Origin
Irvingia oblonga A.Chev., commonly known as wild mango or African mango, is a tree that is native to West and Central Africa.
Common Names
In addition to wild mango and African mango, Irvingia oblonga is also known as bush mango, dika nut, odika, and ogbono.
Uses
The fruit of Irvingia oblonga is commonly used as a food source in Africa. The flesh of the fruit can be eaten raw or cooked, and the seeds are often roasted or boiled before consumption. The fruit is also used to make jam and juice.
In addition to its use as a food source, Irvingia oblonga has also been studied for its potential health benefits. The seeds of the fruit contain a compound called Irvingia gabonensis, which has been shown to help with weight loss, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar control in some studies.
General Appearance
Irvingia oblonga is a large tree that can grow up to 40 meters tall. The bark is smooth and gray, and the leaves are green and glossy, with a length of up to 25 centimeters. The fruit is typically oval-shaped and can measure up to 15 centimeters long and 8 centimeters wide. The fruit has a tough outer rind and contains a yellowish flesh and one or two large seeds.
Growth Conditions for Irvingia oblonga A.Chev.
Irvingia oblonga A.Chev., also known as wild mango, bush mango, or African mango, is a fruit-bearing plant that is native to tropical Africa. It grows in a wide variety of conditions, as long as the three key growth requirements are met: light, temperature, and soil.
Light Requirements
Like most fruiting plants, Irvingia oblonga A.Chev. requires plenty of sunlight to grow and develop properly. These plants thrive in full sun, which means that they need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. They also need a moderate amount of shade to protect them from the intense sun, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
Irvingia oblonga A.Chev. grows best within a temperature range of 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. In general, these plants grow well in humid conditions, and they can tolerate both wet and dry seasons. However, they are not able to withstand frost or freezing temperatures, which can damage or kill them.
Soil Requirements
Irvingia oblonga A.Chev. prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be between 5.5 and 7.5 for optimal growth. These plants can grow in a range of soils, including sandy, loamy, or clayey soils, as long as their basic nutrient needs are met. They require regular watering, especially during the dry season, to keep the soil moist.
Cultivation Methods
Irvingia oblonga, also known as African mango or wild mango, is a tropical plant that is native to the African continent. It thrives in warm and humid environments, typically growing in forests and along riverbanks. If you are interested in cultivating Irvingia oblonga, it is essential to mimic its natural habitat in your growing conditions. Start by selecting a site with well-draining soil and full sun exposure. The plant can also tolerate partial shade, but it will not produce as much fruit.
Propagation can be done through seeds, but the seeds should be fresh and properly stored to ensure germination. Germination rates are typically low, so it is recommended to plant multiple seeds. The best time to plant the seeds is at the beginning of the rainy season, which will promote seedling growth.
Watering Needs
Water is crucial for the growth of Irvingia oblonga. However, excessive watering can lead to root rot, so it is essential to find the right balance. In general, the plant requires frequent and moderate watering during the dry season, especially if there is no natural rainfall. During the wet season, excess water may accumulate around the roots, so watering should be reduced.
Fertilization
Irvingia oblonga is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization to produce the best results. Fertilizers that are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are recommended. The best time to apply fertilizers is during the wet season, as the nutrients will be absorbed quickly into the soil. It is important to avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to root burn and other issues.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of Irvingia oblonga cultivation. It helps to maintain the plant's shape, promote healthy growth, and increase fruit production. Pruning should be done during the dry season, and any dead or diseased branches should be removed. Additionally, pruning can help to control the height of the plant and prevent it from growing too tall.
Overall, cultivating Irvingia oblonga requires attention to detail and careful management. Mimicking the plant's natural habitat, finding the right balance of water and fertilizer, and pruning regularly can all help to promote healthy growth and increase fruit production.
Propagation of Irvingia oblonga A.Chev.
Irvingia oblonga A.Chev. is commonly propagated through seeds, budding, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Seeds are obtained from mature fruits that have fallen naturally from the tree. The seed coat is removed to aid quicker germination. The seeds are washed thoroughly and allowed to dry before planting.
Irvingia oblonga A.Chev. seeds are typically large and flat, with a hard, woody outer coating. For this reason, it is often recommended that the seeds be given a hot water treatment prior to planting. The hot water treatment can be carried out by bringing a pot of water to a rolling boil, removing it from the heat source, and soaking the seeds in the water for a period of 24 hours. This will help to soften the seed coat and improve germination rates.
Seed propagation is typically done in a well-draining soil mixture, with seeds planted to a depth of approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) and spaced approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. Germination typically occurs within 4-6 weeks.
Budding
Irvingia oblonga A.Chev. can also be propagated by budding. Budding is a method of vegetative propagation in which a bud is taken from one plant and grafted onto another.
Budding is typically carried out during the dormant season, when the plants are not actively growing. The selected rootstock should be healthy and the same species as the cutting. The bud is inserted beneath the bark of the rootstock and tied in place. Within a month or two, the bud will have formed a union with the rootstock and will begin to grow.
Grafting
Grafting is a method of vegetative propagation in which a part of one plant is joined with a part of another plant, so that they may grow together. In the case of Irvingia oblonga A.Chev., grafting is typically done onto seedlings.
Grafting is typically carried out during the dormant season. The scion, which is the part of the plant that is to be grafted, is selected from a healthy branch with the desired characteristics. A matching cut is made in the rootstock, and the scion is inserted. The cut surfaces are then tied together and covered with grafting wax.
Grafted plants require special care, such as the provision of sufficient support and protection from wind and harsh weather conditions, until they have established themselves.
Disease and Pest Management for Irvingia oblonga A.Chev.
Irvingia oblonga A.Chev., or African mango, is a fruit tree native to Africa that is increasingly gaining popularity in other parts of the world due to its purported health benefits. Like any other plant, the African mango tree is prone to disease and pest attacks. It is, therefore, essential to know the common pests and diseases that attack the tree and how to manage them to ensure optimal yields.
Common Pests
Some of the common pests that attack Irvingia oblonga A.Chev. include:
- Fruit flies: Fruit flies are the most common pests that attack African mango trees. They lay eggs in the fruit, and the larvae burrow into the fruit, causing significant damage. The best way to manage fruit flies is by using traps and pesticides.
- Mango mealybugs: Mango mealybugs are tiny insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. Manual removal of the bugs and the use of horticultural oil can effectively manage the infestation.
- Mango seed weevils: These pests attack the fruit and the seeds, reducing the yield significantly. The use of pesticides and planting resistant varieties can help manage mango seed weevil infestation.
Common Diseases
Irvingia oblonga A.Chev. is susceptible to several diseases that can cause significant damage to the tree and the fruits. Some of the common diseases that affect African mango trees include:
- Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the fruit and the leaves. The disease can cause significant damage, leading to fruit drop. The use of fungicides and proper pruning can help manage anthracnose.
- Black spot: Black spot is also a fungal disease that can cause defoliation and fruit drop. The disease thrives in humid conditions, and the best way to manage it is by using fungicides and proper cultural practices, such as removing infected leaves and fruit from the tree.
- Bacterial black rot: Bacterial black rot is a bacterial disease that causes the fruit to rot and turn black. The disease is prevalent in warm and humid conditions. Sanitation and use of copper-based fungicides can help manage the bacterial black rot.
Proper management of pests and diseases in Irvingia oblonga A.Chev. is essential to ensure optimal yields and maintain the health of the tree. A combination of cultural practices, such as pruning, sanitation, and the use of appropriate pesticides and fungicides, can help manage pests and diseases and ensure a healthy harvest.
