Overview
Lannea grossularia A.Chev. is a species of flowering plant in the family Anacardiaceae. It is a small to medium-sized tree that is native to West and Central Africa. The plant is known for its edible fruit and medicinal properties, and it has been used traditionally to cure various ailments.
Common Names
The plant is known by various common names depending on the region where it is found. Some of the common names for Lannea grossularia A.Chev. include:
- Korogwe plum
- Poison plum
- Grossularia
- Mnyanyaa
Appearance
Lannea grossularia A.Chev. is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. The tree is characterized by its dark brown bark, which is deeply fissured. The leaves of the tree are alternate and compound, measuring up to 20 cm in length and up to 12 cm in width. The tree produces small, yellow-green flowers that are arranged in axillary clusters. The fruit of the plant is small, green, and round, measuring about 1 cm in diameter. The fruit turns yellow when ripe and has a sour taste.
Uses
The fruit of Lannea grossularia A.Chev. is edible and is often used to make juice, jam, and a local alcoholic beverage called mnazi. The leaves and bark of the tree have medicinal properties and are used traditionally to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, stomachache, and fever. In addition, the tree is often planted as a shade tree and is also used for reforestation purposes in areas that have been deforested.
Light Requirements
Lannea grossularia A.Chev. prefers to grow in areas with bright, indirect light. It can tolerate short periods of direct sunlight but should be protected from prolonged exposure to harsh midday sun.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 18-26°C (64-79°F) and is not tolerant of frost or extreme heat. Maintaining consistent temperatures is key to ensuring optimal growth and health.
Soil Requirements
Lannea grossularia A.Chev. requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sand, loam, and clay, but requires a soil pH between 6.0-7.5. The plant is drought-tolerant but benefits from consistent moisture.
Cultivation of Lannea grossularia A.Chev.
Lannea grossularia A.Chev. is a deciduous tree species that grows up to a height of 20 meters and requires warm temperatures for optimal growth. For successful cultivation, plant the saplings or seeds in a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
The tree requires full sun exposure, so select a site that receives a minimum of six hours of full sunlight daily. Proper spacing between the trees is crucial for their growth and development.
It is advisable to plant a few specimens in a single location as it promotes cross-pollination that aids in fruit production.
Watering Needs
Lannea grossularia A.Chev. requires regular watering, especially when newly planted to promote root development. Adequate watering reduces stress on the plant, which promotes growth and fruit production.
When it matures, the tree can handle periods of droughts but may require regular watering in hot and prolonged dry seasons.
Fertilization
Fertilizing Lannea grossularia A.Chev. helps maintain the soil fertility and optimum growth. Apply compost or any other organic matter in the tree's root system during the early spring. Alternatively, use any balanced fertilizer and apply following the instructions on the packaging.
Avoid overfertilizing as it may cause foliage growth, leading to fewer fruits.
Pruning Lannea grossularia A.Chev.
Pruning Lannea grossularia A.Chev. promotes healthy growth and enhances fruit production. Prune early before the onset of new growth to avoid damaging new shoots.
Remove any dead or diseased wood. Trim and shape the branches to promote upward growth and support the tree's structure.
If necessary, thin out any overcrowded branches to increase sunlight penetration and air circulation, which promotes healthy growth and quality fruit production.
Propagation of Lannea grossularia A.Chev.
Lannea grossularia A.Chev. can be propagated through two main methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
Seeds are the primary method of propagation for Lannea grossularia A.Chev. The seeds are collected from ripe fruits, which are usually found in September and October. The collected seeds are cleaned and sown in nursery beds with well-prepared soil. The seeds have a hard coat and must be scarified before sowing to improve germination. The seedling emergence occurs within 10-14 days and they start growing rapidly. Once they are 6-8 inches tall, they are transplanted to individual pots or planting sites in the field.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation can be done through cuttings, layering, and grafting.
Cuttings: Hardwood cuttings with a diameter of 1 cm and a length of 25-30 cm are taken from the mother plant during the dormant season. The cuttings are treated with rooting hormones and planted in a well-prepared rooting medium. The cuttings are kept in high humidity and bright light until they develop roots.
Layering: Air layering is the most commonly used method for Lannea grossularia A.Chev. The process involves girdling a branch and applying a rooting hormone to the exposed area. A ball of moist sphagnum moss is then wrapped around the area and covered with a plastic bag. Roots will form within 3 months, and the rooted branch can then be cut and planted in the field.
Grafting: Grafting is another vegetative propagation method that can be used for Lannea grossularia A.Chev. The process involves joining a scionwood from the desired genotype to a rootstock of a closely related species. Whip and tongue grafting can be used in Lannea grossularia A.Chev.
Propagation of Lannea grossularia A.Chev. through seeds and vegetative methods can help in producing healthy and fast-growing plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Lannea grossularia A.Chev.
Lannea grossularia A.Chev., commonly known as Sour Plum, is a fruit-bearing plant that is native to Africa. Like other plants, Sour Plum is susceptible to different diseases and pests, which can weaken the plant and reduce its productivity. Therefore, it is vital to manage these diseases and pests to ensure healthy plant growth and maximum yield.
Common Diseases that Affect Lannea grossularia A.Chev.
The following are some of the common diseases that can affect Lannea grossularia A.Chev:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that can cause severe damage to the plant. It is characterized by the appearance of black or brown spots on the leaves, fruits, and twigs. To manage this disease, you can use fungicides, remove and destroy diseased plant parts, and practice crop rotation.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that results in the formation of small, circular spots on the leaves. These spots can merge to form large patches, causing severe defoliation and fruit drop. To manage this disease, you can apply fungicides and remove and destroy diseased plant parts.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that forms a powdery white coating on the leaves and fruits. This coating can reduce the plant's photosynthetic capacity and, eventually, cause defoliation. To manage this disease, you can use fungicides, maintain proper plant spacing to encourage air circulation, and remove and destroy diseased plant parts.
- Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that attacks the plant's roots, causing them to turn black and mushy. Infected plants often exhibit stunted growth and yellowing foliage. To manage this disease, you can avoid overwatering, maintain proper drainage, and use sterilized soil when replanting.
Common Pests that Affect Lannea grossularia A.Chev.
The following are some of the common pests that can affect Lannea grossularia A.Chev:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that feed on the plant's sap by piercing its leaves and stems. They can cause the leaves to curl and yellow, reducing the plant's ability to photosynthesize. To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soap, encourage natural aphid predators, and spray the plants with water to dislodge the insects.
- Fruit Flies: Fruit flies are small insects that lay their eggs on the fruit's surface, causing it to rot and drop. To manage fruit flies, you can use fruit fly traps, remove and destroy infested fruit, and maintain proper sanitation in and around the orchard.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny creatures that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and defoliation. They are prevalent in dry, hot weather and can cause severe damage if not managed promptly. To manage spider mites, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil and maintain proper plant spacing to encourage air circulation.
Managing diseases and pests in Lannea grossularia A.Chev. is essential to ensure healthy plant growth and maximum yield. Proper cultural practices, including crop rotation, sanitation, and timely application of pesticides and fungicides, are critical in managing plant diseases and pests.
