Plant Description:
Pouteria multiflora (A. DC.) Eyma is a medium-sized tree that belongs to the Sapotaceae family. It can grow up to 30 meters high with a densely branched, rounded crown. The tree's bark is dark brown and slightly cracked, and the leaves are simple, oblong or elliptical with a length of 5-17 cm, and a width of 2-5 cm. The tree species produce many small white flowers that bloom in clusters from axils, and they fruit after flowering.
Origin:
Pouteria multiflora is native to tropical Africa, including countries such as Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Senegal, and Sudan. The plant has also been introduced to other regions, including Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
Common Names:
The plant has several common names depending on the region, including African Pear, Fue, Iyeye, Kaimo, Ukeke, and Wild Plum.
Uses:
The Pouteria multiflora tree has several uses, including medicinal and commercial purposes. It is a source of timber, mainly used for furniture, tool handles, and construction purposes. The bark and leaves of the tree have numerous medicinal properties, with the leaf extract being used to cure pain and fever, while the bark extract is used to treat malaria. Apart from this, the tree's fruit is edible and used in the production of wine, jam, and other local food recipes in tropical Africa.
Light Requirements
Pouteria multiflora requires full or partial sunlight for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but too much shade may inhibit its growth and flowering potential.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in tropical to sub-tropical climates with average to high humidity. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) but growth and development are optimal at temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 30°C (86°F).
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate soils with slightly higher or lower pH levels but extreme soil acidity or alkalinity could affect its growth and productivity. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients, and should retain moisture without becoming waterlogged.
Cultivation of Pouteria multiflora (A. DC.) Eyma
Pouteria multiflora (A. DC.) Eyma is a tropical evergreen tree that requires specific cultivation conditions to thrive. The plant does well in areas with warm temperatures and high humidity, such as rainforests and humid subtropical regions. It is advisable to plant the tree in well-draining soil that has a pH range of 5.5-6.5. The plant can be propagated through seedlings or cuttings.
Watering Needs of Pouteria multiflora (A. DC.) Eyma
Watering is crucial to the successful cultivation of Pouteria multiflora (A. DC.) Eyma. The plant requires consistent moisture levels to prevent dehydration, especially during the growing season. It is vital to ensure that the soil is kept moist at all times. The amount of water required depends on the environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity. Overwatering can be harmful to the plant, so it is essential to avoid waterlogging the soil.
Fertilization of Pouteria multiflora (A. DC.) Eyma
Fertilization is an essential aspect of Pouteria multiflora (A. DC.) Eyma cultivation. The plant requires regular application of fertilizer, especially during the growing season, to promote healthy growth. It is advisable to use a balanced fertilizer with a formulation of 10:10:10 or 15:15:15. The fertilizer should be applied at least twice a year, during the beginning of the wet and dry seasons, respectively. Overfertilization can be harmful to the plant, so it is important to follow the recommended dosage.
Pruning of Pouteria multiflora (A. DC.) Eyma
Pruning is a useful technique to promote healthy growth and maintain the desired shape of Pouteria multiflora (A. DC.) Eyma. The plant requires pruning to remove dead or damaged branches and to control its growth. The ideal time to prune the plant is during the dry season when it is dormant. It is advisable to use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the tree. Pruning should be done carefully to avoid excessive removal of branches, which can affect the plant's growth and overall health.
Propagation of Pouteria multiflora
Pouteria multiflora, also known as the wild lobeira, is a tropical tree found in the Amazon basin that belongs to the Sapotaceae family. The tree can grow up to 30 meters in height and has a dense crown with glossy, dark green leaves and small, fragrant flowers.
Propagating Pouteria multiflora from seeds
The most common method of propagating Pouteria multiflora is through seeds. The seeds of the wild lobeira are small, oval-shaped, and dark brown in color. The seeds have a hard shell that needs to be scarified before planting.
To scarify the seeds, soak them in hot water for 24 hours and then remove the outer shell. After scarification, the seeds can be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and covered with a thin layer of mulch. The seeds should be kept moist but not waterlogged until they germinate, which typically takes between 2-6 weeks.
Propagating Pouteria multiflora from cuttings
Pouteria multiflora can also be propagated from stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and should be at least 6 inches long. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mixture. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment and place it in a warm, bright area. The cuttings should develop roots within 4-6 weeks and can then be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagating Pouteria multiflora from suckers
Suckers that emerge from the base of a mature Pouteria multiflora tree can also be used for propagation. To propagate the plant from suckers, separate the sucker from the main plant using a knife and plant it in a well-draining soil mixture. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the plant in a warm, bright area. The sucker should develop a strong root system within a few months and can then be transplanted into its permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Pouteria Multiflora
Pouteria multiflora is a plant used for fruit production due to its edible fruit. The plant is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but some common pests and diseases can impact this plant leading to a decrease in yield. Proper disease and pest management techniques can help reduce these losses.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark spots on the plant's leaves, branches, and fruit. The spots eventually darken and become sunken. Anthracnose can cause severe fruit drop and can be controlled by removing infected plant parts and spraying the plant with fungicides such as copper oxychloride.
Fusarium wilt: This disease results in wilting and yellowing of the leaves, followed by plant death. The fungus that causes Fusarium wilt inhabits the soil and can be prevented by planting in well-draining soils, using sterilized soil, and avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization.
Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on leaves and other plant parts. This disease can be prevented through proper spacing, plant nutrition, and fungicide application such as triforine.
Common Pests
Fruit flies: These insects feed on the fruit and can cause significant yield loss. Effective management techniques include removing infested fruit, applying neem oil or kaolin spray, and using pheromone traps.
Thrips: Thrips feed on the plant's foliage, and their infestation results in discoloration and distortion of leaves. Management techniques include spraying with insecticidal soaps or essential oils.
Mites: Mites infest the plant's leaves and cause small, yellow-brown spots on leaves. Neem oil and insecticidal soaps can be used to manage mites.
Regular monitoring of the plant for disease and pest infestation is necessary to detect any issues early on. Immediate and effective management can prevent disease and pest spread and save the plant from yield losses.
