Overview
Garcinia preussii Engl. is a plant that belongs to the Clusiaceae family and is native to tropical Central and West Africa. It is commonly known as dika nut, Gabon chocolate, and bush mango. The fruit of the dika tree has been used as both a food and traditional medicine for centuries in African countries, including Cameroon, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Appearance
The dika tree is a large, evergreen tree that can grow up to 40 meters tall. It has a straight trunk with a gray-brown bark that is deeply fissured. The leaves are a glossy dark green color and are oblong in shape. The flowers are small and yellowish, and the fruit is a large, green, oblong shape that can weigh up to 3 kilograms.
Uses
The fruit of Garcinia preussii is commonly used for its edible seeds and pulp. The seeds are extracted by removing the fibrous outer layer of the fruit and cracking open the hard shell to reveal the nut inside. The nut is then roasted or boiled and consumed as a snack or used as an ingredient in various traditional dishes. The pulp is used to make a thickening agent for soups and sauces and is also fermented to make a type of beer.
Medicinally, the bark and leaves of the dika tree are used in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain. Recent studies have also reported that extracts from the Garcinia preussii plant may have potential anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Conclusion
Garcinia preussii Engl. is a valuable plant for both its edible fruits and potential medicinal properties. It has been used for centuries in African countries and continues to be an important part of traditional diets and medicine. As research continues on the plant's potential health benefits, it may gain increased attention in the global market as a useful commodity.
Light Requirements
Garcinia preussii Engl. is a tropical plant that requires abundant sunlight to grow successfully. It thrives in bright, indirect light and performs well in partial shade when young. Inadequate light exposure impedes its growth and leads to etiolation.
Temperature Requirements
Garcinia preussii Engl. is a heat-loving plant that does well in warm and humid conditions. For optimal growth, the plant requires temperatures between 20°C to 30°C, and temperatures below 15°C can cause stunted growth or death. It is sensitive to cold and requires protection from frost.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires moist, well-draining, and nutrient-rich soil to thrive. The pH of the soil should range between 5.0 to 6.5. The plant is not overly tolerant of salt spray or soil salinity, so it should be protected from exposure to salty winds. Adding organic matter such as compost, peat moss, or aged manure to the soil before planting can improve soil fertility while aiding moisture retention.
Cultivation method for Garcinia preussii Engl.
Garcinia preussii Engl. is a slow-growing tropical tree that is best grown in tropical and subtropical areas with warm and moist weather conditions. It prefers a well-drained soil with moderate fertility and a pH range of 5.5-7.5.
The best way to propagate Garcinia preussii Engl. is through seeds. Germination can take up to 60-90 days, and the seedlings should be transplanted in pots or directly into the ground when they are 6-8 months old. The seedlings should be placed in partial shade until they are well-established and can tolerate full sun exposure.
Watering needs for Garcinia preussii Engl.
Garcinia preussii Engl. is a tree that requires moderate watering. The soil should be watered enough to maintain consistent moisture levels, but the plant should not be over-watered as it can cause root rot. The frequency of watering depends on the climate and soil type, but it is recommended to water the plant once or twice a week.
Fertilizing Garcinia preussii Engl.
Since Garcinia preussii Engl. grows slow, it is essential to fertilize it regularly to ensure healthy growth. The plant requires a balanced fertilizer, which can be applied every three months during the active growing season. For young trees, the fertilizer should be applied at a lower concentration, while established trees can receive more significant amounts of fertilizer.
Pruning Garcinia preussii Engl.
Pruning is essential to ensure that Garcinia preussii Engl. has a strong and stable structure. It is recommended to prune the tree in the early stages of growth to encourage branching and promote a bushy growth form. Removal of dead or diseased branches or pruning to maintain the desired shape should also be done regularly.
Propagation of Garcinia preussii Engl.
Garcinia preussii Engl., commonly known as African mangosteen, is a tropical tree that grows in moist evergreen forests. It is a popular fruit tree in West Africa and has medicinal uses. Propagation of Garcinia preussii Engl. can be done via seed, grafting, cutting, and air-layering.
Propagation by seed
Propagation by seed is the most common method to grow Garcinia preussii Engl. The seeds are obtained from mature and healthy fruits. The seeds are dried and sown in seedbeds. The seedbeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil, and they should be kept moist. The seedlings will typically emerge in 2-3 weeks. The seedlings should be thinned to one plant per pot when they are large enough to handle.
Propagation by grafting
Grafting is another method to propagate Garcinia preussii Engl. It involves joining a scion (a twig or bud) from a selected plant with a rootstock of another plant. The rootstock can be from a closely related species or from the same species. Grafting ensures that the plant grows true to type and has the desired characteristics.
Propagation by cutting
Propagation by cutting involves taking stem cuttings from a mature tree. The cuttings should be 20-25 cm long and should have two to three nodes each. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and then inserted in a rooting medium. The rooting medium could be sand, peat moss, or a mixture of both. The cuttings should be kept moist and in an environment with high humidity. The cuttings typically take 6-8 weeks to root.
Propagation by air-layering
Air-layering is a method to propagate Garcinia preussii Engl. that involves wounding a stem and then causing it to root while still attached to the parent plant. The stem is wounded and wrapped with a rooting medium such as sphagnum moss. The portion of the stem above the rooting medium is covered with a plastic bag to maintain a high level of humidity. The stem typically roots in 2-3 months, and it can be cut and planted separately.
Disease and Pest Management for Garcinia preussii Engl.
Garcinia preussii Engl., also known as African mangosteen or bush mangosteen, is a tropical tree that is native to Western and Central Africa. While it is a resilient plant, it is still susceptible to certain pests and diseases that can impact its growth and productivity. In this guide, we will discuss some of the most common diseases and pests that affect Garcinia preussii and suggest some ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affects Garcinia preussii is anthracnose, which is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The disease can cause leaf spots, twigs dieback, and fruit rot. Another disease that can affect the plant is powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Oidium mangiferae. It can lead to yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and defoliation.
Pest Management
Garcinia preussii is susceptible to insect attacks, particularly by the fruit fly Bactrocera invadens which can damage the fruits and cause yield loss. Another insect that can affect the plant is the black twig borer Xylosandrus compactus, which can bore into the twigs, branches, and stems of the plant. The mealybug Maconellicoccus hirsutus can also infest the tree, causing damage to the leaves and fruit.
Disease Management
To manage anthracnose, it is recommended to prune and dispose of infected plant parts, clean up debris around the tree, and apply fungicides like copper-based pesticides. To control powdery mildew, improve air circulation around the plant, remove infected plant parts and apply fungicides as needed.
Controlling fruit fly infestation on Garcinia preussii requires the use of pest management strategies such as the installation of bait traps, the use of organic insecticides like Neem Oil, and the practice of good sanitation practices. To deal with the black twig borer, it is recommended to remove and dispose of any infected plant parts, apply insecticides, and keep the tree healthy through proper pruning and watering. Against Maconellicoccus hirsutus, insecticides such as diatomaceous earth can be effective.
In conclusion, taking care of Garcinia preussii involves managing and preventing insects and diseases from damaging the plant. Proper care and maintenance can help to ensure that the tree stays healthy and productive, leading to optimal yields and growth.
