Overview of the Mangifera gabonensis Aubry-LeComte ex O'Rorke Plant
Mangifera gabonensis Aubry-LeComte ex O'Rorke is a species of tree found in tropical Africa. The plant is known by several common names, including African mango, bush mango, wild mango, dika nut, and ogbono.
Appearance of the Mangifera gabonensis Aubry-LeComte ex O'Rorke Tree
The Mangifera gabonensis tree can grow up to 40 meters in height, with a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter. The leaves are evergreen and leathery, with a length of 15 to 35 centimeters. They are dark green on the upper side and pale green on the underside.
The fruit of the Mangifera gabonensis tree is a large, oblong drupe, similar in appearance to the more familiar mango. The fruit can weigh up to 10 kilograms and is green when unripe, turning yellow-orange when mature. The flesh of the fruit is fibrous and surrounds a hard seed.
Uses of Mangifera gabonensis Aubry-LeComte ex O'Rorke
The fruit of the Mangifera gabonensis tree is commonly used for food in tropical Africa. It is consumed fresh or dried, and the fibrous flesh is often used to make a type of jam. The seeds of the fruit are used to make a nutritious oil that is used in cooking and cosmetics.
The bark of the Mangifera gabonensis tree is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, fever, and malaria. The bark contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Additionally, the seeds of the Mangifera gabonensis tree are a source of a gum-like substance called Irvingia, which is used as a thickener in the food industry.
Overall, the Mangifera gabonensis tree is an important resource for the people of tropical Africa, providing food, medicine, and a variety of other useful materials.
Growth Conditions for Mangifera gabonensis Aubry-LeComte ex O'Rorke
Mangifera gabonensis Aubry-LeComte ex O'Rorke, commonly known as the African mango or bush mango, is a tree that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. It is widely distributed across the African continent and can grow up to 40 meters tall.
Light Requirements
The African mango tree prefers full sunlight exposure to thrive. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. The tree can tolerate some shade but does not perform well in low light conditions. Therefore, it is best to plant the tree in an open area with full sun exposure.
Temperature Requirements
The African mango tree is well-suited for tropical and subtropical climates. It grows well in temperatures between 20 to 35°C (68 to 95°F). The tree is sensitive to frost and cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C (50°F). Therefore, it is important to ensure that the tree is planted in a frost-free area.
Soil Requirements
The African mango tree prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It can grow in a wide variety of soil types, including loam, sandy-loam, and clay-loam. However, it does not perform well in waterlogged or poorly drained soils. The tree requires adequate moisture, and therefore, it is important to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
In conclusion, the African mango tree requires full sunlight exposure, temperatures between 20 to 35°C (68 to 95°F), and well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. By providing these suitable growth conditions, the tree can grow healthily and produce abundant fruit.
Cultivation Methods
Mangifera gabonensis, also known as Gabon mango, is a tropical tree that requires a warm and humid climate. It is best grown in well-draining loamy soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. It requires full sunlight exposure to thrive. The ideal temperature for optimum growth is between 20 and 26°C. The tree grows up to 35 meters tall, and its trunk can reach 1.5 meters in diameter.
Watering Needs
The Gabon mango tree requires regular watering to thrive. It prefers moist but not waterlogged soil. Water the tree at least once a week, especially during the dry season. However, excess water can lead to root rot, which can be detrimental to the tree's growth. Avoid watering the tree during the rainy season as it can lead to waterlogging.
Fertilization
The Gabon mango tree requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth and fruit production. Apply a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10:10:10 or 14:14:14 four times a year. Apply the fertilizer in a ring around the tree's base, and water it well to allow the nutrients to penetrate the soil. Organic fertilizers such as compost and cow manure can also be applied.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of Mangifera gabonensis cultivation as it helps to promote healthy growth, maintain tree shape and size, and improve fruit quality. Prune the tree yearly to remove diseased, dead or damaged branches. Prune the tree's canopy to allow enough sunlight to reach the lower branches. The tree can also be pruned to maintain a specific height and shape. Avoid pruning during the flowering and fruiting period as it can lead to reduced fruit production.
Propagation of Mangifera gabonensis Aubry-LeComte ex O'Rorke
Mangifera gabonensis Aubry-LeComte ex O'Rorke, also known as African mango, is a tropical tree that is native to West and Central Africa. It is commonly grown for its edible fruit and for its use in traditional medicine. The tree is propagated through various methods, which include:
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Mangifera gabonensis is through seeds. Seeds are collected from ripe fruits that have fallen from the tree or from freshly harvested fruits. The seeds are then cleaned and sown immediately in nursery beds or pots. The seeds take about 2-3 weeks to germinate.
Grafting
Grafting is another method used to propagate Mangifera gabonensis. This method involves joining a scion of the desired cultivar onto a rootstock of a closely related species. Grafting is usually done during the rainy season when the tree is actively growing. The scion is obtained from a mature tree and the rootstock is obtained from a seedling or a young tree.
Air layering
Air layering is a method used to propagate mature Mangifera gabonensis trees. It involves wounding a branch, packing the wound with moist soil and wrapping it with plastic. Roots develop in the wound area and are then separated from the parent tree to form a new tree.
Cuttings
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Mangifera gabonensis, although it is not a common method. Cuttings are taken from mature trees during the rainy season and are planted in nursery beds or pots. Rooting hormone may also be applied to encourage root development.
Overall, there are various methods of propagating Mangifera gabonensis, with seed propagation being the most commonly used method. Other methods include grafting, air layering, and cuttings.
Disease and Pest Management for Mangifera gabonensis Aubry-LeComte ex O'Rorke
Mangifera gabonensis Aubry-LeComte ex O'Rorke, also known as the Gabon mango, is a tropical fruit tree that can be affected by various diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Gabon mango is anthracnose. It is a fungal disease that can cause leaf spots, fruit rot, and dieback. Another fungal disease is powdery mildew, which causes powdery white or gray patches on the leaves, flowers, and fruits. Bacterial black spot is also a common disease that affects the fruit, causing black spots on the skin and sometimes rotting of the fruit.
Pest Management
One of the most dangerous pests for Gabon mango is the mango seed weevil. It can cause serious damage to the fruit and reduce the yield. Another pest that can attack the fruit is the fruit fly, which lays its eggs in the fruit, making it inedible. Mealybugs and scale insects can affect the leaves, causing them to wither and yellow.
Disease Management
To manage anthracnose, it is important to remove and destroy infected plant parts, and use fungicides as necessary. For powdery mildew, good air circulation and regular pruning can help reduce the development of the disease. Bacterial black spot can be prevented by ensuring good sanitation practices and using fungicides.
Pest Control
For mango seed weevil, it is important to remove infested fruit and destroy them to prevent further infestations. Traps can also be used to reduce the population of weevils. Fruit flies can be controlled by using insecticidal baits and trapping. Mealybugs and scale insects can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Overall, maintaining healthy plants through good cultural practices such as timely watering and fertilization, pruning, and sanitation will help prevent and control diseases and pests in Gabon mango trees.
