Origin of Pouteria adolfi-friedericii subsp. usambarensis
Pouteria adolfi-friedericii subsp. usambarensis, also known as the African sapote, is a tropical evergreen tree belonging to the Sapotaceae family. It is native to the tropical rainforests of Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda in East Africa and also found in Ethiopia, Madagascar and the Comoros Islands.
Common Names
The tree is known by various common names such as African sapote, Tanzanian sapote, Issa sapote, Kigeli fruit, muhonia, mutomoko, muzu and Mbita ya Mvua.
Uses of Pouteria adolfi-friedericii subsp. usambarensis
The fruit of this tree is edible with yellow to orange flesh and a sweet flavor, reminiscent of custard. Locals in East Africa consume the fruit raw or used in jams, jellies, and wine. The wood of the African sapote tree is used for construction and furniture making. The tree is also valued in traditional medicine for treating various ailments. The pulp of the leaves, bark, and fruits are used to treat stomach aches, diarrhea, and fever.
General Appearance
The African sapote tree grows up to 20 meters tall, with a straight trunk and branching canopy. The leaves are dark green, leathery, and elliptical-shaped. The fruit is a rounded berry with a smooth skin, measuring up to 5 centimeters in diameter. The tree blooms small white flowers, which turn into the fruit. The bark of the tree is dark brown, rough, and deeply fissured.
Growth Conditions for Pouteria adolfi-friedericii (Engl.) A.Meeuse subsp. usambarensis (J.H.Hemsl.) L.Gaut.
Light Conditions: This plant species thrives in partial to full shade. In its natural habitat, it grows under the canopy of tall trees, which protect it from direct sunlight. For optimal growth, it should receive at least four hours of indirect sunlight each day.
Temperature Requirements: The optimal temperature for Pouteria adolfi-friedericii subsp. usambarensis growth is between 20°C and 25°C. It does not tolerate temperatures below 10°C or above 34°C, which could cause damage or death to the plant.
Soil Conditions: This plant prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It requires a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 to thrive. It can tolerate mildly acidic to neutral soils. High-quality potting mix or loamy soil can be used for planting. Adequate drainage is essential, as the roots tend to rot if left in standing water.
Water: Pouteria adolfi-friedericii subsp. usambarensis requires regular watering to maintain moist soil conditions. However, it does not tolerate water-logged soils. Over watering can cause root rot, while under watering can lead to dehydration and plant death. Watering should be reduced during the winter months when the plant enters a dormant phase.
Fertilizer: This plant benefits from periodic fertilization during the growing season, which typically runs from spring to fall. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be used every 2-3 months. Additionally, organic fertilizers can be added to the soil to supplement the plant's nutrient needs.
Cultivation Methods
The Pouteria adolfi-friedericii (Engl.) A.Meeuse subsp. usambarensis (J.H.Hemsl.) L.Gaut. is a tropical plant that requires optimal temperature, high humidity, and well-drained soil.
The plant grows best in a location shielded from direct sunlight with good air circulation. It can be planted alongside other trees or in a mixed garden.
When planting, dig a hole twice as large as the root ball, place the plant in the hole, and backfill with a mixture of sandy soil and compost. Water thoroughly after planting.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is crucial for the growth and development of Pouteria adolfi-friedericii (Engl.) A.Meeuse subsp. usambarensis (J.H.Hemsl.) L.Gaut.
Water the plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering. Avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
The frequency of watering depends on several factors such as temperature, humidity, and soil type. Generally, the plant requires watering once or twice a week during the growing season, and once every two weeks during the dormant season.
Fertilization
Applying fertilizer helps to maintain healthy growth and abundant flowering of the Pouteria adolfi-friedericii (Engl.) A.Meeuse subsp. usambarensis (J.H.Hemsl.) L.Gaut.
The plant requires a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of N-P-K of 10-10-10. Apply fertilizer every three months during the growing season, starting from early spring.
Be careful not to over-fertilize as it can cause salt build-up in the soil, leading to toxicity and wilting.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and size of the plant, removing dead or damaged branches, and promoting new growth.
Prune the Pouteria adolfi-friedericii (Engl.) A.Meeuse subsp. usambarensis (J.H.Hemsl.) L.Gaut. during the dormant season, early spring, or late fall, when the plant is not actively growing.
Use sharp and clean pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant. Cut the branches just above the node or lateral bud to promote new growth in the desired direction.
Propagation of Pouteria adolfi-friedericii subsp. usambarensis
Pouteria adolfi-friedericii subsp. usambarensis can be propagated using several methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the most common method for propagating Pouteria adolfi-friedericii subsp. usambarensis. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil mix. The temperature for germination should be maintained between 70-80°F.
If the seeds are collected from the wild, they should be cleaned carefully to remove any remaining pulp and dried before sowing.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is possible with Pouteria adolfi-friedericii subsp. usambarensis. However, this method is more challenging compared to seed propagation.
Propagation through cuttings with nodes, approximately 6 inches in length, is possible. Treat the cuttings with rooting hormone and plant in well-draining soil with high humidity. The cuttings should be kept in a shaded area and regularly watered until they establish their roots.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting propagation is another method for propagating Pouteria adolfi-friedericii subsp. usambarensis. This method helps to produce certain variations of Pouteria adolfi-friedericii subsp. usambarensis.
In the method of grafting, a suitable rootstock is chosen, and then a scion is obtained from a chosen strain. The rootstock is cut and joined with the scion by various techniques.
Disease Management
Pouteria adolfi-friedericii subsp. usambarensis is susceptible to various diseases. Fungal diseases, including leaf spots and powdery mildew, are common in this plant. To manage these diseases, the affected plant parts should be pruned and destroyed. It's also vital to maintain good cultural practices like proper spacing, improving air circulation in the growing area, and avoiding overhead watering. Chemical control is also an option, and fungicides like copper-based chemicals and neem oil can be effective in preventing or managing fungal diseases.
Pest Management
Like most plants, Pouteria adolfi-friedericii subsp. usambarensis is vulnerable to pests, including mites and thrips. Thrips can cause damage by feeding on the young leaves and causing distortion. Using sticky traps is one option to control thrips. Additionally, pruning affected plant parts and destroying them helps in reducing the population. Mites cause damage by sucking the sap from the leaves, causing them to wilt and turn yellow. Neem oil sprays can control mite infestation. It's crucial to keep the growing conditions optimal for the plant to discourage pest infestation.
