Overview of Mammea africana auct.
Mammea africana auct., also known as African mammee, wild mango or African apricot, is a fruit tree that originates from West, Central, and East Africa. It belongs to the Clusiaceae family, and it is closely related to the more common fruit tree, the Lucuma.
General Appearance
The African Mammee tree is a mid-sized tree that grows up to 30 meters tall with a dense, spherical-shaped canopy. The tree has a straight trunk, thick branches, and smooth, brownish-grey bark. Its dark green leaves are shiny, oblong with pointed tips and its flowers are yellowish-white in color.
The tree bears fruit, which is typically about the size of a small grapefruit. Its fruits are round and green when unripe and yellow or orange when mature. The fruit has a hard shell with a white, pulpy interior and one to four seeds inside. The flesh of the African Mammee fruit is aromatic with a sweet-sour taste.
Common Uses
The fruits of the African Mammee tree are highly valued for their medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments such as stomachaches, colic, and diarrhea. The fruit also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat skin diseases such as ringworm and other skin infections. The tree is additionally used in the manufacturing of soap.
The African Mammee tree is also cultivated for its timber and is used for making furniture, boat building, and flooring. The bark, leaves, and roots of the tree are all used in traditional medicine, with leaves and bark being used for skin treatments.
Conclusion
The African Mammee tree is an important plant in African culture, valued for its fruits, timber, and medicinal uses. The tree is readily found in the wild and is increasingly being cultivated for commercial purposes as well. While its fruits are highly prized for their unique flavor and medicinal properties, its timber is appreciated for its strength and durability, making it a valuable resource for the furniture, boat building, and construction industries.
Light Requirements
Mammea africana auct. prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to support healthy growth. Plants that receive less sunlight tend to grow slowly with weak, spindly stems.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in warm tropical climates with temperatures ranging between 60 °F to 90 °F. Frost can quickly damage or kill Mammea africana auct. Therefore, it is not well-suited for colder climates.
Soil Requirements
Mammea africana auct. grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil must be able to hold moisture without becoming waterlogged, as the plant is sensitive to root rot. A pH range of 6.5 to 7.5 is ideal for the plant's growth. The addition of a slow-release, balanced fertilizer can provide the necessary nutrients for optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods
Mammea africana is a slow-growing plant that thrives in a tropical climate. It is a low maintenance plant that prefers well-drained soils, high humidity and warm temperatures. Propagation can be done through seed germination or vegetative propagation.
Watering Needs
Mammea africana requires moderate watering, and it is important to maintain consistent moisture levels without over watering. Watering should be done when the topsoil feels dry to the touch. During the dry season, it may require more frequent watering to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
Fertilization
Fertilization should be done regularly to encourage healthy growth and development. Mammea africana thrives when fertilized regularly with a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilization should be done every 2-3 months.
Pruning
Mammea africana requires little pruning, but it is necessary to remove dead or diseased branches as soon as they are noticed. Pruning during the growing season will encourage branching and stimulate new growth. Additionally, pruning can be done to maintain the plant's desired shape and size.
Propagation of Mammea Africana Auct.
Mammea Africana Auct. can be propagated by seeds, stem cuttings or grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method for Mammea Africana Auct. Seeds need to be collected from fully ripe fruits. The seeds should be cleaned and soaked in water for a few hours before planting. They can be planted in a mixture of soil and compost. The seedlings should be watered regularly and kept in a warm, humid place. Germination can take up to 3 weeks.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is less common but can be successful. Cuttings should be taken from young stems with a length of about 10-15cm. The cuttings should be planted in a mixture of sand and compost and kept in a warm and humid place. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Roots will develop in about 6-8 weeks.
Propagation by Grafting
Propagation by grafting is the most common method for commercial production of Mammea Africana Auct. The rootstock used should be a closely related species or hybrid. The scion should be taken from a healthy tree and must be of the same diameter as the rootstock. Grafting should be done during the rainy season when the tree is actively growing. It is important to keep the newly grafted tree in a shaded area and regularly watered. The tree should be ready for transplanting after 6-10 months.
Disease and Pest Management for Mammea africana auct.
Mammea africana auct., commonly known as African mammee apple or African apricot, is a tropical plant that belongs to the family Clusiaceae. The plant is an excellent source of food and medicine due to its high nutritive and medicinal values. However, like most plants, the African mammee apple is prone to several diseases and pests that can reduce crop yield or even cause plant death.
Common Diseases
The African mammee apple can suffer from various bacterial, fungal, and viral diseases, such as anthracnose, powdery mildew, root rot, and yellow vein mosaic virus. Anthracnose is a fungal disease characterized by dark, sunken lesions that can appear on fruits, leaves, and stems. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that results in a grayish-white powder on the surface of the affected plant parts. Root rot is caused by different soil-borne fungi that attack the roots, causing wilting and death of the plant. Yellow vein mosaic virus is a type of viral disease that causes yellowing and curling of the leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yield.
Disease Management
The management of diseases in African mammee apple involves several cultural, chemical, and biological approaches. Cultural approaches involve crop rotation, planting disease-free seedlings, and avoiding over-watering. Chemical approaches include the use of fungicides and bactericides to control fungal and bacterial diseases. Biological approaches involve the use of biocontrol agents, such as beneficial microbes and fungi to control plant diseases.
Common Pests
The African mammee apple is also prone to several pests, including fruit flies, scale insects, mealybugs, and thrips. Fruit flies are small insects that lay eggs on the fruit surface, causing the fruit to rot. Scale insects and mealybugs are sucking insects that damage the plant by sucking sap from the leaves and stems. Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the flowers and leaves of the plant, causing distortion and discoloration.
Pest Management
The management of pests in African mammee apple involves different approaches, such as cultural, mechanical, and biological methods. Cultural methods involve the removal of infected plant parts, field sanitation, and planting of resistant varieties. Mechanical methods include the use of sticky traps, handpicking, and pruning. Biological methods involve the use of natural enemies, such as predators and parasitoids, and the use of botanical extracts and essential oils.
In conclusion, the management of diseases and pests in African mammee apple requires a combination of different approaches. Farmers and gardeners are advised to regularly monitor their crops for signs of diseases and pests and respond promptly to prevent further damage.
