Maerua aprevaliana De Wild. & T.Durand
Maerua aprevaliana De Wild. & T.Durand is a shrub that belongs to the Capparidaceae family. It is native to various countries in Africa including Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo.
Common Names
The plant is known by several common names like the Forest Bean, African Arrowroot, and Ankandala.
Uses
The plant has various uses among the people in the regions where it is found. The bark extracts are used as a traditional medicine to treat several ailments like diarrhea, headaches, inflammation, and stomach problems. The leaves are used as vegetable food in soups and stews, and the seeds are roasted and eaten as a snack. In addition, the plant has industrial uses, and the seeds contain a high percentage of oil that is used in the manufacturing of soap and candles.
General Appearance
Maerua aprevaliana De Wild. & T.Durand is a multistemmed shrub that can reach a height of 3-4 meters. The bark is greyish-brown, and the leaves are simple, alternate and have a smooth surface. The flowers are white or pinkish and grow in clusters. The fruits are pear-shaped, and the seeds are black and oval-shaped.
Growth Conditions for Maerua aprevaliana De Wild. & T.Durand
Maerua aprevaliana De Wild. & T.Durand is a plant species that is native to West and Central Africa. It is a perennial shrub that grows up to 2-3 meters tall.
Light Requirements
Maerua aprevaliana requires full sun to partial shade to grow. It thrives in areas with bright, indirect light and can tolerate direct sunlight for a few hours each day. Inadequate light can cause stunted growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures, but it thrives in warm and humid conditions. The optimal temperature range is between 20°C to 30°C. Temperatures below 10°C and above 40°C can adversely affect the growth of the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in fertile, well-draining soil. It prefers sandy or loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be between 6.0 to 7.5. The plant is tolerant of drought and can withstand short periods of flooding.
Watering Requirements
Regular watering is essential for the growth of Maerua aprevaliana. The plant requires moderate watering, and overwatering should be avoided. It is recommended to water the plant once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilizer Requirements
The plant responds well to a balanced fertilizer application during the growing season. A slow-release fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every four to six weeks. Overfertilization should be avoided as it can cause salt build-up in the soil.
Cultivation
The Maerua aprevaliana De Wild. & T.Durand plant is horticulturally a perennial shrub that requires lots of warmth and sunlight to grow properly. It is best grown in an area with well-drained but fertile soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. This plant is more commonly propagated using seeds and should be grown in a greenhouse or indoors if the climate is not favorable to its growth outdoors.
Watering Needs
Maerua aprevaliana De Wild. & T.Durand prefers moderate to frequent watering to maintain the soil's moisture levels. The soil should not be allowed to dry out completely, but it should also not be too wet. As a result, it is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week during hot, dry climates. During winter months, watering should be reduced to prevent root rot.
Fertilization
Maerua aprevaliana De Wild. & T.Durand requires regular fertilization to grow and thrive. To ensure healthy growth, the plant needs a balanced fertilizer (NPK) with trace minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron. It's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and frequency.
Pruning
Pruning Maerua aprevaliana De Wild. & T.Durand is essential for removing dead and damaged branches and promoting healthy growth. This plant doesn't necessarily require extensive pruning as it grows in a natural bushy shape. However, pruning can be done in early spring, before the growing season begins, to maintain the shape of the plant and remove any dead or diseased branches.
Propagation of Maerua aprevaliana De Wild. & T.Durand Plant
Maerua aprevaliana De Wild. & T.Durand can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation through seeds:
The seeds of Maerua aprevaliana De Wild. & T.Durand are harvested from mature fruits. The fruits are collected when they are fully mature and have turned brown. The seeds are separated from the fruits and dried in the sun or in a well-ventilated room. The dried seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to two years.
Before planting the seeds, they should be soaked in water for 24 hours. This will help to soften the seed coat and promote germination. The seeds can be sown in seedling trays or directly in the field. The ideal time to plant the seeds is at the beginning of the wet season.
The seeds should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture, and kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination should occur within two to four weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of 5-10 cm, they can be transplanted to their permanent location in the field.
Propagation through cuttings:
Cuttings of Maerua aprevaliana De Wild. & T.Durand can be taken from mature plants. The best time to take cuttings is at the beginning of the rainy season, when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from vigorous and healthy plants.
The cuttings should be approximately 10-15 cm long, and taken from the younger shoots. The bottom of the cutting should be cut at a 45-degree angle, and dipped in rooting hormone powder to promote root formation. The cuttings can then be planted in a well-draining soil mixture, and placed in a shaded location until they have rooted.
Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted to their permanent location in the field.
Disease Management
Maerua aprevaliana De Wild. & T.Durand is susceptible to various diseases, and it is essential to monitor it closely to prevent the spread of any infections. Some common diseases that affect Maerua aprevaliana include:
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes small, dark spots on the leaves of the plant. The best way to manage it is to remove and destroy the affected leaves before spraying with a fungicide.
- Rust: Rust is another fungal disease that creates rust-colored patches on the leaves, stem, and flowers of the plant. Fungicide spray can help manage this disease.
- Bacterial Blight: This disease causes wilting and yellowing of the plant, and the affected parts can eventually die. There is no cure for this disease, and the best way to manage it is to remove and destroy the infected parts and disinfecting any tools used with a bactericide.
Pest Management
Maerua aprevaliana De Wild. & T.Durand can also attract various pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Some common pests that affect Maerua aprevaliana include:
- Aphids: These are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and distortion. The best way to manage them is to remove them manually or use an insecticidal soap spray.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellowing and curling of leaves. Spraying the plant with insecticidal soap regularly can help manage them.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars chew on the leaves and stem of the plant, causing significant damage. Handpicking them or using Bacillus thuringiensis to spray on the plant can help manage them.
It is essential to monitor Maerua aprevaliana De Wild. & T.Durand regularly, particularly during growth periods, to prevent any significant outbreak of pests and diseases that can damage the plant and reduce its yield. It is also advisable to ensure proper sanitation practices such as proper disposal of infected plant wastes and disinfecting tools.
