Origin of Garcinia smeathmannii (Planch. & Triana) Oliv. var. orientalis Spirlet
Garcinia smeathmannii (Planch. & Triana) Oliv. var. orientalis Spirlet is a small tropical tree or shrub belonging to the family Clusiaceae and the genus Garcinia. The plant is commonly found in West Africa, specifically in Sierra Leone, Cameroon and Congo basin.
Common Names of Garcinia smeathmannii (Planch. & Triana) Oliv. var. orientalis Spirlet
Garcinia smeathmannii (Planch. & Triana) Oliv. var. orientalis Spirlet is known by its common names in different regions such as
- Yellow/White mangosteen
- African Mangosteen
- Bakhaw
Uses of Garcinia smeathmannii (Planch. & Triana) Oliv. var. orientalis Spirlet
Garcinia smeathmannii (Planch. & Triana) Oliv. var. orientalis Spirlet has many medicinal and nutritional uses. Its extract contains xanthones that have various pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-cancer, and hepatoprotective effects. Its bark and leaves are used as traditional medicine for treating fever, stomachache, diarrhea, and dysentery. Additionally, its fruits are edible and can be consumed fresh or used in the preparation of traditional dishes.
General Appearance of Garcinia smeathmannii (Planch. & Triana) Oliv. var. orientalis Spirlet
Garcinia smeathmannii (Planch. & Triana) Oliv. var. orientalis Spirlet is a small tree that can grow up to 6-8 meters in height. Its leaves are simple, opposite, and glossy, and can grow up to 12 cm in length and 6 cm in width. The fruits are yellow or white, round, and about 2-3 cm in diameter. With a leathery shell, the fruits contain 3-4 flattened seeds.
Growth Conditions of Garcinia smeathmannii var. orientalis Spirlet
Garcinia smeathmannii var. orientalis Spirlet is a tropical plant that grows naturally in Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo. It is a small to medium-sized tree that belongs to the Clusiaceae family. For successful growth, the plant requires specific growth conditions that are discussed below.
Light Requirements
Garcinia smeathmannii var. orientalis Spirlet requires partial to full shade for proper growth. The plant can tolerate short periods of direct sunlight, but prolonged exposure can damage the leaves and hamper growth. When grown indoors, the plant should be placed in a location that receives bright filtered light. Outdoor plants should be placed in a shaded area that receives filtered or dappled sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well under warm to hot temperatures. The ideal temperature range for Garcinia smeathmannii var. orientalis Spirlet is between 21-30°C (70-86°F). The plant can tolerate temperature fluctuations, but extreme temperatures can damage the leaves and slow down growth. The plant should be protected from frost and cold drafts, as they can cause irreparable damage.
Soil Requirements
Garcinia smeathmannii var. orientalis Spirlet grows well in well-draining, moist, and fertile soil. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH range between 5.5-6.5. The plant prefers soil that is rich in organic matter, such as compost or peat moss. The plant can tolerate salty soils, but they should be avoided as they can cause leaf browning and stunted growth. When grown in a container, the plant should be planted in a potting mix that is tailored to acid-loving plants.
Cultivation Methods
Garcinia smeathmannii (Planch. & Triana) Oliv. var. orientalis Spirlet is a hardy tropical plant that requires well-draining soils rich in organic matter. It can grow in various soil types including loam, sandy, and clay soils. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Planting should be done during the rainy season as this ensures proper establishment given its heavy watering demand during the early stages of growth.
Watering Needs
Garcinia smeathmannii (Planch. & Triana) Oliv. var. orientalis Spirlet requires frequent and consistent watering, especially during the early stages of growth and hot, dry seasons. Watering should be done twice a week, especially when the soil is dry to the touch. During rainy seasons, it is advisable to reduce the frequency of watering to prevent waterlogging, which may stunt its growth and even cause plant diseases.
Fertilization
To ensure healthy growth, it is advisable to fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month. The fertilizer should be rich in Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium to enhance root growth, flowering, and fruiting. Additionally, adding organic matter such as well-rotted manure, compost, or leaf litter to the soil can enhance soil fertility and promote healthy growth.
Pruning
Pruning Garcinia smeathmannii (Planch. & Triana) Oliv. var. orientalis Spirlet is necessary for its healthy growth and a proper shape. Pruning should be done at the beginning of the rainy season to promote new growth. Dead, diseased, or broken branches should be pruned as soon as they are noticed. However, it is advisable not to prune excessively as it may lead to a reduction in fruiting.
Propagation of Garcinia smeathmannii var. orientalis Spirlet
Garcinia smeathmannii var. orientalis Spirlet, commonly known as African gamboge, is a plant species native to tropical West Africa. It is a slow-growing tree that can reach up to 15 meters in height and has attractive, glossy leaves. The plant produces small, yellow flowers followed by edible fruits that are rich in vitamin C.
Propagation Methods
Garcinia smeathmannii var. orientalis Spirlet can be propagated through several methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the most common method of propagation for Garcinia smeathmannii var. orientalis Spirlet. The seeds can be collected from ripe fruits and should be sown immediately. The seeds germinate in about two to four weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots once they have developed a few leaves. After one year, the seedlings can be transplanted to the field.
Cuttings
Softwood cuttings taken from 6-8 cm long branch tips can also be used to propagate Garcinia smeathmannii var. orientalis Spirlet. The cuttings should be taken during the rainy season and should be treated with rooting hormones before planting. The cuttings should be planted in a potting mix and kept under shade until roots develop. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted to the field.
Air Layering
Air layering is another method of propagating Garcinia smeathmannii var. orientalis Spirlet. This method involves making a small cut on a branch and applying rooting hormone to that area. Next, a ball of wet sphagnum moss is wrapped around the cut and enclosed in plastic wrap. The moss ball is kept moist until roots develop, at which point the branch can be cut and planted in a potting mix. The rooted plant can be transplanted to the field once it has developed a few leaves.
Overall, each propagation method has its advantages and disadvantages, but all result in successful propagation of Garcinia smeathmannii var. orientalis Spirlet.
Disease and Pest Management for Garcinia smeathmannii var. orientalis
Garcinia smeathmannii var. orientalis, commonly known as burukutu, is a plant species that is native to West Africa and is utilized in medicine and traditional folklore. To keep the plant healthy and productive, here are some common diseases and pests that might affect it and suggestions on how to manage them.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the leaves, flowers, and fruits of the plant. The infected parts may turn yellow and drop prematurely. To manage this disease, prune the infected parts, and discard them far away from the plant.
Root rot: This disease affects the roots of the plant and can occur when the soil is overly wet. To manage this disease, remove the infected plant parts and improve the soil drainage to avoid stagnant water.
Common Pests
Mealybugs: These tiny white insects can inflict significant damage to the plant by sucking sap from the leaves resulting in stunted growth. To manage mealybugs, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, or wipe the leaves with a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Mites: These pests infest the leaves and suck sap, deforming and yellowing the leaves and leading to stunted growth. To manage mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil to the affected areas.
Caterpillars: These pests can group together and feed in large numbers, harming the plant. To manage caterpillars, remove and dispose of the affected plant parts or use biological pesticides unsuitable for human consumption.
To ensure a healthy growth cycle for the plant, always keep the surrounding area clean and regularly monitor the plant for any signs of damage and get rid of problems as soon as they are detected.
