Overview of Irvingia griffonii Tiegh.
Irvingia griffonii Tiegh. is a plant species that belongs to the family Irvingiaceae. It is a rare species of Irvingia that is endemic to Cameroon.
Common Names of Irvingia griffonii Tiegh.
The plant is commonly known as "Ogbono" or "Wild mango" in English. The scientific name of the plant is derived from its discoverer, M. Griffon who found it in 1907 in Cameroon.
General Appearance of Irvingia griffonii Tiegh.
The Irvingia griffonii Tiegh. tree grows up to a height of about 40 meters, with a trunk diameter of 1.5 meters. The bark of the tree is brown, scaly, and rough. The leaves are simple, alternate, elliptical, and measure about 15-25 cm long and 8-10 cm broad. The flowers of the tree are small, with five greenish-yellow petals, and measure about 1.5 cm in diameter. The fruit of the tree is a drupe, with a yellowish-green, edible pulp that surrounds the seed.
Uses of Irvingia griffonii Tiegh.
The seeds of Irvingia griffonii Tiegh. are commonly used as a soup thickener or spice in West and Central African cuisines. The seeds contain a mucilaginous substance that thickens soups and stews, and also provides a nutty flavor to the dish. The fruit pulp is also used to make a popular drink in Cameroon. In addition to its culinary uses, the tree is also used for medicinal purposes. The bark and leaves of the tree are used to treat malaria, diarrhea, and stomach pain among other ailments. The bark extract is also used as a natural dye for fabrics and food. The hardwood of the tree is used in construction, furniture making, and for fuel.
Growth Conditions for Irvingia griffonii Tiegh.
Irvingia griffonii Tiegh. is a tropical rainforest fruit tree that thrives in warm and humid environments. Here are the key growth conditions necessary for Irvingia griffonii:
Light Requirements
Irvingia griffonii requires full sun exposure to grow to its full potential and produce a good harvest. The tree needs at least six hours of direct sunlight every day, which is essential for photosynthesis and the development of fruits.
Temperature Requirements
Irvingia griffonii thrives in warm temperatures between 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F) throughout the year. Temperatures below 18°C (64°F) may cause damage to the tree, while temperatures above 35°C (95°F) can be lethal. The plant can still grow in areas with a distinct dry season, but ample irrigation is required to meet its water needs.
Soil Requirements
Irvingia griffonii can grow in a range of soil types, from sandy loam to clay soils. However, the tree performs best in soils that are deep, well-drained, and rich in nutrients. It prefers a slightly acidic soil pH between 5.5 to 6.5. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soils, which can lead to root rot and plant death.
In summary, to grow Irvingia griffonii Tiegh. successfully, it requires full sun exposure, warm temperatures throughout the year, and deep, well-drained and nutrient-rich soils. Proper irrigation and fertilization are also important to ensure optimal growth and healthy fruit production.
Cultivation of Irvingia griffonii Tiegh.
Irvingia griffonii Tiegh. is an evergreen tree that belongs to the family Irvingiaceae and is widely cultivated in West and Central Africa. It grows up to 10-15 meters tall and has a dense, rounded crown with dark green leaves that are oval-shaped and glossy.
In terms of cultivation, Irvingia griffonii Tiegh. thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. It prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5 and requires ample sunlight to grow. The tree can be propagated by seed or vegetative means, and should be planted during the rainy season for optimal growth.
Watering Needs of Irvingia griffonii Tiegh.
Watering is a crucial aspect of Irvingia griffonii Tiegh's cultivation. The plant requires regular irrigation during the dry season and can tolerate occasional flooding during the rainy season. Soil should be moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot and other water-related issues.
The frequency of irrigation depends on the climate and soil type. Sandy soils require more frequent watering than clay soils. In general, the plant should be watered every 7-10 days during the dry season and less during the rainy season.
Fertilization of Irvingia griffonii Tiegh.
Irvingia griffonii Tiegh. requires adequate nutrition to grow and produce healthy fruit. Fertilization should be done during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing. A balanced fertilizer with a higher proportion of nitrogen is recommended.
