Overview
Sorindeia deliciosa A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel is a plant species that belongs to the family Rhamnaceae. It is a small to medium-sized tree that is native to tropical Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by several names including the Mbauha, Ugiri, and African cherry. It is also called the Katsun Tree, and it is known to the Efik people of Nigeria as Nwapa.
Appearance
The Sorindeia deliciosa tree can grow up to 15 meters tall and has a trunk that is usually crooked and up to 1 meter in diameter. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oblong to elliptical in shape, measuring 6-16 cm long and 3-8 cm wide. The flowers are small and greenish-white and are borne in terminal corymbose panicles up to 20 cm long. The fruit is a globose drupe that is up to 2 cm in diameter and is yellow to red when ripe.
Uses
Sorindeia deliciosa has several uses. The fruit is edible, and it is widely consumed in many African countries. The ripe fruit is sweet and has a pleasant taste. It is also used to make jams, jellies, and sauces. The tree also provides timber, which is used for furniture making, construction, and carpentry. The bark of the tree is used for medicinal purposes and is believed to have some anti-inflammatory properties.
Light Requirements
Sorindeia deliciosa A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel grows best in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to thrive. The plant also prefers bright indirect light and can tolerate filtered light.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Sorindeia deliciosa A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel is between 16 to 26°C (60 to 80°F). It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) and as high as 35°C (95°F). However, temperatures below 10°C can damage and kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate different types of soil, such as sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The soil pH range should be between 6.0 to 7.8. It is important to avoid waterlogged soil as it can lead to root rot and kill the plant.
Cultivation methods for Sorindeia deliciosa A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel
Sorindeia deliciosa A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel is a small tree that can be cultivated in a variety of environments. It is native to West Africa and thrives in warm and humid conditions.
The plant prefers well-drained soil and a location that receives full or partial sunlight. It can also tolerate a range of soils, including sandy and loamy soils.
Propagation can be done through seeds or cuttings. If using seeds, they should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting in well-drained soil. Cuttings should be taken from the stem and placed in a rooting hormone before being planted in well-drained soil.
Watering needs for Sorindeia deliciosa A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel
Watering needs for Sorindeia deliciosa A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel depend on a variety of factors, including the climate and soil type. The plant prefers to be consistently moist but not waterlogged, so it is important to monitor the soil and adjust watering frequency as needed.
During dry seasons, the plant may require more frequent watering. It is also important to water deeply to encourage deeper root growth.
Fertilization for Sorindeia deliciosa A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel
Sorindeia deliciosa A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer is ideal, with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
The fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season. It is important not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced fruit production.
Pruning for Sorindeia deliciosa A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel
Pruning is not necessary for Sorindeia deliciosa A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel, but it can help promote better fruit production and shape the tree.
If pruning is desired, it should be done in the late winter or early spring before the growing season begins. Dead or damaged branches can be removed, as well as any crossing branches that may cause rubbing or damage.
If the goal is to promote fruiting, pruning should focus on thinning out older branches to allow for new growth. It is important not to remove more than 25% of the tree's canopy in any pruning session.
Propagation of Sorindeia deliciosa
Sorindeia deliciosa, also known as Opepe in Yoruba, is a tree that belongs to the family Rosaceae. Propagation is a crucial aspect of growing the plant. It can be propagated by seeds or hardwood cuttings. The propagation method depends on the gardener's preference and the resources available. However, hardwood cuttings provide a quicker and more reliable method of propagation because seed germination is slow and unpredictable.
Propagation by Seeds
The seed propagation method requires mature seeds that have been collected from a ripe fruit. The seeds have a hard outer shell, and it is recommended to soak them in water for at least 24 hours before sowing. It helps in breaking the dormancy of the seeds and aids in germination. After soaking, sow the seeds in a seedling tray filled with well-draining soil, ensuring a proper depth of 2cm. Keep the tray in a warm and humid place with adequate sunlight. The seeds usually take 4-8 weeks to germinate and require continuous watering and fertilization as they grow. Once the seedlings have outgrown their trays, transplant them into large pots or directly into the ground.
Propagation by Hardwood Cuttings
Propagating by hardwood cuttings is much faster and more reliable than seed propagation as the cutting starts to grow within a few weeks. The best time to take hardwood cuttings is during winter when the tree is dormant. Look for a healthy branch with no sign of disease or pests. Using a sharp knife, make a cutting about 20cm long and remove any leaves and buds from the lower two-thirds. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder and place the cutting in a container filled with well-draining soil and cover with a clear plastic bag. The humidity inside the bag creates a conducive environment for the cutting to root. Keep the container in a warm, bright, but indirect sunlight location. Within some weeks, root development should have taken place. Once the cutting has developed roots, transplant it into a larger container or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Sorindeia deliciosa A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel
Sorindeia deliciosa A.Chev. ex Hutch. & Dalziel is a relatively disease-resistant plant, but it can still be susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggested ways to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and fruit rot. To manage anthracnose, remove infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicides if necessary.
Brown spot: Brown spot is a fungal disease that can cause circular brown spots on leaves. To manage brown spot, remove infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides if necessary.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that can suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and wilt. Use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or other insecticides to manage aphids.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can chew holes in the leaves and damage the plant. Handpick and remove caterpillars if possible, or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide.
Scale insects: Scale insects are small, immobile insects that can attach themselves to the leaves and stems. Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to remove scale insects, or use insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils.
