Sclerocarya Hochst.
Sclerocarya Hochst. is a genus of trees, commonly known as Marula, belonging to the Anacardiaceae family. The genus comprises a single species, Sclerocarya birrea, which is native to the southern half of Africa.
Common Names
The tree has several common names in different regions of Africa, including Marula, Maroela, Morula, and Dinya. In Swahili, it is known as muulu.
Uses
The Marula tree has numerous uses for local communities in Africa. The fruit and nuts are edible and highly nutritious, rich in Vitamin C, calcium, and potassium. The fruit is often used to make jams, juices, and alcoholic beverages. The nuts are roasted and consumed as snacks or used to extract Marula oil, which is used in cosmetics and soaps. The wood is also highly valued for its strength and durability, making it useful for construction and furniture making.
General Appearance
The Marula tree is a medium-sized deciduous tree, growing up to 18 meters tall. The tree has an umbrella-shaped canopy with a wide, spreading crown, and a round, thick trunk covered in smooth grayish bark. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oval-shaped, with a glossy green upper surface and a paler lower surface. The tree produces small, white, fragrant flowers in spring, followed by plum-sized yellow fruit that ripens in summer.
Light Requirements
Sclerocarya Hochst. plants require ample sunlight exposure to thrive. They tolerate full sun exposure but prefer partial shade in the hottest regions. Typically, the plants grow in areas with clearings in savannah woodlands, where they receive significant exposure to sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Sclerocarya Hochst. plants thrive in warm to hot conditions. They grow best in regions with average daytime temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C and nighttime temperatures between 15°C and 20°C. The plant can withstand extreme temperatures and experiences zero frost.
Soil Requirements
These trees grow best in loamy to sandy soils that are well-draining. Soil that retains water and soils with high clay content are not suitable for this plant. Additionally, the soil must be rich in nutrients, especially nitrogen, to ensure vigorous growth. A pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 is best for maximum growth and production of the plant.
Cultivation methods
Sclerocarya Hochst., commonly known as marula, is a multipurpose drought-tolerant tree species that can be grown in tropical and subtropical regions. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings, with seeds being the most common method for commercial cultivation. Plant the seeds in prepared soil at a depth of 2cm and provide enough water during the germination period. Marula tree requires well-drained soils and plenty of sunlight to grow.
Watering needs
The watering needs of marula tree vary depending on the stage of growth and the climate conditions in the growing region. During the first few years of growth, the trees will require more water to establish the roots. Young trees need regular watering, especially during the dry season. However, for mature trees, watering should be done only when there is a prolonged drought to avoid waterlogging that may lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Marula tree requires proper nutrition to grow well and produce high-quality fruits. In most cases, these trees have a naturally occurring symbiotic relationship with fungi that helps it to take up nutrients from the soil. However, you may need to apply fertilizers when you see signs of nutrient deficiencies. Use a balanced fertilizer that contains moderate levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Over-fertilization should be avoided, as it may lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced fruit quality.
Pruning
Pruning of marula trees is done to promote healthy growth, increase yield, and eliminate diseased or damaged branches. The best time to prune the tree is during the dormant season when it is not actively growing. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches, and reduce the crown. Proper pruning helps to open up the canopy and improve air circulation, which reduces the incidences of diseases and pests. However, avoid heavy pruning as it may reduce the tree's vigor and reduce the yield in subsequent years.
Propagation methods of Sclerocarya Hochst.
Sclerocarya Hochst., commonly known as the marula tree, is propagated through several methods, including seed propagation, hardwood cuttings, and air layering.
Seed propagation
The most popular propagation method for the marula tree is through seeds. Collect ripe fruits from the tree and extract the seeds. The seeds should be cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool, dry place. After several days, sterilize the seeds before sowing. Use a mixture of sand and compost as the planting medium and sow the seeds in shallow drills. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep them moist. Germination should begin within three to four weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted after one year.
Hardwood cuttings
Another propagation method for the marula tree is through hardwood cuttings. Take cuttings during the dormant season, either from the base of the tree or from lateral branches. Cut the cuttings from 25-30 cm long and 1-2 cm thick. Remove the leaves from the lower two-thirds of the cuttings and dip the base in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a mixture of sand and compost and keep them moist. Rooting should occur within six to eight weeks, and the rooted cuttings can be transplanted after one year.
