Origin
Lannea edulis (Sond.) Engl. var. glabrescens (Engl.) Burtt Davy is a deciduous tree species of the family Anacardiaceae. This plant is native to southern Africa, specifically in regions such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Botswana.
Common Names
The Lannea edulis (Sond.) Engl. var. glabrescens (Engl.) Burtt Davy is commonly known as Marula or Ledja in various African countries. In Botswana, it is called Motsentsela while it is referred to as Umganu in South Africa. The fruit of the tree is also known as Marula.
Uses
The Marula tree has various uses for local communities in southern Africa. For one, its fruit is edible and is a source of nutrition. It can be eaten raw, and it is also used to make juice or beer. The fruit of Marula is used as a medicinal plant, and various parts of the tree are used to treat different ailments. The bark is used to treat stomach ailments, while the roots are used for fever. The trunk of the tree is also used to make furniture and household items, such as bowls and baskets.
General Appearance
Lannea edulis (Sond.) Engl. var. glabrescens (Engl.) Burtt Davy is a medium-sized tree that grows up to 18 meters tall. The tree has an umbrella-like canopy with a spreading crown. It has a straight trunk with a grey-brown bark that is both smooth and rough. The leaves are compound with a length of around 10 cm and widths of about 7 cm. The leaves are shiny green with a leathery texture and are arranged alternately on the branches. The flowers of the Marula tree are small and greenish-white. The fruit of the Marula is round and yellow, resembling a small plum, with an edible juicy flesh surrounding a hard kernel at the center.
Light Requirements
Lannea edulis (Sond.) Engl. var. glabrescens (Engl.) Burtt Davy is a plant that requires a lot of sunlight for optimal growth. In fact, it thrives best in areas that receive direct sunlight for several hours every day. It is recommended to plant this species in areas where it can receive full sun exposure.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to warm and dry regions and is well adapted to hot conditions. The ideal temperature range for the growth of Lannea edulis (Sond.) Engl. var. glabrescens (Engl.) Burtt Davy is between 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). Flowering and fruit development takes place in high temperatures that range from 30°C to 38°C (86°F to 100.4°F). In colder areas, it can be grown indoors or in a greenhouse to avoid frost damage.
Soil Requirements
The root system of Lannea edulis (Sond.) Engl. var. glabrescens (Engl.) Burtt Davy prefers well-drained soils. It is commonly grown in a sandy-loam type of soil, but it can grow well in other soil types. The plant can tolerate soil pH levels ranging from 5.5 to 7.5, and it requires good soil fertility. It is recommended to amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, to improve nutrient content and soil structure.
Cultivation Methods
Lannea edulis (Sond.) Engl. var. glabrescens (Engl.) Burtt Davy can be grown from seed or propagated from stem cuttings. The seedlings should be grown in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. The plant prefers a sunny location with partial shade during the hottest part of the day.
Watering Needs
The Lannea edulis (Sond.) Engl. var. glabrescens (Engl.) Burtt Davy plant requires regular watering to establish itself. Water should be applied at the base of the plant and soak down to the roots. Once established, the plant can withstand periods of drought but should not be allowed to dry out completely.
Fertilization
Fertilizer application is recommended during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 20-20-20 or 10-10-10 can be applied every two months. Apply the fertilizer at the base of the plant, water thoroughly, and avoid getting the fertilizer on the leaves or foliage.
Pruning
Pruning is recommended to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged branches. The best time to prune is after the flowering season to avoid cutting off new growth. Cut back any stems that are crossing or rubbing against each other and remove any wilted or discolored leaves.
Propagation method for Lannea edulis (Sond.) Engl. var. glabrescens (Engl.) Burtt Davy
Lannea edulis (Sond.) Engl. var. glabrescens (Engl.) Burtt Davy, commonly known as the African grape or Marula, is a fruit tree that is native to Africa. The plant is typically propagated through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
The seeds of Lannea edulis can be collected from mature fruits that have fallen from the tree. The seeds should be extracted from the fruit pulp and cleaned. It is recommended to soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Propagation through cuttings
The stem cuttings of Lannea edulis can be taken from a mature and healthy tree during the dormant season. The cuttings should be approximately 30-45 cm in length and should include both softwood and hardwood. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist. The rooting typically occurs within 8-10 weeks.
Both propagation methods have been successful, but cuttings have been found to produce faster and more uniform growth rates compared to seeds.
Disease and Pest Management for Lannea edulis (Sond.) Engl. var. glabrescens (Engl.) Burtt Davy
Lannea edulis (Sond.) Engl. var. glabrescens (Engl.) Burtt Davy or commonly known as the Marula tree is a fruit-bearing tree that is native to Africa. Despite its resistance to drought, the tree is susceptible to certain pests and diseases that may affect its growth and fruit production. Effective disease and pest management practices can help prevent or minimize these issues.
Common Diseases
Brown rust and leaf spots are two of the most common fungal diseases that may affect Lannea edulis. Brown rust is characterized by the appearance of brownish-orange or pinkish-orange spores on the leaves, while leaf spots cause brownish-black spots on the leaf surface. These diseases can be prevented by maintaining proper tree hygiene, which includes removing any dead or diseased leaves or branches.
Common Pests
Caterpillars and fruit flies are two of the most common pests that may damage the Marula tree. Caterpillars can chew on the leaves, flowers, and fruits of the tree, while fruit flies damage the fruit, making them unsuitable for consumption. To prevent infestation, the tree can be sprayed with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Intercropping with crops that repel pests, such as chilies or garlic, can also be effective.
Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an environmentally friendly approach to pest management that relies on a combination of strategies to control pests. These strategies include cultural, biological, and chemical control measures. In the case of Marula trees, pruning the tree to improve airflow and light penetration can help prevent fungal diseases. Introducing natural predators such as birds and beneficial insects can also help control pest populations. The use of pesticides should be a last resort and only be applied according to label instructions and in the recommended amounts.
By implementing effective disease and pest management practices, the Marula tree can thrive and produce high-quality fruit. The key is to establish a holistic approach that takes into account the tree's environment, growth habit, and vulnerabilities.
