Maesobotrya oblonga Hutch. - Description
Maesobotrya oblonga Hutch. is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, particularly in Cameroon, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. It is commonly known as the "Prune bush" or "African cherry."
General Appearance
The Maesobotrya oblonga Hutch. plant grows up to 3-5 meters tall, and the trunk is quite straight with a diameter of up to 10 cm. The branches are slender, with numerous short branchlets, and the bark is smooth and brownish in color. The leaves are alternate and elliptic, about 5-15 cm long and 2-4 cm broad. They are dark green on top and pale green on the underside. The flowers are yellow-green and grow in dense, rounded clusters at the ends of the branches. They have a slightly pungent odor.
Uses
In many African countries, the Maesobotrya oblonga Hutch. plant is used for medicinal purposes. The bark, leaves, and roots are boiled to make a decoction that is used to treat various ailments such as malaria, diarrhea, constipation and stomach disorders. The fruit of the plant is also edible, and when ripe, can be eaten raw or used to make jams and jellies.
Apart from its medicinal and nutritional uses, the plant has significant ecological importance. It is an important source of nectar and pollen for bees and other insects. The plant is also a natural fence, and it helps in soil conservation by checking soil erosion in degraded lands.
In conclusion, Maesobotrya oblonga Hutch. is an important plant in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, not only for its medicinal and nutritional value but also for its ecological significance.
Growth Conditions for Maesobotrya oblonga Hutch.
Light: Maesobotrya oblonga Hutch. requires bright indirect light for healthy growth. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. It is ideal to place the plant near a south-facing window covered with a sheer curtain or a few feet away from a west-facing window.
Temperature: This plant prefers warm temperatures ranging from 18°C to 26°C. It cannot tolerate temperatures below 15°C and sudden fluctuations in temperature. Avoid placing it near drafty areas such as doors or windows.
Humidity: The Maesobotrya oblonga Hutch. grows best in moderate to high humidity levels between 50% to 70%. You can increase humidity levels by placing a tray filled with water near the plant, grouping it with other plants, or using a humidifier.
Soil: This plant thrives in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a slightly acidic pH between 5.5 to 6.5. You can use a mix of peat moss, perlite, and loam in equal parts to provide the plant with the right soil conditions. Avoid using heavy clay soil as it can retain water and lead to root rot.
Water: Water the Maesobotrya oblonga Hutch. when the top layer of soil is dry. During the growing season, which is typically from spring to summer, water the plant frequently. In the winter, reduce watering and only water when the soil is dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods:
Maesobotrya oblonga Hutch., commonly known as the "Bitter Bark" tree, is a slow-growing plant and shrub endemic to Central Africa. To cultivate this plant, it is essential to provide it with a well-draining soil mix with adequate nutrients and fertilization. The best time to plant this tree is during the fall or early spring.
The plant can withstand moderate shade, but it thrives better in a partially shaded area. It is essential to ensure proper spacing between the trees as they grow to avoid overcrowding. Once you plant the tree, it is essential to add mulch around the base to retain moisture and control weed growth.
Watering Needs:
The Bitter Bark tree requires regular watering to keep its soil moist throughout the year. During the plant's growing season, it is essential to water it once or twice a week, depending on your area's weather conditions. When you water the plant, ensure that you do not water the foliage to avoid fungus growth.
During the dormant season, water the plant less often, as it thrives better in dry soil. The plant can withstand temporary Xeriscaping, although it requires regular watering for healthy growth and full productivity.
Fertilization:
Like any other plant, the Bitter Bark tree requires adequate nutrients to thrive. Fertilizing the tree once a year with a slow-release fertilizer provides it with enough nutrients to support healthy growth. It is essential to ensure that you follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer when applying the fertilizer.
Applying too much fertilizer can burn the plant's roots, leading to stunted growth or even damage. It is also crucial to apply the fertilizer in the fall and begin watering the plant regularly for the best results.
Pruning:
The Bitter Bark tree grows slowly, but when it reaches maturity, it can grow up to a maximum of 15 feet tall. As such, pruning the tree is essential to keep it healthy and manageable. Pruning regularly ensures that you remove dead or broken branches and maintain optimal growth.
It is best to prune the tree during the dormant season as this allows the tree to recover quickly and continue healthy growth once the growing season arrives. When pruning, ensure that you maintain the plant's natural shape and avoid removing more than a third of its foliage.
Propagation of Maesobotrya oblonga Hutch.
Maesobotrya oblonga Hutch. is an attractive, evergreen shrub with bright green leaves and beautiful, fragrant flowers. The plant can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Propagation through Seeds
The plant produces small, black seeds that can be harvested for propagation. The seeds should be collected from fully matured fruits, which usually ripen in the late fall or early winter. After collecting the seeds, they should be cleaned and dried before being stored in a cool, dry place until the planting season.
When it is time to plant the seeds, prepare a well-draining potting mix and fill the containers. Lightly press the seeds into the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Water the seeds and cover the pots with a clear plastic cover to create a greenhouse effect. Place the pots in a warm, well-lit area, but avoid direct sunlight. The seeds should germinate in about a month.
Vegetative Propagation
Maesobotrya oblonga Hutch. can also be propagated asexually through stem cuttings. To do so, cut a 6-inch stem from a healthy parent plant and remove the leaves from the lower third of the stem. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder and insert it into a well-draining potting mix. Ensure the mix is moist and keep the pot in a warm, well-lit area, but out of direct sunlight. Mist the cutting regularly to maintain humidity, and once established, gently tug the stem to check that it has rooted into the soil. The cutting should root in about four weeks.
The plant can also be propagated through air-layering where a branch is notched, and root hormone is applied over the area. The branch is then wrapped with damp moss and wrapped with plastic film to encourage rooting in the notched area. When the roots develop, the moss is removed, and the plant is potted in a well-draining medium.
Disease and Pest Management for Maesobotrya Oblonga Hutch.
Maesobotrya oblonga Hutch., commonly known as African blackwood, is a tree species that is highly valued for its wood. As with any other plants, African blackwood is susceptible to pest and disease attacks, which can cause significant damage if left untreated. The following are some common diseases and pests that affect African blackwood and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
Fungal infections: African blackwood is susceptible to various types of fungal infections, including root rot, stem canker, and leaf spot. These infections can weaken the plant and affect its growth and development. To manage fungal infections, it is essential to keep the plant healthy and avoid overcrowding. Prune any diseased parts and dispose of them appropriately. Use fungicides as directed to control the spread of fungal infections.
Bacterial infections: Bacterial infections can cause significant damage to African blackwood. Common bacterial infections in African blackwood include bacterial wilt and stem canker. Infected parts of the plant should be pruned and disposed of properly. The use of copper fungicides can help control bacterial infections.
Common Pests
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause significant damage to African blackwood by sucking the sap from the plant. These pests are commonly found on the undersides of leaves and often create webs. Regularly inspect the plant and prune any affected parts. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control spider mites.
Scales: Scales can also cause damage to African blackwood by sucking the sap from leaves and stems. They are often found in clusters on the bark and create a hard shell to protect themselves. Use neem oil or insecticidal soaps to control scales. Alternatively, prune any affected parts of the plant.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can cause significant damage to African blackwood by feeding on the leaves. Manual removal of caterpillars and the use of Bacillus thuringiensis can help control caterpillar infestation.
Overall, effective pest and disease management is critical to maintaining the health and productivity of African blackwood. Regular inspection, pruning, and the use of appropriate insecticides and fungicides can help protect the plant from pest and disease attacks.
