Overview of Parinari poggei Engl.
Parinari poggei Engl. is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that belongs to the family Chrysobalanaceae. This plant is native to West and Central Africa, where it is extensively distributed in rainforests and swampy areas. It is commonly known as African nutmeg, odika, or akpi.
Appearance of Parinari poggei Engl.
The Parinari poggei Engl. tree can grow up to 20 meters tall, but most often it reaches a height of 6 to 15 meters. Its bark is gray-brown in color and has a rough texture, while its leaves are simple and alternate. The tree produces small and yellowish-white flowers that later develop into oval-shaped fruits that are 6 to 10 cm long and 4 to 8 cm wide. The fruits have a hard shell with a reddish-brown color, inside which there is an edible kernel that has a taste and odor similar to nutmeg.
Uses of Parinari poggei Engl.
The Parinari poggei Engl. tree has several uses in traditional medicine, particularly among the indigenous people of West and Central Africa. The kernel of the fruit is used as a flavoring agent in soups, stews, and confectioneries. The oil extracted from the kernel has both culinary and medicinal purposes. It is used to treat various health conditions such as constipation, rheumatism, and fever. The bark and leaves of the tree are also used in traditional medicine to treat skin diseases and wounds.
In recent times, the Akpi seed has gained popularity in the beauty industry as a remedy for natural hair growth. The oil is massaged onto the scalp to promote hair growth
The Parinari poggei Engl. tree is also used for timber and wood carving due to its hard and durable wood. In addition, the tree provides a habitat for various species of birds and mammals.
Due to over-logging and forest clearing, the Parinari poggei Engl. tree has become threatened in some parts of its distribution range. Efforts to conserve the tree are needed to ensure its survival for future generations.
Light Requirements
The Parinari poggei does best when it grows in shaded areas, making it well-suited to thrive beneath the forest canopy. While it can tolerate some direct sunlight, too much exposure will put stress on the plant and cause it to wilt, especially during hot summer months.
Soil Requirements
Parinari poggei prefers well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range, ideally around 6.0 to 7.5. The plant does not tolerate heavy, compacted soils or those that are constantly waterlogged. A mix of organic matter and sandy soil is ideal for promoting healthy growth and root development.
Temperature Requirements
Parinari poggei is native to tropical climates and requires warm temperatures to grow well. Average daytime temperatures should be around 25°C to 30°C. Nighttime temperatures should remain above 15°C. The plant can tolerate brief periods of cooler weather, but extended exposure to temperatures below 10°C can cause serious damage.
Water Requirements
Parinari poggei requires moderate watering. It is necessary for the soil to remain moist but not soaked or waterlogged. During dry periods, the plant may require additional watering. It is crucial to avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot and kill the plant.
Cultivation
The Parinari poggei Engl., commonly known as the African almond, is a shrub or small tree commonly grown in tropical areas. It thrives best in hot, humid environments with well-draining soil and partial to full sun exposure. It is a low maintenance plant that can be easily grown in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils.
To cultivate African almond, you can begin by selecting a spot with adequate sunshine and a well-draining soil type. The plant can be grown either from seeds or cuttings. If growing from seeds, ensure that you plant them in the soil just shallowly by covering them with 1-2cm of soil. Water the seedlings regularly and ensure the soil is adequately moist until they establish roots and leaves.
For rooted cuttings, prepare soil mixed with sand and perlite to enhance drainage and growth. Dip the cuttings in suitable rooting hormone powder, plant them in prepared soil and water regularly to promote the establishment of roots. Also, keep the planting bed free from other competing weeds to provide ample space, water, and nutrients for the plant to grow.
Watering Needs
The African almond plant, like most tropical plants, prefers moist soil and requires watering to stay healthy and lush. However, it can tolerate occasional dryness, making it possible to grow in both dry and humid environments. It is essential to monitor soil moisture and adjust watering based on changes in weather.
The best time to water the plant is when the topsoil is dry to touch. Water the plant thoroughly, ensuring that the water reaches the roots. Avoid waterlogging since it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. When cultivating in a container, ensure that there are drainage holes to prevent water buildup.
