Overview of Mareya micrantha auct.
Mareya micrantha auct. is a deciduous tree commonly found in the tropics of Africa. It is a member of the family Euphorbiaceae and is known by various names, including African cherry, Mara, and Mbasaa. The tree is known for its fruit, which has a variety of uses.
Appearance of Mareya micrantha auct.
The African cherry tree is a medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. The tree has a gray, smooth, and hard bark that is often scaly. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and elliptical, with a pointed tip and a dark green surface. The tree's flowers are small, white, and unisexual, and they bloom before the leaves appear. The fruit is a round, green, fleshy drupe, about 2.5 centimeters in diameter.
Uses of Mareya micrantha auct.
The fruit of the African cherry tree is edible and has a sweet-sour taste. It is a popular food in Africa eaten raw or cooked and used to make juices, jellies, and jams. The fruit is also used to treat diarrhea, and the bark and roots have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, malaria, and dysentery. The tree is also cultivated as a shade tree and ornamental plant, and its wood is used in carpentry, furniture making, and fuelwood.
Growth Conditions for Mareya Micrantha Auct.
Mareya micrantha auct. is a tropical tree that can grow up to 30m tall. This plant prefers to grow in open and sunny areas, but can also tolerate partial shade.
Light Requirements
This plant requires full sunlight for proper growth and development. It is important to provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for the plant to thrive. However, it can also tolerates some level of shade but it is not recommended to plant the Mareya Micrantha Auct. in a completely shaded area.
Temperature Requirements
Mareya micrantha auct. is a tropical plant species. It thrives best in warm to hot temperature conditions ranging from 20 - 35°C. This plant can also tolerate some level of cold although it cannot survive in frost conditions. Prolonged exposure to cold temperature below 10°C can negatively impact its growth.
Soil Requirements
The Mareya micrantha auct. grows best in well-draining, loamy soil types which are slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7.0). The soil should have good fertility, adequate moisture, and good aeration. It is recommended to plant the species in soils that have moderate to high organic matter content and are able to hold moisture for long periods. Poor drainage soil can negatively affect its growth, and it is advisable to amend the soil drainage before planting.
In conclusion, providing proper growth conditions such as adequate sunlight, suitable temperature regime and well-draining soil for Mareya micrantha auct. promotes healthy and successful plant growth.
Cultivation Methods
Mareya micrantha auct. is a tropical shrub that requires a warm, humid environment to grow properly. It is best to grow it in a shaded or partial sunlight area. The plant can also be grown in a greenhouse or indoor garden if suitable conditions can be provided. The soil must be well-draining and with high organic content to support proper growth. The pH of the soil should also be maintained between 5.0 to 5.5, which is slightly acidic.
The plant can be grown through seeds or cuttings. Propagation by cuttings is the most common method, where the cuttings are taken from the mature plant and dipped in rooting hormone powder. The cuttings are then planted in a suitable pot or container, and proper care is taken to ensure optimal growth.
Watering Needs
Mareya micrantha auct. requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not soggy. The frequency of watering can vary depending on the environment and soil conditions. During hot and dry weather, the plant must be watered more often to prevent the soil from drying out. However, overwatering must be avoided as it can lead to root rot. It is best to water early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid evaporation and water loss.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for the growth and well-being of Mareya micrantha auct. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied to the soil once every three months during the growing season. However, an excess of fertilizer can lead to foliar and root burn, damaging the plant. The fertilizer should be watered in after application to avoid contact with the plant's leaves, which can result in scorching.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of maintaining the shape and size of Mareya micrantha auct. It should be done during the growing season when the plant is actively growing. Dead, diseased, or overcrowded branches can be removed with sharp, clean pruning shears. The plant can also be shaped or trained to a specific form by trimming and cutting back the branches. Pruning also promotes branching and encourages new growth, which is essential for a healthy and full plant.
Propagation of Mareya Micrantha Auct. Plant
Mareya micrantha auct., also known as the African cherry-orange plant, is a fruit-bearing tree that can reach up to 15 meters in height. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods including:
Seed Propagation
Seeds from the ripe fruit can be collected and sown immediately in a seedbed or in a polythene bag containing fertile soil. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 0.5-1cm. When sowing in a seedbed, seedlings should be transplanted to pots when they attain a height of 8-10cm with 4-6 true leaves. Be sure to keep the soil well-watered and in a shaded location. Germination is largely dependent on temperature, with the ideal range being 20-30°C.
Cuttings Propagation
The Mareya Micrantha Auct. plant can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings can be taken from softwood or semi-hardwood stems. Softwood cuttings should be taken from new growth while semi-hardwood cuttings should be taken from mature stems. Cuttings should be taken in the early morning before the heat of the day has set in. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder before being planted in a pot containing compost. The cuttings should then be watered and placed in a shaded area to enable root growth.
Layering Propagation
Layering is another method of propagating Mareya Micrantha Auct. plants. In this method, a branch of the parent plant is bent towards the ground and covered with soil while still attached to the parent plant. The area where the branch touches the soil should be slightly scraped to encourage root growth. After a few weeks, roots will form at the point of contact with the soil, and the new plant will be able to grow independently.
Disease and Pest Management for Mareya Micrantha
While Mareya Micrantha is known for its high resistance to pests and diseases, it is still vulnerable to some common issues that gardeners should be aware of.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Mareya Micrantha is root rot, which is caused by overwatering. It is essential to ensure that the soil is well-draining and that excess moisture is allowed to drain adequately. Wilt and leaf spot are also typical diseases that can cause damage to the plant. Gardeners must promptly remove any infected leaves and avoid overhead irrigation.
Pests
The main pest that affects Mareya Micrantha is spider mites. These pests feed on the leaves and can cause yellowing and damage. They are commonly found in areas with low humidity. To manage spider mites, regular watering and misting to increase humidity can help. Horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps are effective for controlling spider mites.
Aphids may also attack Mareya Micrantha and can cause wilting and yellowing of leaves. They secrete a sticky, sweet substance called honeydew, which can attract ants. A strong stream of water can help dislodge aphids while insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used for effective management.
Cultural control practices
Prevention is always better than cure, so gardeners must practice cultural control to avoid pest and disease infestations. This can include removing dead plant material, practicing crop rotation, proper pruning, and avoiding over-fertilizing as it can create favorable conditions for pests and diseases to thrive. It is also essential to monitor the plant regularly for any signs of damage or infestations.
By practicing proper disease and pest management techniques, Mareya Micrantha can thrive and produce beautiful flowers and foliage for years to come.
