Origin
Landolphia owariensis P.Beauv. var. glaberrima (A.Chev.) A.Chev., commonly known as bush mango, is a tropical fruit tree that is native to the tropical regions of Africa, specifically West Africa and Congo Basin, but it grows wildly and has been cultivated in various different countries.
Common Names
The plant has several common names, including African mango, bush mango, dika, dibango, dikka, manguier sauvage, wild mango, odika, oro, among others, depending on the region where it originates from.
Uses
The plant has a wide range of uses, primarily as a food plant, but it is also used for medicinal purposes. The fruit is edible and has a delicious sweet flavor that is used in the preparation of various dishes. Additionally, the seeds of the fruit are processed to extract an edible fat that is used in cooking and soap making. The bark and leaves of the plant have various medicinal properties, including the ability to lower blood pressure, treat diarrhea and constipation, as well as relieve pain.
General Appearance
The bush mango tree is a large ever-green tree that grows up to 40 meters tall and produces a large fruit that can weigh up to 2 kg. The fruit, which is roughly the size of a grapefruit, has a green outer covering that turns brownish-yellow when ripe. Inside the fruit are several large seeds that are covered in a yellowish-white edible pulp. The leaves of the tree are dark green and glossy, while the bark is rough and grayish-brown in color.
Light Requirements
Landolphia owariensis P.Beauv. var. glaberrima (A.Chev.) A.Chev. typically requires full to partial sunlight to grow well. Consistent exposure to sunlight is important for the plant to perform photosynthesis and produce healthy foliage.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow in a range of temperatures but does best in warm temperatures between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Extreme temperatures can be detrimental to plant growth and should be avoided.
Soil Requirements
Landolphia owariensis P.Beauv. var. glaberrima (A.Chev.) A.Chev. thrives in well-draining soils that are rich in nutrients. The ideal pH range is between 6.0 and 7.0. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as waterlogging can lead to root rot. The soil also needs to be rich in organic matter to ensure good growth.
Cultivation Methods
Landolphia owariensis P.Beauv. var. glaberrima (A.Chev.) A.Chev. is a climbing plant that can reach up to 30 meters in height. It grows well in well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The plant requires plenty of sunlight and protection from strong winds.
The plant prefers warm temperatures of 25-30 °C, making it suitable for tropical and subtropical regions. It can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering, or seeds. However, stem cuttings and air layering are the most effective methods of propagation.
Watering Needs
Landolphia owariensis P.Beauv. var. glaberrima (A.Chev.) A.Chev. prefers a consistent supply of water, especially during dry seasons. The plant requires moderate watering as overwatering can lead to root rot. It is best to water the plant deeply once a week instead of shallow watering every day.
Fertilization
Landolphia owariensis P.Beauv. var. glaberrima (A.Chev.) A.Chev. requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10:10:10 is ideal for the plant. Fertilizer should be applied once every month during the growing season and should be mixed well with the soil.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of Landolphia owariensis P.Beauv. var. glaberrima (A.Chev.) A.Chev. cultivation. It is recommended to prune the plant to a manageable size with the right shape. Pruning should be done during the spring or fall season when the plant is in the dormant stage. Dead or diseased stems and branches should be removed immediately.
It is important to note that pruning affects the plant's growth and flowering ability. To promote flowering, prune the plant after flowering and avoid pruning the plant during the flowering season.
Propagation of Landolphia owariensis P.Beauv. var. glaberrima (A.Chev.) A.Chev.
Landolphia owariensis P.Beauv. var. glaberrima (A.Chev.) A.Chev. can be propagated through various methods. It is essential to understand that the propagation method used will depend on several factors such as the available resources, climatic conditions, and the purpose of the plant.
Seed Propagation
The most common propagation method for Landolphia owariensis is via seed. The seeds should be obtained from mature fruits that have naturally fallen off the plant. Once the seeds are obtained, they should be stored in a cool and dry place. The seeds can be sown directly into the ground or in a seedbed. They should be covered with a light layer of soil or sand and kept moist. Germination typically takes between 2-3 weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Another propagation method is through stem cuttings. This method is often used for plants that have desirable characteristics. Cuttings should be obtained from the parent plant during the growing season. They should be approximately 10-12cm long and have at least three nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be planted in a rooting medium such as vermiculite, sand or loam. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a shaded area until they begin to develop roots, which usually takes 3-4 weeks. Once the cuttings have developed roots, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Air layering
Another propagation method for Landolphia owariensis is through air layering. This method involves creating a small cut in the stem and then covering the cut area with a rooting compound to encourage root growth. After several weeks, once the roots have formed, the branch can be cut and planted in a separate container. This method is best used for plants that are difficult to propagate through other methods.
Grafting
Grafting is also a common method of propagating Landolphia owariensis. This method involves joining a stem or branch from the cultivar plant (scion) and a rooted plant (rootstock) of the same or related species. Grafting is often used to produce plants with desirable characteristics, such as resistance to disease or increased productivity. It is important to note that the success rate of grafting is highly dependent on the skill and experience of the individual.
Disease Management
Landolphia owariensis P.Beauv. var. glaberrima (A.Chev.) A.Chev. is susceptible to several diseases that may reduce plant growth and overall yield. Here are some of the common diseases:
- Cercospora leaf spot: It is a fungal disease that causes yellowish-brown or dark brown spots on the leaves. The disease may cause defoliation leading to low yield. To manage the disease, remove all the infected leaves and dispose of them properly. Also, ensure good air circulation and apply fungicides such as copper-based fungicides according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Anthracnose: It is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots, stem cankers, and fruit rot. The disease may cause premature leaf drop and reduced yield. To manage the disease, prune the infected parts and destroy them. Apply fungicides such as copper-based fungicides according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Root rot: It is a fungal disease that causes wilting and death of the plant. The disease is caused by soil-borne fungi that thrive in wet soils. To manage the disease, avoid overwatering, improve soil drainage, and apply fungicides such as copper-based fungicides according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Pest Management
Landolphia owariensis P.Beauv. var. glaberrima (A.Chev.) A.Chev. is also susceptible to several pests that may reduce plant growth and overall yield. Here are some of the common pests:
- Mites: They are tiny insects that feed on plant sap, causing yellowing and distortion of leaves. To manage the pests, apply miticides according to the manufacturer's instructions and prune the infected parts of the plant.
- Aphids: They are small insects that suck plant sap, leading to the development of stunted leaves and distorted growth. To manage the pests, prune the infested parts of the plant and spray with insecticidal soap according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Whiteflies: They are tiny insects that suck plant sap, causing yellowing and distortion of leaves. To manage the pests, apply insecticides according to the manufacturer's instructions and prune the infected parts of the plant.
