Overview of Randia buchananii Oliv.
Randia buchananii Oliv. is a small tree species that belongs to the family Rubiaceae. It is commonly known by various names such as African mangosteen, buah rotan, and isiUmhlali in different regions where it is found. This plant species is native to different African countries including Angola, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
General Appearance of Randia buchananii Oliv.
The tree of Randia buchananii Oliv. can reach a height of up to 10 meters with a round crown. The bark is dark, rough, and deeply furrowed. The leaves are evergreen, simple, glossy, and oblong-shaped with a length ranging from 3 to 10 cm. The flowers, which appear from September to December, are white and sweet-scented. They are followed by round, fleshy fruits that have a diameter of about 4 cm and turn from green to yellow when ripe. The fruit has a hard, woody shell that covers a juicy pulp with up to 6 seeds inside.
Uses of Randia buchananii Oliv.
Randia buchananii Oliv. has various uses that have been discovered by different cultures. The fruit is edible and consumed fresh or used to make juice, jellies, and jams. It is also used as a traditional medicine for various ailments such as respiratory problems, fever, and stomach ache. In some African cultures, the bark is used to make a remedy for toothache. The timber of the tree is suitable for making furniture, drums, and handles for tools.
In conclusion, Randia buchananii Oliv. is an important tree species in various African cultures due to its many uses. Its attractive appearance, sweet-scented flowers, and delicious fruit make it an ideal ornamental plant. The plant can also be grown for commercial purposes as it has commercial value in both the timber and fruit industries.
Light Requirements
Randia buchananii Oliv. typically grows under full sunlight, but it can survive under partial shade. The plant requires at least 6 hours of sunlight each day to thrive. When exposed to too much shade, the growth may be stunted, and there will be few flowers or fruits produced.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm temperatures. The ideal temperature ranges from 20°C to 33°C (68°F to 91°F). It can still grow in temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F), but growth may be limited. The plant is not frost-hardy and should be protected from frost conditions.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-drained soils like sandy-loam, loam, and clay-loam. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil conditions with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and should have good water-holding capacity. The plant will not thrive in poorly-drained soils or soils with high salt content.
Cultivation methods for Randia buchananii Oliv.
Randia buchananii Oliv. is a hardy evergreen plant that grows well in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH. It is also essential to plant the shrub in a location with partial sun or shade, as it cannot tolerate full sun exposure. Propagation of the plant can be done through seeds or stem cuttings. However, stem cuttings are preferable as they tend to grow faster.
Watering needs for Randia buchananii Oliv.
The Randia buchananii Oliv. shrub requires regular watering during the growing season, especially in periods of dry weather. However, the plant should not be overwatered as this can lead to root rot. Watering the plant once every week, especially during dry seasons, is adequate to keep the shrub from drying up.
Fertilization of Randia buchananii Oliv.
Fertilizing the Randia buchananii Oliv. shrub should be done sparingly, mainly when the plant is experiencing slow growth. Apply a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season, and ensure that the fertilizer is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, avoid applying fertilizer to the plant when it is newly transplanted or during the winter months.
Pruning Randia buchananii Oliv.
Pruning the Randia buchananii Oliv. plant is necessary to promote healthy growth and maintain its shape and size. The best time to prune the plant is during winter or early spring when it is dormant. Remove damaged, diseased, or dead branches, and thin out the interior of the shrub to promote air circulation and sunlight penetration. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can lead to stress or damage to the plant.
Propagation of Randia buchananii Oliv.
Propagation of Randia buchananii Oliv. can be achieved through seeds, cuttings, and air layering.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds should be collected from mature fruits and cleaned properly before sowing. The seeds can be sown in a prepared soil bed or in polythene bags filled with a suitable rooting medium. The seeds germinate slowly, and the seedlings require regular watering and fertilization to grow well. The plants produced through seed propagation may take longer to flower and fruit.
Propagation through Cuttings
Softwood cuttings of Randia buchananii Oliv. can be taken from healthy, disease-free plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be at least 10 cm long and should have a pencil-thick diameter. The basal end of the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone solution, and then the cutting should be planted in a dibbled hole filled with rooting medium. The cuttings require high humidity and a warm environment to root well. Rooted cuttings can be transplanted to bigger pots or planted in the field after hardening-off.
Propagation through Air Layering
Air layering is done during the growing season by selecting a healthy branch, removing a ring of bark (about 3 cm wide), and treating the exposed area with rooting hormone. The wounded area is then packed with a rooting medium, which is held in place with plastic wrap. The wrapped area is then covered with a black polythene sheet to prevent light from reaching it. After about 4-6 weeks, roots will have formed at the wound, and the rooted layer can be cut from the mother plant and planted in a separate location.
Disease and Pest Management for Randia buchananii Oliv.
Randia buchananii Oliv., commonly known as the cherry guava, is a tropical plant species native to Africa that forms a dense shrub or small tree. It can experience various diseases and pest infestations that can harm its growth and development. Effective disease and pest management can help maintain the health of the plant and promote its growth.
Common Diseases
Leaf spot is one of the most common diseases affecting Randia buchananii. This fungal infection can cause leaves to develop brown or black spots. To manage leaf spot, promptly remove and destroy any infected leaves, sanitize pruning equipment between cuts, and avoid overwatering.
Anthracnose is another fungal disease that affects Randia buchananii. It can cause brown or black spots on the leaves, stems, and fruit. To manage anthracnose, avoid overhead watering and promptly remove and destroy any infected plant parts.
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the roots of Randia buchananii. It can cause the plant to wilt and die. To prevent root rot, maintain well-drained soil and avoid overwatering. If root rot is suspected, remove the affected plant and replant in fresh, disease-free soil.
Common Pests
The cherry guava can also be attacked by various pests such as mealybugs, scale insects, and mites. These pests can cause leaves to yellow and drop, weakening the plant.
Mealybugs are small, white insects that suck sap from plant tissues, causing leaves to wilt. To manage mealybugs, spray the plant with insecticidal soap and encourage populations of natural predators like lady beetles and lacewings.
Scale insects are small, round, and brownish pests that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of Randia buchananii. They secrete a sticky substance that can attract mold and other pests. To manage scale insects, prune off heavily infested plant parts and spray the plant with neem oil.
Mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the underside of leaves, causing them to yellow and drop. To manage mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or use an organic miticide. Avoid using chemical pesticides as they can harm natural predators of mites and other pests.
