Irvingia Laeta Tiegh.: An Overview
Irvingia laeta, commonly known as the wild mango or bush mango, is a tropical fruit tree species native to tropical west and central Africa. It belongs to the family Irvingiaceae and is closely related to Irvingia gabonensis, another species of the African mango tree.
General Appearance
The Irvingia laeta tree can grow up to 30 meters in height in the wild and produces small, edible fruits that are green and turn orange when ripe. It has a dense foliage, with dark green, glossy leaves that are elliptical in shape and approximately 5-15 cm in length.
The tree has a flattened, round crown, and the bark is reddish-brown and rough, with a fissured surface. The bark extracts of the Irvingia laeta tree have been used for various medicinal purposes by indigenous people in Africa.
Common Names and Uses
The Irvingia laeta tree is known by many names across West and Central Africa, including:
- Wild mango
- Bush mango
- Kpatenyeri
- Kotokoto
- Safou
- Ookono
The tree produces fruit that is consumed by both humans and animals. It is rich in nutrients and is a good source of food during times of scarcity. Additionally, various parts of the Irvingia laeta tree have been used in traditional medicine. The bark extracts are used to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, dysentery, and stomach ache.
The seeds of the Irvingia laeta tree are also used to make butter and oil. The oil is used for cooking, and the butter is commonly used as a moisturizer for hair and skin.
Overall, the Irvingia laeta tree is an important species in tropical Africa, providing both nutritional and medicinal benefits to the local population.
Light Requirements
Irvingia laeta Tiegh. typically grows in semi-shade conditions rather than direct sunlight. It needs a minimum of 50% light to grow healthy.
Temperature Requirements
Irvingia laeta Tiegh. grows in warm and tropical climates. It requires a temperature range of 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) to thrive.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained and moderately fertile soil. The soil's pH level should range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, ideally between 5.5 to 7.5. It cannot tolerate waterlogging, and the soil should have good drainage to avoid root rot.
Cultivation of Irvingia laeta Tiegh.
Irvingia laeta Tiegh. is a plant species that is commonly grown in tropical regions. It prefers a warm and humid climate and can tolerate partial shade. The plant species can be grown from seeds or cuttings.
Watering needs of Irvingia laeta Tiegh.
The plant species requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. The soil should not be waterlogged as this can lead to root rot. However, it should not become dry as this can lead to wilting of the plant. Watering should be reduced during the winter months when the plant is in a dormant stage.
Fertilization of Irvingia laeta Tiegh.
The plant species requires regular fertilization to thrive. A balanced fertilizer consisting of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be used. Fertilization should be done during the growing season, which is usually in the spring and summer months.
Pruning of Irvingia laeta Tiegh.
Irvingia laeta Tiegh. requires minimal pruning. However, dead or damaged branches should be removed to promote healthy growth. Pruning can also be done to control the size and shape of the plant.
Propagation of Irvingia laeta Tiegh.
Irvingia laeta Tiegh., also known as the wild mango, is a tropical tree from West and Central Africa that produces edible fruit. Propagation of this plant can be done through several methods which include:
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagation for Irvingia laeta is through seed. The seeds of the plant are extracted from the mature fruit and sown in a well-drained potting mix. It is important to use fresh seeds since the viability of the seed declines quickly after harvesting. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 2-3 cm, and the pot should be kept moist until the seedlings emerge in about 2-3 weeks.
Cuttings propagation
Propagation of Irvingia laeta can also be done using stem cuttings, but it is not commonly used. Select a healthy branch with at least three leaf nodes, and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem in a rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or dome to increase humidity and reduce moisture loss. The cutting should root in about 3-4 weeks.
Air-layering propagation
Air-layering is a propagation method used to propagate selected branches of Irvingia laeta. Choose a healthy branch, remove a ring of bark about 2-3 cm wide from the stem, and dust the exposed tissue with rooting hormone. Cover the area with damp sphagnum moss and wrap it with plastic or aluminum foil to keep the moisture inside. After about 4-6 weeks, roots will emerge from the moss, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and planted in a well-drained medium.
In conclusion, propagation of Irvingia laeta can be done through several methods such as seed propagation, cutting propagation, and air-layering propagation. All of these methods require care and attention to ensure successful propagation and establishment of the new plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Irvingia laeta Tiegh.
Irvingia laeta Tiegh. is a valuable fruit tree that is highly susceptible to various diseases and pests. Given below are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and effective ways to manage them.
Diseases
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a common fungal disease that affects the leaves, flowers, and fruits of the Irvingia laeta tree. It causes the leaves and fruits to turn brown and eventually fall off. To manage this disease, it is advisable to remove and destroy any affected plant parts immediately and apply fungicide sprays regularly.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is another fungal disease that affects the leaves of the Irvingia laeta tree, causing them to develop small, circular spots with brown margins. To manage this disease, it is important to prune the tree regularly to improve air circulation and make use of fungicide sprays.
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the Irvingia laeta tree, causing them to turn brown and rot. This disease is prevalent in poorly drained soils and can be managed by maintaining proper soil drainage and avoiding over-watering.
Pests
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are sap-sucking insects that appear as white, cottony masses on the leaves and stems of the Irvingia laeta tree. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant by impeding its growth and reducing its fruit production. To manage mealybugs, it is advisable to wash the affected plant parts with water and soap or use insecticide sprays.
Fruit flies: Fruit flies are a common pest that attack the fruits of the Irvingia laeta tree, causing them to rot. To manage this pest, it is important to maintain proper sanitation practices by removing any fallen fruits and applying insecticide sprays.
Aphids:Aphids are another sap-sucking insect that commonly affects the leaves and stems of the Irvingia laeta tree. These pests can cause severe damage to the plant, leading to stunted growth and reduced fruit production. To manage aphids, it is advisable to wash the affected plant parts with water and soap or use insecticide sprays.
In conclusion, effective disease and pest management is crucial for the healthy growth and productivity of the Irvingia laeta Tiegh. tree. It is important to take preventive measures and use appropriate measures for managing diseases and pests for the tree to thrive well.
