Origin
Mischogyne elliotianum (Engl. & Diels) R.E.Fr. var. gabonensis Pellegr. ex Le Thomas, commonly known as Gabon chocolate, is a tropical plant species originally found in Western Africa. Its natural habitat includes rainforests in countries such as Gabon, Cameroon, and Congo.
Common Names
Gabon chocolate is also known by other common names such as African chocolate, Elliot's mischogyne, brown apple, and African cherry.
Uses
Gabon chocolate has several uses in traditional medicine as its bark and leaves contain alkaloids. It is used for various purposes such as treating diarrhea, fever, and malaria. The fruits are edible and have a sweet and tangy flavor. Locals also use the plant to make a form of ink and dye, which is used in ritualistic ceremonies.
General Appearance
Gabon chocolate is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. Its bark is dark brown and rough with horizontal ridges. The leaves are large, glossy, and oval-shaped, measuring about 10-25 cm long and 5-15 cm wide. The tree bears small, round, and fleshy fruits that are about 2-3 cm in diameter and turn from green to yellow when ripe.
Light Requirements
Mischogyne elliotianum var. gabonensis requires bright, filtered sunlight for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to stunted growth. It is best to place the plant near a window that receives bright, indirect sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm to hot temperatures and does not tolerate frost. The ideal temperature range for Mischogyne elliotianum var. gabonensis is between 18-30°C (64-86°F). The plant can wither and die if exposed to temperatures below 10°C (50°F) for an extended period.
Soil Requirements
Mischogyne elliotianum var. gabonensis requires well-draining, fertile soil for optimal growth. A mix of peat moss, sand, and perlite is ideal for the plant as it allows for adequate drainage and nutrient availability. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, with a range of 5.5-6.5.
Regular fertilization during the growing season can help improve the plant's overall health. High nitrogen fertilizers are recommended for the plant's early stages of growth, while phosphorus-rich fertilizers are more suitable for mature plants.
Cultivation methods
Mischogyne Elliotianum var. Gabonensis, commonly known as African pear or bush pear, is a small to medium-sized tree that is native to tropical Africa.
The tree grows well in hot, humid conditions, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. It prefers well-draining sandy soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate both acidic and alkaline soil pH levels. Ideally, the plant should be grown in a spot with partial shade, where it can receive sunlight for several hours a day.
The best time to plant Mischogyne Elliotianum is at the beginning of the rainy season when the seedlings can establish themselves quickly. Seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location after they have developed about four leaves.
Watering needs
Mischogyne Elliotianum requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. The plant should be watered at least once a week, and more often during dry spells. However, it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-draining as the plant cannot withstand waterlogged conditions.
The size of the tree and the type of soil will impact the watering needs of the plant. Younger plants require more frequent watering than mature trees. It is advisable to monitor the soil moisture levels to avoid overwatering or underwatering the plant.
Fertilization
Mischogyne Elliotianum requires fertilization to promote optimal growth and fruit development. A balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, in a 2:1:1 ratio, is ideal for the plant.
Fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, at least once every three months. It is advisable to apply the fertilizer at a distance of about 30 cm from the trunk of the tree and then water it thoroughly afterward.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to keep Mischogyne Elliotianum var. Gabonensis healthy, tidy, and aesthetically pleasing. The plant should be pruned in late winter or early spring before the tree produces new growth.
The branches should be pruned to remove diseased, damaged, or dead wood. Any branches that grow towards the center of the tree should be removed to encourage better air circulation and light penetration.
To maintain the tree's overall shape and reduce its height, it is advisable to prune the upper branches selectively. It is essential only to remove up to 20% of the tree's canopy to avoid stressing the plant.
Propagation methods for Mischogyne elliotianum var. gabonensis
Mischogyne elliotianum var. gabonensis is a semi-deciduous shrub that is native to Central and West Africa. This plant is propagated through both sexual and asexual means.
Sexual propagation
The plant's fruits are an essential component of its sexual propagation. The fruit is a three-lobed capsule which contains a single seed in each lobe. The seeds are oval-shaped and can be up to 2 cm long.
The propagation of the plant through seeds requires a specific approach. The seeds must be collected when they are ripe and sown immediately. A seedling tray is filled with a well-draining mix of peat moss and perlite. The seeds are then placed on top of the mix and covered lightly. The tray is then kept in a warm, humid environment until the seedlings emerge.
Asexual propagation
The asexual propagation of Mischogyne elliotianum var. gabonensis is done through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the plant's active growing season, which is in the spring and summer.
A healthy stem is selected and cut at a length of 8-10 cm. The bottom leaves are removed, and the cutting is treated with rooting powder. The cutting is then planted in a pot filled with well-draining soil, and it is kept warm and moist until the roots develop.
Both sexual and asexual propagation methods can result in healthy plants, given the right conditions and care. When propagated through seeds, the plant may take longer to establish, while stem cuttings can produce more immediate results.
Disease and Pest Management for Mischogyne elliotianum var. gabonensis
Mischogyne elliotianum var. gabonensis, commonly known as African cherry or Essessang in Cameroon, is a popular medicinal plant used for various purposes. The plant is prone to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that affect Mischogyne elliotianum var. gabonensis and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Leaf Spot Diseases: Leaf spot diseases are common in Mischogyne elliotianum var. gabonensis, which are characterized by the yellowing and dropping of leaves. The common leaf spot diseases that affect this plant include Cercospora leaf spot and anthracnose. To manage these diseases, the affected leaves should be removed and destroyed. The use of fungicides is also recommended, especially during wet seasons.
2. Root Rot: Root rot is another common disease that affects Mischogyne elliotianum var. gabonensis. It is caused by fungi that dwell in the soil, which affects the roots and reduces the plant's ability to absorb nutrients and water. To manage root rot, the use of fungicides and proper drainage should be implemented. The infected plant should also be removed and replaced with a healthy one.
Pests
1. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are one of the major pests that affect Mischogyne elliotianum var. gabonensis. They can suck the sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth and reduced yields. The use of insecticides, such as neem oil or pyrethrin, is recommended to manage these pests. Introducing biological control measures, such as ladybugs or lacewings, can also help manage mealybugs.
2. Scale Insects: Scale insects are another common pest that affects Mischogyne elliotianum var. gabonensis. They feed on the plant's sap, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. The use of insecticides, such as horticultural oil or neem oil, is recommended to manage scale insects. Pruning infested branches and using sticky traps can also help control the spread of scale insects.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests in Mischogyne elliotianum var. gabonensis is essential to ensure healthy growth and high yields. Early detection and timely intervention are crucial for effective management of these plant problems.
