Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth. var. fruticulosa R.E.Fr.
Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth. var. fruticulosa R.E.Fr. is a plant species that belongs to the family Chrysobalanaceae. This plant is commonly known as the African almond, false shea butter tree, and the mollifying plant.
Origin
Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth. var. fruticulosa R.E.Fr. is native to Africa, specifically in Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Angola. This plant can also be found in countries such as Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire, and Ghana. The African almond grows in tropical forests and moist savannahs.
General Appearance
The African almond is a medium-sized tree that can reach up to 20 meters in height. The tree has a straight trunk with a rounded and spreading crown. The leaves of the African almond are dark green, alternate, and measured about 10-20 cm in length and 5-8 cm in width. The bark of the tree is dark brown and fissured vertically.
Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth. var. fruticulosa R.E.Fr. produces small white or yellow flowers that are 1-2 cm in diameter. The fruits of this plant look like almonds but are bitter in taste and are inedible.
Uses
The African almond has a variety of uses, and every part of this plant is valuable. The bark of the African almond is used for medicinal purposes, such as treating bronchitis, diarrhea, and malaria. The leaves of the plant can be used to make a paste that is used to heal wounds, and the root bark can be used to relieve toothaches.
The wood of the African almond is used for making furniture, tool handles, and general construction. The nuts of the plant are not edible, but they can be used to produce oil, which can be used for cooking or as a substitute for shea butter.
In addition, the African almond is also used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive foliage and flowers. The flowers that the plant produces attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Growth Conditions of Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth. var. fruticulosa R.E.Fr.
Light Requirements: Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth. var. fruticulosa R.E.Fr. is a tropical plant that thrives in bright, direct sunlight. It requires at least 6 hours of sunlight every day to grow and maintain its health. The plant may survive in shaded areas but will not bloom or yield fruits.
Temperature Requirements: This plant prefers warm and humid conditions. It can tolerate a range of temperatures but grows best in temperatures ranging between 25°C to 30°C. It cannot survive in temperatures below 10°C or above 40°C. The plant may tolerate occasional droughts, but prolonged dry spells may lead to stunted growth or even death.
Soil Requirements: Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth. var. fruticulosa R.E.Fr. prefers well-drained, moist soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and the plant may require regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. The plant can grow in various soil types, but it does not thrive in water-logged or compacted soil.
Water Requirements: Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth. var. fruticulosa R.E.Fr. requires regular watering to maintain its growth and health. The plant needs enough water to keep the soil moist but not water-logged. It is susceptible to root rot, so it is vital to avoid overwatering the plant. It may require more water during the dry season than the rainy season to prevent water stress.
Cultivation Method
Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth var. fruticulosa R.E.Fr. is a hardy plant that can adapt to a variety of growing conditions. It can be successfully grown in both dry and humid areas, with a preference for well-drained soils. This plant prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. When planting Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth var. fruticulosa R.E.Fr., make sure to dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball. Mix the soil with compost and other organic materials to improve soil quality. Plant the sapling at the same depth it was in the container. Water it well and add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture.Watering Needs
Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth var. fruticulosa R.E.Fr. prefers well-drained soils and does not tolerate waterlogging. It is important to water the plant regularly but not excessively. During the growing season, water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Reduce watering during the winter months when the plant goes dormant.Fertilization
Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth var. fruticulosa R.E.Fr. responds well to organic fertilizers. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer every three months during the growing season, starting in the spring.Pruning
Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth var. fruticulosa R.E.Fr. does not require extensive pruning, but it can benefit from occasional shaping and thinning. Prune the plant in the early spring before new growth appears. Remove any damaged or diseased branches and cut back any crossing branches. Cut the branches just above a healthy bud to encourage new growth. Avoid pruning in the fall or winter, as this can stimulate new growth that is susceptible to cold damage.Propagation of Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth. var. fruticulosa R.E.Fr.
Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth. var. fruticulosa R.E.Fr. can be propagated through various methods as discussed below:
Seed propagation:
Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth. var. fruticulosa R.E.Fr. can be propagated by seed. The seeds should be collected from mature fruits and sown as soon as possible to enhance their viability. The seeds should be cleaned and air-dried before sowing. The soil mixture for sowing should be well-drained and should consist of equal parts of sand and peat moss. The seeds should be sown at a depth of approximately two centimeters and watered regularly. The seedlings should be transplanted to individual containers when they are large enough to be handled.
Cutting propagation:
Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth. var. fruticulosa R.E.Fr. can also be propagated by stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from mature plants during the dormant season when they have shed their leaves. The cuttings should be approximately ten centimeters long and should be taken from healthy stems. The cut end of the cutting should be treated with rooting hormone and then planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The stem cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a warm and humid environment until rooting occurs.
Air layering:
Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth. var. fruticulosa R.E.Fr. can also be propagated by air layering. The best time to perform air layering is during the growing season. A stem is selected and a two to three centimeter section of bark is removed from the stem and treated with rooting hormone. The treated area is then covered with moist sphagnum moss, wrapped with plastic, and tied securely. The moss should be kept moist and after a few weeks, roots will develop at the site of the cut. The rooted stem can then be cut off and planted in a well-draining soil mixture.
Disease Management
Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth. var. fruticulosa R.E.Fr. is vulnerable to some diseases. A common disease that affects the plant is anthracnose, which causes damage to the leaves, fruits, and twigs. Another disease that affects the plant is powdery mildew, causing a white, powdery coating on leaves. To manage these diseases, a preventive strategy is key. Good cultural practices such as removing infected plant debris may help reduce the spread of the diseases. It is also essential to remove infected leaves, fruits, and twigs to prevent disease proliferation.
Pest Management
Another problem that affects Parinari curatellifolia Planch. ex Benth. var. fruticulosa R.E.Fr. is pest infestation. The plant is susceptible to attacks by termites, mealybugs, and scale insects, among others. Termites can destroy the plant roots, while mealybugs and scale insects damage the leaves. A robust pest management strategy including regular monitoring of the plants, use of insecticides, and the removal of infested plant parts can help prevent pest infestation. Additionally, avoid over-fertilizing or overwatering and maintain good sanitation around the plant to avoid attracting pests.
