Overview
Parinari holstii Engl. var. longifolia Engl. ex De Wild. is a tree species that belongs to the Chrysobalanaceae family. It is native to the African continent and is found in Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo. The tree has numerous benefits and is used for various purposes.
Common Names
Parinari holstii Engl. var. longifolia Engl. ex De Wild. has several common names including Edumoso in Cameroon, Ogantugbu in Nigeria, and Abom in Gabon.
Uses
The tree has several uses, especially in the African continent. The bark of Parinari holstii Engl. var. longifolia Engl. ex De Wild. is used for medicinal purposes to treat various ailments such as cough and fever. The bark decoction is also used as a laxative and as an antidote for snakebites.
The leaves are used to feed cattle and goats, while the fruit is consumed by humans as well as used in the production of local wine. In addition, the wood of the tree is used for making furniture and for fuel.
General Appearance
The Parinari holstii Engl. var. longifolia Engl. ex De Wild. tree can grow up to 35m tall. The bark is smooth and grey, and the crown is large and rounded. The tree has simple, alternate, glossy, and leathery leaves that are 6-15cm long. The flowers are small and yellowish-white, while the fruit is oval, fleshy, and contains one seed. The fruit is green when unripe and yellow when ripe, about 3cm in diameter, and has a pleasant taste.
Growth Conditions of Parinari holstii Engl. var. longifolia Engl. ex De Wild.
Parinari holstii Engl. var. longifolia Engl. ex De Wild., commonly known as "Mubare" or "Mbarre," is a tree species that grows in the humid and sub-humid forests of West and Central Africa. This species is found predominantly in lowland rainforests, riverine forests, and gallery forests.
Light Requirements
Parinari holstii prefers light to moderate shade, making it well adapted to grow under the canopy of other taller trees. Thus, it grows well in forest understories and the edges of forests where there is an adequate tree canopy. Excessive exposure to direct sunlight can lead to the scorching of leaves, stunted growth, and, in severe cases, plant death.
Temperature Requirements
This species grows best under warm, humid conditions with temperatures ranging from 22 to 28 °C, with a minimum temperature of 16 °C. Parinari holstii is not frost-tolerant and thrives in regions that receive rainfall throughout the year.
Soil Requirements
Parinari holstii prefers well-draining soils that are moderately fertile and moisture-retentive. This species can grow in a wide range of soil types, such as sandy soils, sandy clay soils, and loamy soils. It grows well in soils with a pH ranging from acidic to slightly acidic, between 4.5 to 6.5. The species is also adapted to grow in periodically waterlogged soils such as swamps, floodplains, and riverbanks.
In conclusion, Parinari holstii is well-adapted to grow in diverse ecological conditions, although it requires a well-shaded environment, warm and humid climate, and well-drained soil to produce fast and healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods for Parinari holstii Engl. var. longifolia Engl. ex De Wild.
Parinari holstii Engl. var. longifolia Engl. ex De Wild. is a tropical tree species that can grow up to 30 meters tall in its natural habitat. To cultivate this plant, you need to take a few things into consideration:
- The plant needs well-draining soil rich in organic matter to thrive.
- It grows well in full sun to partial shade.
- Plant in an area where it will have ample space to grow out its roots as it is not a good species for pot culture.
- It is adapted to humid conditions, and high humidity helps it to grow better. Therefore, it would be best to plant it in a well-draining soil mix with organic material and regular moisture.
Watering Needs for Parinari holstii Engl. var. longifolia Engl. ex De Wild.
Watering is one of the primary care needs for Parinari holstii Engl. var. longifolia Engl. ex De Wild. The tree requires regular and consistent water application to keep the soil moist. However, the frequency of watering will depend mainly on the climate and soil.
In hot and dry weather, more regular watering is needed. In contrast, if the soil is dense and retains moisture for a long time, watering should be done after assessing the dryness level of the soil.
Fertilization of Parinari holstii Engl. var. longifolia Engl. ex De Wild.
Fertilization is one of the essential care requirements for this plant. Adequate nutrient uptake is critical for maintaining a healthy, well-functioning tree.
The tree should receive regular and consistent fertilization, especially during the growing season, which spans from spring to late summer. Use a slow-release fertilizer applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Pruning Parinari holstii Engl. var. longifolia Engl. ex De Wild.
Pruning is an essential aspect of plant maintenance for this tree. Pruning should be done when the tree is dormant to prevent it from becoming too dense and to remove dead or diseased branches.
Remove any dead branches and lower-growing branches that interfere with people or equipment movement. Prune to maintain the tree canopy’s optimum height and spread, which will ensure maximum sun exposure and enhance its appeal. Cutting should be done carefully, and the use of sharp tools is essential to make clean cuts without causing damage to the tree.
Propagation of Parinari holstii Engl. var. longifolia Engl. ex De Wild.
The propagation of Parinari holstii Engl. var. longifolia Engl. ex De Wild. can be done through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
Seeds of Parinari holstii Engl. var. longifolia Engl. ex De Wild. can be obtained from mature fruits. The fruits of the plant ripen and fall to the ground, where they are manually collected. The collected fruits should be washed and dried before the seeds are extracted. The seeds must be depulped since the pulp has compounds that inhibit germination. After depulping, the seeds must be soaked in water for up to 48 hours to improve germination. Sowing the seeds should be done in a well-draining potting mix in a nursery or greenhouse under controlled temperatures and light conditions.
Asexual Propagation
Parinari holstii Engl. var. longifolia Engl. ex De Wild. can be propagated through vegetative methods, such as stem cuttings. Semi-hardwood stem cuttings with at least two nodes are obtained from healthy plants and treated with rooting hormones. The cuttings should then be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a shade house or greenhouse under high humidity and reduced light for some months until a well-developed root system is formed. Single leaf cutting can also be used in propagation.
Disease Management
Parinari holstii Engl. var. longifolia Engl. ex De Wild. is susceptible to several diseases, which can affect its overall growth and yield. Here are some common diseases that affect the plant and ways to manage them.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes leaf spots and cankers on stems and fruits. To manage anthracnose, ensure proper airflow around the plant and avoid overhead watering. Use copper-based fungicides to control severe infections.
- Root Rot: Root rot is caused by waterlogging and poorly drained soils. To prevent this disease, ensure good soil drainage and avoid over-watering the plant. Fungal infections can be managed by using appropriate fungicides.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes white powdery patches on leaves. It can be managed by keeping the plant dry and ensuring proper ventilation. Use fungicides to control severe infections.
Pest Management
Parinari holstii Engl. var. longifolia Engl. ex De Wild. is also vulnerable to several pests that can cause damage to the plant. Here are some common pests that affect the plant and ways to manage them.
- Aphids: Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant. They can be managed by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are white, cotton-like insects that attach themselves to the plant and suck sap. They can be managed by wiping the plant with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol or spraying with insecticidal soap.
- Scale insects: Scale insects are small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the plant and suck sap. To manage scale insects, use a cotton swab soaked in alcohol to wipe them off the plant or spray with insecticidal soap.
- Mites: Mites are tiny, spider-like insects that suck sap from the plant. They can be managed by spraying the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Avoid using broad-spectrum pesticides as they can harm beneficial insects.
