Origin
Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. latifolia (Oliv.) R.A.Graham, commonly known as Large-leaved Mobola Plum, is a flowering plant native to tropical and subtropical Africa. It is found in Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as Mobola plum, African peach, wild peach or bush peach, according to the local language.
Uses
The plant is widely used for medicinal and culinary purposes, particularly in Southern and Central Africa. The fruit is edible and is often used to make juice, jam and jelly. The fruit pulp is also used for making a refreshing drink, which is especially popular during the hot summer months. The leaves and bark of the plant are widely used in traditional medicine for treating a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, fever, and malaria. The wood of the tree is also used for carving and construction purposes.
General Appearance
Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. latifolia (Oliv.) R.A.Graham is a small to medium-sized tree, growing up to 10m tall. It has a straight trunk and a rounded canopy. The leaves are leathery, glossy, and elliptical-shaped, with a length of up to 12cm. The tree produces panicles of small, greenish-yellow flowers that are 3 to 4mm in diameter. The fruit is a yellowish-green drupe, about 25mm in diameter, with a hard, woody stone at the center.
Light Requirements
Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. latifolia (Oliv.) R.A.Graham grows well in areas with bright light, but it can tolerate some amount of shade. Ideally, the plant requires at least six hours of sunlight daily to thrive well. Insufficient light can result in stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers to grow in a warm environment, with temperatures ranging from 60-80°F (15-27°C). The species cannot survive in extreme hot or cold conditions. Cold temperatures can damage the leaves, whereas high temperatures can cause wilting and leaf loss.
Soil Requirements
The soil where Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. latifolia (Oliv.) R.A.Graham is grown should have good drainage properties to avoid waterlogging. The plant thrives well in fertile soils that are rich in organic matter. Soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The species can tolerate drought conditions but require consistent watering for healthy growth.
Cultivation
Parinari capensis subsp. latifolia is a slow-growing plant, and requires well-draining, fertile soil, preferably a sandy-loam mixture. The plant prefers to grow in full sun and can tolerate a range of soil pH levels, from acidic to slightly alkaline.
Propagation is usually done through seed germination. Sow the seeds in the growing medium and water regularly until they start to germinate, usually within two to three weeks. After germination, the seedlings can be transplanted to larger pots or directly planted in the garden.
Watering Needs
Parinari capensis subsp. latifolia prefers consistent moisture but can tolerate periods of drought. Water the plant regularly but avoid waterlogging the soil as this can encourage root rot. The frequency of watering will depend on the climate and soil conditions, so check the soil moisture levels regularly.
Fertilization
Fertilize Parinari capensis subsp. latifolia with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Use a slow-release fertilizer or liquid fertilizer every two weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can cause excessive growth and weak stems.
Pruning
Prune Parinari capensis subsp. latifolia during the dormant season, usually in late winter or early spring. Remove any dead or diseased wood, and thin out any overcrowded branches to encourage better airflow and promote healthy growth.
It is advisable not to over-prune the plant as it can reduce its productivity. Prune only when necessary, and avoid cutting back more than 1/3 of the plant at one time.
Propagation of Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. latifolia (Oliv.) R.A.Graham
Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. latifolia (Oliv.) R.A.Graham, commonly known as the Wiesner's stinkwood, is propagated through a variety of methods, including:
Seed propagation
The most common propagation method for Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. latifolia (Oliv.) R.A.Graham is through seed propagation. This involves collecting ripe fruits from the tree, removing the seeds from the fleshy fruit, drying them in a cool, dry place, and then planting them in a seedbed.
The seedbed should be prepared by mixing equal parts of sand and compost. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 2-3 cm and watered regularly. Germination typically occurs within 6-8 weeks after planting.
Cuttings propagation
Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. latifolia (Oliv.) R.A.Graham can also be propagated through hardwood cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from mature, woody branches in the dormant season (winter).
The cuttings should be about 30 cm long and have at least 2-3 nodes. The bottom of the cutting should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a rooting medium, such as sand or perlite. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm, humid environment until roots develop. This can take up to 6 months.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is a propagation method that involves making a cut into the bark of a mature branch, wrapping it in moist sphagnum moss and covering it with plastic to encourage roots to develop. Once roots have formed, the rooted branch can be cut from the parent plant and planted.
Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. latifolia (Oliv.) R.A.Graham responds well to air layering, and this method is often used to propagate the tree in areas where seed propagation is not feasible.
Disease Management
Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. latifolia (Oliv.) R.A.Graham may be affected by various diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. Here are some common plant diseases that may affect Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. latifolia (Oliv.) R.A.Graham:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that typically affects the leaves of the plant, causing yellowing and the development of circular spots. To manage this disease, it is crucial to remove and destroy infected plant parts, ensure proper drainage, and avoid overwatering the plant.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery substance to form on the plant's leaves, stems, and buds. To prevent powdery mildew, it is important to ensure proper air circulation, reduce humidity levels, and avoid overcrowding the plants.
- Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to decay and turn black. To prevent root rot, it is important to ensure adequate drainage, avoid overwatering, and provide well-drained soil.
Pest Management
Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. latifolia (Oliv.) R.A.Graham may also be affected by various pests that can cause damage to the plant. Here are some common pests that may affect Parinari capensis Harv. subsp. latifolia (Oliv.) R.A.Graham:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to curl and yellow. To manage aphids, it is important to remove them from the plant by spraying the plant with water, using insecticidal soap, or introducing natural predators like ladybugs.
- Thrips: Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on the plant's leaves and stems, causing silvering and discoloration. To manage thrips, it is important to remove infested areas of the plant, improve air circulation, and introduce predators like lacewings.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that cause damage by sucking sap from the plant, causing leaves to turn yellow and dry. To manage spider mites, it is important to remove infested leaves, reduce humidity levels, and introduce predators like ladybugs.
