Overview of Lannea acidissima A.Chev.
Lannea acidissima A.Chev., commonly known as the "african grape" or "acidic berry," is a tropical and deciduous plant found in various parts of Africa, including West Africa, East Africa, and Madagascar. It is a slow-growing tree that can reach up to 20 meters in height and typically grows in areas with moist and sandy soils.
General Appearance of Lannea acidissima A.Chev.
The tree has a thick and rough bark that is usually grey or brown in color. Its leaves are compound and alternate, measuring up to 15 cm long and 12 cm wide with an oval shape and pointed tip. During the flowering season, which typically occurs between April and June, Lannea acidissima A.Chev. produces panicles of small greenish-white flowers. Later, between December and January, the tree produces clusters of small, plum-shaped fruits that are green when unripe and turn yellow or orange when ripe.
Uses of Lannea acidissima A.Chev.
The fruit of Lannea acidissima A.Chev. is edible and has a sour and astringent taste. It is commonly consumed by locals and used in various traditional recipes and beverages. The acidic taste of the fruit makes it an ideal ingredient in jams, chutneys, and pickles. Additionally, the bark of the tree is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and fever. In some parts of Africa, the wood of Lannea acidissima A.Chev. is also used in carpentry and furniture-making.
The plant Lannea acidissima A.Chev. is a valuable and versatile resource, providing food, medicine, and raw materials for various industries. Its unique flavor and medicinal properties make it a popular choice among locals and researchers alike.
Light Requirements
The Lannea acidissima A.Chev. plant requires full sunlight to grow properly. It is crucial for the development of the plant and its fruit. The plant grows well in direct sunlight and needs at least 6 hours of sunlight exposure to grow optimally. If the light is not sufficient, the growth of the plant will not be optimal, and it will not bear fruits.
Temperature Requirements
Lannea acidissima A.Chev. is a tropical plant and requires warm temperatures to grow. The plant requires an average temperature of 27°C (80°F) to grow optimally. The plant cannot tolerate freezing temperatures, and the ideal temperature range for the plant is between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F).
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH between 5.0 and 7.5 is ideal for the plant growth. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral. The plant requires a good amount of water to grow, but it cannot grow in water-logged soil as it can lead to root rot. Hence the soil should be well-drained with good water retention capacity.
Cultivation of Lannea acidissima A.Chev.
Lannea acidissima A.Chev. is a deciduous tree that is native to Southeast Asia and India. It requires a warm and humid climate to grow and hence, it is usually found growing in areas with humid tropical and subtropical climates.
If you intend to cultivate Lannea acidissima A.Chev., it is recommended that you obtain seeds from a reliable source and sow them in well-draining soil. Ensure that the soil is kept moist and well-aerated to allow for good growth. Lannea acidissima A.Chev. is a fast-growing tree, and you should witness growth within the first few months after planting.
Watering Needs
As with most plants, Lannea acidissima A.Chev. requires regular watering to ensure healthy growth. However, it is important not to overwater the plant, as it can cause root rot and other fungal infections. The plant should be watered approximately once a week, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Lannea acidissima A.Chev. requires regular fertilization to ensure healthy growth and to prevent nutrient deficiencies. Fertilizer should be applied every few months, and the type and amount of fertilizer applied will depend on the age and condition of the plant. It is recommended that you consult with a plant specialist to determine the appropriate fertilizer and application rate for your specific plant.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of maintaining the health and shape of Lannea acidissima A.Chev. Pruning should be done once a year, preferably during the dry season when the plant is dormant. The dead and weak branches should be removed to improve the plant's overall structure. Any diseased or damaged branches should also be removed to prevent the spread of any infections.
Propagation of Lannea acidissima A.Chev.
Lannea acidissima A.Chev., commonly known as the Auklandia tree or Indian gum tree, is propagated by seeds with varying success rates. However, vegetative propagation through cuttings and grafting is more reliable and widely used as the preferred propagation method.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Lannea acidissima A.Chev. are collected once they mature and fall off the tree. They are then cleaned and sown in well-drained soil or on a nursery bed. The seeding should be done at the beginning of the rainy season, and during sowing, the seeds should be buried 1-2 cm under the soil. They will take approximately 15-20 days to germinate, and after 3-4 months, their growth rate will be adequate enough to transplant them into individual containers or a field.
It is important to note that seed propagation has its challenges and limitations, including the variability of the seed's germination rates. The succulence and thickness of the seed coat affect germination, making it a less reliable method.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation through cuttings is the preferred method for Lannea acidissima A.Chev. and gives a high success rate. Cuttings are taken from healthy, mature branches, preferably during the rainy season or other times when the plants are exhibiting active growth. Cuttings can be taken at any time, provided the plant is actively growing and healthy.
The length of the cuttings should be between 6-8 inches, taken about 3-4 inches from the base of the shoot. The cuttings should be treated with growth hormones such as indole butyric acid and planted in the nursery bed or potting media. It takes approximately 3-4 weeks for the cuttings to develop roots, after which they can be transplanted into pots or fields.
Grafting is yet another viable propagation method for Lannea acidissima A.Chev. In grafting, a branch or a scion from a mature tree is grafted onto a compatible rootstock. The scion should be healthy and approximately 6-8 inches long, with at least three nodes. The rootstock should also be healthy and allow for the growth of the scion. The cut surfaces on both the scion and the rootstock should be clean, and the graft union should be wrapped with grafting tape to hold the two parts together. With good care, the graft should form a union after about six weeks.
Disease Management for Lannea acidissima A.Chev.
Lannea acidissima A.Chev. is generally resistant to most diseases if it is grown in healthy soil and receives proper care. However, several fungal and bacterial diseases can still affect the plant. To manage these diseases, here are some suggestions:
- Ensure proper drainage around the plant to prevent the growth of fungi.
- Do not overwater the plant, because excess moisture can promote the growth of fungi and bacteria.
- Prune the damaged or infected branches or leaves immediately, and dispose of them properly.
- Apply fungicides or bactericides as suggested by an expert when the problem persists.
Pest Management for Lannea acidissima A.Chev.
Lannea acidissima A.Chev. is vulnerable to several pests, including:
- Shoot and fruit borers
- Leaf-eating caterpillars
- Mealybugs
- Mites
- Aphids
To manage these pests, here are some suggestions:
- Inspect the plant regularly to detect pests at an early stage.
- Remove the infected or damaged parts of the plant immediately and dispose of them properly.
- Use sticky traps to catch flying insects.
- Use insecticides as suggested by an expert.
It is essential to manage pests and diseases for good plant health, and early detection and intervention help maintain the plant's growth and productivity.
