Origin
Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. nitida Beille, commonly known as the African cherry, belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae and is native to tropical Africa, including Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan.
Common Names
The African cherry plant has several common names, including African almond, Bush butter tree, Cedar mahogany, Sand box, and Mkpokporo.
Uses
The African cherry plant is highly valued for its medicinal properties. Its bark, leaves, and roots have been used traditionally in the treatment of various ailments, such as headache, fever, inflammation, and worm infestation. In parts of Africa, it is also used as a remedy for female infertility.
The fruit of the African cherry plant is edible and highly nutritious. It is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The fruit can be consumed fresh or processed into jam, juice, and wine.
In addition to its medicinal and nutritional properties, the African cherry plant has a high potential for use in reforestation and agroforestry projects. It is an important timber species and can be used for the production of furniture, flooring, and construction materials.
General Appearance
The African cherry plant is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 30 meters in height. Its leaves are glossy and dark green, and they are arranged in an alternate pattern along the branches. The tree produces small, yellowish-white flowers that are clustered into dense inflorescences.
The fruit of the African cherry plant is a fleshy drupe that can vary in color from yellow to red. The fruit is about 2-3 cm in diameter and contains a hard, woody seed that is difficult to remove. The bark of the tree is thick and rough, and it is grey to dark brown in color.
Growth Conditions for Mareya Micrantha var. Nitida Beille
Mareya Micrantha var. Nitida Beille is a tropical and subtropical plant species that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. The plant species is indigenous to Africa, and it typically grows in savannas, deciduous or semi-evergreen forest habitats. Here are the typical growth conditions required for Mareya micrantha var. nitida Beille:
Light Requirements
Mareya micrantha var. nitida Beille requires a lot of sunlight to grow properly. This plant species can grow in partial shade, but it thrives best when exposed to direct sunlight. Therefore, it’s best to place Mareya micrantha var. nitida Beille in areas that receive full sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Requiring a warm environment with mild temperatures, the typical growth temperature for Mareya micrantha var. nitida Beille is between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. During the warmer months, it’s advisable to maintain the moderate temperatures by regulating airflow and shading the plant as necessary. The temperature range will vary depending on the plant’s growth stage, but it should never be too cold hence the need to avoid frost prone areas.
Soil Requirements
Mareya micrantha var. nitida Beille typically grows better in well-drained soil consisting of a mix of sand and loamy soil. The soil should be nutrient-rich and have a slightly acidic pH level of about 5.5 to 6.5. To ensure proper drainage, it’s advisable to mix the soil with organic compost and avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Method
Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. nitida Beille is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. It is a tropical plant that prefers warm, humid conditions and well-draining soils. The plant can be grown in containers or planted directly in the ground. If you are planting directly in the ground, make sure the soil is rich in organic matter and well-draining. The plant should be placed in a location that receives partial sunlight, as too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves.Watering Needs
Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. nitida Beille needs regular watering to thrive. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, the plant should be watered every 7-10 days or whenever the topsoil feels dry to the touch. In the winter months, the plant may not need as much water, so be sure to adjust your watering schedule accordingly.Fertilization
To promote healthy growth, fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. You can also use organic fertilizers, such as compost or manure. Be careful not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to an accumulation of salts in the soil and damage the plant's roots.Pruning
Pruning your Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. nitida Beille plant is not necessary but can help promote bushier growth and enhance the plant's appearance. You can prune off any dead or damaged leaves or branches using a sharp, sterile pair of pruning shears. Avoid pruning the plant too heavily, as this can lead to stunted growth or cause the plant to become weak and vulnerable to pests and diseases.Propagation methods of Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. nitida Beille
Mareya micrantha (Benth.) Müll.Arg. var. nitida Beille, also known as the Natal Chestnut, is a tree that belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is native to Africa and is known for its ornamental value and medicinal properties.
The plant can be propagated both by seed and vegetatively.
Propagation by seed
Propagation by seed is the easiest and most common method of propagating Mareya micrantha. The seeds should be collected when they are ripe from healthy trees. The collected seeds should be cleaned and sown immediately in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not wet, and placed in a warm area with partial sunlight. The seeds can take up to three months to germinate.
Propagation by vegetative methods
The plant can also be propagated by vegetative methods such as cuttings and layering. Softwood cuttings can be taken during the growing season from healthy plants that are at least two years old. The cuttings should be taken from the tips of the branches and should be about 10-15cm long. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not wet, and placed in a warm area with partial sunlight. The cuttings should root within four to six weeks.
Layering is another vegetative method of propagation. In layering, a low branch of the parent plant is bent down to the ground, and a small incision is made on the underside of the branch. The incision should be dusted with rooting hormone and covered with moist soil. The branch should be secured to the soil with a stake or rock. New roots will develop from the incision and will form a new plant that can be separated from the parent plant after a few months.
Disease Management
Mareya micrantha is susceptible to various fungal diseases that can affect its growth, development, and yield. The most common diseases that affect the plant include powdery mildew, leaf spot, rust, and blight.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can form a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can affect the growth and development of the plant, reducing its yield. Powdery mildew can be managed by removing and destroying infected plant parts, improving air circulation around the plant, and applying fungicides such as sulfur or neem oil.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that can cause small, circular spots or lesions on the leaves of the plant. As the disease progresses, the spots can enlarge and merge, causing defoliation. Leaf spot can be managed by removing and destroying infected plant parts, improving air circulation around the plant, and applying fungicides such as copper-based products.
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that can cause orange, yellow, or brown raised spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It can lead to defoliation, stunted growth, and reduced yield. Rust can be managed by removing and destroying infected plant parts, improving air circulation around the plant, and applying fungicides such as copper-based products.
Blight: Blight is a fungal disease that can cause rapid wilting and death of the plant. It can be caused by various fungi and bacteria and can affect different parts of the plant, including leaves, stems, and fruits. Blight can be managed by removing and destroying infected plant parts, improving air circulation around the plant, and applying fungicides such as copper-based products.
Pest Management
Mareya micrantha can also be attacked by various pests that can cause significant damage to the plant and reduce its yield. The most common pests that affect the plant include aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, and spider mites.
Aphids: Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can feed on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. They can cause curling, yellowing, and stunted growth of the plant. Aphids can be managed by removing and destroying infected plant parts, attracting natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, and applying insecticidal soap.
Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, winged insects that can feed on the underside of the leaves of the plant. They can cause yellowing, stunted growth, and reduced yield. Whiteflies can be managed by removing and destroying infected plant parts, attracting natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, and applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that can feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth of the plant. Mealybugs can be managed by removing and destroying infected plant parts, attracting natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, and applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that can feed on the underside of the leaves of the plant, causing stippling and yellowing of the leaves. They can also spin webs and cause defoliation of the plant. Spider mites can be managed by removing and destroying infected plant parts, improving humidity around the plant, and applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
