Plant Description:
Pentadesma leucantha A.Chev. is a medium-sized forest tree that belongs to the plant family Clusiaceae. It can grow up to 20-30 meters tall and its trunk can reach a diameter of up to 60 cm. The bark of the tree is grayish-brown and has a rough texture. The leaves are elongated and can grow up to 10-30 cm long and 3-10 cm wide. The tree produces small, white, and fragrant flowers that are about 1 cm in diameter.
Origin and Common Names:
Pentadesma leucantha A.Chev. is native to the tropical regions of West Africa, specifically the countries of Ghana, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast. It is commonly known as 'aromatic almond' or 'manketti tree' in English. In Ghana, it is known as 'nkuto' or 'ntole' in the Twi and Fante languages respectively. In Nigeria, it is known as 'oropene' in the Yoruba language.
Uses:
The tree has multiple uses in traditional medicine. The bark, leaves, and roots are used to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, stomach ache, and skin infections. The seeds of the tree are rich in oil which is used in cooking and cosmetics. The oil is also used as a traditional ointment for treating skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The wood of the tree is durable and used for making furniture, flooring, and construction purposes. In addition, the tree has cultural significance and is used in various tribal rituals and ceremonies.
Light Requirements
Pentadesma leucantha, commonly known as Ankenda, grows best in areas with partial shade to full sun exposure. It is able to tolerate full sun as long as it receives sufficient moisture.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Ankenda is between 20-30°C. It can withstand temperatures as low as 15°C but growth is significantly slowed down. Similarly, temperatures above 35°C can negatively impact the growth of this plant.
Soil Requirements
Pentadesma leucantha grows best in deep, well-drained soils that retain moisture. It prefers slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. The plant is also able to tolerate poor soil conditions but growth and productivity are significantly reduced.
Cultivation methods
Pentadesma leucantha A.Chev., commonly known as the Egusi tree or African mango, is native to tropical Africa. It is a fast-growing tree that grows well in the tropics. The tree prefers a well-drained soil and requires full sunlight to grow. Planting should be done during the rainy season. The seedlings should be planted in holes dug about 30cm deep and 30cm wide.
Watering needs
Pentadesma leucantha A.Chev. requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. The soil should remain moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. The frequency of watering will depend on factors such as the climate and soil type.
Fertilization
The Egusi tree is a heavy feeder, which means that it requires regular fertilization to grow and produce fruits. Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure are ideal for this plant. Fertilizers should be applied during the rainy season when the tree is actively growing. Alternatively, you can use slow-release fertilizers that can be applied once or twice a year.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and promote healthy growth of the tree. Prune the tree during the dry season to prevent the spread of diseases. Remove any diseased or dead branches, as well as those that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Pruning should be done carefully to avoid damaging the tree.
Propagation of Pentadesma leucantha A.Chev.
Pentadesma leucantha A.Chev. can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or grafting.
Propagation by seeds
Seeds of Pentadesma leucantha A.Chev. can be collected from ripe fruits. The seeds can be soaked in water for 24 hours to help soften the hard shell. They can then be sown in well-draining soil that is kept moist. Germination usually occurs within 2-4 weeks.
Propagation by cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from Pentadesma leucantha A.Chev. during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing. Semi-hardwood cuttings about 15-20cm in length can be taken from healthy plants and planted in well-draining soil that is kept moist. It is important to keep the soil moist to prevent the cutting from drying out. Rooting can occur within 2-3 months.
Propagation by grafting
Grafting can be done to propagate Pentadesma leucantha A.Chev. onto a rootstock of a related species that is resistant to soil-borne diseases. The scion (the top part of the plant) can be taken from healthy plants and grafted onto the rootstock during the rainy season. The grafted plants should be kept in a humid environment until the union between the scion and rootstock has occurred.
Disease and Pest Management for Pentadesma leucantha A.Chev.
Pentadesma leucantha A.Chev., commonly known as the African star apple, is a tropical tree that is native to Africa. The tree is known for its fruit, which resembles a star when cut horizontally. However, like all plants, Pentadesma leucantha A.Chev is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and productivity. Below are some of the common diseases and pests that affect Pentadesma leucantha A.Chev and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, shoots, and fruits of the African star apple. It causes brown spots on the leaves, which eventually turn yellow and fall off. The fruits also develop brown spots, which later turn black and rot. To manage anthracnose, it is recommended to prune the affected parts of the tree and apply a fungicide.
Canker: This is another fungal disease that affects the bark of the African star apple. It causes the bark to become discolored, cracked, and eventually fall off. To manage canker, it is recommended to prune the affected parts of the tree and apply a fungicide.
Pests
Fruit flies: Fruit flies are common pests that affect the fruit of the African star apple. They lay their eggs in the fruit, which hatch into larvae that feed on the fruit flesh. To manage fruit flies, it is recommended to pick ripe fruits as soon as possible and dispose of any rotting fruits in the orchard. You can also use fruit fly traps or apply insecticides to control their population.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small insects that feed on the sap of the African star apple. They usually hide under the leaves, causing them to curl and turn yellow. To manage mealybugs, you can use natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings. You can also spray the tree with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
In summary, to maintain the health and productivity of Pentadesma leucantha A.Chev, it is essential to monitor the plant regularly for any signs of diseases or pests. Early detection and appropriate management techniques such as pruning, applying fungicides or insecticides, and using natural predators are crucial in preventing the spread of diseases and managing pests effectively.
