Overview of Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. genuina Müll.Arg.
Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. genuina Müll.Arg. is a plant species that belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. The plant is an evergreen shrub, growing up to 15 meters tall, and is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. It is also known by its common names, Bush Mango or African Mango.
General Appearance of Mareya micrantha
The plant has a straight trunk that is up to 30 centimeters in diameter. Its bark is greyish-brown, with smooth or rough texture, while its foliage is a dense, spreading canopy of leaves. The leaves are simple and alternate, measuring about 20 cm long and 10 cm wide, with a broad, round or heart-shaped base.
The plant produces small flowers, which grow in clusters, and are either male or female. The fruit is an oval, yellowish-green drupe, measuring about 8 cm long and 5 cm wide. The fleshy fruit is edible and contains a hard, fibrous seed.
Traditional Uses of Mareya micrantha
Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. genuina Müll.Arg. is known for its medicinal and nutritional properties, and has been used by traditional healers and local communities for centuries.
The fleshy fruit of the plant is a nutritious food source, rich in vitamins and minerals, and is often used in cooking or eaten raw. The seeds are also used in traditional medicine to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and other gastrointestinal ailments, as well as to relieve pain and inflammation.
The bark and leaves of Mareya micrantha are also used to treat various ailments, such as headaches, fever, and snakebites. The leaves are sometimes used as an insect repellent, while the bark is used to make traditional clothing and ropes, and the wood is used for fuel, construction, and furniture.
Cultivation of Mareya micrantha
Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. genuina Müll.Arg. is a hardy plant that requires little care. It grows well in warm, humid climates with well-draining soil, and is often found in tropical rainforests, riverine vegetation, and woodland savannas.
The plant can be propagated through seed or cuttings, and is often cultivated for its edible fruit, which is popular in local markets and grocery stores. Its hard, durable wood is also used for carving and construction, and is highly valued for its strength and resistance to decay.
Growth Conditions for Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. genuina Müll.Arg.
Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. genuina Müll.Arg. is a plant species that is mostly found in tropical and subtropical regions. Its growth conditions are as follows:
Light Requirements
The plant requires full sun to partial shade. It thrives in environments that receive 4-6 hours of direct sunlight on a daily basis, but also tolerates the shade. Direct sun stimulates flowering and fruiting, but too much heat might scorch the foliage.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow in various temperature ranges as it is quite adaptable. However, temperatures below 5 ?C may reduce the vegetative growth rate. At temperatures above 38 ?C, the plant is prone to heat stress, which can cause leaf desiccation, wilting, and stunted growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-draining, loamy soil, rich in organic matter. It has moderate tolerance to soil acidity and can grow in pH ranging from 5.0 - 8.5. Tonnessen and Lye (1989) report that plants grown in heavy clay soils exhibit poor growth performance. It is preferred in sandy loam or loamy texture soils that have good drainage and water-holding capacity, as it usually grows in semi-arid and arid environments.
Cultivation Methods
Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. genuina Müll.Arg. is a shrub that grows well in tropical regions. It prefers well-draining soils rich in organic matter but can grow in a wide range of soil types. It thrives in areas with full sun exposure and requires a minimum temperature of 20°C for optimal growth.
Propagation can be done through seed or vegetative methods. Seeds must be planted in well-prepared soil and kept moist until germination. Vegetative propagation can be done by stem cutting or layering.
Watering Needs
Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. genuina Müll.Arg. requires regular watering to thrive. Soil must be kept moist but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering will depend on the weather and soil type. During the rainy season, it may not require as much watering compared to the dry season.
Fertilization
The plant can benefit from regular fertilization to promote growth and productivity. A general-purpose fertilizer can be applied every four to six weeks during the growing season. Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure can also be used to improve soil fertility.
Pruning
Pruning can help shape the plant and remove dead or diseased branches. It can also reduce the plant's size and promote more compact growth. Pruning should be done during the dormant season to avoid damaging the plant. Light pruning can be done throughout the year to maintain shape and control growth.