Air layering
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for the marula tree. Choose a healthy branch and remove the leaves and the bark around a section of the branch. Apply rooting hormone to the area, and wrap the exposed wood with sphagnum moss. Cover the moss with plastic and secure the ends with string. Check the moss regularly and keep it moist. After several weeks, roots should have developed around the moss. Cut the rooted stem from the mother plant and plant it in a pot with a mixture of sand and compost. The plant can be transplanted after one year.
Disease and Pest Management for Sclerocarya Hochst.
Sclerocarya Hochst., also known as the Marula tree, is a drought-resistant and indigenous tree species to the African continent, which is widely used for its edibility and highly valuable properties. Unfortunately, the plant can suffer from various diseases and pest infestations, which can cause serious harm. Therefore, proper disease and pest management practices are essential for the growth and survival of Sclerocarya Hochst. Let's take a closer look at some of the common diseases and pests that can affect this plant and ways to manage them effectively.
Common Diseases that Affect Sclerocarya Hochst.
Sclerocarya Hochst. can suffer from various diseases that can prevent the plant from growing healthily and producing optimal fruit. Some of the common diseases that affect Sclerocarya Hochst. include anthracnose, leaf spot, and root rot. Control measures like pruning, planting resistant cultivars, and applying fungicides can manage these diseases
Anthracnose:
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can cause the leaves of Sclerocarya Hochst. to turn yellow and brown, leading to premature leaf drop. This disease can cause a significant reduction in the quality and quantity of the fruit of the plant. To manage anthracnose, it is helpful to prune the tree regularly to provide adequate airflow to the plant and remove infected leaves. Fungicides can also help control the disease, such as applying copper-based fungicides.
Leaf Spot:
Leaf spot is another fungal disease that can cause Sclerocarya Hochst.'s leaves to turn yellow or brown with dark spots, eventually leading to leaf drop. To manage leaf spot, it is essential to keep the plant's environment dry and well-ventilated, as the disease thrives in damp conditions. Regular pruning of the tree can also reduce the density of the canopy and promote airflow. Applying copper fungicides at the right time, to prevent the disease from spreading, is also recommended.
Root Rot:
Root rot is a severe fungal disease that can cause the plant's roots to decay as a result of overwatering or poor soil drainage. Root rot can affect the plant's ability to absorb nutrients and water, leading to stunted growth and leaf yellowing. To reduce the risk of root rot, it is essential to plant Sclerocarya Hochst. in well-draining soil. Additionally, it is crucial not to overwater the plant to avoid soil saturation. Applying a soil fungicide with the appropriate active ingredient when necessary can also help control root rot.
Common Pests that Affect Sclerocarya Hochst.
Sclerocarya Hochst. can also be vulnerable to pest infestations, which can lead to significant damage if not attended to promptly. The common pests that affect Sclerocarya Hochst. include fruit flies, termites, and caterpillars, among others.
Fruit Flies:
Fruit flies are small insects that can cause significant damage by laying eggs on the fruit of the Sclerocarya Hochst. These pests infest the fruit, which can lead to premature fruit drop and decay. To manage fruit flies, collecting and burning fallen fruits, applying protective nets on trees together with pheromone traps to attract male fruit flies will significantly reduce the population of fruit flies.
Termites:
Termites can cause severe damage to Sclerocarya Hochst. by feeding on the tree's wood structures. The tree can wilt, and leaves turn yellow in severe infestations. To prevent termites, proper tree pruning, keeping the soil moist around the tree base, and regular inspections of the tree for signs of termite damage are essential. Nematodes or using baits that contain termite insecticide can be useful in controlling the termite population.
Caterpillars:
Caterpillars are known to cause Sclerocarya Hochst. defoliation and can lead to reduced plant growth. Managing caterpillars can be done through biological control, such as using natural predators such as birds, and applying a bioinsecticide during the caterpillar's feeding stage to control the population effectively.
To ensure the healthy growth of Sclerocarya Hochst., it is essential to practice adequate disease and pest management. Employing these control measures will help minimize the risk of disease or pest infestation, ensuring that the plant can grow healthily.
