Overview of Pentadesma reyndersii Spirlet
Pentadesma reyndersii Spirlet, commonly known as 'Makore' or 'Makore wodze,' is a tropical plant species that belongs to the family of Clusiaceae. This tree species is native to the African tropical regions, especially in the humid forests of Guinea, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Ghana, and Nigeria. It is a large and evergreen tree that can grow up to a height of 45 meters with a trunk diameter of about 1.5 meters. The tree's fruit is woody and bristly and measures about five centimeters in diameters.
The Appearance of Pentadesma reyndersii Spirlet
The tree has a distinctive habitat with oblong leaves that are oppositely arranged. The leaves of the Makore tree are dark green and glossy, and they have a sharp and pointed tip. The plant's flowers are yellow and white and are typically shaped like saucers. The fruit is a woody capsule that splits open to release six to ten white seeds, each measuring about 1.5 cm in diameter. The tree's bark is dark grey and scaly, and the trunk has a buttressed base for stability and support.
Uses of Pentadesma reyndersii Spirlet
The Makore tree has multiple uses both for commercial and medicinal purposes. The tree's seeds are a rich source of oil that is commonly used in West African cuisine. Makore oil is obtained through cold pressing of the seeds and is used in the manufacturing of soap, cosmetics, and creams. The tree's wood is used for making furniture, construction, and flooring. In traditional medicine, the tree is used to cure various ailments such as diarrhea and fever. The tree's bark and leaves are brewed to make a remedy for stomach pains and various other ailments.
Conclusion
In summary, the Makore tree (Pentadesma reyndersii Spirlet) is an essential plant species in West Africa with various uses. It is a large and evergreen tree species that produces woody capsules as fruit and can grow up to 45 meters tall. The tree is used for its oil, wood, and for medicinal purposes.
Light requirements
Pentadesma reyndersii Spirlet requires bright to moderate light to grow well. It cannot tolerate direct sunlight exposure for long durations.
Temperature requirements
The ideal temperature range for Pentadesma reyndersii Spirlet growth is between 20°C to 35°C. The plant cannot withstand temperatures below 5°C or above 40°C. The plant thrives well in tropical and subtropical zones.
Soil requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil that is moist, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic. The soil should have a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The ideal soil type is sandy loam with good water-holding capacity. Heavy clay or poorly drained soils should be avoided as they lead to root damage and poor growth.
Water requirements
Pentadesma reyndersii Spirlet requires moderate to heavy watering. The plant thrives in humid conditions, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering leads to root rot and stunted growth, and underwatering causes leaf wilting and poor growth.
Cultivation Methods
Pentadesma reyndersii Spirlet is a tropical plant native to West Africa, and its cultivation requires a warm and humid environment, with plenty of filtered sunlight. The plant prefers well-draining, rich and fertile soil to thrive and can grow up to 30 meters tall. It requires ample space and should be planted at least 10 meters apart to give room for development.
The plant can be propagated through both seeds and cuttings, but seeds are generally preferred for their easier germination process. Seeds should be sown in a mixture of soil and sand, kept moist and warm until germination occurs, and then carefully transplanted into larger pots or the desired garden spot. Cuttings may also be taken from the parent plant, with the best timing right after the rainy season when growth is most active.
Watering Needs
Pentadesma reyndersii Spirlet requires regular watering, especially during the dry season, to thrive and reach its full potential. The plant should be watered when the topsoil feels dry to the touch, but care should be taken not to over-flood the roots as this may cause root rot and harm the plant. It's important to note that the plant prefers moist soil, so the soil should never dry out completely. During the rainy season, extra care should be taken to prevent waterlogging, which can also stress the plant.
Fertilization
To ensure healthy growth, Pentadesma reyndersii Spirlet requires regular fertilization with nutrient-rich organic matter. Compost, well-rotted manure or nitrogen-rich fertilizers can be applied during the growing season to encourage healthy foliage growth and promote flowering. Fertilizers should be applied every two to three months depending on the plant's growth rate and the quality of the soil.
