Origin
Mansonia altissima (A.Chev.) A.Chev. var. kamerunica Jacq.-Fél. is a tree species that belongs to the family of Malvaceae and is native to Central Africa.
Common Names
It is commonly known as the African garcinia, false apple, and African mango. Locally, it is known as oronga in Cameroon, abro in Ghana, ogbono in Nigeria.
Uses
Almost every part of Mansonia altissima (A.Chev.) A.Chev. var. kamerunica Jacq.-Fél. is useful. Its bark is valued for its medicinal properties and is used as an astringent, tonic, and anthelminthic agent. The bark of the tree is also used to treat gastrointestinal illnesses and coughs. The seeds are a source of food and are used to make soup and porridge. The kernels are ground into powder and used as a thickening agent in stews and soups. The wood of the tree is used for building, making furniture, and for fuel purposes. It is also used in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments.
General Appearance
The Mansonia altissima (A.Chev.) A.Chev. var. kamerunica Jacq.-Fél. tree can grow up to 45 meters tall. The tree has a large, round crown that is composed of dense foliage. It has a straight trunk with a gray smooth bark. Its leaves are dark green, glossy, and are alternate with a clearly visible central vein. The flowers of the tree are small, white or cream-colored, and have a strong sweet fragrance. The fruit of the tree is an ovoid shape and turns yellow when mature. The fruit contains a pulp with seeds embedded in it.
Light Requirements
Mansonia altissima var. kamerunica requires full sunlight to grow and develop properly. It cannot grow in shaded or partially shaded areas as it requires ample amounts of sunlight to produce sufficient amounts of energy through photosynthesis.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in warm temperatures and cannot tolerate frost or extreme cold. The optimal temperature range for Mansonia altissima var. kamerunica is between 26°C to 32°C. These temperatures ensure optimal growth rate and good health of the plant. Temperatures over 35°C may lead to desiccation and wilting of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Mansonia altissima var. kamerunica grows well in soil that is fertile, well-draining, and has a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. It requires soil that is rich in organic matter and nutrients. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogging and hence, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining. The ideal soil type for Mansonia altissima var. kamerunica is sandy loam that has good water holding capacity and is rich in organic matter.
Cultivation methods for Mansonia altissima (A.Chev.) A.Chev. var. kamerunica Jacq.-Fél.
Mansonia altissima (A.Chev.) A.Chev. var. kamerunica Jacq.-Fél. is a tropical plant that can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy loam, clay loam, and laterite. It thrives in areas with high humidity, temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius and partial shade. When planting, it is recommended to add compost to the soil to improve the soil structure and fertility.
The plant should be planted in an area with good drainage and watered often to keep the soil moist. It prefers to be sheltered from strong winds, so planting in a location with natural windbreaks such as buildings or trees can help protect it.
Watering needs for Mansonia altissima (A.Chev.) A.Chev. var. kamerunica Jacq.-Fél.
Mansonia altissima (A.Chev.) A.Chev. var. kamerunica Jacq.-Fél. requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. It is recommended to water the plant once or twice a week during dry seasons and reduce watering during the rainy season. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it is important to ensure that water drains from the soil properly. Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plant can help retain moisture in the soil.
Fertilization for Mansonia altissima (A.Chev.) A.Chev. var. kamerunica Jacq.-Fél.
Mansonia altissima (A.Chev.) A.Chev. var. kamerunica Jacq.-Fél. responds well to fertilization to improve its growth and health. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied every three months to the soil around the base of the plant. It is important to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to salt buildup in the soil and damage the plant.
Pruning for Mansonia altissima (A.Chev.) A.Chev. var. kamerunica Jacq.-Fél.
Regular pruning of Mansonia altissima (A.Chev.) A.Chev. var. kamerunica Jacq.-Fél. helps to maintain its shape and size. Dead or damaged branches should be removed immediately to prevent them from affecting the rest of the plant. Pruning should be done during the dry season to reduce stress on the plant. It is recommended to prune lightly, avoiding excessive cutting that can shock the plant.
Propagation of Mansonia altissima var. kamerunica
Mansonia altissima var. kamerunica is commonly propagated through seed and stem cuttings.
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from mature fruits and sown in a well-drained seedbed. The seedbed should be kept moist and placed in a shaded area to prevent excessive exposure to sunlight. Germination can occur within 3-4 weeks and the resulting seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots after attaining a height of 5-10 cm.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Stem cuttings are obtained from mature, healthy plants and should have at least 2-3 nodes. The base of the cutting should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained potting mix. The cutting should be placed in a shaded area and watered regularly. Rooting can occur within 3-4 weeks and the resulting plant can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Propagation through air layering and grafting has also been successful in certain cases. However, seed and stem cutting propagation are the most commonly used methods for Mansonia altissima var. kamerunica.
Disease and Pest Management for Mansonia altissima (A.Chev.) A.Chev. var. kamerunica Jacq.-Fél.
Mansonia altissima (A.Chev.) A.Chev. var. kamerunica Jacq.-Fél. is a plant species that can be affected by various diseases and pests. Effective management strategies for these diseases and pests are necessary to maintain plant health and promote growth.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Mansonia altissima (A.Chev.) A.Chev. var. kamerunica Jacq.-Fél. is anthracnose. This fungal disease affects leaves, stems, and fruits, causing the formation of brown or black lesions, which can eventually lead to defoliation and plant death. Another common disease that affects the plant is leaf spot, which is caused by the fungus Cercospora mansoniae. Symptoms of leaf spot include the formation of small, yellow spots, which gradually enlarge and turn reddish-brown with a yellowish halo.
Management strategies for common diseases
As preventive measures, it is recommended to use disease-free plant material and avoid overcrowding of plants. Cultural practices such as proper irrigation, maintenance of soil fertility, and removal of infected plant parts can also help in reducing the incidence and severity of diseases. Application of fungicides such as copper-based fungicides and triazole-based fungicides can be used to manage and control these diseases.
Common Pests
Mansonia altissima (A.Chev.) A.Chev. var. kamerunica Jacq.-Fél. is also prone to various pest attacks. One of the most common pests is the mealybug, which infests all parts of the plant, sucking out the sap, and causing leaf curling, stunted growth, and defoliation. Another common pest is the spider mite, which causes yellowing or bronzing of leaves and premature leaf drop.
Management strategies for common pests
To manage and control pest infestations, it is recommended to use biological control agents such as predators, parasites, and pathogens. Application of insecticides such as pyrethroids, organophosphates, and neonicotinoids can also be used, but should be done with caution as they may harm beneficial insects. Additionally, regular monitoring, proper sanitation, and quarantine measures can also help prevent and manage pest infestations.
