Origin
Lasiodiscus mannii Hook.f. ex Hemsl., commonly known as West African Cherry or Ogilisi, is a fruit-bearing plant that is native to the tropical rainforests of West Africa, specifically in Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
General Appearance
The West African Cherry is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 25 meters in height. It has a straight trunk with a dark, reddish-brown, and rough bark that measures up to 60 cm in diameter. Its alternate leaves are elliptical to ovate and grow up to 12 cm in length and 6 cm in width, each with a pointed tip and a wavy margin. The tree produces small white flowers in clusters that bloom from January to April. Its fruit is small, round or oblong, and measures 3-4 cm in diameter. It has a greenish-yellow color when immature, and red or dark purple when ripe, with a fleshy and juicy pulp inside.
Common Names and Uses
The West African Cherry is known by many popular names depending on the locality. In Nigeria, it is commonly referred to as "Agbalumo," "Udara" in Igbo, "Otien" in Akwamu, and "Abo" in Yoruba, while in Cameroon, it is called "Doka," "Mbokok," or "Mboke." The fruit of the West African Cherry tree is edible and is used for both medicinal and culinary purposes. The ripe fruits are eaten fresh or processed into juice, jam, and ice cream. The unripe fruit is believed to be a cure for sore throat, constipation, and fever in traditional African medicine. The bark, roots, and leaves are also used to treat various ailments such as jaundice, dysentery, and stomach ache.
Growth Conditions for Lasiodiscus mannii Hook.f. ex Hemsl.
Lasiodiscus mannii Hook.f. ex Hemsl. is a tropical plant that is commonly found in West Africa. It is a small shrub that grows to about 6 feet in height and has green leaves and fragrant white flowers. Here are the ideal growth conditions for this plant:
Light Requirements
Lasiodiscus mannii Hook.f. ex Hemsl. requires ample sunlight to grow, but it cannot tolerate direct sunlight. The plant needs to be grown in partial shade or filtered sunlight for optimal growth. If the plant is exposed to too much sunlight, it can lead to leaf scorch and loss of flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Lasiodiscus mannii Hook.f. ex Hemsl. is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can tolerate some fluctuations in temperature, but it cannot handle extreme heat or cold. Frost can damage the plant, so it is important to protect it during colder months.
Soil Requirements
Lasiodiscus mannii Hook.f. ex Hemsl. prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6.0 to 7.0). The plant does not tolerate soils that are waterlogged or too dry. It is important to maintain a consistent level of moisture in the soil.
Fertilization
Lasiodiscus mannii Hook.f. ex Hemsl. benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. The use of organic fertilizers is recommended as they help to improve soil fertility and structure. The fertilizers should contain a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium.
Watering Requirements
Lasiodiscus mannii Hook.f. ex Hemsl. requires consistent moisture to grow, but it cannot tolerate waterlogging. It is best to water the plant deeply and then allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again. During periods of drought, it is important to water the plant regularly to prevent wilting.
By providing these optimal growth conditions, you can ensure that Lasiodiscus mannii Hook.f. ex Hemsl. thrives and produces healthy flowers.
Cultivation Methods
Lasiodiscus mannii Hook.f. ex Hemsl. is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures, humidity, and shade to grow and thrive. It can be grown in pots or directly in the ground. The plant prefers well-drained, fertile soils and can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soils. Young plants should be protected from direct sunlight and strong winds. Once the plant has established, it can handle some sunlight but still requires shade during the hottest part of the day.Watering Needs
The Lasiodiscus mannii plant requires regular watering to thrive. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. It is essential to water the plant frequently in hot and dry weather. Watering should be reduced during the rainy season or when the air is humid.Fertilization
Fertilization is an essential aspect of fostering the growth and development of Lasiodiscus mannii Hook.f. ex Hemsl. The plant requires moderate amounts of fertilizer to help it maintain its overall health and produce vibrant leaves and flowers. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus are ideal for Lasiodiscus mannii. The fertilizer should be applied every two months during the growing season and watered well to promote absorption.Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of maintaining Lasiodiscus mannii Hook.f. ex Hemsl. It is recommended to prune the plant regularly to remove any damaged or diseased parts of the plant. Pruning encourages healthy growth, increased flower production, and improves the plant's overall health. Pruning should be done in early spring before the onset of new growth. Suckers and shoots that grow from the base of the plant should be removed to encourage proper growth and flowering. It is also essential to remove spent flowers and seed pods to prevent the plant from diverting energy from further growth.Propagation of Lasiodiscus mannii Hook.f. ex Hemsl.
Propagation of Lasiodiscus mannii can be done by two main methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be obtained from mature fruits that have turned brown. The seeds have a hard coat and have to be soaked in boiling water for 24 hours before they can be planted in a well-drained potting mix. The potting mix should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Germination can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks depending on the conditions. Once the seedlings are big enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Cuttings Propagation
The other method of propagation is through stem cuttings. Cuttings can be taken from the new growth at the tip of the stems, and they should be about 4-6 inches long. The bottom nodes of the cutting should be stripped of leaves and dipped into hormone rooting powder. The cutting should then be placed in a well-drained potting mix, and kept moist but not waterlogged. The cutting should root within 2-4 weeks and can be transferred into an individual pot once they have established roots.
Disease Management for Lasiodiscus mannii Hook.f. ex Hemsl.
Lasiodiscus mannii Hook.f. ex Hemsl. is a hardy plant that is fairly resistant to diseases. However, there are a few diseases that may affect the plant, especially in situations where the plant is under stressful conditions. Here are some common diseases that may affect Lasiodiscus mannii and ways to manage them:
Crown Gall
Crown gall is a bacterial disease that causes the formation of tumours on the roots of the plant. The tumours are usually irregular in shape and vary in size. They may also appear on the stems and branches of the plant, causing them to become distorted. Crown gall can weaken the plant and reduce yields. The bacteria enter the plant through wounds on the roots and stems.
There is no cure for crown gall, so prevention is key. Use disease-free planting material and avoid injuring the roots and stems. Avoid planting in areas where infected plants have been grown before. If plants have crown gall, remove and destroy them. Also, prune and discard infected stems and branches.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular or irregular spots on the leaves of the plant. The spots may be small or large and may have a dark, water-soaked margin. The spots may become more numerous and coalesce, causing the leaves to yellow and drop prematurely. Leaf spot can weaken the plant and reduce yields.
To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves and stems. Avoid overhead watering and irrigate at the base of the plant to prevent splashing of spores. Improve air circulation around plants by spacing them properly and pruning to reduce plant density. Use fungicides if necessary, according to label instructions.
Pest Management for Lasiodiscus mannii Hook.f. ex Hemsl.
Lasiodiscus mannii is susceptible to pest damage, especially from insects. Here are some common pests of Lasiodiscus mannii and ways to manage them:
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, white, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant and excrete a honeydew substance that can attract ants and cause sooty mold. They may cluster on the undersides of leaves, in leaf axils, and on other parts of the plant.
To manage mealybugs, remove and destroy infested plants. Use a high-pressure hose or a soft-bristled brush to physically remove mealybugs. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant, according to label instructions.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that can cause yellowing and bronzing of the leaves. They spin fine webs on the undersides of leaves and may be visible as tiny dots moving around the webbing.
To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong blast of water to physically remove mites. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant, according to label instructions. Improve air circulation around plants by spacing them properly and pruning to reduce plant density.
