Origin
Irvingia pauciflora, also known as the wild mango, is a species of tropical tree that belongs to the family Irvingiaceae. It is native to the rainforests of West and Central Africa, where it grows in lowland and gallery forests.
Common Names
The common names of Irvingia pauciflora include wild mango, African wild mango, bush mango, and odika. In local languages, it is known as oro, kaka, or ababa.
Uses
The fruit of Irvingia pauciflora is edible and highly valued for its taste and nutritional content. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and is a good source of dietary fiber. The fruit is often used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, dysentery, and fever. In addition, the seeds of Irvingia pauciflora are used in the production of oils, butter, and soap.
General Appearance
Irvingia pauciflora is a large, evergreen tree that can reach a height of up to 40 meters. It has a straight trunk that can reach a diameter of 1.5 meters, with a dense crown of leaves and small, greenish-yellow flowers. The fruit of the tree is large, oval-shaped, and can weigh up to 2 kilograms. It has a yellow or greenish-brown skin and a sweet, juicy pulp that surrounds a large, hard seed. The leaves of the tree are alternate, elliptical, and leathery, and can grow up to 25 centimeters in length.
Light Requirements
The Irvingia pauciflora Tiegh. plant grows well under partial shade to full sunlight. The plant can also tolerate bright and direct sunlight but requires proper shading during the hottest part of the day in areas that receive high levels of sunlight. However, direct exposure to strong and direct sunlight for an extended period may lead to leaf scorching or drying.
Temperature Requirements
The Irvingia pauciflora Tiegh. plant requires warm temperatures and is tolerant of a broad range of temperatures. The minimum temperature that the plant can withstand is around 10° Celsius, but optimal growth is achieved in temperatures ranging from 20-28° Celsius. Temperatures below 10°C can lead to leaf drop or poor growth, while temperatures exceeding 30°C can cause stress, leading to wilting or drying of leaves.
Soil Requirements
The Irvingia pauciflora Tiegh. plant can grow in various soil types but prefers well-draining and fertile soils. The plant requires soils with good water-holding capacity, but with proper drainage to avoid waterlogging, as stagnant water can cause root rot disease. The ideal soil pH for the plant ranges from 5.5-6.5. The plant can tolerate modest levels of soil salinity but can be adversely affected by high salt levels.
Cultivation Methods for Irvingia pauciflora Tiegh.
Irvingia pauciflora Tiegh. is a tropical plant, and it requires warm temperatures for successful cultivation. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 20 to 30°C. The plant performs best when grown in well-drained sandy loam soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant prefers partial shade instead of full sunlight exposure.
Watering Needs for Irvingia pauciflora Tiegh.
Irvingia pauciflora Tiegh. requires regular watering to thrive well. The plant needs to be watered immediately after planting to ensure that the roots establish themselves in the soil. Afterward, the plant should be watered once every week, especially during the dry season, to avoid drought stress. However, you should not water the plant during the rainy season, as too much water may cause fungal diseases and root rot.
Fertilization of Irvingia pauciflora Tiegh.
To enhance the growth and development of Irvingia pauciflora Tiegh., farmers or gardeners must apply fertilizers from time to time. Fertilizers should be applied to the soil around the plant to provide the roots with the essential nutrients. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 15-15-15 is ideal for the plant. Apply the fertilizer during the early stages of growth, and then, later on, apply every four months to help maintain the productivity of the plant.
Pruning of Irvingia pauciflora Tiegh.
Pruning is necessary if you want to maintain the ideal shape and size of your Irvingia pauciflora Tiegh. plant. The pruning process involves cutting off the dead and diseased parts of the plant and removing branches that are growing in an undesirable direction. You should do the pruning during the early stages of growth to stimulate the development of new shoots and promote bushiness. Additionally, pruning helps to prevent overcrowding in trees, improve ventilation, and reduce the incidence of pests and diseases.
Propagation of Irvingia pauciflora Tiegh.
Irvingia pauciflora Tiegh. can be propagated through seeds and air layering. Both methods have proven to be effective and commonly used in nurseries and home gardens.
Propagation through Seeds
The seeds of Irvingia pauciflora Tiegh. are viable for a short period, so it is essential to plant them immediately after harvesting. To ensure good germination rates, the seeds should be cleaned, washed, and dried thoroughly before sowing. The seeds can be sown in pots or trays filled with fertile, well-draining soil. The seeds should be placed just below the soil's surface and should not be covered with too much soil.
The pots or trays should be kept in a warm place, and the soil should be kept moist until germination. The germination rate of Irvingia pauciflora Tiegh. seeds is around 60%. The seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. After six to eight months, the seedlings can be planted in their permanent position.
Propagation through Air Layering
Air layering is a good method to propagate Irvingia pauciflora Tiegh. as it results in a larger plant quicker than growing from seeds. In this method, a branch of the plant is selected, and a ring of bark is removed from the stem. A rooting hormone is then applied to the exposed area, and the wound is covered with damp sphagnum moss. The moss is then wrapped with plastic or foil to keep it moist.
After a few months, roots will start to grow from the exposed area, and new leaves will begin to develop. Once the roots are well-established, the branch can be cut off from the parent plant and transplanted to its permanent position. Air layering can be done at any time of the year, but it's best to do it during the growing season.
Disease Management
Irvingia pauciflora Tiegh. can be affected by various diseases that can negatively impact the plant's growth and productivity. The most common diseases that the plant species can contract include root rot, powdery mildew, and dieback.
Root rot is usually caused by fungi, and it is characterized by wilting leaves and discoloration of the foliage. The disease can be managed by ensuring proper drainage of the soil and avoiding overwatering the plant. Infected plants should be uprooted and destroyed to prevent further spread.
Powdery mildew on Imagining pauciflora Tiegh. manifests as a white, powdery film on the foliage. The disease spreads quickly in humid conditions, but it can be effectively managed by pruning infected areas and providing good air circulation around the plant. Fungicides can also be used to prevent further spread in severe cases.
Dieback is characterized by the gradual death of parts of the plant, leading to stunted growth and reduced productivity. The disease is caused by fungi and can be managed by removing infected areas and using fungicides to prevent further spread.
Pest Management
Irvingia pauciflora Tiegh. can also be attacked by various pests, including mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects.
Mealybugs usually manifest as waxy coatings on the foliage and stems, causing the plant to weaken and lose productivity. The pest can be effectively managed by introducing natural predators or using insecticides and sprays.
Spider mites are often found on the undersides of foliage and can cause yellowing and worrisome-looking spider webs. The pests can be managed by pruning infected leaves and using insecticidal sprays and oils.
Like mealybugs, scale insects are usually characterized by waxy coatings on the plant's surfaces. They can be managed by introducing natural predators or using insecticides and sprays. Prevention is key to ensure healthy and productive growth of Irvingia pauciflora Tiegh. Regular monitoring, removal of infected parts, and maintenance of a conducive environment can go a long way in preventing pest and disease attacks.
