Overview
Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth. subsp. mobola (Oliv.) R.A.Graham is a plant species that belongs to the Chrysobalanaceae family. It is commonly known as Mobola Plum and is native to tropical and subtropical Africa.
Appearance
The Mobola Plum tree is a medium-sized evergreen tree that grows up to 20m in height. It has a dense and spreading crown, with a diameter of up to 10m. The leaves are simple, alternate, and elliptic, with a glossy green upper surface and a dull lower surface. The tree produces small white flowers that are followed by edible fruits that are globose or ovoid in shape. The fruits are yellow-brown when ripe and have a fleshy and sweet pulp.
Uses
The Mobola Plum tree is a valuable resource for both ecological and economic reasons. The fruits are consumed fresh by humans and are also used to make jam, juice, and wine. The tree is also used as a shade tree, as it has a dense crown that provides a cool environment. The bark, leaves, and roots are used for medicinal purposes, such as treating diarrhea, coughs, and rheumatism. The tree has also been used as a source of timber, as it has a hard and durable wood that is used for furniture, flooring, and construction.
Light Requirements
The Parinari curatellifolia subsp. mobola plant requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and development. While it can tolerate periods of shade, it typically grows best under direct sunlight, which facilitates photosynthesis and enhances its overall vigor and resilience. The plant should be positioned in a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Temperature Requirements
The Parinari curatellifolia subsp. mobola plant thrives in warm and tropical climates with temperatures ranging from 18-32°C (64-90°F). Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) are not tolerable, and it is therefore best to grow the plant in areas where temperatures do not drop below this threshold. The plant has good tolerance to higher temperatures, but care should be taken to ensure that it does not get exposed to temperatures above 35°C (95°F) for prolonged periods.
Soil Requirements
The Parinari curatellifolia subsp. mobola plant prefers well-draining soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0-7.5). The plant can tolerate a range of soil types, including sand, loam, and clay soils, provided they are well-draining. The soil should also be rich in organic matter to provide the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and development. It is recommended to avoid waterlogged soils, as they can lead to root rot and other diseases that can damage or kill the plant.
Cultivation
Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth. subsp. mobola (Oliv.) R.A.Graham, also known as African almond, is a tropical evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 meters in height. It grows well in tropical and subtropical climates and should be planted in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The tree requires full sun exposure, and the ideal temperature range for growth is between 20°C and 30°C.
Watering Needs
Watering is critical to the growth and development of the African almond tree. The tree should be watered regularly, especially during the dry season, to keep the soil moist. The frequency of watering depends on various factors such as climate, soil type, and rainfall. It is advisable to water deeply, allowing the soil to soak up enough water that can sustain the tree for a few days.
Fertilization
The African almond tree requires regular fertilization for healthy growth. Fertilizers should be applied in the early stages of growth and development. It is advisable to use a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Organic fertilizers, such as compost and manure, can also be used to provide nutrients to the tree. The amount and frequency of application of fertilizers depend on the soil type and nutrient content.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for shaping and maintaining the African almond tree. Pruning should be done during the dormant season to allow the tree to heal properly. The branches that are diseased, damaged, or dead should be removed. It is advisable to cut the branches at an angle, slightly above the collar of the branch. Pruning should be done with sharp and clean tools to avoid damaging the tree.
Propagation of Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth. subsp. mobola (Oliv.) R.A.Graham
Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth. subsp. mobola (Oliv.) R.A.Graham can be propagated through various methods that include:
Seed propagation
Seeds can be collected from mature fruits that have fallen from the tree. The collected fruits should be allowed to rot or can be mechanically macerated to remove the pulp. After removing the pulp, the seeds should be washed and dried to remove any remaining debris. It is important to note that the seeds have a hard seed coat and should be scarified to aid in germination. Scarification can be done by either nicking the seed coat or soaking the seeds in hot water for about 24-48 hours. After scarification, seeds can be sown in a suitable seedbed that has been prepared with well-drained soil. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist until germination occurs. Germination can take between 2-4 weeks.
Cuttings propagation
Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth. subsp. mobola (Oliv.) R.A.Graham can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Select healthy stem cuttings of about 15-20 cm in length and remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem. The cuttings should then be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a pot filled with suitable rooting media such as sand or a mixture of compost and sand in equal parts. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept under shade until they develop roots which can take about 4-8 weeks. After root development, the cuttings can then be transplanted to a permanent location.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth. subsp. mobola (Oliv.) R.A.Graham. Select a healthy stem and make an incision about 2-3 cm long on the stem. Apply rooting hormone to the incision and wrap damp moss around the incision. The moss should then be wrapped with plastic to retain moisture. Once roots have developed, cut the stem below the rooted section and plant it in a pot containing suitable soil. Care should be taken not to damage the roots during transplanting.
Disease and Pest Management for Parinari Curatellifolia Subsp. Mobola
Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth. subsp. mobola (Oliv.) R.A.Graham is generally a hardy plant with minimal disease and pest problems. However, it is not completely immune to various diseases and pests that may affect its growth and overall health.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Parinari curatellifolia is anthracnose. It is a fungal disease that manifests as dark, water-soaked lesions on leaves and stems. Infected fruits may also develop sunken black lesions and become rotten. To manage anthracnose, infected plant parts should be removed, and a fungicide should be applied to prevent further spread.
Another disease that may affect Parinari curatellifolia is powdery mildew. It is a fungal disease that appears as white powdery spots on the surface of the leaves. To control powdery mildew, it is advisable to remove and destroy the infected leaves, improve air circulation around the plant, and apply a fungicide.
Common Pests
Parinari curatellifolia may also be affected by pests such as mites and aphids. Mites are tiny arachnids that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and eventually fall off. Aphids, on the other hand, feed on the sap from the tender parts of the plant and can transmit viruses that may cause more severe damage. The use of insecticidal soap or neem oil is recommended to control the infestation of mites and aphids.
In conclusion, the best way to protect Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth. subsp. mobola (Oliv.) R.A.Graham from diseases and pests is to keep it healthy through proper care practices. This includes regular pruning of dead and infected plant parts, appropriate watering and fertilization, and monitoring for any sign of disease or pest infestation. Early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing further damage and ensuring the plant's long-term health.
