Overview
Schrebera buchananii Baker, also known as the African star apple or the black star apple, is a tropical tree species that belongs to the Oleaceae family, which is native to Africa.
Appearance
The African star apple tree can grow up to 25 meters tall and has a dense, rounded crown. The leaves are typically large, dark green, and glossy, measuring up to 30 centimeters in length and 10 centimeters in width, with a pointed tip.
The tree produces beautiful flowers that bloom in clusters, with fragrant, white, or pale yellow petals. The fruit of the tree is a large, round, dark-purple berry, with a diameter of about 5-10 cm, and has a tough, leathery skin.
Common Names
The African star apple has different names among the African communities where it grows. It is known as udara in Nigeria, agbalumo in Yoruba, or awin in Igbo. It is also referred to as the bush apple or bush mango in some regions.
Uses
The African star apple tree is used for different purposes, especially in traditional medicine. The fruit has been found to help treat malaria, toothache, fever, coughs, and several other ailments. The fruit extract is also used as a natural food preservative.
The wood of the African star apple tree is strong and durable, making it useful for making furniture, tool handles, and construction materials.
The fruit is edible and has a sweet-tart flavor and is consumed fresh or processed into juice, jam, and wine.
Overall, Schrebera buchananii Baker serves both medicinal and culinary purposes, and is a valuable addition to the ecosystem it grows in.Light Requirements
Schrebera buchananii Baker prefers partial to full sun. It can tolerate partly shaded areas, but it may affect its growth rate and overall health. In areas with intense sunlight, it is recommended to provide some form of protection during the hottest hours of the day.
Temperature Requirements
It thrives in warm to hot conditions and does not tolerate frost or cold temperatures. The ideal temperature range for Schrebera buchananii Baker is between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F). In regions with lower temperatures, it is necessary to grow this plant in a greenhouse or indoors to maintain its optimal growth rate.
Soil Requirements
It prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil must maintain moisture levels to ensure optimal growth. Schrebera buchananii Baker can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but it requires a pH value between 6.5 and 7.5. To achieve these conditions, it is recommended to amend the soil with compost or aged manure.
Cultivation of Schrebera buchananii Baker
Schrebera buchananii Baker, commonly known as the Lemonwood tree, is native to Africa and can be grown in tropical and subtropical regions. When planting, ensure that the soil is well-draining, and the plant gets enough sunlight to thrive. Young plants should be given adequate space for growth.
Watering Needs of Schrebera buchananii Baker
While Schrebera buchananii Baker is a drought-tolerant plant, it needs a regular water supply, especially when young and during dry seasons. However, avoid over-watering as it can lead to root rot. Water the plant at the base and avoid watering from overhead to prevent disease.
Fertilization of Schrebera buchananii Baker
It is essential to fertilize Schrebera buchananii Baker to enhance its growth and health. Use a balanced fertilizer once every three months during the growing season, spring and summer. Do not fertilize young plants until they are well-established.
Pruning of Schrebera buchananii Baker
Pruning helps to maintain the shape and size of Schrebera buchananii Baker. The plant should be pruned during its dormant season, which is winter, to avoid stressing it. Remove dead, diseased, and damaged branches. To encourage bushy growth and flowering, pinch back the tips of the branches.
Propagation of Schrebera buchananii Baker
Schrebera buchananii Baker, commonly known as the African yellowwood, is a tree species native to sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. The tree has unique yellowish-green leaves and produces fragrant white flowers, making it a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
Here are the different methods of propagating Schrebera buchananii Baker:
Seed propagation
Schrebera buchananii Baker is mostly propagated through seeds. Collect seeds from mature fruits that are brown and fully ripe. Sow the seeds in a mixture of well-draining soil and sand in a seedling tray. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and water them gently.
Place the tray in a shaded area, and maintain constant moisture by watering the seeds regularly. Germination can take up to three months. After germination, transplant the seedlings to individual pots, and ensure they have enough light to grow.
Cutting propagation
You can propagate Schrebera buchananii Baker through stem cuttings taken from mature trees. Choose a healthy stem that is not too woody or too soft and take a cutting that is at least six inches long.
Remove all the leaves from the bottom section of the cutting, leaving only two or three leaves at the top. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mixture that has been moistened. Cover the pot with a plastic bag, and place it in a shaded area.
Check the cutting regularly and water it when the soil is dry. After six to eight weeks, the cutting should start developing roots. When the plant has developed enough roots, transplant it to a larger pot, and expose it to more sunlight gradually.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is another effective method of propagating Schrebera buchananii Baker. Take a branch of the tree that is not too woody and make a shallow incision around the stem. Dust some rooting hormone powder on the incision and wrap it with moistened sphagnum moss.
Wrap a plastic sheet around the moss-covered incision, and secure it with tape. Ensure the moss stays moist throughout the process to encourage root formation. After a few weeks, the stem should start developing roots. Cut the stem below the moss and pot it in well-draining soil.
Propagation of Schrebera buchananii Baker can be rewarding if done correctly. Choose the method that works best for you and enjoy growing this magnificent plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Schrebera Buchananii Baker
Schrebera buchananii Baker is a tree species native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia. This plant is valued for its beautiful foliage, fragrant flowers, and medicinal properties. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and overall health. Here are some common problems that may affect Schrebera buchananii Baker and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes black spots on the leaves and can lead to defoliation. To control this disease, remove infected leaves and spray the tree with a fungicide.
Canker: Canker is a bacterial disease that causes the bark to crack and ooze. To manage this disease, prune infected branches and destroy them. Apply a fungicide to the damaged area to prevent further infection.
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and spray the tree with a fungicide. Make sure the plant has good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Pests
Aphids: These tiny insects suck the sap from the leaves and cause them to become distorted or yellowed. To manage aphids, you can spray the tree with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can eat the leaves and cause defoliation. Hand-pick the caterpillars off the tree or use a biological control like Bacillus thuringiensis.
Mites: Mites cause the leaves to become chlorotic or speckled. A miticide can help control this pest. Also, make sure to keep the plant well-watered and avoid drought stress.
Schrebera buchananii Baker is a beautiful and valuable plant species. By monitoring for signs of disease and pests and taking swift action when necessary, you can protect your tree and keep it healthy and thriving.
