Origin
Garcinia smeathmannii var. exigua Spirlet is a tropical rainforest plant that is endemic to Western Africa. Its range extends from Sierra Leone to Cameroon, where it is commonly found in the undergrowth of primary and secondary forests.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as African Mangosteen, Cameroon Clusiaceae, and Gamboge.
Uses
The fruit of the Garcinia smeathmannii var. exigua Spirlet is edible and has a sweet and tangy taste, similar to that of a mango. The bark and roots of the plant are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and dysentery. The bark contains high levels of tannins, which have astringent properties that can help relieve inflammation and pain.
General Appearance
The Garcinia smeathmannii var. exigua Spirlet is a small evergreen tree that typically grows up to 8 meters tall. The tree has narrow, elongated leaves that are around 10-15 cm in length and 2-3 cm in width. The leaves are dark green and glossy on the upper surface and pale green underneath. The flowers are small and yellow or greenish, and the fruits are round or oblong and yellow or reddish-brown in color.
Typical Growth Conditions for Garcinia smeathmannii (Planch. & Triana) Oliv. var. exigua Spirlet
Garcinia smeathmannii (Planch. & Triana) Oliv. var. exigua Spirlet, also known as African mangosteen, is a tropical evergreen tree that is native to the forests of West and Central Africa. It prefers warm and humid environments with abundant sunlight and fertile, well-drained soil.
Light Requirements
African mangosteen trees require full sun exposure to grow and produce fruits. They can tolerate some shade, but excessive shade can slow down their growth and reduce the yield of fruits. Therefore, it is recommended to plant them in outdoor locations that receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
African mangosteen trees thrive in warm temperatures between 20 and 35°C (68-95°F). They can tolerate brief drops in temperature to 10°C (50°F) but can suffer damage or die if exposed to frost or extended cold spells. Therefore, they are best suited for regions with a tropical or subtropical climate with warm and mild winters.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for African mangosteen trees is fertile, well-drained, and slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. They require soil that is rich in organic matter, such as compost or leaf litter, and with good water retention capacity. However, the soil must not be waterlogged since it can lead to root rot and other diseases.
In conclusion, to grow and cultivate African mangosteen trees successfully, it is essential to provide them with the right amount of sunlight, warm and mild temperatures, and well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. By meeting these growth conditions, the trees can flourish and produce abundant and healthy fruits.
Cultivation
Garcinia smeathmannii (Planch. & Triana) Oliv. var. exigua Spirlet grows best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils. The plant requires temperatures between 15-32°C, and the ideal pH is between 6.0-6.5. It is recommended to propagate the plant from seeds or stem cuttings.
Watering Needs
This plant is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. However, it is essential to water the plant during the establishment period. Once established, the plant can survive on natural rainfall, and it is best to avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Garcinia smeathmannii (Planch. & Triana) Oliv. var. exigua Spirlet requires occasional fertilization to maintain healthy growth. The ideal time to fertilize the plant is during the growing season, which usually happens during spring and summer. It is recommended to use a slow-release fertilizer, and the required nutrients are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Pruning
Garcinia smeathmannii (Planch. & Triana) Oliv. var. exigua Spirlet requires pruning to maintain a desired shape and size. It is best to prune the plant during the dormant period in late winter or early spring. The pruning process involves removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches and shaping the plant. It is essential to use sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant, and it is recommended to sterilize the cutting tools before use to minimize the risk of spreading diseases.
Propagation of Garcinia smeathmannii var. exigua Spirlet
Garcinia smeathmannii var. exigua Spirlet is commonly propagated through seeds and cuttings. The propagation method used will depend on the resources available and the desired outcome.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation through seeds is a cost-effective way of increasing the number of Garcinia smeathmannii var. exigua Spirlet plants. Seeds can be collected from mature fruits and planted in a suitable rooting medium. It is important to use fresh seeds and to pre-treat them to improve germination. Pre-treatment could involve soaking the seeds in hot water to soften the hard seed coat. Seeds can be planted in small containers or seedling trays and placed in a warm and moist environment. Germination usually occurs within two to four weeks.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagating Garcinia smeathmannii var. exigua Spirlet through cuttings is another common method of increasing the number of plants. Cuttings are taken from established plants and rooted in a suitable medium. A rooting hormone can be used to improve the success rate of rooting. Semi-hardwood cuttings are usually preferred and should be planted in a well-draining rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and moist environment with bright light (not direct sun) until they develop roots. Root formation can take up to two to three months.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to ensure that the plants are transplanted to the desired location when they are strong enough. This could take several months after germination or rooting, and it is essential to provide adequate care during this period. With proper care, Garcinia smeathmannii var. exigua Spirlet can be propagated successfully to increase their number and ensure their growth and survival.
Disease and Pest Management of Garcinia smeathmannii var. exigua
Garcinia smeathmannii var. exigua is a small tropical tree that is native to West and Central Africa. Like all types of plants, it is susceptible to various pests and diseases. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and suggested ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects many plant species, including Garcinia smeathmannii. It causes brown spots on leaves, stems, and flowers, which can lead to defoliation and reduced fruit production. To manage anthracnose, remove and dispose of infected plant parts, avoid overhead irrigation, and apply fungicides as directed.
Phytophthora Root Rot: Phytophthora root rot is a soil-borne disease caused by a fungus-like organism. It causes roots to rot and die, which can lead to stunted growth, wilting, and death of the plant. To manage phytophthora root rot, plant in well-drained soil, avoid overwatering, and apply fungicides as directed.
Common Pests
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, sap-sucking insects that feed on the sap of plants. They produce a cotton-like substance that covers the plant and can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and death of the plant. To manage mealybugs, remove and dispose of infected plant parts, wash plants with a strong jet of water, and apply insecticides or neem oil as directed.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, flat, and oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to plants and suck sap from them. They can cause yellowing of leaves, wilting, and death of the plant. To manage scale insects, remove and dispose of infected plant parts, wash plants with a strong jet of water, and apply insecticides or neem oil as directed.
By keeping a close eye on your Garcinia smeathmannii var. exigua, regularly monitoring for signs of pests and diseases and taking prompt action when they are detected, you can help keep this plant healthy and thriving.