Propagation of Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. genuina Müll.Arg.
Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. genuina Müll.Arg. propagates both by seeds and vegetatively. Some of the propagation methods are:
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. genuina Müll.Arg. are relatively easy to germinate. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, and kept moist until the seedlings emerge. It is best to sow the seeds immediately after they are harvested since their viability reduces with time. The seedlings should be transplanted to their permanent positions when they are big enough to be handled without damaging their roots.
Vegetative Propagation
Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. genuina Müll.Arg. can be propagated vegetatively through cuttings, layering, and grafting. Some of the vegetative propagation methods are:
Cuttings
Softwood cuttings of Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. genuina Müll.Arg. can be taken in the spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 10 cm long with a leaf node at the base. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining soil. The cuttings should be kept moist until they have developed roots.
Layering
Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. genuina Müll.Arg. can also be propagated through layering. The selected branch should be bent down to the soil, and a small wound should be made at the point where it touches the soil. The wound should be covered with soil, and the branch should be pegged to keep it in position. The branch should be kept moist until it has developed roots, and then it can be severed from the parent plant and potted up or transplanted.
Grafting
Grafting is another method of propagating Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. genuina Müll.Arg. The scion should be taken from the current year's growth, and the rootstock should be from a closely related species. The graft union should be tightly bound with a grafting tape, and the newly grafted plant should be kept moist until it has developed a strong root system.
Disease and Pest Management for Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. genuina Müll.Arg.
Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. genuina Müll.Arg. is a plant that is predominantly found in Africa. The plant is also known as the Natal-cherry or the small-fruited mareya. The plant is resistant to pests and diseases, but still, it is vulnerable to certain pests and diseases that are known to affect Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. genuina Müll.Arg.
Common Diseases affecting Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. genuina Müll.Arg.
Mareya micrantha is vulnerable to a fungal disease known as Anthracnose. The fungal disease manifests as brown or black spots on the foliage of the plant. The fungal spores can survive in the soil even when the plants have been harvested. Another fungal disease that can affect Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. genuina Müll.Arg. is Powdery mildew. Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. Powdery mildew is associated with warm, humid weather conditions which are prevalent in tropical regions.
Pests Affecting Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. genuina Müll.Arg.
Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. genuina Müll.Arg. is resistant to most pests, but it can be attacked by the Natal fruit fly. The Natal fruit fly is a major pest of Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. genuina Müll.Arg. The pest is known to lay eggs on the fruits of the plant. The larvae of this pest can cause significant damage to the fruit, resulting in rotting and falling off of the fruits. The larvae of the Natal fruit fly can cause up to 90% yield loss.
Management of Pests and Diseases in Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. genuina Müll.Arg.
To manage Anthracnose fungal disease in Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. genuina Müll.Arg., you should practice crop rotation. Crop rotation ensures that the fungal spores do not get to infect the plant. Regular pruning of the plant also helps to prevent the spread of Anthracnose. If the fungal disease appears, you should remove the affected parts, and destroy it away from the garden to avoid spreading the fungus. Use sulfur or copper fungicides to manage anthracnose.
To manage Powdery mildew disease, ensure that the plants are grown in areas with adequate air circulation. This will prevent the growth and spread of the disease. You can also use fungicides that contain potassium bicarbonate, neem oil, or horticultural oil to control and manage powdery mildew.
To manage the Natal fruit fly pest, you can use bait traps and protein baits that kill the flies. Keeping the area around the garden free from dropped or infested fruit can also help to keep the pest at bay. You can use pesticides such as Spinosad to control the Natal fruit fly.
In conclusion, Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. genuina Müll.Arg. is a plant that is resistant to pests and diseases, but it is still vulnerable to certain pests and diseases. The management of pests and diseases in this plant requires a combination of cultural practices and the use of pesticides and fungicides. Always use the recommended dose of pesticides and fungicides and follow the manufacturer's instructions for use.
