Origin
Synsepalum cerasiferum, also known as the cherry guava or African cherry, is a small evergreen tree native to tropical West Africa. It grows in the wild in countries such as Cameroon, Nigeria, Gabon, and Congo.
Common Names
Aside from cherry guava and African cherry, Synsepalum cerasiferum is also known by different names depending on the country and language. In Cameroon, it is called "doka," "agbowa" in Ghana, "ekuke" in Nigeria, and "mukula" in Zambia.
Uses
The fruits of Synsepalum cerasiferum are the most significant part of the tree used for different purposes. Cherry guava is used primarily for its edible fruits, which measure around 2 cm in diameter and have a bright red color when ripe. These fruits have a pleasant taste, and some people describe them as similar to guava, with a slight hint of cherry and tomato. They are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, making them a healthy addition to salads, smoothies, and jams. Aside from its edibility, another use of cherry guava is in traditional African medicine. The bark and leaves have anti-inflammatory properties, which are believed to help with different ailments like fever and arthritis. The fruit extract has shown potential as an anti-diabetic supplement and a treatment for diarrhea and hypertension. Synsepalum cerasiferum is also used for ornamental purposes. Its neat evergreen foliage and compact size make it an attractive addition to small gardens and landscapes. In Nigeria, the tree's wood is used for carving, and the charcoal made from its wood can be used for cooking and heating.
General Appearance
Synsepalum cerasiferum typically grows up to a height of 5 to 10 meters, with a trunk diameter ranging from 10 to 20 cm. Its foliage consists of simple, elliptical leaves with a glossy dark green color and leathery texture. The tree flowers during the dry season, producing small, white, and fragrant flowers that grow in clusters. The fruits, which are the size of cherry tomatoes, mature within three to six months after pollination. They have a thin skin and many small seeds inside. The tree's bark is smooth and greyish-brown.
Growth Conditions for Synsepalum cerasiferum
Synsepalum cerasiferum, commonly known as the strawberry cherry, is a small tree or shrub native to tropical Africa. It is a slow-growing plant and requires specific conditions for optimal growth.
Light Requirements
The strawberry cherry thrives in partial shade or full sun. It can tolerate low light conditions but will not grow vigorously. In full sun, the plant produces more fruits. However, in hot climates, it may need to be shaded during the hottest part of the day to prevent heat stress.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for growing Synsepalum cerasiferum is between 20 to 30°C (68 to 86°F). It is a tropical plant and cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 10°C (50°F). Additionally, it requires high humidity levels above 60%. If grown in a dry climate, regular misting or a humidifier should be used.
Soil Requirements
Synsepalum cerasiferum prefers well-draining, acidic soils with a pH range of 4.5 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and should be appropriately aerated. The ideal soil should retain moisture but not be waterlogged. Adding mulch around the plant can help retain moisture and create a suitable growing environment.
It is essential to keep the soil consistently moist by watering thoroughly once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Providing adequate growing conditions for Synsepalum cerasiferum ensures healthy growth, high fruit production, and an attractive landscape plant.
Cultivation Methods for Synsepalum cerasiferum
Synsepalum cerasiferum, commonly known as the "cherry guava," is a tropical plant that is native to West and Central Africa. When growing this plant, it is important to replicate its natural habitat as closely as possible.
One of the first things to consider when cultivating Synsepalum cerasiferum is its planting location. It prefers areas that are well-drained and rich in organic matter, with a soil pH that is slightly acidic to neutral.
The plant also needs to be grown in areas that receive a lot of sunlight. Therefore, it is best to plant it in an area that is unobstructed by trees or other larger plants.
Watering Needs for Synsepalum cerasiferum
When it comes to watering Synsepalum cerasiferum, it's important to keep the soil consistently moist. It is recommended that the plant is watered at least twice a week, and more frequently in hotter weather.
However, it is important to not overwater the plant, as this may cause root rot. This can be avoided by ensuring that the soil is well-drained, and by allowing the top layer of soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions.
Fertilization for Synsepalum cerasiferum
In order for Synsepalum cerasiferum to grow healthily, it needs to be fertilized regularly. This can be done by applying a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
It's important to remember that too much fertilizer can be harmful to the plant. Therefore, it's recommended to dilute the fertilizer to about half strength before applying it to the plant.
Pruning Synsepalum cerasiferum
Pruning Synsepalum cerasiferum is essential in helping to maintain its overall health and shape. This should be done during the fall or winter months, when the plant is in its dormant stage.
When pruning, it is important to remove any dead, damaged or diseased branches. It's also recommended to prune any excessively long or wayward branches in order to maintain the plant's size and shape.
Overall, with the right cultivation methods, adequate watering, fertilization, and pruning, Synsepalum cerasiferum can be an excellent addition to any tropical garden.
Propagation of Synsepalum cerasiferum (Welw.) T.D.Penn.
Synsepalum cerasiferum (Welw.) T.D.Penn. can be propagated by several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Synsepalum cerasiferum require a stratification period of approximately 60 days to achieve optimum germination rates. The seeds can be sown directly in soil at a depth of 1 cm with a spacing of 30 cm between each seed. The best time to sow the seeds is during the rainy season. Germination can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks. Seed propagation is the preferred method for producing large-scale plantations.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is a practical method for small scale propagation of Synsepalum cerasiferum. Semi-hardwood cuttings with a diameter of about 5-8 mm and a length of 15 to 20 cm can be used. Cuttings are best taken during the rainy season and treated with rooting hormones. The cuttings should be planted in soil mixed with sand and organic matter and kept well-watered. The success rate of cutting propagation is about 50-70%.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another method that can be used to propagate Synsepalum cerasiferum. The preferred rootstock is Synsepalum dulcificum. The scions should be collected during the active growth phase and grafted onto the rootstock using the cleft grafting method. The graft union should be wrapped with a polythene sheet to prevent the ingress of water, and the graft should be kept in a warm and humid environment until the graft union is secure. Grafting propagation is suitable for commercial plantations or small-scale gardens.
Disease and Pest Management for Synsepalum cerasiferum (Welw.) T.D.Penn.
Synsepalum cerasiferum, also known as the cherry guava, is a tropical fruit plant grown for its edible berries. While it is a hardy plant, it can still be affected by various diseases and pests. Here is a list of common diseases and pests that affect Synsepalum cerasiferum and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a powdery white or gray substance on the leaves and stems. To manage this disease, remove the affected leaves and dispose of them. Pruning the plant to improve airflow can also help. Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that appears as circular brown or black spots on the fruits and leaves. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy the infected fruits and leaves and avoid overhead watering. Phytophthora root rot: Phytophthora root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots, causing the plant to wilt and die. To manage this disease, avoid planting in areas with poor drainage and ensure the soil is well-draining. Remove and destroy infected plants and avoid overwatering. Bacterial canker: Bacterial canker is a bacterial disease that appears as dark brown or black spots on the fruit and leaves. To manage this disease, prune out infected areas and avoid overhead irrigation.
Pests
Fruit flies: Fruit flies are small insects that lay their eggs on the fruit and cause rotting. To manage fruit flies, use yellow sticky traps and remove any fallen fruit from around the plant. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are insects that appear as white, cotton-like masses on the leaves and stems. To manage mealybugs, remove them by hand or use an insecticidal soap or oil. Scale insects: Scale insects appear as small, circular brown bumps on the leaves and stems. To manage scale insects, prune out heavily infested areas and use an insecticidal soap or oil. Mites: Mites are tiny pests that appear as brown or yellow spots on the leaves. To manage mites, use an insecticidal soap or oil and ensure the plant is well-watered to prevent drought stress.
