Overview of Lucuma Multiflora A. DC.
Lucuma multiflora A. DC. is a small, evergreen tree or shrub from the family Sapotaceae. It is native to the Andean regions of Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. In South America, it is known by various names such as 'abios,' 'chilimoya,' and 'lucuma del monte.'
General Appearance of Lucuma Multiflora A. DC.
The Lucuma multiflora tree can grow up to 6 to 9 meters tall. It has a dense, rounded crown of foliage with a grey-brown trunk. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and leathery. The bark is rough with vertical fissures and is brown to grey in color.
Uses of Lucuma Multiflora A. DC.
The fruit of the Lucuma multiflora tree is edible and is usually consumed fresh. It has a sweet and fragrant taste similar to that of honey, apricot, and sweet potato. The pulp of the fruit is dense, fibrous, and orange-yellow in color, containing one or two seeds. In Andean folklore, the fruit is believed to have medicinal properties and is used to treat coughs, colds, and skin ailments. The wood of the tree is used in construction and for fuel purpose.
Light requirements
Lucuma multiflora A. DC. thrives in areas with moderate to bright sunlight. It can tolerate partial shade, but it is recommended to provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and fruit production.
Temperature requirements
This plant is native to the subtropical regions of South America, and it grows best in temperatures between 20°C and 28°C (68°F to 82°F). It can withstand temperature fluctuations but prefers a warm and stable environment. Frost and cold temperatures can damage or kill the plant.
Soil requirements
Lucuma multiflora A. DC. prefers well-draining soils, rich in organic matter, and with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil textures, from sandy to clayey, as long as they don't retain water. Adding compost or other organic materials can improve the soil's fertility, aeration, and water-holding capacity.
It is also essential to avoid planting Lucuma multiflora A. DC. in areas with high salinity levels, compacted soils, or poor drainage, as they can hinder root growth and nutrient uptake.
Cultivation methods for Lucuma multiflora A. DC.
Lucuma multiflora A. DC. can be cultivated through seeds, seedlings, or propagation through cuttings. For cultivators, the younger the plant, the easier it is to grow. It is best to plant them in well-drained soil with a neutral pH level of around 6.5 to 7.5. The plant needs sunlight to grow well, so a location that receives full or partial sunlight would be perfect for cultivation.
Watering needs for Lucuma multiflora A. DC.
Lucuma multiflora A. DC. requires frequent watering during the growing season, especially during hot and dry weather conditions. However, caution should be taken to avoid waterlogging, which could cause the plant's roots to rot.
Fertilization for Lucuma multiflora A. DC.
The plant requires adequate nutrients to grow and produce fruits. Organic manure and compost are great options for fertilization as they improve soil quality, texture, and structure. Proper fertilization should be done four times a year to maintain healthy growth and fruit production.
Pruning of Lucuma multiflora A. DC.
Pruning helps maintain the height and shape of the plant, as well as promote healthy fruit production. Pruning should be done during the dormant period - mostly between late winter and early spring - after harvesting. It is best to cut off the lateral branches to encourage the vertical growth of the plant. Also, dead and diseased branches should be pruned to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Lucuma multiflora A. DC.
Lucuma multiflora A. DC., commonly known as Andean eggfruit, is a small to medium-sized tree that belongs to the Sapotaceae family. The plant is native to the Andean region of South America and is widely grown for its edible fruit.
Propagation of Lucuma multiflora A. DC. can be carried out through various methods including:
Seed propagation
Seeds are the primary means of vegetative propagation for Lucuma multiflora A. DC. Seeds are usually taken from matured fruit and cleaned before planting. The seedlings obtained from seeds take longer to mature and bear fruits, but they tend to produce stronger and more vigorous trees compared to other propagation methods.
Air layering
Air layering is a propagation method that involves the induction of roots on a stem while the stem is still attached to the mother plant. In Lucuma multiflora A. DC., air layering is commonly applied to plants that are difficult to root from cuttings, and it is useful for maintaining the genetic characteristics of the mother plant.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings propagation involves taking cuttings from the mother plant and growing them in a suitable environment until they develop into mature plants. Cuttings from Lucuma multiflora A. DC. are usually taken from matured semi-hardwood, which is then planted in soil. This type of propagation method produces plants that are genetically identical to the mother plant, and it is a faster method of vegetative propagation compared to seed propagation.
Grafting
Grafting is a propagation method that involves attaching a shoot or bud from a selected cultivar onto an established rootstock. In Lucuma multiflora A. DC., grafting is used to preserve the desirable qualities of the cultivar and to increase the yield of the fruit-bearing trees.
Propagation of Lucuma multiflora A. DC. requires proper care and attention to ensure that the plants develop into strong and healthy trees.
Disease and Pest Management for Lucuma multiflora
Lucuma multiflora, also called Andean lúcuma, is a fruit tree native to the high-altitude regions of South America. While it is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, there are still some issues that may affect its growth and productivity. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that may affect Lucuma multiflora and how to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on leaves and fruit. It thrives in warm and humid weather conditions. To manage anthracnose, remove and burn infected plant materials, prune infected branches, and apply copper-based fungicide sprays.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white or gray powder on the leaves, stems, and fruit. It grows in humid and cool conditions. To manage powdery mildew, remove and burn infected plant materials, improve air circulation, and apply sulfur-based fungicide sprays.
Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that causes the roots to rot and the plant to wilt. It thrives in saturated soil. To manage root rot, avoid over-watering the plant and improve soil drainage. You can also apply fungicide drenches around the base of the plant.
Pests
Fruit flies: Fruit flies are small insects that feed on the fruit and cause it to rot. To manage fruit flies, remove and dispose of infected fruit, use sticky traps, and apply neem oil sprays.
Mites: Mites are tiny insects that feed on the leaves and cause them to curl and turn yellow. To manage mites, wash the leaves with water, apply insecticidal soap sprays, or introduce predatory mites.
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves and cause them to yellow and distort. To manage aphids, spray the leaves with water, introduce natural predators like ladybugs, or apply insecticidal soap sprays.
By practicing good cultural practices such as proper pruning, watering, and fertilizing, you can improve the overall health of Lucuma multiflora and make it more resilient to pests and diseases.