The amount of fertilizer required depends on the soil fertility and plant growth rate. A general rule of thumb is to apply 1-2kg of fertilizer per tree, increasing the amount as the tree matures. Fertilizer should be spread evenly around the tree's base while avoiding direct contact with the trunk.
Pruning of Irvingia griffonii Tiegh.
Pruning is an important aspect of Irvingia griffonii Tiegh.'s cultivation as it promotes plant growth, removes dead or diseased branches, and improves fruit quality. Pruning should be done before the start of the rainy season to allow the tree to heal quickly.
Pruning should be done selectively, removing only the damaged or diseased branches. An ideal tree shape is conical, with a single leader and lateral branches evenly spaced around the trunk. This shape allows for maximum penetration of sunlight and better fruit production.
Propagation of Irvingia griffonii Tiegh.
Irvingia griffonii Tiegh. is a tropical tree that is native to Central and West Africa. It is commonly known as African wild mango or bush mango. The tree is highly valued for its fruit, which is edible and has high nutritional value. Propagation of Irvingia griffonii Tiegh. can be done through several methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and tissue culture.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Irvingia griffonii Tiegh. is through seed propagation. The fruit of the tree contains a hard, fibrous seed, which needs to be extracted and cleaned before planting. The seeds should be planted as soon as possible after extraction, as they have a short viability period. The seeds should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist to encourage germination. The temperature for germination should be around 25-30°C. The seedlings should be transplanted into pots or the field after they have attained a height of at least 15cm.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Irvingia griffonii Tiegh. can be done through cuttings, budding, and grafting. Cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy trees and planted in well-draining soil. For budding, a bud or patch of bark is taken from a mature tree and inserted under the bark of a young sapling. Grafting is done by taking a scion from a mature tree and attaching it to the rootstock of a young sapling. Vegetative propagation is preferred if characteristics of the parent plant need to be maintained.
Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is a more advanced method of propagation that involves the use of plant tissue or cells to produce identical copies of the parent plant. The process involves taking a small piece of tissue from the parent plant and growing it in a tissue culture medium. The process requires strict laboratory conditions and can be expensive; however, it is useful for producing large quantities of disease-free, identical plantlets that can be used for commercial purposes.
Disease Management for Irvingia griffonii Tiegh.
Irvingia griffonii Tiegh. is mainly susceptible to fungal diseases, which affect both leaves and fruits. The most common fungal diseases include powdery mildew, anthracnose, and leaf spot disease.
Powdery Mildew: This disease appears as a white powder on the leaves and can cause defoliation of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide. Additionally, avoid overcrowding of plants and always maintain proper plant spacing to increase air circulation.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose affects both the leaves and the fruits of the tree. It causes sunken spots on the fruits, which can lead to premature rot. To manage anthracnose, ensure that the plant is well-spaced and remove infected leaves and fruits. Utilize an appropriate fungicide containing both copper hydroxide and mancozeb regularly.
Leaf Spot Disease: Leaf spot disease affects the leaves of the plant and causes small, dark spots on them. To manage leaf spot disease, remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide. Additionally, always practice proper sanitation measures like regularly clearing fallen leaves and debris around the plant to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management for Irvingia griffonii Tiegh.
Irvingia griffonii Tiegh. is also susceptible to pest infestations, the most common pests being scales, mealybugs, and caterpillars.
Scales: These sap-sucking pests appear as hard, round bumps on the tree's stem, leaves, and branches. To manage scales, apply an insecticide that is both systemic and contact. Additionally, prune heavily infested parts and dispose of them appropriately.
Mealybugs: These pests appear as white powdery specks on the leaves and are often found in the crevices around the plant. To manage mealybugs, regularly inspect the plant and remove any clusters found. Use an insecticide that is both systemic and contact for better results.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars usually attack the tree's fruits, causing physical damage. To manage these pests, handpick the fruit worms regularly or use an appropriate insecticide. Additionally, always maintain proper plant hygiene to prevent the caterpillars from attacking in the first place.
