Overview of Lannea edulis var. edulis x L. edulis var. integrifolia Hell.
Lannea edulis var. edulis x L. edulis var. integrifolia Hell. is a tree that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. It is a hybrid species, with the two main parent species being Lannea edulis var. edulis and Lannea edulis var. integrifolia Hell. This plant is native to the African region and is often found growing in tropical and subtropical climates.
Common Names
The Lannea edulis var. edulis x L. edulis var. integrifolia Hell. plant is known by several common names across different regions. In Ethiopia, it is commonly called 'gebara', while it is referred to as "n'sangu" in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Other common names include African grapes, Mukua, and 'mallagueta' in Cameroon and Nigeria.
Appearance
The Lannea edulis var. edulis x L. edulis var. integrifolia Hell. plant grows up to 25 meters tall, with a diameter of about 75 cm. It has a rounded crown, and its bark is smooth, grey, and slightly cracked. The leaves are alternate and pinnate with 5-11 leaflets, with a length of up to 20 cm. The flowers are small, greenish-white or cream-colored, and are produced in clusters on long stalks. The fruit is an edible drupe that is yellow to orange when ripe, round or slightly elongated, and about 2.5 cm in diameter. The seed is a flattened disc, surrounded by a fibrous mesocarp.
Uses
The Lannea edulis var. edulis x L. edulis var. integrifolia Hell. plant is widely used for its nutritional and medicinal properties. The fruits are edible and rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a valuable food source for both humans and animals. The leaves, bark, and roots of the plant contain bioactive compounds that have medicinal properties. They are used to treat a wide range of ailments, including malaria, fever, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. The wood of the plant is also used for construction, making furniture, and firewood.
In conclusion, the Lannea edulis var. edulis x L. edulis var. integrifolia Hell. plant is a hybrid species that is indigenous to the African region. It has many common names, including African grapes, Mukua, and 'mallagueta'. The plant's appearance includes smooth, grey, and slightly cracked bark, pinnate leaves, small greenish-white or cream-colored flowers, and an edible drupe fruit. It is widely used for its nutritional and medicinal properties, with the fruits being a valuable food source and the leaves, bark, and roots used for medicinal purposes.
Light Requirements
Lannea edulis var. edulis x L. edulis var. integrifolia Hell. is a plant that thrives in full sun or partial shade. It can tolerate direct sunlight but prefers to have some shade during the hottest part of the day. When grown indoors, the plant requires ample light to ensure healthy growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
This plant does well in warm, tropical climates and can be sensitive to cold temperatures. It requires a minimum temperature of 65°F (18°C) for optimal growth and can tolerate temperatures up to 90°F (32°C). Temperatures below 55°F (12°C) can damage the plant and cause stunted growth or even death.
Soil Requirements
Lannea edulis var. edulis x L. edulis var. integrifolia Hell. requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal for this plant. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as excess moisture can cause root rot. When grown in containers, it is essential to use a potting mix that is specifically formulated for tropical plants.
Cultivation methods
The plant Lannea edulis var. edulis x L. edulis var. integrifolia Hell. thrives in warm climatic conditions, and it is vital to plant them during the rainy season. It prefers sandy loam soils and should be planted in well-drained soils, and the pH range should be between 5.5-7.5. It is essential to clear all the weeds around the plant's vicinity to ensure its growth is not hindered. If it is planted next to another tree, adequate spacing should be maintained to ensure both trees have enough space for optimal growth.
Watering needs
The plant Lannea edulis var. edulis x L. edulis var. integrifolia Hell. requires moderate watering for better survival and growth. If the plant is planted during the rainy season, it might not require regular watering, but in a dry season, regular watering should be done. Overwatering and underwatering the plant might damage its growth, and as such, water should be given when required, taking note of the temperature and weather conditions.
