Origin and Common Names
Maesopsis eminii Engl. subsp. berchemioides (Pierre) N.Hallé is a deciduous tree in the family Rhamnaceae, commonly known as the African teak. It is native to central and eastern Africa, including Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi. The tree can grow up to 40 meters tall and has a girth of around 3.5 meters.General Appearance
The African teak has a straight, cylindrical bole with a rounded crown. The tree has a greyish-brown smooth bark that is slightly scaly. The leaves are simple, alternate, glossy green, and broadly elliptic or ovate in shape, measuring 7-20 cm by 5-13 cm. The flowers are small and insignificant, and the fruit is a red or brown drupe, about 5-8 mm in diameter.Uses
The African teak is widely used for various purposes. The wood is strong, durable, and termite resistant, making it ideal for construction, furniture, and decorative work. The bark and leaves of the tree are used for traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as stomach ulcers, toothache, and boils. The tree is also essential in reforestation and soil conservation due to its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. Furthermore, the fruit can be a valuable source of food for wildlife. In conclusion, Maesopsis eminii Engl. subsp.berchemioides (Pierre) N.Hallé is an important tree in Africa due to its versatility and ability to thrive in various environmental conditions. Its wood, bark, and leaves are valuable sources of materials for various uses, and its nitrogen-fixing ability makes it important in reforestation and soil conservation.Light Requirements
Maesopsis eminii subsp. berchemioides prefers full sunlight for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but it grows at a slower rate and may produce fewer blooms. Therefore, it is crucial to plant it in an area where it receives full sun exposure for most of the day.
Temperature Requirements
Maesopsis eminii subsp. berchemioides grows well in tropical and subtropical environments. The plant thrives in temperatures ranging from 22 to 33 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius may harm the plant and may cause stunted growth or death. It is best to avoid planting Maesopsis eminii subsp. berchemioides in areas with frigid temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Maesopsis eminii subsp. berchemioides grows well in fertile, well-drained soils. The plant requires sufficient moisture to grow and thrive, but it cannot tolerate waterlogged soils. Before planting, it is best to amend the soil with organic matter to provide nutrients and enhance soil drainage. A pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 is ideal for the plant, and it is best to avoid soils with a pH below 5.0 or above 8.0.
Cultivation methods
Maesopsis eminii Engl. subsp. berchemioides (Pierre) N.Hallé is a hardy plant that can adapt to various growing conditions. It prefers full sun exposure, but it can also tolerate partial shade. The plant is ideal for cultivation in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It can thrive in both acidic and alkaline soils with pH levels ranging from 5.5 to 8.5.
The plant is propagated using seeds. The seeds should be sown in seed trays or pots filled with a mixture of sand and topsoil. The pots or trays should be placed in a warm, bright location, and the soil should be kept moist until the seedlings emerge. Once the seedlings have grown to a reasonable size, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Watering needs
Maesopsis eminii Engl. subsp. berchemioides (Pierre) N.Hallé has moderate water requirements. The plant can tolerate short periods of drought, but it prefers to be watered regularly. During the growing season, the plant requires deep watering at least once a week. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering to avoid overwatering. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
The plant requires fertilization to promote healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideal. Fertilizer should be applied once a month during the growing season. Care should be taken not to apply too much fertilizer, which can lead to excess vegetation growth at the expense of flowers and fruit.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of Maesopsis eminii Engl. subsp. berchemioides (Pierre) N.Hallé. The plant should be pruned in late winter or early spring before the start of the growing season. Dead or diseased branches should be removed first. Then, thin out any overcrowded or crossing branches. It is important not to over-prune the plant, as this can reduce its overall health and vigor.
Propagation of Maesopsis eminii Engl. subsp. berchemioides (Pierre) N.Hallé
Maesopsis eminii Engl. subsp. berchemioides (Pierre) N.Hallé, commonly known as African cherry or Musizi, can be propagated through different methods. These include:
Seed Propagation:
Seeds of African cherry are usually viable for a short period and must be sown immediately after harvesting. The seedlings emerge 2 to 4 weeks after planting. Before planting the seeds, they should be cleaned, soaked in water for approximately 24 hours, and then spread out to dry before sowing. African cherry seeds also require a well-drained, fertile soil mixture that is rich in organic matter for successful germination.
Cuttings Propagation:
Maesopsis eminii can also be propagated from stem cuttings, which is a faster method of propagation than seed propagation. Cuttings of African cherry are taken from young branches and should be at least 30 cm long with a diameter of about 1 cm. The bottom end of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting it in a rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment until they establish roots. After rooting, they can then be transplanted into individual pots or planted directly into the ground.
Air-layer Propagation:
Air-layer propagation involves inducing roots to form on the stem of a mature African cherry plant. This method is useful when it is difficult to propagate the plant from cuttings or when you want to get more plants from a mature African cherry tree. To air-layer an African cherry tree, select a mature branch without any side shoots, then make a cut under the desired point of the new root system formation. Apply rooting hormone to the cut, wrap some sphagnum moss around it, and then cover the moss with plastic wrap. Keep the moss consistently moist until you see roots forming, after which you can cut the branch and plant your new African cherry tree.
Disease Management for Maesopsis Eminii Engl. subsp. Berchemioides (Pierre) N.Hallé
Maesopsis Eminii Engl. subsp. Berchemioides (Pierre) N.Hallé is a hardy plant but it is not immune to diseases. There are several diseases that might affect the plant but the most common ones are;
- Canker disease: This is a fungal disease that affects the bark of the tree, causing it to become discolored and cracked. It might lead to the death of the tree. To manage this disease, prune and discard the affected branches, sterilize your pruning tools before and after pruning, and ensure that the tree is getting enough water and nutrients.
- Leaf spot disease: This is a fungal disease that causes spots on the leaves of the Maesopsis Eminii Engl. subsp. Berchemioides (Pierre) N.Hallé tree. It might lead to the defoliation of the tree. To manage this disease, ensure that the tree is getting enough water and nutrients and apply a fungicide to the tree.
Pest Management for Maesopsis Eminii Engl. subsp. Berchemioides (Pierre) N.Hallé
Maesopsis Eminii Engl. subsp. Berchemioides (Pierre) N.Hallé is also prone to pest infestations. The common pests that might affect the plant are;
- Mealybugs: These are small insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to become yellow and the plant to wilt. To manage this pest, prune and discard the affected branches, sterilize your pruning tools before and after pruning, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the affected plant.
- Spider mites: These are tiny pests that feed on the underside of leaves, causing them to become discolored and fall off. To manage this pest, maintain a humid environment around the plant, prune and discard the affected branches, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the affected plant, and introduce predatory mites to the plant.
