Overview
Pouteria buluensis, also known as Mabolo or velvet persimmon, is a rare and exotic plant species belonging to the Sapotaceae family. This plant is native to the tropical rainforests of Cameroon and Gabon in Central Africa. It is widely grown in its native regions for its delicious fruits and also for various medicinal purposes.
Appearance
The Pouteria buluensis tree grows to a height of 20 to 30 meters with a trunk diameter of up to 50 cm. The bark of the tree is grayish-brown and smooth. The leaves are oval-shaped, glossy, and dark green in color. Its flowers are small and white, and the fruit is about the size of an orange with a hard brown to reddish-brown shell, which is rough and fibrous when mature. The fruit flesh is inedible while raw since it is astringent and also quite bitter, but once ripe, it becomes soft, sweet, and juicy with a texture similar to that of a ripe persimmon.
Common Names
Pouteria buluensis is commonly known as Mabolo in Cameroon. In other African countries, it is also known as Velvet Persimmon, Pouteria Tree, and Kampul.
Uses
Pouteria buluensis is an important fruit tree in the countries where it is grown. The fruits are rich in vitamins A, B, and C, protein, potassium, calcium, and iron, making them a valuable source of nutrition. The fruit can be eaten fresh, made into jams, or used as a flavoring in various dishes. The tree's bark and roots have medicinal properties and are used to treat a variety of ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems. The wood of the tree is also used for making furniture, building materials, and tools by the local communities. Due to the tree's rarity and exotic nature, efforts are being made to enhance its cultivation and conservation both in its native range and globally.
Light Requirements
Pouteria buluensis is a shade-loving plant that requires filtered or dappled sunlight. Direct exposure to harsh sunlight can cause leaf scorching and damage to the plant.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in warm and humid conditions. The ideal temperature range for Pouteria buluensis is between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius can significantly affect the growth and development of this plant.
Soil Requirements
Pouteria buluensis grows well in fertile, well-drained soil that has a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The recommended pH range for this plant is between 5.5 and 7.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and able to retain moisture without becoming waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
Pouteria buluensis (Greves) Baehni is a tropical plant that grows well in warm climates. It can be grown from seeds and should be planted in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
The plant prefers partial shade and should be protected from direct sunlight. It can be propagated through grafting or air-layering.
Watering Needs
Pouteria buluensis (Greves) Baehni requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The plant should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season and less frequently during the dormant season.
It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot and other plant diseases.
Fertilization
The plant should be fertilized regularly during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. For best results, fertilizer should be added to the soil every two weeks.
In addition to using fertilizer, it is also beneficial to add compost or other organic matter to the soil around the plant.
Pruning
Pouteria buluensis (Greves) Baehni should be pruned regularly to maintain its shape and size. This helps to prevent the plant from becoming too large and unwieldy, and also promotes better flowering and fruiting.
To prune the plant, remove any dead or damaged branches and trim back any overgrowth. It is important not to prune too heavily, as this can damage the plant and affect its growth.
Propagation of Pouteria buluensis (Greves) Baehni
Pouteria buluensis (Greves) Baehni, commonly known as the Bulu Persimmon, is a rare and valuable fruit tree species. It is a native of the tropical rainforests in Cameroon and Gabon, and it can grow up to 30 meters tall. The plant has a slow growth rate and can take several years to bear fruit.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Pouteria buluensis is through seeds. Fresh seeds should be cleaned and sown in a well-draining propagation mix. The seeds should be sown deep enough to cover them completely. The seedlings should be kept under high humidity and warm temperature (25-30°C), with ample watering for the first few weeks.
After a few weeks, once the seedlings have germinated and started to grow, they can be transplanted into individual pots or containers. The seedlings can be grown in partial shade until they are big enough to withstand full sun.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another method of propagating Pouteria buluensis. This method involves cutting a small section of the stem and treating it with rooting hormone. The cutting is then wrapped with sphagnum moss and plastic until roots form.
Once the roots have formed, the cutting can be removed from the mother plant and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The new plant should be kept under high humidity and shaded until new growth appears.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is a method of propagating Pouteria buluensis that involves joining a vegetative shoot (scion) of the desired plant with a rooted plant (rootstock) of a closely related species. This method requires a lot of skill and expertise and is not commonly used due to the lack of an appropriate rootstock.
Overall, seed propagation and air layering are the most common methods of propagating Pouteria buluensis. It is important to note that the plant requires a warm and humid environment, well-draining soil, and ample watering for healthy growth and development.
Disease and Pest Management for Pouteria buluensis (Greves) Baehni
Pouteria buluensis (Greves) Baehni, commonly known as the African star apple or the yellow star apple, is a tropical fruit tree that is native to West and Central Africa. Like all plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Proper disease and pest management practices can help keep the tree healthy and productive.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases affecting Pouteria buluensis are:
- Anthracnose: a fungal disease that causes black spots on the leaves and fruits. Infected fruits can develop a soft rot and fall off the tree. To manage anthracnose, remove infected plant parts and apply a copper-based fungicide.
- Powdery Mildew: a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and fruits. It is caused by high humidity and poor air circulation. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected plant parts and improve air circulation. Apply a sulfur-based fungicide if necessary.
- Root Rot: a fungal disease that causes the roots to rot and the plant to wilt. It is caused by overwatering and poorly drained soil. To manage root rot, remove infected plant parts and improve soil drainage. Apply a fungicide to protect healthy roots.
Common Pests
The most common pests affecting Pouteria buluensis are:
- Fruit Fly: a pest that lays its eggs on the fruit. The larvae burrow into the fruit and cause it to rot. To manage fruit fly, use fruit fly traps and apply an insecticide.
- Rust Mite: a pest that sucks the plant sap, causing yellowing and mottling of the leaves. To manage rust mite, remove infected plant parts and apply an acaricide.
- Scales: pests that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant, sucking sap. To manage scales, remove infected plant parts and apply an insecticide.
It is important to use the appropriate management practices to control the diseases and pests affecting Pouteria buluensis. Implementing good cultural practices such as proper irrigation, fertilization, and pruning can go a long way in keeping the tree healthy and resilient to diseases and pests.
