Spondias klaineana (Pierre) Engl.
Spondias klaineana, also known as African hog plum, is a fruit tree native to Western Africa. It belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, which includes mangoes and cashews.
Common Names
The tree goes by various names, including Nguelboun, Aboun, and Ukiru. The fruits of Spondias klaineana are commonly known as African hog plum, bush mango, or wild mango.
Uses
The fruits of this tree are a source of food for the local populations in Africa. The fruits can be eaten raw or cooked. They are also used to make juice, jam, and chutney. In some parts of Africa, the fruit is fermented to make an alcoholic drink. Additionally, the bark of the tree has medicinal properties and is used to treat various ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and stomach pains.
General Appearance
Spondias klaineana is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. The tree has a straight trunk and a rounded crown. The leaves are compound, with 8 to 16 pairs of leaflets that are oblong or elliptic in shape. The fruits are oval or oblong, and about 4 to 8 centimeters long. The fruits have a thick, yellowish-green skin and a fibrous, juicy flesh that surrounds a large seed.
Growth Conditions for Spondias Klaineana (Pierre) Engl.
Spondias klaineana (Pierre) Engl., also known as African hog plum, is a tropical fruit tree that is native to West Africa. It is a fruit tree that can grow up to 10 m tall and is considered a fast-growing tree. Here are the typical growth conditions for African hog plum:
Light Requirements
The plant requires a lot of sunlight for optimum growth. It thrives in full sunlight but can also survive in partial shade. However, too much shade can cause the plant to produce fewer fruits and grow weaker. Therefore, it is essential to place the tree in an area where it can get adequate sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Spondias klaineana (Pierre) Engl. requires a warm climate to grow and produce fruits. It thrives in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. Temperatures below 15°C can cause the tree to stop growing and produce fewer fruits. Therefore, it is essential to plant the tree in a warm area that provides the required temperature range.
Soil Requirements
The African hog plum grows in a wide range of well-drained soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the plant is intolerant to water-logged soils. The ideal soil pH range for the plant is between 5.5 and 6.5, but it can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil conditions. It is essential to provide the tree with adequate water and nutrients to support its growth and fruit production.
Overall, to ensure optimum growth and fruit production, it's crucial to provide Spondias klaineana (Pierre) Engl. with adequate light, suitable temperature, and well-drained soil. By creating the appropriate growing conditions, you can grow a healthy and robust African hog plum tree that provides an abundant harvest.
Cultivation Methods
Spondias klaineana, commonly known as the hog plum or yellow mombin tree, can be cultivated from seed or through grafting. The ideal time to plant seeds is during the rainy season, as the soil is moist, and the temperature is favorable. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, and the planting hole should be deep enough to cover the seed by at least two inches. Grafted plants can be obtained from nurseries and are a preferred option as they produce fruits earlier. The hog plum tree thrives in tropical and sub-tropical regions with high rainfall and temperatures between 21°C and 32°C.
Watering Needs
Adequate watering is essential for the healthy growth of the hog plum tree. Newly planted seedlings should be watered regularly to establish a deep root system. Mature trees require less watering, but they should be watered deeply during dry spells. Overwatering may cause the roots to rot, affecting the tree's growth and fruit production.
Fertilization
The hog plum tree responds well to organic fertilizers, such as compost, manure, and bone meal. These fertilizers should be applied during the rainy season to support the tree's growth and fruiting. Application of potassium-rich fertilizers, such as wood ash, can enhance fruit quality and help the tree tolerate drought conditions.
Pruning
Pruning is essential in maintaining the hog plum tree's shape and size and keeping it healthy. Dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be pruned immediately to prevent them from affecting the tree's growth. The tree should be lightly pruned during the dry season to remove weak and low-hanging branches that may hinder fruit production. Heavy pruning should be done during the rainy season to stimulate new growth and promote fruiting.
Propagation of Spondias klaineana
Spondias klaineana (Pierre) Engl. is a flowering plant species native to West Africa and part of the Anacardiaceae family. It is commonly known as Oivogui in Guinea and is a valuable fruit tree with high economic importance. The plant can be propagated by several methods, including seed propagation, cuttings, and layering.
Seed propagation
The seeds of Spondias klaineana can be sown directly or in nursery beds. The best time to collect the seeds is during the fruiting period, which usually occurs between the months of June and August. The collected seeds should be washed, dried, and treated with a fungicide before sowing. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3cm in well-drained soil and kept moist throughout the germination period. Germination typically occurs within 2-4 weeks.
Cuttings
Cuttings are another method of propagating Spondias klaineana. Softwood cuttings or semi-hardwood cuttings can be used to propagate the plant. The cuttings should be taken during the rainy season and should have a length of about 20-25cm. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the base of the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in a well-drained potting mix and kept moist for healthy rooting. Rooting can occur within 3-4 weeks.
Layering
The layering method involves bending a low branch of the Spondias klaineana tree towards the ground and then covering it with soil. The branch should be wounded slightly before bending it over and placing it in a vertical position with the tip facing upward. The branch should be covered with soil, and care should be taken to ensure that the tip remains above the soil surface. The layered branch should be watered regularly and monitored for roots. After about 6-8 weeks, the branch can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted.
Disease Management
Spondias klaineana is susceptible to various diseases. Some common diseases that might affect the plant are:
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Symptoms include circular lesions on leaves and fruits. To manage anthracnose, affected leaves and fruits should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides can also be applied to prevent further spread of the disease.
- Powdery mildew: This disease is caused by the fungus Oidium sp. Symptoms include a white powdery coating on the surface of leaves and fruits. To manage powdery mildew, affected leaves and fruits should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides can also be applied to prevent further spread of the disease.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by various fungi, including Phytophthora sp. and Rhizoctonia sp. Symptoms include wilting and yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and eventual death of the plant. To manage root rot, affected plants should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides can also be applied to prevent further spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Spondias klaineana is also susceptible to various pests. Some common pests that might affect the plant are:
- Fruit fly: The fruit fly (Bactrocera sp.) can lay eggs on the fruit, causing it to rot and drop prematurely. To manage the fruit fly, affected fruits should be removed and destroyed. Insecticides can also be applied to prevent further damage.
- Scale insects: Scale insects (Coccidae family) can attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant, sucking sap and causing wilting and yellowing of leaves. To manage scale insects, affected parts of the plant should be removed and destroyed. Insecticides can also be applied to prevent further damage.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars of various moth species can feed on the leaves of the plant, causing defoliation and stunted growth. To manage caterpillars, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed. Insecticides can also be applied to prevent further damage.