Fertilization
Parinari poggei Engl. requires moderate feeding and responds well when adequately fertilized. You can apply organic or inorganic fertilizer in the growing season, which is usually in spring and summer. A balanced liquid fertilizer in a ratio of 14:14:14 can be used for this plant.
You can also use compost or well-rotted manure as a source of organic fertilizer. If planted in containers, you can add slow-release granular fertilizer to the soil, which provides nutrients over an extended period.
Pruning
Pruning Parinari poggei Engl. is not a necessity, but it is essential to keep it in shape and remove dead branches or diseased foliage. Regular pruning also promotes better air circulation, enhances the plant's vigor, and increases fruit production.
When pruning, use clean and sharpened tools to minimize injury to the plant. Cut away dead or damaged limbs, shaping the plant to your preference. You can carry out pruning in late winter or early spring to avoid bleeding of sap.
Propagation of Parinari poggei Engl.
Parinari poggei Engl. can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and grafting. However, seeds are the most commonly used method for propagation as they have a higher success rate.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Parinari poggei Engl. can be harvested from ripe fruits. It is essential to collect the seeds and sow them as soon as possible to attain maximum viability. The seeds require a pre-sowing treatment such as scarification by sandpaper or soaking in hot water for 2-3 minutes to enhance germination.
The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil and covered lightly with soil. They should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The ideal temperature for germination ranges from 23-27°C, and the seeds usually take 2-3 weeks to germinate. After the seedlings germinate, they should be transplanted to individual pots and kept in a shaded area for 1-2 months before shifting them to the field.
Propagation by Cuttings
Parinari poggei Engl. can be propagated by stem cuttings obtained from mature, healthy plants. The cuttings should be taken from the terminal portions of the branches, and the leaves on the lower part of the stem should be removed. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-drained soil. They should be kept under a misting system or covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. In 2-3 weeks, roots will develop, and the cuttings can be transplanted to pots or the field.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is a method used to propagate Parinari poggei Engl. for trees that have desirable traits, such as disease resistance or early fruiting. It involves joining the desired scion, which is the part of the plant that provides the desirable traits, to a rootstock, which provides a strong, well-established root system. The graft union should be wrapped with grafting tape to facilitate healing. The grafted plant should be kept in a shaded area and provided with sufficient water until the graft has healed.
Disease and Pest Management for Parinari poggei Engl.
Parinari poggei Engl., commonly known as the African almond tree, is a tropical plant native to Africa. Like any other plant, it is vulnerable to various diseases and pests. However, with proper care and management, it is possible to minimize the impact of these problems.
Common diseases
The most common diseases affecting Parinari poggei are fungal and viral diseases. Fungal diseases can be caused by multiple factors, including poor soil drainage, excessive watering, and inadequate air circulation. These diseases include leaf spot, anthracnose, and powdery mildew.
Viral diseases commonly encountered include mosaic virus, which can cause stunted growth, yellowing of the leaves, and deformed fruit. Once the plant is infected with any of these diseases, it may not be able to recover fully, requiring removal.
Pest management
Pests that commonly attack Parinari poggei include aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. These insects thrive in warm, humid conditions and can cause significant damage to the plant if left untreated.
One way to manage these pests is through integrated pest management, which involves a combination of methods. These methods may include introducing natural enemies, such as ladybugs and lacewings, regular pruning of damaged or infected branches, and careful monitoring of the plant for any signs of pest infestation.
Another method that can be used to keep pests at bay is to spray the leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil. These oils are organic and non-toxic, making them safe for humans and pets.
Disease management
Effective management of diseases affecting Parinari poggei involves several steps. Firstly, it is essential to ensure that the plant is growing in well-drained soil with sufficient nutrients and proper watering. This will help to prevent the development of fungal diseases.
Secondly, it is important to prune the plant regularly to eliminate damaged or infected branches. This will help to prevent the spread of the disease to other parts of the plant.
Finally, if the plant is infected with a disease, it may be necessary to treat it with fungicides. These products are designed to kill or prevent the growth of fungi that cause diseases. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid harming the plant or human health.
In conclusion, effective management of diseases and pests is critical to the healthy growth of Parinari poggei. With proper care and management, this tropical plant can thrive and benefit gardeners with its beautiful foliage and edible fruit.
