Description of Parinari Excelsa Sabine
Parinari excelsa Sabine, also known as the Mobola Plum or African Birch, is a tree belonging to the family Chrysobalanaceae. It is native to the humid tropical forests of West and Central Africa and can grow up to 45 meters in height.
General Appearance
The tree has a dense, pyramidal crown, and the bark is flaky and greyish-brown. The leaves are simple and alternate, measuring 10-30 cm in length and 5-12 cm in width. The tree produces small, yellowish-green flowers that bloom from December to March. The fruit is a large, woody drupe, measuring 2-4 cm in diameter.
Common Names
The African Birch is known by several common names, including Mobola Plum, African Satinwood, Benin Birch, and Ganki.
Uses
The fruit of the African Birch is edible, and the tree is an important source of food for many animals in its native habitat. The wood of the tree is used in construction, as it is strong and durable. It is also used to make furniture, tools, and musical instruments. The tree has medicinal properties; the bark is used to treat malaria, while the leaves can be used to treat skin infections and snake bites. The African Birch is also used in traditional African medicine to treat a range of illnesses.
Growth Conditions for Parinari excelsa Sabine
Parinari excelsa Sabine is an evergreen tree that is native to several countries in West Africa. It thrives in tropical rainforests with wet and humid climate. It can grow up to 30 meters tall and produces edible fruits that are sweet and nutritious.
Light Requirements
The plant requires a moderate level of light. It can grow under partial shade or full sun exposure. However, it prefers to grow under the shade of taller trees as it helps to regulate the temperature and humidity of the environment.
Temperature Requirements
Parinari excelsa Sabine thrives in warm and humid climate. The optimal temperature for its growth ranges between 22°C to 26°C. Temperatures above 30°C or below 18°C can slow down its growth rate and affect the quality of its fruits.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained and fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. It grows best in deep loamy soil that is slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. However, it can also tolerate sandy and clayey soil as long as it is well-drained and not too compacted.
In summary, Parinari excelsa Sabine requires a moderate level of light, warm and humid climate with an optimal temperature range between 22°C to 26°C, and well-drained and fertile soil with slight acidity.
Cultivation Methods for Parinari excelsa Sabine
The Parinari excelsa Sabine plant is native to tropical regions, and it grows best in warm and humid climates. It requires well-draining soil, and it can thrive in both full sunlight and partial shade. When planting, it is recommended to dig a hole that is two times bigger than the root ball, and to mix the soil with organic matter before planting.
Watering Needs for Parinari excelsa Sabine
The plant requires frequent watering, especially during the dry months. It is recommended to water deeply and allow the soil to dry partially before watering again. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so it is essential to drain any excess water from the soil.
Fertilization of Parinari excelsa Sabine
During the growing season, it is advisable to fertilize the Parinari excelsa Sabine plant monthly using a balanced fertilizer. It is essential to follow the instructions for the fertilizer to avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to plant burn or root damage.
Pruning of Parinari excelsa Sabine
Pruning is essential to encourage a dense and healthy canopy in the Parinari excelsa Sabine plant. It is advisable to prune during the dormant season by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. It is also recommended to prune any branches that cross or rub against each other, as they can damage the bark and create entry points for pests and diseases.
Propagation of Parinari Excelsa Sabine
Parinari excelsa Sabine can be propagated through seeds or vegetative means.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds should be collected from ripe fruits that have fallen off the tree. The fruits are picked and split open to reveal the seeds. The seeds should be cleaned and dried before planting. Seeds should be planted in well-draining soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. They should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take up to 2-3 months. Seedlings can be transplanted after they have developed a few true leaves.
Propagation by Vegetative Means
Parinari excelsa Sabine can be propagated through cuttings or layering.
Cuttings should be taken from the new growth of the tree. The cutting should be about 15-20 cm long and have a few leaves attached. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. It should be kept moist and placed in a warm and humid environment. The cutting should develop roots in about 4-6 weeks and can be transplanted after the roots have fully formed.
Layering involves bending a low hanging branch of the tree and putting it in contact with the soil. The branch should be slightly wounded and a rooting hormone applied to encourage rooting. It should be held in place with a stake or peg. The branch should be watered regularly and roots should develop in about 2-3 months. Once the roots have formed, the branch can be cut off and transplanted as a new plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Parinari excelsa Sabine
Parinari excelsa Sabine is a tropical hardwood tree that is generally healthy. However, it can be affected by diseases and pests that can cause damage to the plant. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Root and stem rot: Root and stem rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots, stems, and leaves of the tree. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing of leaves, and stunted growth. You can prevent root and stem rot by providing good drainage and avoiding overwatering. Remove infected plants and debris and treat affected areas with a fungicide.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes small, dark spots on leaves, flowers, and fruits. The disease spreads quickly and can cause significant damage to the plant. Regular pruning and removal of infected leaves can help control the spread of anthracnose. Apply fungicide before the disease becomes severe.
Tip blight: Tip blight is a fungal disease that affects the ends of branches and needles. It causes brown, dead tissue and can weaken the tree. Removing infected branches and needles can help to control the spread of the disease. Apply fungicides before the rainy season to prevent the disease from spreading.
Pests
Borers: Borers are insects that lay eggs in the bark of the tree. The hatching larvae feed on the inner bark and can cause significant damage to the tree. To control borers, prune affected branches and apply insecticides to the bark. Keep the tree healthy to prevent infestation.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are tiny insects that feed on the sap of the leaves and stems. They produce a white, powdery wax that makes them look like cotton. You can control mealybugs by pruning affected branches and applying insecticides to the leaves and stems. Use petroleum jelly or a soapy solution to remove the wax.
Scale insects: Scale insects are small insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the tree. They produce a white, waxy coating that can cause damage to the plant. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control the insects. Prune affected branches and maintain tree health to prevent infestation.
With proper care and attention, you can keep your Parinari excelsa Sabine healthy and free of diseases and pests. Regular pruning and maintenance, good drainage, and the use of preventative measures such as insecticides and fungicides can help manage diseases and pests efficiently.
