Overview
Irvingia erecta Tiegh. is a plant that belongs to the family of Irvingiaceae. It is a species of the Irvingia genus and is commonly known as the Bush mango or Wild mango. It is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall and produces edible fruits that are enjoyed by humans and wildlife alike.
Origin
The plant is native to the tropical rainforests of Africa. Specifically, it is found in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Central African Republic. It grows in humid and warm environments, where it thrives in swampy, lowland, and upland areas.
Common Names
The Bush mango or Wild mango is the most common name of the Irvingia erecta Tiegh. However, it is also referred to as the Jungle mango, Ogbono, Uli, or Oro.
Appearance
The Irvingia erecta Tiegh. tree has a straight trunk with gray-brown bark that has deep cracks and furrows. Its leaves are green and glossy with a leathery texture that measures up to 30 cm long. The flowers are small, white, and inconspicuous, and the fruit is ellipsoid to ovoid in shape, with a yellow to orange-red skin that becomes darker when ripe. The fruit contains a fibrous, yellow pulp with a slightly sweet and sour taste.
Uses
The Irvingia erecta Tiegh. tree has several uses. The fruit is edible and is a source of food to humans and wildlife that includes primates, birds, and bats. The seed of the fruit also produces edible oil that is used in cooking and cosmetic products. The bark of the tree has medicinal properties and traditional African healers use it to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and dysentery. Additionally, the tree's timber is used in construction and woodworking.
Light Requirements
Irvingia erecta Tiegh. is a tropical plant that requires full sun to grow and develop properly. It can tolerate partial shade but will thrive best when exposed to at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
Irvingia erecta Tiegh. is a tropical plant that prefers warm temperatures and high humidity levels. It can tolerate temperatures ranging from 20°C to 38°C, but it will grow best in temperatures between 25°C and 30°C. The plant cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 10°C, which can lead to damage or death of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Irvingia erecta Tiegh. prefers moist, well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can grow in a wide range of soil types, including loam, sandy, and clay soils, but it prefers a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Irvingia erecta is a tropical tree that does well in warm and humid conditions. It can be cultivated from seed or cuttings. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing to improve germination rates. The tree prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.5 and partial shade when planted in full sun.
Watering Needs
Irvingia erecta tree requires regular watering to thrive. The tree prefers moist soil, so it should be watered when the topsoil feels dry. During the dry season, the tree requires more frequent watering to avoid leaf drop and dehydration. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so avoid leaving the tree in stagnant water.
Fertilization
A well-nourished Irvingia erecta tree grows faster and produces healthier fruit. Organic or chemical fertilizer can be applied every three months to boost the tree's growth. A balanced fertilizer with equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended. Avoid applying fertilizers during the dry season.
Pruning
Irvingia erecta responds well to pruning to maintain its shape and promote fruit production. Prune the tree during the dry season to reduce the risk of fungal infections. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossed branches. Make clean cuts using sterilized pruning shears. To stimulate new growth, cut back lateral branches to one-third of their length.
Propagation of Irvingia erecta Tiegh.
Irvingia erecta Tiegh. is typically propagated through seeds as the most common method of propagation. The seeds can be viable for up to two years after collection and have been found to have a germination rate of up to 92%.
The seeds should be collected when they are fully mature and have turned from a green color to a bright yellow. The seed coat should be removed, and the seeds should be soaked in water for 48 hours to increase germination rates. The germination process usually takes 2-3 weeks.
Another propagation method for Irvingia erecta Tiegh. is through vegetative propagation. This method involves taking stem cuttings from the parent plant and rooting them in a rooting hormone solution. The cuttings should be taken in spring or early summer and should be approximately 10-20 cm in length. They should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and placed in a warm, humid environment to encourage root growth.
Grafting is another method of propagation that can be used for Irvingia erecta Tiegh. This method involves grafting scions onto rootstocks of related species. This process is typically done in the spring and requires careful attention to detail to ensure successful grafting.
Disease and Pest Management for Irvingia erecta Tiegh.
Irvingia erecta Tiegh., also known as the tree mango or wild mango, is a species of tree that is native to tropical Africa. It is cultivated for its delicious fruit and highly valued timber. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests that can affect its health and productivity.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Irvingia erecta is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is characterized by whitish-gray spots on the leaves of the plant and can even spread to the fruit. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy any infected plant parts and to apply a fungicide to the plant. Another common disease is anthracnose, which causes brownish-black spots on the leaves, stems, and fruit of the tree. To control this disease, pruning infected plant parts and using fungicides can help.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that affect Irvingia erecta is the mango seed weevil. This pest can cause significant damage to the fruit, causing it to rot and fall. To manage mango seed weevils, it is recommended to use cultural practices such as pruning and removing infected fruit, as well as using pesticides.
The fruit fly is another common pest that can cause damage to the fruits of the tree. It lays eggs under the skin of the fruit, which hatch into larvae and cause the fruit to rot. To manage fruit flies, it is recommended to use traps and baits containing insecticides.
Conclusion
Disease and pest management is crucial in ensuring the productivity and health of Irvingia erecta Tiegh. Regular monitoring, prevention, and early treatment of diseases and pests can help maintain the tree's productivity and ensure that it produces high-quality fruits and timber.
