Overview of Morus mesozygia Stapf var. lactea (Sim) A.Chev.
Morus mesozygia Stapf var. lactea (Sim) A.Chev. is a species of the Moraceae family commonly known as African mulberry, Sierra Leone mulberry, or African wild mulberry. It is a deciduous tree that is native to West and Central Africa, specifically in countries such as Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Nigeria.
Appearance of Morus mesozygia Stapf var. lactea (Sim) A.Chev.
The African mulberry typically grows up to a height of 20 meters, with a dense, rounded, and spreading crown. Its bark is grayish-brown and rough, with conspicuous lenticels. The leaves are alternate and simple, with a serrated margin, and measures around 10 to 20 cm long and 7 to 15 cm broad. It is usually dark green with a glossy surface, but the underside of the leaf is paler and covered with fine hair. The fruit of African mulberry is a purple-black berry that measures around 2.5 cm in length, with a sweet, juicy flavor.
Uses of Morus mesozygia Stapf var. lactea (Sim) A.Chev.
The African mulberry has numerous uses, especially in traditional medicine. The bark, leaves, and fruit of the tree have been used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, fever, and respiratory problems. The fruit is also a source of food, and its sweetness makes it an ideal ingredient in jam and juice production. The wood is durable and has been used to make furniture, construction materials, and utensils.
Additionally, African mulberry has been used in agroforestry systems to reduce soil erosion due to its ability to tolerate erosion-prone conditions. It is highly valued as a shade tree, windbreaker, and nitrogen-fixing species. It is also planted in home gardens as a hedge, ornamental, and source of food and medicine.
Overall, Morus mesozygia Stapf var. lactea (Sim) A.Chev. is a versatile and valuable tree species to the people and ecosystems in West and Central Africa.Light Requirements
Morus mesozygia Stapf var. lactea (Sim) A.Chev. typically grows well in areas with full sun exposure. As such, it requires at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. However, it's also tolerant to partial shade and can still grow in areas that receive 3-4 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm regions with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F). It doesn't tolerate frost and requires protection from cold winds. The plant thrives in tropical and subtropical regions with high humidity levels.
Soil Requirements
Morus mesozygia Stapf var. lactea (Sim) A.Chev. prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It grows well in sandy soils with a pH of between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant is also tolerant to a wide range of soil types and can grow in loamy and clay soils as long as they have good drainage.
Cultivation methods
The Morus mesozygia Stapf var. lactea (Sim) A.Chev. plant thrives in warm and humid environments. It is most commonly cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant is easy to grow and can be cultivated either in containers or in open fields. It requires well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant prefers rich, loamy soil that is fertile and porous. It requires full sunlight exposure for proper growth. The ideal temperature for this plant ranges from 20°C to 35°C.
Watering needs
Watering this plant regularly is essential for healthy growth. The plant requires frequent watering during the growing season, and the soil must be kept moist. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can cause root rot. In the dry season, the plant should be watered at least once every two days, and the frequency should be increased if the weather is particularly hot and dry.
Fertilization
Fertilizing the Morus mesozygia Stapf var. lactea (Sim) A.Chev. plant can significantly improve its growth and yield. It is advisable to fertilize the plant at least twice a year - in the spring and fall. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be used in a ratio of 10-10-10. The fertilizer should be applied to the plant's base and then covered with soil.
Pruning
Correct pruning of the Morus mesozygia Stapf var. lactea (Sim) A.Chev. plant is essential to promote growth, keep the plant healthy, and improve its yield. Pruning should be done during the plant's dormant season. All dead, diseased, or damaged branches and leaves should be removed. If the plant has grown too tall, prune back the top branches to encourage new growth on the lower branches. It is advisable to use clean and sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Morus mesozygia Stapf var. lactea (Sim) A.Chev.
Morus mesozygia Stapf var. lactea (Sim) A.Chev., commonly known as the white mulberry, is a fruit tree that can be propagated through various means, including seed, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation through seed
White mulberry can be propagated through seed, which is a very simple and affordable method. The seeds should be collected in autumn after the fruits have ripened and the pulp softened. The seeds should be sown immediately while still fresh at a depth of 1-2 cm. The germination rate is generally low, and seedlings will take a few years to produce fruits.
Propagation through cuttings
White mulberry can also be propagated through cuttings, which is a faster method of propagation than seed but is more difficult and may require more expertise. The best time for taking cuttings is in late summer or autumn when the wood is semi-matured. The cuttings should be 20-25 cm long with several nodes and leaves removed from the lower half of the cutting. They should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in sandy soil in a shaded and well-drained location. The cuttings should be regularly watered and misted until they root, which may take several weeks.
Propagation through grafting
Grafting is a propagation method ideal for ensuring the tree's desirable characteristics. White mulberry can be grafted onto a rootstock of the same species or a closely related species. The best time for grafting is in early spring when the plant's sap is rising. The scion, which is taken from a healthy tree with desirable characteristics, should have a diameter of 1-2 cm with two to three buds. The rootstock should be prepared by pruning it back to a stem of a similar diameter. The scion should be grafted onto the rootstock using a whip and tongue or other suitable grafting technique. The grafted plant should be protected from wind and watered regularly until it shows signs of growth.
Disease Management
Morus mesozygia Stapf var. lactea (Sim) A.Chev. is a tree species that is prone to several types of diseases. Some of the common diseases include:
- Leaf spot diseases: These diseases manifest in the form of circular, brown spots on the leaves, which may be surrounded by a yellow halo. Leaf spot diseases are caused by fungal pathogens and can be controlled through the application of fungicides.
- Canker diseases: These diseases cause the death of the tree bark, leading to the formation of cankers. Canker diseases are caused by fungal pathogens and can be controlled by pruning the affected branches and applying fungicides.
- Powdery mildew: This disease manifests in the form of a white, powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. Powdery mildew is caused by fungal pathogens and can be controlled by the application of fungicides and maintaining proper air circulation around the plant.
Pest Management
Morus mesozygia Stapf var. lactea (Sim) A.Chev. is also prone to several types of pests. Some of the common pests include:
- Aphids: These pests feed on the sap of the leaves, causing them to deform and wilt. Aphids can be controlled by the application of insecticides and the introduction of natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Caterpillars: These pests feed on the leaves of the plant, leading to the formation of holes and defoliation. Caterpillars can be controlled by the application of insecticides and the manual removal of the pests.
- Scale insects: These pests feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and the plant to weaken. Scale insects can be controlled by the application of insecticides and manual removal of the pests.
Keeping the plant healthy and well-maintained is also an effective way of preventing diseases and pests. This can be achieved through regular watering, fertilization, pruning, and proper sanitation practices.
