Plant Description:
Odina edulis Sond. var. glabrescens Engl. is a small to medium-sized evergreen or semi-deciduous tree that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. It can grow up to a height of 10-20 meters and has a trunk diameter of around 60 cm. The bark of the tree is dark grey or black, with vertical fissures and orange margins.
Origin and Common Names:
The plant is native to tropical and southern Africa, including countries such as Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It is commonly referred to as 'The Rock Wild Mango' or simply 'Rock Mango.' This is because it grows in rocky outcrops and hillsides, often found on the edge of rivers and streams or forest margins.
Uses:
The Odina edulis Sond. var. glabrescens Engl. tree has a variety of uses in traditional medicine and food preparation. The bark and leaves of the plant have been used for centuries in Africa to treat stomach ailments, fever, and diarrhea. It is also known for its aphrodisiac properties. The fruit of the tree is edible, and its pulp is used to make refreshing drinks and juices. The hard, fibrous seed is roasted and eaten as a snack or used in cooking as a thickening agent. The wood of the tree is hard and durable and is used for making furniture, tool handles, and construction materials.
General Appearance:
The leaves of Odina edulis Sond. var. glabrescens Engl. are simple, alternate, and clustered towards the ends of the branches. They are oval-shaped, with a pointed tip and wavy margins. The upper surface of the leaves is shiny and dark green, while the lower surface is lighter. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, greenish-yellow in color, and are borne in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit of the tree is a large, oval drupe, about 5-7 cm in length, green when unripe, and yellowish-brown when ripe.
Light Requirements:
The Odina edulis Sond. var. glabrescens Engl. plant typically requires bright, indirect light to thrive. Direct sunlight may burn the leaves and cause damage to the plant. It is advisable to place the plant in a spot that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight per day. Lack of proper lighting may cause the plant to become leggy and weak.
Temperature Requirements:
The Odina edulis Sond. var. glabrescens Engl. plant grows well in warm and humid conditions. The optimum temperature range for growth is between 20°C to 30°C, although it can tolerate temperatures as low as 15°C. It is best to avoid exposing the plant to cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations as this may adversely affect growth and development.
Soil Requirements:
The Odina edulis Sond. var. glabrescens Engl. plant prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. It requires soil that is rich in organic matter and nutrients. A good potting mix for this plant would consist of equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. The use of fertilizer is also essential for healthy growth, and it is advisable to use a balanced fertilizer that is specifically formulated for indoor plants.
Cultivation Methods
Odina edulis Sond. var. glabrescens Engl. is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid regions. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings, and the planting should be done in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.2 to 7.2. The plants should be placed in a location with partial shade, away from strong winds.
Watering Needs
This plant requires frequent watering during the growing season, especially during the dry months. The soil should always be moist, but not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot. The frequency of watering should be reduced during the dormant season to avoid waterlogging and to allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Fertilization
Odina edulis Sond. var. glabrescens Engl. requires regular fertilization to support its growth and development. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 should be applied every six to eight weeks during the growing season. Organic compost can also be added to the soil during planting to provide additional nutrients to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the health and shape of the plant. The best time to prune Odina edulis Sond. var. glabrescens Engl is during the dormant season when the plant is not actively growing. Dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be removed, and any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other should also be pruned. Pruning should be done sparingly, as an excessive amount can damage the plant and reduce its yield.
Propagation of Odina edulis Sond. var. glabrescens Engl.
The propagation of Odina edulis Sond. var. glabrescens Engl. can be achieved through various methods which include:
Seed propagation
Seeds of Odina edulis Sond. var. glabrescens Engl. can be collected from mature fruits during the flowering season and planted in well-prepared soil. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 2 cm and watered regularly until germination occurs. The seedlings can then be transplanted to a bigger container or directly to the field after they have developed enough roots.
Cutting propagation
Odina edulis Sond. var. glabrescens Engl. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the parent plant during the growing season and should be about 15-20 cm long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in well-draining soil. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a shaded area until they develop roots.
Air layering
Air layering is also an effective method of propagating Odina edulis Sond. var. glabrescens Engl. This method involves making a cut on a mature branch and covering the cut with rooting hormone and moist sphagnum moss. The branch is then covered with a plastic sheet and tied tightly to prevent moisture loss.
After a few weeks, roots will form at the cut area, and the branch can be cut from the parent plant and planted in well-prepared soil.
Disease Management
Odina edulis Sond. var. glabrescens Engl. is susceptible to various diseases, including leaf spot, root rot, and powdery mildew.
Leaf spot: This disease is characterized by dark brown spots on the leaves, which eventually turn yellow and fall off. It is caused by a fungal infection. To manage leaf spot, remove the infected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide.
Root rot: Root rot is caused by waterlogging around the roots, which leads to the death of the plant. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure proper drainage. Additionally, you can apply a fungicide to the soil to prevent fungal growth.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems. It is caused by a fungal infection. To manage powdery mildew, prune affected leaves and apply a fungicide to the plant.
Pest Management
Odina edulis Sond. var. glabrescens Engl. is also susceptible to various pests, including mealybugs, scales, and leaf-eating caterpillars.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing wilting and stunting. To manage mealybugs, remove infested leaves and spray the plant with insecticidal soap.
Scales: Scales are small insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves, sucking the sap from the plant. They can cause yellowing and wilting of the plant. To manage scales, remove infested parts and spray the plant with insecticidal soap.
Leaf-eating caterpillars: Leaf-eating caterpillars can cause extensive damage to the plant by chewing on the leaves and stems. To manage caterpillars, physically remove them from the plant and spray with a suitable insecticide if necessary.
Regular monitoring of the plant is essential to detect the presence of pests and diseases early. Early detection and prompt action can help prevent extensive damage to the plant.
