Plant Description:
Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. incohata F.White is a flowering plant belonging to the Chrysobalanaceae family. It is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall and has a broad, spreading crown. The bark of the trunk is greyish-brown, rough, and fissured, while the bark on the branches is smooth and brown. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oval-shaped, measuring about 7-20 cm long and 4-8 cm wide. The tree produces small, fragrant flowers arranged in clusters at the end of branches. The fruit is a round, yellow to red drupe with a single large seed inside.
Origin and Common Names:
Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. incohata F.White is native to southern and eastern Africa, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Tanzania. It is commonly known as the Wild Jackalberry, African Chestnut, Umdhlebe, and Mchakato in different regions.
Uses:
The Wild Jackalberry has multiple uses in traditional medicine, providing relief for various ailments like diarrhea, dysentery, fever, and eye infections. The bark and leaves of the plant are used in decoctions and tinctures, while the fruit and seeds are edible and rich in antioxidants. The tree also serves as an important source of shade and shelter for animals, and its wood is used for furniture and carving.
Additionally, the Wild Jackalberry has cultural significance in some regions, where it is considered sacred or associated with spiritual beliefs. For example, the Zulu people in South Africa believe that the tree's wood possesses protective powers that can ward off evil spirits.
Growth Conditions of Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. incohata F.White
Light: The plant requires full sunlight exposure for optimal growth and development. It is recommended to place the plant in a location where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Temperature: Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. incohata F.White thrives in warm to hot climates. The ideal temperature range is between 25 to 35 °C. The plant cannot tolerate frost and cold temperatures, so it is essential to keep it in a warm environment.
Soil: The plant grows well in well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be moderately fertile, and it is recommended to add organic matter such as compost to enhance the soil's quality. The plant prefers sandy loam, loamy sand, and clay loam soil types.
Water: Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. incohata F.White requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can damage the plant. It is recommended to water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and soil moisture level.
Fertilizer: The plant does not require frequent fertilization. However, it is recommended to feed it with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth. It is best to fertilize the plant once every 2 to 3 months with a slow-release fertilizer.
Humidity: The plant can withstand low to moderate humidity levels. However, it prefers to grow in a humid environment. It is recommended to mist the plant occasionally to increase humidity levels around the plant.
Cultivation of Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. incohata F. White
Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. incohata F. White is a tree species native to South Africa. It grows well in hot and dry regions, with an average annual rainfall of around 600-800 mm. The tree can be cultivated from seeds or cuttings, and it is important to select a well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
When planting seeds, it is recommended to soak them in warm water for 24 hours before planting. Plant seeds about 2-3 cm deep and keep them moist until they germinate, which can take up to 3 weeks. For cuttings, take 10-12 cm long stem cuttings, remove the leaves from the lower third, dust the cut ends with rooting hormone powder, and plant in well-draining soil mixed with sand and peat. Keep the soil moist and provide partial shade until the cuttings have rooted, which can take up to 2 months.
Watering needs of Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. incohata F. White
Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. incohata F. White requires moderate watering. It is important to avoid overwatering, as the tree can be prone to root rot. Water the tree deeply but infrequently, ensuring that the soil has dried out partially between waterings. During the dry season, the tree will require more frequent watering to maintain its growth and health.
Fertilization of Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. incohata F. White
Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. incohata F. White requires regular fertilization to maintain its growth and health. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer in early spring, just before new growth begins. For young trees, use half the recommended rate, and gradually increase it as the tree grows.
Pruning of Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. incohata F. White
Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. incohata F. White requires minimal pruning, but it can be done to shape the tree or remove diseased or dead branches. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Use clean, sharp pruning shears and make clean cuts just above a leaf bud or branch junction. Avoid cutting into the main trunk as it can cause damage to the tree.
Propagation of Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. incohata F.White
There are several methods to propagate Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. incohata F.White, including seed propagation, stem cuttings, and layering.
Seed propagation
Seeds can be collected from ripe fruits and sown immediately. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mixture and kept moist until germination, which usually takes 2-4 weeks. Once the seedlings are established, they can be transplanted to individual pots or directly into the ground.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken from mature plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm long and stripped of leaves from the bottom third of the stem. The cuttings can be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mixture. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a bright, warm location until they establish roots, which usually takes 4-6 weeks. Once the cuttings have established roots, they can be transplanted to individual pots or directly into the ground.
Layering
Layering involves bending a low-hanging stem to the ground and wounding the stem where it touches the ground. The wounded section is then covered with moist soil or compost and kept moist until roots develop. This process usually takes several months, after which the rooted stem can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted to its new location.
Disease Management
Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. incohata F.White is generally a hardy plant with few disease issues when grown in the appropriate conditions. However, it can occasionally be susceptible to several diseases such as:
- Anthracnose: A fungal disease that causes circular or irregularly shaped brown or black spots on the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. To manage this disease, prune and destroy infected plant parts and use fungicides according to label instructions.
- Root Rot: A fungal disease that causes the roots to rot and turn brown or black. This disease can be prevented by avoiding overwatering and ensuring good soil drainage.
- Powdery Mildew: A fungal disease that appears as a white powder on the plant's leaves and stems. It can be managed by removing infected plant parts, increasing air circulation around the plant, and treating with fungicides.
- Bacterial Leaf Spot: A disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, remove infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and treat with bactericides according to label instructions.
Pest Management
Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. incohata F.White can also be affected by several pests, including:
- Mealybugs: These are small, white, fluffy insects that suck sap from the plant. To manage infestations, prune and destroy infected plant parts, wash the plant with soapy water, and use insecticides according to label instructions.
- Spider Mites: These are tiny, red or brown insects that cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. To manage infestations, isolate the plant, increase the humidity around it, and use insecticides labeled for spider mites according to instructions.
- Thrips: These are small, slim insects that cause silvering of the leaves. To manage infestations, prune and destroy infected plant parts and use insecticides labeled for thrips according to instructions.
- Caterpillars: These are larvae that feed on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage infestations, pick off caterpillars by hand if possible and use insecticides labeled for caterpillars according to instructions.
