Description of Olea schimperi Gand.
Olea schimperi Gand., also known as the Ethiopian wild olive or African wild olive, is a species of tree that belongs to the Oleaceae family. It is native to East Africa, specifically in Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Somalia.
Common Names
The tree is known and referred to by a variety of different names, depending on the region. In Ethiopia, it is called "messo," "hojeb," or "sheka." In Tanzania, it is known as "mkwaju," "mlenda," or "miombo."
Uses
The tree and its fruits have a variety of uses, both traditional and commercial. The fruit of the tree is edible and is used to make olive oil, which is used for cooking and also has medicinal value. The leaves of the tree are also used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, malaria, and skin infections. In addition, the wood of the tree is used for carving and as fuel.
General Appearance
The Ethiopian wild olive is a small to medium-sized tree that grows up to 10 meters tall. It has a round crown and a thick trunk with a rough, barky texture and a greyish-brown color. The leaves are dark green and glossy, oblong or elliptical in shape, and leathery to the touch. The fruit of the tree is a small, spherical, dark purple drupe that grows in clusters.
Light Requirements
Olea schimperi Gand. is a plant that prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It needs enough light to stimulate photosynthesis but can also tolerate some shade, especially during the hot summer months.
Temperature Requirements
The plant has a relatively wide range of temperature tolerance and can grow in a broad range of temperature conditions. Temperature range between 20°C to 35°C is ideal for this plant. In hotter climate, it can withstand temperatures up to 45°C, and in colder climates, it thrives in the temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C.
Soil Requirements
Olea schimperi Gand. is adaptable to almost all soil types, provided they are well-drained. However, it prefers fertile, well-drained soils that are loamy with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The plant also prefers soils that are rich in nutrients and organic matter. It is not tolerant to waterlogged, highly saline or low pH soils.
Cultivation methods
Olea schimperi Gand. is commonly grown in dry and warm climates. It is suitable for outdoor cultivation in both pots and gardens. The plant prefers well-draining and sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. It is recommended to plant Olea schimperi Gand. during the spring season and provide it with enough sunlight and moderate daily temperatures.
Watering needs
Watering Olea schimperi Gand. depends on the surrounding temperature and humidity. Young and newly planted Olea schimperi Gand. should be watered frequently but with a minimal amount of water to prevent over-saturation and root rot. Once the plant grows and develops deeper roots, it requires less frequent watering. Ensure that the soil is dry before the next watering and avoid overwatering at all times.
Fertilization
Olea schimperi Gand. requires fertilization at least twice a month during the peak growing season. The recommended fertilizer is a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. The fertilization should be reduced or stopped during the winter and autumn season when the plant goes dormant. It is important to follow the instructions provided on the specific fertilizer package for the best results.
Pruning
Pruning Olea schimperi Gand. is recommended once per year, either in late winter or early spring before the growing season. The pruning should focus on removing damaged branches, weak limbs, and low-hanging branches. Pruning helps the plant retain its shape and increase its overall health. Avoid pruning more than ? of the plant during one session to prevent damage and shock to the plant.
Propagation of Olea schimperi Gand.
Olea schimperi Gand., commonly known as the Ethiopian olive tree, is a species of plant that is native to Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, and Yemen. It is a slow-growing evergreen tree that can reach a height of up to 15m and a spread of up to 10m with a narrow, rounded crown. The plant is highly valued for its strong wood and fruits, which are used to produce high-quality olive oil.
Propagation is the process of producing new plants from existing ones. There are several methods of propagating Olea schimperi Gand., including:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Olea schimperi Gand. can be done directly from seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature fruits and thoroughly cleaned. They are then sown in a sandy loam soil mix and kept moist in a warm place. Germination usually occurs after 2-3 months, and the seedlings can be transplanted to individual containers when they are large enough to handle.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method of propagating Olea schimperi Gand. is through cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from mature wood in the dormant season and treated with rooting hormone before being planted in a soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm place until roots appear, usually after 2-3 months.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is a more advanced method of propagating Olea schimperi Gand. and involves combining the rootstock of one plant with the scion of another. This is done to propagate plants that do not root well from cuttings or to create more disease-resistant plants. Grafting requires expertise and should be performed by experienced growers.
In conclusion, Olea schimperi Gand. can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and grafting. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and growers should choose the method that best suits their needs and expertise.
Disease and Pest Management for Olea schimperi Gand.
Olea schimperi Gand., commonly known as Ethiopian olive, is a small tree native to Ethiopia and Eritrea. This plant is grown for its edible fruits, which are used to produce olive oil. However, like other plants, Olea schimperi Gand. is susceptible to diseases and pests. Effective management of plant diseases and pests is necessary to ensure the production of healthy and high-quality crops. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark, sunken lesions on the fruits, leaves, and stems of the plant. In severe cases, the disease can lead to defoliation and reduced fruit production. To manage anthracnose, it's essential to remove infected plant parts and dispose of them. Applying a copper-based fungicide can also help control the disease.
Verticillium wilt: This soil-borne fungal disease causes wilting, stunted growth, and yellowing of leaves. Infected plants eventually die. Managing verticillium wilt involves planting disease-resistant cultivars and avoiding planting Olea schimperi Gand. in areas where the disease is prevalent. Crop rotation can also help reduce the spread of the disease.
Common pests
Olive fruit fly: This pest is a significant problem for olive trees and can cause significant crop losses. The adult fly lays eggs on the fruit, and the larvae feed on the flesh, causing the fruit to rot. Managing olive fruit fly involves using pheromone traps to monitor the pest population and applying pesticides when necessary.
Scale insects: These pests feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. Large infestations can lead to plant death. To manage scale insects, it's vital to prune infected branches and use horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps to control the pests.
In conclusion, managing plant diseases and pests is vital for the production of healthy Olea schimperi Gand. crops. Utilizing disease-resistant cultivars, cultural practices, and chemical controls can help manage pests and diseases effectively.
