Origin of Morus excelsa Welw.
Morus excelsa Welw. is a tree species native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, including Angola, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, and Zambia.
Common Names of Morus excelsa Welw.
Morus excelsa Welw. is commonly known as the African mulberry, East African mulberry, or East African black mulberry.
Uses of Morus excelsa Welw.
Various parts of the Morus excelsa Welw. tree have been utilized traditionally for their medicinal and culinary properties. The leaves, bark, and roots have been used in herbal remedies for ailments such as digestive disorders, fever, and malaria. The fruits are edible and can be eaten fresh or made into jams and jellies. The wood of the tree is used for firewood and furniture.
General Appearance of Morus excelsa Welw.
Morus excelsa Welw. is a medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters in height. The tree has a dense and round-shaped crown with large, dark green leaves that are glossy on top and hairy on the underside. The leaves are alternately arranged on the branches and are deeply lobed with a serrated edge. The tree produces small, dark purple berries that are usually about 2 centimeters long and 1 centimeter in diameter.
Light Requirements
Morus excelsa Welw. grows best in areas with bright but indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some direct sunlight but not for extended periods. In their natural habitats, these plants grow under the shade of other trees.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Morus excelsa Welw. is between 20°C to 28°C. These plants cannot survive in extremely cold temperatures and frost. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions, so they require warm temperatures to thrive.
Soil Requirements
Morus excelsa Welw. grows well in loamy, well-drained soil. It requires a soil pH between 6 to 7.5 for optimal growth. These plants can adjust to slightly acidic or alkaline soils, although it is best to maintain the pH within the recommended range.
The soil should be rich in organic matter, and it should not be overly wet. Waterlogged soil can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant. The plant's roots should also have access to adequate aeration.
Cultivation Methods for Morus excelsa Welw.
Morus excelsa Welw. is a valuable shrub or small tree found in tropical Africa. It is cultivated both for fruit and its timber. To grow this plant, you should:
- Choose a planting location with deep, fertile, and well-draining soil that receives sufficient sunlight
- Plant either seedlings or cuttings during the rainy season and water them daily until they are established
- Space the seedlings 5-6 meters apart to allow ample room for growth
- Control weeds around the plant by using mulch or light tillage.
Watering Needs for Morus excelsa Welw.
Proper watering is crucial for Morus excelsa Welw., especially during its planting and establishment phases. Here are some tips:
- For the first two months after planting, water the young trees daily to prevent drought stress.
- Once the tree is established and producing fruits, you can regulate watering to match the rainfall patterns in your location.
- Pay attention to the soil moisture levels to avoid overwatering.
- Always water at the base of the tree to avoid waterlogging the soil or damaging the roots.
Fertilization of Morus excelsa Welw.
Morus excelsa Welw. responds well to nutrient-rich fertilizers, especially during the flowering and fruiting phases. Here are some tips:
- Use organic fertilizers or mixtures such as compost, bone meal, or manure, to enhance soil fertility and structure.
- Apply the fertilizer at the start of the rainy season and continue every three months throughout the year.
- Monitor the foliage color to avoid under or over-fertilization.
Pruning of Morus excelsa Welw.
Pruning Morus excelsa Welw. can help shape the plant, promote fruiting, and improve the quality of timber. Here are some tips:
- Prune during the dormant season (June-July) to reduce stress on the plant.
- Remove any diseased or dead wood, which can serve as entry points for insects and pests.
- Cut back up to one-third of the branches, leaving the strongest ones for optimal fruit production.
- Avoid cutting too much as it can lead to stunted growth or poor fruiting.
Propagation of Morus excelsa Welw.
Morus excelsa Welw. is commonly known as the African mulberry. The tree grows up to 25 meters tall and is native to the rainforests of Africa. This plant can be propagated through various methods. Here are some of the propagation methods:
Seed Propagation
One of the most common methods of propagating Morus excelsa Welw. is through seeds. The seeds are collected from the ripe fruits of the tree. Once collected, the seeds are cleaned and sown in soil or pots. The seeds require a warm and moist environment and should be regularly watered until they germinate.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another method that can be used for Morus excelsa Welw. The cuttings should be taken from the semi-hardwood of the tree. The cuttings should be about 20-30 cm long and should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil and should be kept moist until they establish roots. This method is best done during the rainy season, as the humidity levels are high, and it promotes root growth.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is a propagation method that can be used for Morus excelsa Welw. This method involves taking a branch from the tree and wounding it. Then a rooting hormone is applied to the wound, and the branch is wrapped in a moist moss and tied with a plastic sheet. The moss should be kept moist, and in a few weeks, roots should start to form. Once the roots have adequately formed, the branch can be cut from the parent plant and potted in well-draining soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Morus excelsa Welw.
Morus excelsa Welw., also known as the African mulberry, is a plant that belongs to the Moraceae family. It is widely cultivated in Africa for its fruit, leaves, and fiber. However, like any other plant, it is vulnerable to various diseases and pests that can cause significant damage and reduce yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect Morus excelsa Welw. and how to manage them.
Diseases
1. Anthracnose - This fungal disease causes dark lesions on leaves, stems, and fruits, which can eventually lead to defoliation and fruit rot. To manage anthracnose, it is essential to practice good sanitation by removing infected plant debris, providing adequate drainage, and avoiding wetting the leaves when watering.
2. Powdery Mildew - This fungal disease appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, causing them to curl and turn yellow. The best way to control powdery mildew is to maintain proper air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected plant parts.
3. Root Rot - Root rot is caused by several soil-borne pathogens that thrive in wet, poorly drained soil. It can cause the plant to wilt, yellow, and eventually die. The best way to prevent root rot is to avoid overwatering, provide adequate drainage, and ensure proper soil pH and nutrient levels.
Pests
1. Mealybugs - Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants, causing leaves to yellow and curl. They also secrete a sticky substance that can attract ants and promote fungal growth. To control mealybugs, wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or insecticidal soap.
2. Spider Mites - Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that feed on the underside of leaves, causing them to appear stippled and discolored. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong jet of water, provide proper air circulation, and introduce predatory mites or insects.
3. Caterpillars - Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies that feed on leaves, causing extensive damage and defoliation. To control caterpillars, remove them by hand or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural bacteria that specifically targets them.
Overall, the key to managing diseases and pests in Morus excelsa Welw. is to maintain healthy plants through proper cultivation practices and timely management of any issues that arise. Regular monitoring, good sanitation, and the use of organic pest and disease control methods can keep the plant healthy and productive.
