Overview of Sorindeia africana (Engl.) Van der Veken var. lastoursvillensis (Pellegr.) Van der Veken
Sorindeia africana (Engl.) Van der Veken var. lastoursvillensis (Pellegr.) Van der Veken is a small tree or shrub that is native to tropical regions of Central and West Africa. The plant is known by several common names including African sourplum, tree grape, and bush plum.
Appearance
The African sourplum can grow up to 5-6 meters in height with a dense, spreading crown. The tree has a smooth, light grey bark and the twigs are covered in fine, short hairs. The leaves are alternate and pinnately compound with a glossy, dark green color. The small, white flowers are arranged in drooping clusters and are followed by small, round fruits that resemble grapes. The fruits turn from green to yellow when ripe and have a sour taste.
Uses
Despite the sour taste of the fruit, it is often used in traditional medicine for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. The leaves and bark of the tree are also used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments such as malaria, dysentery, and stomach ailments. The fruit can be eaten fresh or used in the preparation of sauces, jams, and drinks. The wood of the tree is hard and dense, making it suitable for carving and construction.
Light Requirements
Sorindeia africana (Engl.) Van der Veken var. lastoursvillensis (Pellegr.) Van der Veken requires a lot of sunlight to grow well. The plant should be placed in an area that receives full sunlight exposure, which means around seven to eight hours of light per day. If the plant is grown in an area with low light, it might not grow well, and the leaves could yellow.
Temperature Requirements
The temperature at which Sorindeia africana (Engl.) Van der Veken var. lastoursvillensis (Pellegr.) Van der Veken thrives is between 25°C and 35°C. They could survive in temperatures as low as 18°C, but the growth would be slow. The plant cannot tolerate cold temperatures and cannot survive in freezing conditions. It is best to keep the plant in an area with a stable temperature to reduce stress on the plant.
Soil Requirements
Sorindeia africana (Engl.) Van der Veken var. lastoursvillensis (Pellegr.) Van der Veken prefer soil that is well-drained and rich in nutrients. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic or neutral. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged because excess water could cause root rot. The use of organic matter such as compost helps to improve the soil structure, increase water-holding capacity, and improve soil fertility.
Cultivation of Sorindeia africana var. lastoursvillensis
Sorindeia africana var. lastoursvillensis is a tropical, evergreen tree that thrives in mild temperatures and a humid climate. It can grow up to 15 meters tall and forms a dense canopy of foliage. The plant prefers a sunny, warm location and well-draining soil.
Watering Needs of Sorindeia africana var. lastoursvillensis
Water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The tree is tolerant of occasional dry spells, but consistent watering is necessary for healthy growth. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization of Sorindeia africana var. lastoursvillensis
Fertilize Sorindeia africana var. lastoursvillensis once a month with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming. Use a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content to promote leaf growth and a higher phosphorus content to promote flowering.
Pruning Sorindeia africana var. lastoursvillensis
Prune Sorindeia africana var. lastoursvillensis in the early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches. Trim back any unwanted or wayward growth to maintain the desired shape and size of the tree. Regular pruning will help to promote healthy growth and a full, lush canopy of foliage.
Propagation of Sorindeia africana var. lastoursvillensis
Sorindeia africana var. lastoursvillensis is a plant species that belongs to the family Rubiaceae. It is native to tropical Africa and is widely grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks across the world. Propagation of this plant is mainly done through seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Sorindeia africana var. lastoursvillensis are small and black. They are removed from the ripe fruit and sown directly into the soil. The best time to sow the seeds is during the rainy season when the soil is moist. The seeds take about 1-2 months to germinate.
Before planting, the seeds can be soaked in water for about 24 hours to soften the seed coat. This will allow water to enter the seed more easily, which helps to stimulate germination.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken from young shoots of the Sorindeia africana var. lastoursvillensis plant. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should have at least 2-3 nodes. The lower leaves should be removed and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone to enhance their chances of survival.
The cuttings are planted in well-draining soil and should be watered regularly. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Rooting of the cuttings takes about 4-6 weeks, after which the new plants can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Propagation of Sorindeia africana var. lastoursvillensis through stem cuttings is relatively easy and is a popular method because it allows for the propagation of exact replicas of the parent plant.
Disease Management
Sorindeia africana (Engl.) Van der Veken var. lastoursvillensis (Pellegr.) Van der Veken is generally a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases. However, there are some diseases that may affect its growth and vigor. One of the most common diseases of this plant is leaf spot. It is caused by a fungal pathogen that attacks the leaves, resulting in circular brown spots. To manage this disease, prune and remove all infected leaves and stems, and spray the plant with a fungicide to prevent further spread.
Pest Management
Sorindeia africana (Engl.) Van der Veken var. lastoursvillensis (Pellegr.) Van der Veken is also susceptible to some pests that can affect its growth and productivity. One common pest is the spider mite, which sucks the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and eventually fall off. To manage this pest, spray the plant with water or insecticidal soap to remove the mites. Another pest that may affect this plant is the mealybug, which sucks sap from the plant and can also cause fungal diseases. To manage this pest, wipe the affected leaves with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or spray the plant with a pesticide.
