Overview
Lannea antiscorbutica (Hiern) Engl. is a deciduous tree species belonging to the family Anacardiaceae. It is commonly known by various names such as the Corky Monkey Orange, African Apple, Naranjillo, and Jittiapa. The plant is native to several countries across Africa including Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, and Tanzania.
Appearance
The tree has a medium-sized growth habit and can reach up to 15 meters in height. It has a smooth and grey bark with cork-like bumps about the size of a thumbnail. The branches of the Lannea antiscorbutica are often twisted and covered with mature thorns. The leaves are compound, alternately arranged, and have an oval shape. The flowers produced by the tree are small and yellow-green, and the fruit is ovoid, around 3 cm long, and contains a single seed.
Uses
The Lannea antiscorbutica tree has many medicinal benefits. Its bark, leaves, and fruit extract are used to treat various illnesses such as toothache, coughs, ulcers, malaria, and diarrhea. The fruit and leaves are used as a source of food for both humans and livestock. The fruit pulp can be eaten raw or processed into juice, wine, or jam. The wood of the tree is used for firewood, charcoal, and construction of household items such as pestles, handles, and spoons.
Typical Growth Conditions for Lannea antiscorbutica (Hiern) Engl.
Lannea antiscorbutica (Hiern) Engl. is a deciduous small to medium-sized tree species belonging to the family Anacardiaceae. It is native to Africa and is widely found in the savannah and woodland regions of the continent. The plant is valued for its medicinal properties, and various parts of the tree, including the leaves, bark, and fruits, are used to treat different ailments.
Light Requirements
Lannea antiscorbutica (Hiern) Engl. requires a considerable amount of sunlight for optimal growth. The plant prefers bright, indirect light and can tolerate some partial shade. Therefore, it is best to plant the tree in areas with abundant sunlight exposure, such as open fields or gardens with no shading from other trees.
Temperature Requirements
Lannea antiscorbutica (Hiern) Engl. is a resilient tree species that can withstand a wide range of temperatures. The plant grows best in warm temperatures between 20-30°C, but it can also tolerate colder temperatures of up to 10°C. It is important to protect the tree from frost as it can damage the plant's growth and development.
Soil Requirements
Lannea antiscorbutica (Hiern) Engl. prefers well-drained soils that are rich in nutrients. The soil should have a pH level between 6.0 to 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. The plant can grow in a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, but sandy loam soils are preferred. It is important to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as excessive water can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Lannea antiscorbutica is a hardy plant species that is relatively easy to cultivate. The plant thrives best in tropical and subtropical regions where temperatures range between 20 to 30°C. The species can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the previous year's growth during early spring. The plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6 to 6.5.
Watering Needs
The plant requires adequate watering during the first few months after being transplanted. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged to avoid rotting of the roots. Once the plant is established, it requires minimal watering, and it is drought-tolerant.
Fertilization
Young plants require frequent fertilization during the first year of growth. Use a balanced fertilizer with the appropriate nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium ratios. Mature plants require less frequent fertilization, but it is essential to maintain adequate nutrient levels in the soil.
Pruning
Pruning should be done during the early stages of growth to promote branching and bushiness. The plant may be pruned annually to maintain an attractive shape and size. Dead and yellowing leaves should be removed as they appear to prevent the spread of disease and pests.
Propagation of Lannea antiscorbutica (Hiern) Engl.
The Lannea antiscorbutica (Hiern) Engl., commonly known as the "sneeze wort" plant, can be propagated through several methods such as:
Seed Propagation
This is the best method to use to propagate Lannea antiscorbutica. Collect mature fruits that have fallen from the plant and remove the pulp around the seeds. Plant the seeds in a mixture of compost and soil in a seedling tray and water daily. The seeds will germinate within two weeks to three months. After six to eight weeks, transplant the seedlings to individual pots.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation is used on mature plants with well-developed stems. Use a sharp, sterilized knife to make a 4-inch cutting of stem. Dip the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with moist potting mix. Keep the soil moist by watering regularly, and in about three weeks, shoots will emerge and develop.
Air Layering Propagation
This propagation method is used for mature plants with established branches or stems. Choose a healthy branch and make a cut on the branch's side, removing the bark to reveal the inner stem. Pack moist sphagnum moss around this cut and wrap the moss with plastic wrap for humidity retention. After about six to eight weeks, roots should develop in the moss. Carefully cut the rooted stem from the mother plant and re-pot it.
Propagation through seed collection and cuttings methods can be used throughout the year, but air layering is best for the plant during the growing season. With proper care and management, the Lannea antiscorbutica plant can be successfully propagated.
Disease and Pest Management for Lannea antiscorbutica (Hiern) Engl.
Lannea antiscorbutica (Hiern) Engl., also known as Lannea edulis, is a tropical African tree species cultivated for its fruit and medicinal properties. The plant is relatively hardy and resistant to diseases and pests, but there are some common issues that growers should be aware of and manage to ensure maximum yield and plant health.
Common diseases
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and primarily affects the leaves and fruits of Lannea antiscorbutica. Symptoms of anthracnose include brown lesions on the leaves and sunken spots on the fruits. To manage anthracnose, growers should remove and destroy infected leaves and fruits, ensure good air circulation among the plants, and apply a fungicide if necessary.
Bacterial leaf spot: Bacterial leaf spot is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris and appears as small water-soaked spots on the leaves of Lannea antiscorbutica. The spots can expand and turn brown, eventually leading to leaf drop. To manage bacterial leaf spot, growers should remove and destroy infected leaves, ensure good air circulation, and apply a copper-based bactericide.
Root rot: Root rot is caused by the fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi and affects the root system of Lannea antiscorbutica. Symptoms of root rot include wilting, stunting, and yellowing of the leaves. To manage root rot, growers should avoid overwatering, ensure good drainage, and apply a fungicide.
Common pests
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of Lannea antiscorbutica. They appear as white, cottony masses on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage mealybugs, growers should remove and destroy infected plant parts, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, and introduce natural enemies such as ladybugs and lacewings.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that can cause yellowing and drying of the leaves of Lannea antiscorbutica. They are often found on the undersides of leaves. To manage spider mites, growers should increase humidity levels, remove and destroy infected leaves, and apply a miticide.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies, and they can feed on the leaves of Lannea antiscorbutica. Large infestations can lead to defoliation and reduced yield. To manage caterpillars, growers should remove and destroy infected leaves, apply Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or spinosad, and introduce natural enemies such as parasitic wasps.
In conclusion, proper management of diseases and pests is crucial for the health and productivity of Lannea antiscorbutica. Growers should regularly monitor their plants, identify and control any issues as early as possible, and use integrated pest management strategies to minimize the use of synthetic chemicals and protect the environment.
