Overview of Morus mesozygia Stapf var. sanda A.Chev.
Morus mesozygia Stapf var. sanda A.Chev. is a flowering plant that belongs to the Moraceae family. This species is native to West and Central Africa, specifically found in countries such as Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, and Uganda.
Common Names of Morus mesozygia Stapf var. sanda A.Chev.
The plant is commonly known as the African mulberry, black mulberry, or East African blackberry.
Appearance of Morus mesozygia Stapf var. sanda A.Chev.
The African mulberry tree typically grows up to a height of 25 meters. It has a large trunk with rough brown bark, which can peel off to reveal a light-colored inner bark. The leaves are alternate, broadly ovate, and have a dark green color with a shiny surface. The flowers are small and greenish, while the fruit is an oblong-shaped drupe, measuring about 3cm long and 1.5cm diameter. The fruit is initially green but turns black when matured.
Uses of Morus mesozygia Stapf var. sanda A.Chev.
The African mulberry has several uses. Historically, its bark and roots were used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach disorders. The fruit is edible, although not as widely consumed as other fruits. It has a sweet taste and is sometimes used for making jam or wine. The tree is also valued for its timber, which is used for various construction purposes or as firewood. Additionally, the leaves of the plant serve as food for silkworms for the production of silk.
Light Requirements
Morus mesozygia Stapf var. sanda A.Chev. requires full sunlight to grow and flourish. Planting in direct sunlight for at least six to eight hours a day is necessary for optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical regions and requires a warm climate to grow. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 20°C to 30°C. Temperatures below 15°C can harm the plant, while freezing temperatures can kill it.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils rich in organic matter. The soil pH should range between 6.0 to 7.5 for optimal growth. It is tolerant to a wide range of soil types, including loamy and sandy soils. However, the soil should be regularly fertilized with organic matter or a balanced NPK fertilizer.
Cultivation of Morus mesozygia Stapf var. sanda A.Chev.
The plant Morus mesozygia Stapf var. sanda A.Chev. thrives best in warm tropical climates and cannot withstand frost. Therefore, cultivation should be in places with temperatures between 20-25°C. It can grow in various soil types, but it thrives best in well-draining soils. The plants should be planted in an area that receives sufficient sunlight to aid in photosynthesis.
Watering needs of Morus mesozygia Stapf var. sanda A.Chev.
The plants require moderate watering during the growing season. Overwatering can cause waterlogging and cause root rot. Underwatering can cause stunted growth and dry leaves. The watering should be done in the morning or evening to avoid water evaporation. Mulching can also help conserve soil moisture and prevent weed growth.
Fertilization of Morus mesozygia Stapf var. sanda A.Chev.
The plants require fertilization to provide the necessary nutrients and boost growth. Organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, and bone meal can be applied during planting. Later, foliar feeding with a complete fertilizer containing nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus can be done after every three months to boost plant growth and fruit production.
Pruning of Morus mesozygia Stapf var. sanda A.Chev.
The plant can grow into a tree or a shrub, depending on the pruning techniques applied. Young plants should be pruned when they reach a height of 50cm and should maintain a single stem. When the plant reaches a height of 1.5 meters, cut the top to encourage branching and promote bushy growth. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, which is usually in the late winter or early spring. Pruning can help reduce the plant's height, remove dead wood, and stimulate fruiting.
Propagation of Morus mesozygia Stapf var. sanda A.Chev.
Morus mesozygia Stapf var. sanda A.Chev. can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
Seeds collected from ripe fruits can be used for sexual propagation. The seeds are extracted and washed using clean water to remove the pulp. The seeds are then air-dried and sown in a seedbed or nursery with well-draining soil. The soil must be kept moist but not waterlogged to prevent the seeds from rotting. The seeds usually germinate within 2-6 weeks.
Asexual Propagation
Morus mesozygia Stapf var. sanda A.Chev. can be propagated asexually through stem cuttings, layering, and grafting.
Stem Cuttings: Softwood cuttings are taken from the parent tree during the rainy season. The cuttings are usually 10-15 cm in length and taken from healthy, disease-free branches with no signs of damage. The leaves are stripped off the lower half of the cutting, and the base is dipped in rooting hormone before planting in well-draining soil in a nursey. The soil is kept moist until the cuttings establish roots, which takes about 4-6 weeks.
Layering: Air layering is a common method used for fruit trees. In this method, a section of a branch is slit lengthwise and kept open using a wedge or toothpick. A ball of moss or wet cloth is placed on the exposed section, and the branch is wrapped with black polythene paper to keep it moist. Roots develop at the wounded section after 4-6 weeks, and the new plant can then be removed and potted.
Grafting: Grafting is a popular method used for propagating fruit trees. Grafting involves joining two plants to create a new plant with desirable traits. The scion, which is the desired variety, is grafted onto a rootstock, which is usually a more hardy variety. Grafting can be done through budding or grafting. Budding involves inserting a bud from the scion onto the rootstock, while grafting involves joining a stem or shoot from the scion with the rootstock, usually at an angle. Grafting should be done during the rainy season for optimal success.
Disease and Pest Management for Morus mesozygia Stapf var. sanda A.Chev.
Morus mesozygia Stapf var. sanda A.Chev., commonly known as sandpaper tree or African mulberry, is a species of tree in the Moraceae family. This plant is susceptible to various diseases and pests which can affect its growth and productivity. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the sandpaper tree and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that can affect the leaves of the sandpaper tree. The infected leaves develop yellow or brown spots which gradually turn into holes. Fungicides can be used to manage this disease. It is recommended to remove the infected leaves and destroy them to prevent the spread of the disease.
Root rot: Root rot is caused by a fungus that attacks the roots of the sandpaper tree. The infected roots become soft and mushy, and the leaves of the plant start to wilt. To manage this disease, it is recommended to plant the sandpaper tree in well-draining soil. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Pests
Scale insects: Scale insects are common pests that can infest the sandpaper tree. These insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and premature leaf drop. To manage scale infestations, it is recommended to wash the leaves with soapy water or use insecticides.
Caterpillars: The sandpaper tree is also susceptible to caterpillar infestations which can cause severe defoliation. To manage caterpillar infestations, it is recommended to manually remove the caterpillars and destroy them or use insecticides.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are another common pest that can infest the sandpaper tree. These insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage mealybug infestations, it is recommended to wash the leaves with soapy water or use insecticides.
By practicing good cultural practices, monitoring the plant regularly, and prompt management of pests and diseases, the sandpaper tree can grow healthily and produce good yields.
