leaf spot. Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes dark, sunken lesions on the fruits, leaves, and twigs of the plant. Stem canker, on the other hand, causes wilting and death of the plant's stems. Leaf spot causes yellowing and browning of the leaves, leading to defoliation.
Pest Management
There are several pests that can attack Garcinia ovalifolia Oliv. The most common ones include fruit flies, mealybugs, and scale insects. Fruit flies are the most destructive pests and can cause up to 50% damage to the crop. Mealybugs and scale insects, on the other hand, are sucking pests that can cause wilting, yellowing, or stunted growth of the plant.
Disease Management
To manage fungal diseases of Garcinia ovalifolia Oliv., it is recommended to follow good cultural practices such as adequate irrigation, proper drainage, and maintaining good air circulation around the plant. Applying fungicides such as copper-based fungicides can also help control fungal diseases.
Pest Control Measures
The use of traps and baits can significantly reduce fruit fly populations. In addition, chemical control measures such as insecticides can be applied early in the season when pest populations are low to prevent infestations. For mealybugs and scale insects, applying insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can help control their populations.
Overall, adequate disease and pest management is essential for the health and productivity of Garcinia ovalifolia Oliv. By following good cultural practices and applying appropriate control measures, it is possible to protect the plant from common diseases and pests and ensure a healthy crop yield.
