Origin
The Parinari capensis Harv. var. latifolia Oliv. is a plant species that belongs to the Chrysobalanaceae family, a family of flowering plants commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. This plant is native to South Africa and commonly found in the eastern part of the country, including KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo provinces.
Common names
The Parinari capensis Harv. var. latifolia Oliv. is commonly known as the Large-leaved mobola plum, Impafana, or Mohlaleng in Zulu. It is also known as the wild plum, winter plum, or sweet plum due to its sweet and edibles fruits.
Uses
Parinari capensis Harv. var. latifolia Oliv. is a valuable plant species with various uses. It is highly sought after for its nutritious and edible fruits that are consumed by both humans and animals. The fruits are a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals and are commonly eaten fresh or dried. The leaves and bark of the tree have medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach problems.
In addition to its medicinal and food value, the Parinari capensis Harv. var. latifolia Oliv. is also used in the production of high-quality furniture due to its beautiful and durable timber. The plant’s high-quality wood is used in the manufacture of durable furniture, carving, and decorative items.
General appearance
The Parinari capensis Harv. var. latifolia Oliv. is a small to a medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow to about 10 to 20 meters tall. The plant has a dark-greyish-brown bark that is rough and fissured, and the branches are spreading and drooping. The leaves of this plant are dark green and glossy, and they are broadly oblong to ovate in shape. The tree produces small, sweet-smelling flowers that are white or pale cream in color and are followed by fleshy and edible fruits that are purplish-black when ripe.
The tree is well adapted to various climatic conditions and thrives in well-drained soils with good moisture content. It is a valuable plant species that provides various benefits, including food, medicine, and timber, and thus, it is an essential component of the ecosystem.
Light Requirements
The Parinari capensis Harv. var. latifolia Oliv. requires bright but indirect light for optimal growth. It does not tolerate direct sunlight, especially during the hot summer months, as it can cause scorching of the leaves and stunting of the growth. The plant can benefit from exposure to some morning sunlight, as it enhances its growth and promotes flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in warm temperatures, ranging between 18-25 degrees Celsius. The plant can withstand temperatures as low as 10 degrees Celsius at night or during winter dormancy. Extreme cold conditions can cause wilting and leaf loss in the plant, leading to poor growth. The radiator is the best candidate for providing warmth which is crucial for its optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
The Parinari capensis Harv. var. latifolia Oliv. prefers well-draining soils that are rich in nutrients. A slightly acidic to a neutral soil pH level of between 6.0 - 7.0 is suitable for this plant. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as waterlogged soil can lead to root rot, which can impact its growth. A good mix of loam, sand, and organic matter, such as peat moss and compost, can create an ideal soil environment for the plant.
Cultivation Methods
The Parinari capensis Harv. var. latifolia Oliv. plant requires a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. The plant needs to be transplanted in spring or fall. Plant the seedling at the same depth it was in the previous container, and water it immediately after planting.
Watering Needs
The Parinari capensis Harv. var. latifolia Oliv. plant needs regular watering during the growing season, especially if the weather is dry. Water the plant deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is thoroughly soaked. During winter, reduce watering and allow the plant to enter its dormant phase. Be careful not to overwater the plant, as it may root rot.
Fertilization
The Parinari capensis Harv. var. latifolia Oliv. plant benefits from fertilization during the growing season. Fertilize the plant every two weeks using a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Follow the instructions on the packaging for the correct dosage and application method. Avoid fertilizing the plant during winter, as it may damage the roots.
Pruning
The Parinari capensis Harv. var. latifolia Oliv. plant requires minimal pruning, but it may benefit from occasional trimming to maintain its shape. Prune the plant in spring or fall, removing dead or damaged branches. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. Avoid pruning the plant during winter, as new growth may be damaged by frost.
Propagation of Parinari capensis Harv. var. latifolia Oliv.
Parinari capensis Harv. var. latifolia Oliv. can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and air layering techniques.
Propagation through Seeds
The seeds of Parinari capensis Harv. var. latifolia Oliv. can be collected from fully matured fruits during the harvesting season. The collected seeds must be immediately cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool and dry place. They can be directly sown into the soil during the rainy season when the soil is moist. The seeds can also be pre-treated by soaking them in boiling water or a weak acid solution for a specified period to break their seed coat dormancy.
Propagation through Cuttings
Parinari capensis Harv. var. latifolia Oliv. can be propagated through softwood cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings or hardwood cuttings taken from the parent plant in the early morning during the growing season. The cuttings should be 8-15 cm long and should have at least 2-3 nodes. The leaves should be removed from the bottom half of the cuttings, and a rooting hormone can be applied to the cut end. The cuttings should be planted in a rooting medium containing sand, peat moss, and perlite. They should be kept in a warm and highly humid environment for several weeks until roots develop.
Propagation through Air Layering
Parinari capensis Harv. var. latifolia Oliv. can also be propagated through air layering. A section of the stem of the parent plant can be selected and a ring of bark and cambium layer can be removed from the stem, about 2-3 cm wide. The exposed area can then be covered with a rooting hormone and wrapped with a moistened sphagnum moss and plastic film. After a few weeks, roots will start to grow from the exposed area. The rooted section can be separated from the parent plant and planted in a potting soil mixture.
Disease and Pest Management for Parinari Capensis Harv. Var. Latifolia Oliv.
Parinari Capensis Harv. Var. Latifolia Oliv. is a plant species that is native to southern Africa. Like all plants, it is vulnerable to diseases and pests that can negatively impact growth and yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant, along with suggestions for managing them.
Diseases
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes dark, sunken lesions on leaves, twigs, and fruit. The lesions may have pinkish spores in their centers. To manage the disease, remove and destroy infected plant material and avoid overhead irrigation. Apply a fungicide to protect healthy tissue.
Bacterial Blight causes water-soaked lesions on leaves and fruit that later turn black and necrotic. The bacteria can also infect flowers and pods. To manage the disease, remove and destroy infected plant material. Avoid overhead irrigation and improve air circulation to reduce humidity. Apply a copper-based fungicide to protect healthy tissue.
Mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white or grayish fungal growth to appear on the upper surface of leaves. The growth may spread to cover the entire leaf surface. To manage the disease, remove and destroy infected plant material. Avoid overhead irrigation and improve air circulation to reduce humidity. Apply a sulfur-based fungicide to protect healthy tissue.
Pests
Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on the sap of leaves and fruits. Their feeding can cause distortion and discoloration of the affected tissue. To manage thrips, prune and destroy heavily infested plant material. Apply a botanical insecticide to control adult thrips and a systemic insecticide to control their larvae.
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that secrete a cottony, waxy substance that covers their bodies. They feed on the sap of leaves and twigs, causing stunted growth and yellowing of foliage. To manage mealybugs, remove and destroy heavily infested plant material. Apply rubbing alcohol or insecticidal soap to kill the insects.
Scale Insects are small, oval-shaped insects that attach to the stems and leaves of plants. They feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of foliage. To manage scale insects, prune and destroy heavily infested plant material. Apply a horticultural oil or systemic insecticide to control the pests.
By being aware of these common diseases and pests that might affect Parinari Capensis Harv. Var. Latifolia Oliv., you can take steps to protect your plants and keep them healthy and productive.
