Origin
Lannea edulis (Sond.) Engl. var. edulis, also known as African grapes, is a tropical fruit tree that is indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa. The plant grows predominantly in West and Central Africa, where it is widely distributed in countries such as Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, and Côte d'Ivoire.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to by a variety of names, including African grapes, Raisinier, Mukuye, and Luleso. It is also known as Azeigbe, Dinya, and Kuka in Nigeria.
Uses
Lannea edulis is revered for its numerous health and medicinal benefits. The plant's fruit is edible and is consumed both fresh and dried. The fruit pulp is processed into jam, preserves, and juice. It is also used in preparing traditional African dishes and for making local alcoholic beverages.
The plant bark, roots, and leaves are used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, fever, and stomach aches. The plant is also believed to have antimalarial and antimicrobial properties. The leaves are used as fodder for livestock, and the wood is used for making furniture and fuelwood.
General Appearance
Lannea edulis is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20 meters high. It has a flaky bark that is grey-brown in color. The plant produces simple, alternate leaves that are about 10-30 cm long and 4-8 cm wide. The leaves are dark green and glossy, with a slightly leathery texture. The tree produces clusters of small, yellow flowers that are about 4-5 mm in diameter. The fruit is a small, red or yellow drupe that is about 1.5 cm in diameter.
The fruit contains a single seed that has a hard outer shell. The flesh of the fruit is juicy, sweet, and slightly acidic in taste. The plant generally has a wide-spreading canopy, and its roots are shallow and fibrous.
Light Requirements
Lannea edulis requires full sunlight to grow properly. It does not tolerate shade well and may wither or die if grown in areas with insufficient light. Therefore, it is important to ensure that it receives adequate sunlight when planted, and ensure that any foliage that may cast shadows on the plant is kept at bay.
Temperature Requirements
Lannea edulis grows best in areas with warm temperatures between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). It can tolerate temperature fluctuations but may not grow well if the temperature falls below 15°C (59°F) or rises above 35°C (95°F). When planting, the plant's surroundings should be kept at a relatively constant temperature to promote optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
Lannea edulis requires well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients. It prefers soil with a neutral pH of about 6.5 to 7.5 and does not grow well in extremely acidic or alkaline soils. The plant does well in sandy loam, loamy soils, and the presence of organic matter boosts its growth. Growers should ensure that the soil is watered regularly but not too much to avoid waterlogging, which may lead to root rot and hinder growth.
Cultivation methods
Lannea edulis is a drought-tolerant plant that is typically propagated from seeds. It grows best in well-draining sandy loam soils and thrives in full sun to partial shade. Prior to planting, it is essential to weed and loosen the soil to facilitate root growth.
The seeds should be germinated in a nursery or seed tray to provide optimal growth conditions. Once the seedlings reach about 15-20 centimeters in height, they can be transplanted into the field or desired location.
Watering needs
When it comes to watering Lannea edulis, the plant should be watered sparingly, especially during the rainy season. Overwatering can result in root rot and a host of other problems. Therefore, it is essential to allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
During the dry season, the plant should be watered once a week to maintain soil moisture and prevent drying out. Newly transplanted saplings require more frequent watering to help establish roots, but overwatering should still be avoided.
Fertilization
Lannea edulis is a plant that can tolerate low nutrient levels; however, fertilizer application can increase growth and yield. When applying fertilizer, it is vital to use the appropriate kind and amount to avoid causing the plant more harm than good.
Application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer is recommended immediately after the onset of the rainy season when the plant begins active growth. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers should be avoided as they are known to encourage foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.
Pruning
Lannea edulis can be lightly pruned to promote growth and improve fruit production. Pruning should be done before the rainy season starts as pruning during the rainy season can encourage the spread of plant diseases.
Dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be removed to prevent them from attracting pests or pathogens that could infect healthy parts of the plant. Pruning should be done sparingly, typically only 1-2 times a year, to prevent injury to the plant.
Propagation of Lannea edulis (Sond.) Engl. var. edulis
Lannea edulis (Sond.) Engl. var. edulis can be propagated by both vegetative and seed methods. The plant's propagation is relatively easy.
Vegetative propagation
Lannea edulis (Sond.) Engl. var. edulis can be propagated through cuttings, suckers, and layering. Layering is the most common method of vegetative propagation. For this method, a young stem is bent downwards and buried partly or entirely into the soil. After a year or two, the stem will develop roots and can be separated from the parent plant. Cuttings and suckers from mature plants can also be used, but rooting may be slower compared to layering.
Seed propagation
Lannea edulis (Sond.) Engl. var. edulis can be propagated by seeds that are collected from the parent plant when they are mature. The seeds require scarification before planting to enhance germination. Scarification can be done by nicking the seed coat, soaking in hot water, or treating with chemicals. After scarification, the seeds can be planted in well-drained soil, covered with a thin layer of soil, and watered regularly. Germination occurs within two weeks to two months. The seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots once they are large enough to handle.
Disease and Pest Management for Lannea edulis (Sond.) Engl. var. edulis
Lannea edulis (Sond.) Engl. var. edulis, commonly known as African grape, is a fruit tree that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. This tree is native to Africa, particularly in the Sahel region. While it is a resilient plant that can tolerate harsh weather conditions, it is still vulnerable to various diseases and pests that can damage or even kill the tree. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that can affect Lannea edulis and how you can manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes dark lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruits of Lannea edulis. These lesions can later merge, causing the affected parts to rot. To manage this disease, it is essential to prune the infected parts of the tree and destroy them. You can also apply fungicides to protect the healthy parts of the tree.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is another fungal disease that can affect Lannea edulis. It causes small, circular, and dark spots on the leaves. The leaves will dry up, turn yellow, and eventually fall off. To prevent leaf spot, it is essential to keep the tree well-ventilated and avoid overwatering. You can also apply fungicides to protect the healthy leaves from getting infected.
Root Rot: Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the roots of the tree, making it wilt and eventually die. To prevent root rot, make sure that the tree's soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering.
Pests
Fruit Flies: Fruit flies are a common pest that can cause significant damage to Lannea edulis. They lay their eggs on the fruit, and the larvae will then feed on the fruit's flesh, causing it to rot. To prevent fruit flies, you can cover your fruit with a mesh bag or apply insecticides to kill the eggs and larvae.
Termites: Termites are another pest that can affect Lannea edulis. These pests can feed on the tree's wood, causing it to weaken and eventually die. To prevent termites, it is essential to keep the tree's surroundings free of debris and other plant materials that can attract termites. You can also apply termiticides to the tree's roots to protect it from termite infestation.
Lannea edulis is an essential fruit tree that provides food and other resources to many African communities. By managing the diseases and pests that can affect this tree, you can help ensure its continued growth and productivity.