Pruning
Pentadesma reyndersii Spirlet should be pruned periodically to remove dead or diseased wood, promote healthy growth and shape the plant to your preferred style. Pruning should be done at the end of the dormant season, just before the onset of the new growing season. Cuts should be made at an angle, just above a new node or bud to encourage new growth. Care should be taken not to over-prune the plant, as this can weaken its structure and compromise its health.
Propagation of Pentadesma reyndersii Spirlet
Pentadesma reyndersii Spirlet, commonly known as Djansang or African bitter almond, is a tree found in the African rainforests. It belongs to the family of Clusiaceae. The plant is known for its bitter almonds, which are used in cooking and traditional medicine. Propagating Pentadesma reyndersii Spirlet can be done through different methods.
Seed propagation
Seeds are the most common way to propagate Pentadesma reyndersii Spirlet. The tree produces seeds once a year during the fruiting season. The seeds are flat, brown, and about 2 cm in diameter. To propagate the plant, take the seeds and remove the fleshy outer layer. The seeds need to be stratified for a period of three months before planting. Stratification can be achieved by storing the seeds in a moist and cool environment. Once the stratification period is over, plant the seeds in a mixture of sand and peat moss. Provide adequate moisture and light until the seeds germinate.
Cuttings propagation
Propagating Pentadesma reyndersii Spirlet through cuttings is a feasible method, but it proves to be difficult. Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken from the plant, but the success rate is low. To propagate the plant via cuttings, take a 6-inch cutting from the plant and dip it in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a mixture of sand and peat moss and water it. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag to maintain humidity and provide adequate lighting. Once the cuttings develop roots, they can be transplanted to individual containers.
Air layering
Pentadesma reyndersii Spirlet can also be propagated using the air-layering method. This method is the most reliable but takes the longest time to develop roots. To carry out air layering, make a notch in the middle of a branch, wrap it with damp sphagnum moss, cover it with plastic, and tie both ends so as to retain the moisture. Roots will develop from the notch, and the branch can be cut from the parent plant and planted directly in the ground or transplanted to a pot.
Disease and Pest Management for Pentadesma reyndersii Spirlet
Pentadesma reyndersii Spirlet, commonly known as djansang, is a tree species found in African forests. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pest attacks that can cause damage and even death if not managed well. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests that affect Pentadesma reyndersii Spirlet and how to manage them.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Pentadesma reyndersii Spirlet is Black Pod Disease. This disease is caused by a fungus called Phytophthora megakarya and is characterized by black lesions on the pods. To manage this disease, it is essential to keep the plantation clean and the area around it free of debris. Also, pruning the affected parts of the trees helps to prevent further spread of the disease. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the fungus.
Another disease that affects Pentadesma reyndersii Spirlet is the anthracnose fruit rot, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The disease can cause the fruits to rot and eventually fall off the tree. To manage this disease, it is essential to remove and destroy all infected fruit from the plantation. Sanitation and pruning are also critical measures to prevent the disease from spreading.
Pests
Pentadesma reyndersii Spirlet is also vulnerable to pest attacks. One common pest that affects the plant is the leaf miner. This pest feeds on the leaves of the tree, causing significant damage. To manage this pest, you can use insecticides that contain Spinosad, as it is known to be effective against leaf miners. It is also essential to keep the plantation clean and well-ventilated to discourage the population of the leaf miner.
Another common pest that affects Pentadesma reyndersii Spirlet is the mealybug. This pest feeds on the leaves and stems of the tree, causing leaf curling and stunted growth. To manage the mealybug, you can use insecticides that contain imidacloprid, which is known to be effective. It is also important to keep the plantation clean, as mealybugs thrive in dirty environments.
In conclusion, managing pests and diseases in Pentadesma reyndersii Spirlet is important to ensure the health of the plant and promote good fruit yields. Regular inspections and good sanitation practices are crucial in preventing and managing pests and diseases. Using environmentally-friendly management methods is recommended to ensure the safety of the environment and the people who live and work in it.
