Overview of Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh.
Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh. is a species of tree in the family Irvingiaceae. It is native to tropical Africa, particularly in Cameroon and Nigeria. It is commonly known as the African bush mango or the African wild mango.
General Appearance of Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh.
Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh. is a large, evergreen tree that can reach up to 40 meters in height. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and glossy green, with a length of 10-25 cm and a width of 5-12 cm.
The tree produces large, oblong fruit that can grow up to 20 cm long and 10 cm wide. The fruit has a tough, woody shell that encloses a soft, yellowish to orange-colored pulp. The pulp is edible and has a sweet, tangy flavor, similar to that of a mango. The fruit also contains a large seed, which is rich in fat and protein.
Uses of Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh.
The fruit of Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh. has long been used by indigenous communities in Africa for food and traditional medicine. The pulp is commonly eaten fresh or cooked, and is also used to make jams, sauces, and drinks. The seed is roasted and eaten as a snack, or used as a thickening agent in soups and stews.
In addition to its culinary uses, Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh. has been shown to have potential medicinal properties. The seed extract has been found to help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce cholesterol, among other health benefits. The fruit pulp is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Today, Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh. is commercially cultivated for its fruit and seed. The fruit is used for its culinary and nutritional value, while the seed is processed for its oil, which is used in cosmetics and as a substitute for cocoa butter in chocolate production.
Light Conditions
Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh. is a tropical plant that thrives best in bright, indirect light. It can grow in partial shade but does not do well in full, direct sunlight. If the plant is placed in an area with insufficient light, it can become leggy and fail to produce flowers or fruit.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh. is between 20°C to 30°C. Temperatures below 15°C can harm the plant and stunt its growth. The plant may be able to tolerate higher temperatures, but it requires protection from direct sunlight when temperatures exceed 35°C.
Soil Requirements
The soil for the Irvingia platycarpa should be well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic. The pH level of the soil should be between 5.5 to 6.5. The plant prefers soil that is rich in organic matter, such as compost. It should be watered regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. The plant is susceptible to rot if the soil is too wet, which can kill the plant.
Cultivation methods for Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh.
Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh. is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 meters high. It requires a warm and humid tropical climate for optimal growth. Being a tropical plant, it grows well in areas with a temperature range of 20-35 °C. It also needs well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5 and moderate sunlight.
Watering needs for Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh.
Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh. requires regular watering, especially during the dry season when the soil is dry. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot. Water should be applied to the base of the tree, and the tree should be allowed to dry before the next watering.
Fertilization of Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh.
Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh. requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and fruit production. Fertilizer application should be done during the rainy season or just after pruning. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 15:15:15 should be applied at the rate of 250g per tree per year.
Pruning of Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh.
Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh. requires regular pruning to produce a strong structure and reduce the size for ease of harvesting. Pruning should be done during the dry season when the tree is dormant. Dead or diseased branches should be pruned, and branches growing towards the center should be removed to promote airflow and sunlight penetration.
Propagation of Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh.
Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh., also known as the African wild mango or bush mango, is a tropical evergreen tree that produces edible fruit. This plant is primarily propagated through seeds, but there are other propagation methods available as well.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Irvingia platycarpa through seeds is the easiest and most common method. Seeds are collected from mature fruits and soaked in water for a few days to remove any pulp or flesh that may be attached to them. After cleaning, they are sown in a well-draining soil mixture in a nursery bed or container. The seeds are covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist by regular watering.
Germination usually occurs within two to three weeks, and after six to twelve months, the seedlings are ready for transplanting. Seedlings should be planted in a sunny location with well-draining, organic-rich soil.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation through cuttings is also possible, but this method is more challenging as Irvingia platycarpa does not root easily. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, young, and vigorous shoots. They should be about 15-20 cm long and have a minimum of three leaves. The basal cut should be made just below a leaf node.
The cuttings are then dipped in a rooting hormone and inserted into a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be placed in a humid environment and kept warm until roots develop. This process may take several months.
Air Layering
Air layering is another method of propagation that can be used for Irvingia platycarpa. This method involves making a small incision on a branch, packing it with moist sphagnum moss, and covering it with a plastic wrap. Roots will develop on the incision site, and the branch can be cut and planted after several months.
Overall, seed propagation is the easiest and most common method for propagating Irvingia platycarpa, but other methods such as cuttings and air layering can also be successful with proper care and attention.
Disease Management
Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh. is generally considered a hardy plant, but like any other plant, it is susceptible to certain diseases that can weaken or even kill it. Here are some common diseases of Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh. and management strategies.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can cause significant damage to Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh. Anthracnose appears as brown, sunken spots on leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits. To manage the disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and provide good air circulation around the plant.
Dieback
Dieback is a common problem in Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh. that can be caused by stress, poor growing conditions, or fungal infections. Dieback symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and sudden death of new growth. To manage the disease, prune out infected parts and provide proper growing conditions such as well-draining soil and adequate water.
Pest Management
Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh. is also susceptible to various pests that can damage the plant and reduce the yield. Here are some common pests of Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh. and management strategies.
Fruit Flies
Fruit flies can cause significant damage to Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh. by feeding on the fruit, causing them to rot and drop prematurely. To manage fruit fly infestations, use yellow sticky traps, remove and destroy infested fruit, and use insecticides if necessary.
Termites
Termites can cause significant damage to Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh. by feeding on the roots, stems, and branches of the plant. Termite damage can cause wilting, yellowing, and eventually, the death of the plant. To manage termite infestations, remove and destroy infested plant parts, use baits and insecticides, and maintain suitable planting conditions.
With proper management, diseases and pests can be controlled or prevented in Irvingia platycarpa Tiegh., ensuring healthy growth and high yield.
