Overview of Schrebera trichoclada Welw.
Schrebera trichoclada Welw. is a deciduous tree belonging to the Oleaceae family. This plant is indigenous to Africa specifically in Angola, Zambia, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. The tree has distinctive characteristics that have made it popular among different ethnic groups in Africa as an essential plant with cultural and medicinal significance.
Appearance
This plant is characterized by a single-stemmed or multi-stemmed white bark, which may become greyish and rough with age. The tree can grow up to a height of 20 meters with a straight trunk of up to one meter in diameter. Schrebera trichoclada Welw. has compound leaves that consist of smaller leaflets. The leaves are oval-shaped and dark green, with smooth margins. The tree blooms in late spring or early summer, producing clusters of small, cream-colored flowers with a pungent odor. The plant produces round, greenish-brown fruits which eventually turn brown and are about 2.5 cm long.
Common Names
Schrebera trichoclada Welw. is known by various names, depending on the region and ethnic group. Some of the common names include Mubumbuli, Mulalazi, Lunzulu, and Umbombolo.
Uses
The plant has a wide range of uses, which include cultural, medicinal, and ecological. It is used in many African communities as a medicinal plant for treating various ailments such as malaria, tuberculosis, and fever. The bark and the roots of the tree contain antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that are essential in traditional medicine. Schrebera trichoclada Welw. is also used to prevent soil erosion in regions where the plant grows naturally. The tree's wood is durable, strong and is therefore used in making furniture, tool handles, and other household items.
The tree also has cultural significance in the Samburu and Maasai communities in Kenya, where it is used in various rituals, including circumcision ceremonies. The bark of the tree is used to make a dark brown dye used for dyeing animal hides and clothing.
The plant is also grown as an ornamental tree in some parts of the world due to its aesthetic value.
Light Requirements
Schrebera trichoclada Welw. requires full sun exposure to grow optimally. The plant can tolerate some shade, but it may hamper its growth and development. It is advisable to place the plant in a location where it can receive direct sunlight for at least six hours each day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for growing Schrebera trichoclada Welw. is between 20-30°C. The plant cannot tolerate frost, and the temperature should not fall below 10°C. In regions with cold winters, it is advisable to grow the plant in a greenhouse or indoors to avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Schrebera trichoclada Welw. grows well in a well-drained and fertile soil mix. The soil should be slightly acidic and have a pH of 5.5-6.5. The plant can also grow well in sandy loam soil with adequate organic matter content. It is advisable to add compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil's fertility and water-holding capacity.
Cultivation Methods
Schrebera trichoclada Welw., commonly known as African cherry, is a drought-tolerant plant that grows well in tropical regions. It prefers well-drained soils and partial shade. Before planting, prepare the soil by adding organic matter such as compost or manure. Sow the seeds in the prepared soil and keep them moist.
Watering Needs
African cherry requires moderate watering. Water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil moisture level. Avoid overwatering, as it may cause root rot. Check the soil moisture level before watering, and ensure that the top layer of soil is dry before watering again.
Fertilization
Feed the Schrebera trichoclada plant with a balanced fertilizer every two months during the growing season. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen and phosphorus will help the plant to grow well and produce healthy foliage. Avoid using excess fertilizer, as it may cause the plant to produce excess foliage at the expense of fruits.
Pruning
African cherry requires minimal pruning. Prune the plant after the fruiting season to maintain its shape and size. Remove any weak or diseased branches, and those that are rubbing against each other. Regular pruning also helps to increase the air and light circulation, which is crucial to the plant's health and productivity.
Propagation of Schrebera trichoclada Welw.
Schrebera trichoclada Welw., commonly known as African star apple, is propagated through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and air layering.
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the easiest and most common method of propagating Schrebera trichoclada. Before sowing, the seeds must be soaked in water for 24 hours to break dormancy. Once the seeds swell up, they can be sown in well-draining soil mix of sand and peat in equal proportion. The soil surface must be kept moist, and germination typically occurs within 3 to 4 weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Schrebera trichoclada can also be propagated through hardwood cuttings taken in late winter. Cuttings should be approximately 15 cm long, should be taken from healthy trees, and must have at least three nodes. After removing the lower leaves, the cuttings are dipped in rooting hormone, and then planted in a mixture of sand, peat, and perlite in equal proportions. Water must be sprayed regularly, and the soil should be kept moist until rooting occurs.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another method of propagating Schrebera trichoclada, especially when faster propagation is needed. A section of the aerial stem is stripped of its bark where rooting hormone is applied, then wrapped in a moist layer of soil mix and plastic to retain moisture. The wrap must be checked regularly to ensure it stays moist; roots will form within 5 to 6 weeks. The rooted section can be cut from the mother plant, and then, potted in a well-draining potting mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Schrebera trichoclada Welw.
Schrebera trichoclada Welw., commonly known as the African peach or Africa cherry, is a deciduous tree that is native to sub-Saharan Africa. While it is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of growing conditions, it is still vulnerable to a variety of diseases and pests that can impact its health and overall growth. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect Schrebera trichoclada and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that can affect Schrebera trichoclada. Symptoms include small, round spots on the leaves, which may turn yellow or brown and fall off the tree. To manage leaf spot, you can prune affected leaves and branches, make sure the tree has good air circulation, and avoid overhead watering.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is another fungal disease that can affect Schrebera trichoclada. It causes brown or black spots on the leaves, as well as lesions on the bark and cankers on the branches. To manage anthracnose, you can apply fungicides and prune affected branches.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are a common pest that can affect Schrebera trichoclada. They feed on the sap of the tree, which can lead to leaf drop, stunted growth, and a decrease in fruit production. To manage aphids, you can spray the tree with insecticidal soap or neem oil and introduce natural predators such as ladybugs to the area.
Thrips: Another pest that can affect Schrebera trichoclada is thrips. These tiny insects feed on the leaves and stems of the tree, causing discoloration and deformities. To manage thrips, you can apply insecticides and add companion plants such as marigolds to the area.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can also be a problem for Schrebera trichoclada. They feed on the leaves of the tree, which can lead to defoliation and weaken the plant. To manage caterpillars, you can manually remove them from the tree and apply insecticides if necessary.
By staying vigilant and monitoring your Schrebera trichoclada for signs of disease and pest infestations, you can take steps to manage these issues and keep your tree healthy and thriving.