Fertilization
The plant Lannea edulis var. edulis x L. edulis var. integrifolia Hell. requires regular fertilization to guarantee optimal growth. The type of fertilizer used should be rich in nitrogen and potassium. It is essential to note that over-fertilization might hinder the growth of the plant, and as such, it is necessary to follow the prescribed instructions on the fertilizer pack. Fertilization should be done during the growing season to promote better growth.
Pruning
Pruning is crucial in the growth of Lannea edulis var. edulis x L. edulis var. integrifolia Hell. The plant requires occasional pruning to remove any damaged leaves or branches. Pruning should also be done to maintain the plant's shape and encourage better growth. It is important to note that pruning should not be done during the dormant season as it might damage the plant. Pruning should be done during the growing season, and it is recommended to use the right tools to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Lannea edulis var. edulis x L. edulis var. integrifolia Hell.
Lannea edulis var. edulis x L. edulis var. integrifolia Hell. is a popular tree species that is native to Southern and Eastern Africa. This tree species can be propagated through two main methods;
1. Seed propagation:
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Lannea edulis var. edulis x L. edulis var. integrifolia Hell. The seeds should be collected during the fruiting season and sown immediately. The seeds should be scarified and soaked in water overnight to improve germination rate. The seedlings should be transplanted to poly bags filled with well-drained soil when they reach a height of 10-15cm.
2. Vegetative propagation:
Vegetative propagation of Lannea edulis var. edulis x L. edulis var. integrifolia Hell. can be done through stem cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from healthy mother trees. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormones and placed in well-drained soil. The rooting medium should be kept moist at all times until the cuttings root. Transplanting should be done when the roots have developed well.
Disease and Pest Management for Lannea edulis var. edulis x L. edulis var. integrifolia Hell.
Lannea edulis var. edulis x L. edulis var. integrifolia Hell. is a deciduous tree species that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It is important to note that this plant is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Therefore, it is essential to have proper pest and disease management strategies in place to prevent significant harm to the trees and maximize yield.
Common Diseases
Fungal Infections: Lannea edulis var. edulis x L. edulis var. integrifolia Hell. is prone to fungal infections such as powdery mildew, leaf blight, and root rot. The occurrence of these diseases is favored by high humidity and wet conditions. To control fungal infections, it is recommended to keep the plant and its environment clean. Pruning infected branches and removing severely infected leaves are also effective ways to prevent further spread of the disease.
Bacterial Infections: Bacterial infections such as bacterial leaf spot, crown gall, and canker can cause severe damage to Lannea edulis var. edulis x L. edulis var. integrifolia Hell. These infections are spread through contaminated soil and water, as well as, plant-to-plant contact. To manage bacterial infections, it is vital to maintain good plant hygiene. It is also important to remove infected plant parts and disinfect pruning tools after use.
Common Pests
Thrips: Thrips are one of the most common pests of Lannea edulis var. edulis x L. edulis var. integrifolia Hell. They cause damage by piercing the surface of leaves and stems and sucking the sap. The infestation of thrips can be controlled by using insecticides containing imidacloprid or spinosad.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can cause significant damage to Lannea edulis var. edulis x L. edulis var. integrifolia Hell. by eating the plant's foliage. Handpicking the caterpillars is one of the best ways to control the infestation. Insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis can also be used to eradicate caterpillar populations.
African Black Beetle: The African black beetle is a common pest that breeds in soil and can cause significant damage to the roots of Lannea edulis var. edulis x L. edulis var. integrifolia Hell. Infested areas should be treated with insecticides containing carbaryl or imidacloprid. It is also important to maintain proper soil moisture levels to avoid attracting black beetles.
In conclusion, it is essential to have an integrated pest and disease management strategy to control the pests and diseases that can harm Lannea edulis var. edulis x L. edulis var. integrifolia Hell. Implementing cultural methods such as proper pruning, good plant hygiene, and maintaining optimal soil conditions can be cost-effective and efficient methods for controlling diseases and pests before chemical intervention.
