Overview
Ormocarpum affine De Wild. is a small tree commonly known as African apple or Baillonella to the locals. It is native to the tropical rainforests of Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria. The tree belongs to the Fabaceae family.
Appearance
African apple tree reaches heights of up to 30 meters and has a dense, rounded crown. The bark is grayish-brown, with small fissures and furrows. The tree produces pinnate leaves, with 6 to 10 leaflets that are bright green and glossy. Its flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and borne in clusters at the nodes.
Uses
The African apple tree has significant cultural and economic importance in West and Central Africa. The fruit is edible, and the sweet pulp has a taste similar to that of apple or pear. The seeds are rich in oil, which is used in cooking, soap making, and as a substitute for cocoa butter. The wood is hard, durable, and resistant to rot, making it ideal for construction and furniture making. The leaves, bark, and roots have medicinal properties and are used to treat various ailments, including malaria, diarrhea, and fever.
The African apple tree is also an important species in agroforestry. The tree improves soil fertility, provides shade, and serves as a windbreak. It is often intercropped with other crops such as cocoa, coffee, and plantains, providing additional income for farmers.
Light requirements
Ormocarpum affine De Wild. prefers growing in areas where it can access full sun. It can tolerate some shade but may not grow or flower as well in shaded areas. It would be best to plant this tree where it can get at least six hours of direct sunlight every day.
Temperature requirements
Ormocarpum affine De Wild. grows well in warm climates. The plant can tolerate high temperatures and is suitable for zones with tropical climate. It will not survive in areas with prolonged frost or extreme cold conditions. The optimal temperature range for this plant is between 20-30 degrees Celsius, and it requires a consistent temperature to grow well.
Soil requirements
The soil requirements for Ormocarpum affine De Wild. are well-draining, slightly fertile, and slightly acidic soil. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so the soil must be well-drained to prevent root rot. Adding organic matter like compost, manure, or peat moss to the soil before planting can help provide nutrients required for growth. A pH range of 5.5-6.5 will provide optimal conditions for this plant.
Cultivation
Ormocarpum affine De Wild. can be grown in a variety of soils including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it grows best in well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to mildly alkaline pH. The plant requires full sun to partial shade to grow optimally and does not tolerate frost very well.
In planting the Ormocarpum affine De Wild., dig a hole that is twice as large as the plant's container and place the plant in the hole after removing it from its container. Backfill the hole with soil, tamp the soil down, and water the plant thoroughly.
Watering
The Ormocarpum affine De Wild. requires moderate watering. Water the plant twice a week, especially during the growing season, to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid letting the soil become waterlogged as this can cause root rot.
During the dry season, increase the frequency of watering to prevent the plant from drying out. The plant can tolerate brief periods of drought, but it may cause wilting of the leaves.
Fertilization
The Ormocarpum affine De Wild. benefits from regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season to provide the plant with essential nutrients.
Alternatively, you can use an organic fertilizer, like compost or manure, during the spring and fall. Apply the fertilizer about 1 inch away from the plant's stem and water it thoroughly after application.
Pruning
The Ormocarpum affine De Wild. requires minimal pruning. However, if the plant becomes overgrown or unmanageable, you can prune it back in the early spring just before the growing season begins.
Use sterilized pruning shears and cut back the stems to the desired length. Avoid cutting the stems back by more than a third to avoid stunting the plant's growth. Remove any deadwood, crossing branches, or damaged stems to promote the plant's health and vigor.
Propagation of Ormocarpum affine De Wild.
Propagation is the process of reproducing plants by various means. Ormocarpum affine De Wild. can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, and root division. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method depends on various factors such as the type of plant, time of year, and available resources.
Propagation by Seeds
The easiest and most common method of propagation for Ormocarpum affine De Wild. is by seeds. The seeds can be collected from the matured fruits that grow on the plant. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil in a warm and sunny location. Before planting, the seeds should be soaked in water overnight to help germination.
The best time to sow the seeds is in the rainy season when the soil is moist. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 0.5-1 cm and spaced at least 5 cm apart. Germination can take up to four weeks, and once the seedlings have grown to about 10-15 cm, they can be transplanted to their final location.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another method that can be used to propagate Ormocarpum affine De Wild. This method involves cutting a stem from a mature plant and growing it into a new plant. The cutting should be taken from the softwood part of the stem and should be 5-10 cm long with a few leaves attached to it.
The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained soil mixture of peat moss and perlite. The soil should be kept moist, and the cutting should be placed in a bright location but out of direct sunlight. The new plant should be ready to transplant in about six months.
Propagation by Root Division
Propagation by root division involves separating the roots of a mature plant and replanting the sections into separate pots or locations. This method is most effective in the spring when the plant is just starting to grow. The roots should be gently separated into small sections, each with its own stem and leaves.
The sections should be replanted into moist soil and placed in a location where they will receive bright, indirect light. The new plants should begin to grow within a few weeks and will be ready for transplanting in about six months.
Disease Management
Ormomacarpum affine De Wild. is generally a hardy plant with few disease problems. However, the plant can be susceptible to certain fungal infections. One common disease that may affect the plant is root rot, which is caused by the soil-borne fungus Phytophthora. This disease can cause the plant to wilt and eventually die.
To manage root rot, it is important to ensure that the plant is not overwatered and that the soil has good drainage. Additionally, it is recommended to use fungicides specifically designed to control Phytophthora. These can either be applied as a soil drench or sprayed onto the foliage. It is also important to remove any infected plant material from the vicinity of the healthy plants.
Another fungal disease that may affect Ormomacarpum affine De Wild. is leaf spot, which is caused by the fungus Cercospora. Infected leaves may show small, circular, grayish-brown spots with yellowish margins. If left untreated, the disease can cause defoliation and lead to a weakened plant.
The best way to manage leaf spot is to remove any infected plant material and improve air circulation around the plant. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Pest Management
Ormomacarpum affine De Wild. is generally not heavily infested with pests, but it may be attacked by certain insects. One common pest that may affect the plant is the spider mite, which feeds on the sap of the plant and causes leaves to turn yellow or brown and drop prematurely. These mites are very small and difficult to spot, often requiring a magnifying glass to identify them.
To manage spider mites, it is important to regularly check the plant for signs of infestation and to remove any heavily infested leaves. Additionally, beneficial insects such as ladybugs and predatory mites can be introduced to the area to control the population of spider mites without the use of pesticides.
Another insect pest that may affect Ormomacarpum affine De Wild. is the mealybug, which also feeds on sap and causes plant growth to be stunted. Mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses on the plant and can be easily spread from plant to plant.
To manage mealybugs, it is important to regularly check the plant for signs of infestation and to remove any heavily infested plant material. A strong jet of water can also be used to dislodge the mealybugs from the plant. In severe cases, insecticides can be used to control the population of mealybugs.
