Overview
Omphalocarpum mortehanii De Wild. is a flowering plant that is indigenous to Central and West Africa. It is a member of the Rubiaceae family and is commonly known as the Navel fruit tree.
Appearance
The Navel fruit tree can grow up to 10-20 meters in height and its bark is greyish-white. The leaves of the plant are a glossy green and are elongated in shape. The flowers are small, white in color, and almost spherical in shape, giving the appearance of small balls. The fruit of the plant is a fleshy capsule that is round in shape with a flat top, hence its name Navel fruit tree.
Uses
The Navel fruit tree has various uses. Its fruit is edible and has a sweet taste. The dried leaves and bark of the tree have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as stomach aches, fever, and diarrhea. The tree has also been used for its wood, which is durable and can be used for making furniture and other household items.
In addition to its practical uses, the Navel fruit tree is also grown as an ornamental plant given its beautiful, spherical flowers and glossy green leaves.
Light Requirements
Omphalocarpum mortehanii De Wild. prefers full sun and partial shade. It can tolerate full shade for a short period, but it will have stunted growth. Therefore, it is best to place the plant in a spot that receives sunlight for at least half of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires a warm climate. It grows well in temperatures ranging from 20 to 35°C. The minimum temperature required for growth is 15°C. The plant cannot tolerate frost or extreme cold, and it may die in such conditions. Therefore, it is best to plant the Omphalocarpum mortehanii De Wild. in a warm and sheltered location away from cold winds.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils. It can grow well in various types of soil, ranging from sandy to loamy soils. The ideal soil pH for growth of Omphalocarpum mortehanii De Wild. is between 5.5 to 7.5. However, the plant can tolerate slightly acidic or slightly alkaline soil. It is advisable to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The plant can tolerate drought conditions for a short period.
Cultivation Methods
Omphalocarpum mortehanii De Wild. thrives well in well-draining, loamy soil and in areas with full to partial sunlight exposure. It is an evergreen plant that can be propagated from seeds, stem cuttings, or air layering. It can be grown indoors or outdoors.
Watering Needs
To ensure proper growth and development, it is important to water Omphalocarpum mortehanii De Wild. frequently. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not too wet. During the hot and dry season, it may need to be watered at least twice a week. Reduce watering during the cold season and when the soil is already wet.
Fertilization
Fertilize Omphalocarpum mortehanii De Wild. with a well-balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. It is best to fertilize the plant once a month from February to September. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season as it may cause harm to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning should be done annually to remove diseased or damaged branches, improve airflow, and maintain the plant's shape and size. This should be done at the end of the dormant season, usually in early spring or late winter. To avoid damaging the plant, it is best to use clean, sharp pruning tools.
Propagation of Omphalocarpum mortehanii De Wild.
Omphalocarpum mortehanii De Wild. can be propagated through various methods, such as seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and tissue culture.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Omphalocarpum mortehanii De Wild. can be collected from mature fruits and sown directly in the soil. However, the seeds have a hard coat that needs scarification to improve germination. Scarification helps to break the seed coat, allowing water to penetrate and initiate germination. One way to scarify the seeds is by soaking them in hot water for a few minutes before sowing them. Seedlings will start to emerge within four to six weeks after sowing, and they can be transplanted to a permanent location after they have developed a few true leaves.
Vegetative Propagation
Omphalocarpum mortehanii De Wild. can also be propagated through vegetative means such as stem cuttings, air layering, and grafting. Stem cuttings are the most common method used. Cuttings should be collected from healthy and mature plants and treated with a rooting hormone before planting them in a rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept in a humid environment and watered regularly until they have developed roots and have started to grow new leaves. Rooted cuttings can be transplanted to a permanent location after a few weeks.
Tissue Culture Propagation
Tissue culture is a more advanced method of propagation, and it involves growing plants from small tissue samples. The plant tissue is taken and sterilized before being placed in a nutrient-rich medium. The medium is usually composed of minerals, vitamins, sugars, and growth hormones that promote growth and development. Over time, the tissue will start to grow and form plantlets that can be transferred to soil once they have developed roots and leaves.
Disease and Pest Management for Omphalocarpum mortehanii De Wild.
Omphalocarpum mortehanii De Wild. is a tropical tree that produces edible fruits. To ensure optimal growth and yield, it is important to protect it from pests and diseases that can reduce its productivity. In this article, we will discuss the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
The most common disease that affects Omphalocarpum mortehanii De Wild. is anthracnose. The disease is caused by a fungus and it can affect both the leaves and fruits of the plant. Symptoms of anthracnose include brown or black spots on leaves, stems, and fruits. The spots may become sunken and cause rotting of the affected parts.
To manage anthracnose, it is recommended to remove all infected plant parts and destroy them. You can also apply fungicides to prevent the spread of the disease. Organic fungicides such as neem oil and copper fungicides are effective in controlling anthracnose.
Common Pests
The most common pests that affect Omphalocarpum mortehanii De Wild. are fruit flies and mealybugs. Fruit flies are small insects that feed on the fruits of the tree. They lay eggs on the fruits, which hatch into larvae that feed on the fruits. Mealybugs are tiny insects that suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth.
To manage fruit flies, it is recommended to use fruit fly traps or baits. You can also use insecticides such as spinosad and malathion to control the population of fruit flies. Mealybugs can be controlled by using insecticides such as neem oil and insecticidal soap. You can also remove the mealybugs manually by using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
In conclusion, preventing and controlling pest and disease infestations is crucial for the growth and productivity of Omphalocarpum mortehanii De Wild. By implementing the management strategies discussed in this article, you can protect your plant from the most common diseases and pests that affect it.
