Overview:
Synsepalum fleuryanum A.Chev. is a plant that belongs to the family Sapotaceae. It is a slow-growing tree that is native to Cameroon, Central Africa, and is also found in Nigeria.
Appearance:
The plant grows up to 15 meters tall and has a greyish-brown bark with rough fissures. The leaves are shiny and dark green, and the flowers are small and whitish-yellow. The fruit produced by the tree looks like a small tomato, with a juicy pulp that is edible.
Common Names:
Some of the common names for Synsepalum fleuryanum A.Chev. are 'Bobgunnia madagascariensis', 'Bobgunnia fleuryana', and 'Bobgunnia micrantha' in English. It is also commonly referred to as 'Mbang-Abang' in Cameroon.
Uses:
The fruit of Synsepalum fleuryanum A.Chev. is edible and is used as a food source by the local communities in Cameroon and Nigeria. The fruit is rich in nutrients and vitamins and is known to have medicinal properties. The bark of the tree is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and stomach disorders. The wood of the tree is also used to make furniture and other household items.
Overall, Synsepalum fleuryanum A.Chev. is a versatile and useful plant that is valued for its fruit, bark and wood.Light Requirements
The Synsepalum fleuryanum A.Chev. plant prefers to grow in partial shade or filtered light. Direct sunlight may cause leaf burn or stunted growth, especially during the hot summer months. It is best to place the plant near a bright window that receives only a few hours of direct sunlight each day. Providing a shade cloth over the plant can also help protect it from the intense sun.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the Synsepalum fleuryanum A.Chev. plant is between 60°F to 75°F (16°C to 24°C). Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or above 85°F (29°C) can cause the plant to wither or die. The plant can be grown indoors or outdoors as long as the temperature remains within this range. If grown indoors, make sure to keep the plant away from air conditioning or heating vents to avoid sudden changes in temperature.
Soil Requirements
The Synsepalum fleuryanum A.Chev. plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite can provide the ideal growing medium. The pH of the soil should be between 5.6 to 6.5. The plant does not tolerate standing water, so it is important to use a pot with drainage holes. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Synsepalum fleuryanum A.Chev.
Synsepalum fleuryanum A.Chev., commonly known as African cherry, is a tropical plant that requires a warm climate for optimal growth. It thrives in well-draining acidic soils with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. Since it is a slow-growing tree, it is recommended to propagate it by grafting or air-layering, from a mature plant that is at least 4-5 years old.
The plant requires full sun exposure or partial shade, and it is recommended to plant it in an area with well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.
Watering Needs
The Synsepalum fleuryanum A.Chev. plant requires watering when the soil is dry to the touch. During the dry season, when the plant is actively growing, it should be watered at least once a week. However, overwatering must be avoided as it may lead to root rot. Mulching can also help retain soil moisture and reduce water stress.
Fertilization
To enhance growth and fruit production, the Synsepalum fleuryanum A.Chev. plant requires regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 should be applied during the active growth period, which is usually from spring to summer, three times a year.
Additionally, the plant responds well to organic fertilizers such as manure or compost. It is recommended to apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, making sure to avoid direct contact with the stem as it may cause stem rot.
Pruning
Pruning of Synsepalum fleuryanum A.Chev. plant is essential to encourage growth, maintain the plant's shape, and improve fruit production. It is recommended to prune during the dormant season, usually in late winter or early spring, before the plant begins to produce new growth.
The main objective of pruning is to remove any dead or diseased branches, thin out overcrowded branches, and maintain a desirable shape. Any suckers or low branches should also be removed during pruning. To minimize stress to the plant, it is recommended to avoid removing more than 1/3 of the tree's canopy in one season.
Propagation of Synsepalum fleuryanum A.Chev.
Synsepalum fleuryanum A.Chev. can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, and air layering.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Synsepalum fleuryanum A.Chev. can be collected from mature fruits that have fallen from the tree. The seeds should be cleaned and sown in a well-draining seed starting mix, with the depth of planting being twice the size of the seed. The seeds should be watered regularly, and the pot should be kept in a warm and humid place. Germination can take up to two to three weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Synsepalum fleuryanum A.Chev. can also be propagated by stem or leaf cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from a healthy tree during the growing season, preferably from the tips of the branches. The cuttings should be about 15-20 cm in length and should have 2-3 leaves each. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone. The cuttings can then be planted in a well-draining soil mix, with the bottom of the cutting inserted about 5 cm deep in the soil. The pot should be kept moist, and the cutting should root in about 4-6 weeks.
Propagation by Air Layering
Air layering is another method of propagating Synsepalum fleuryanum A.Chev. A portion of the stem from a healthy tree is chosen and a section of bark is removed from the part of the stem where the roots are desired. A rooting hormone is then applied to the exposed area, and the area is wrapped in moist sphagnum moss and covered in plastic. When roots have formed, the new plant can then be separated from the parent plant and potted in a well-draining soil mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Synsepalum fleuryanum A.Chev.
Synsepalum fleuryanum A.Chev., commonly known as African cherry or bush mango, is a fruit-bearing tree that is native to West and Central Africa. Like any other plants, it can be susceptible to various diseases and pests that can impact its growth and fruit yield. Therefore, it is crucial to manage the diseases and pests to keep the tree healthy and productive.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that can affect Synsepalum fleuryanum A.Chev. is anthracnose. This fungal disease can cause dark, sunken lesions on the tree's leaves and fruits, leading to premature defoliation and fruit drop. Another fungal disease that can impact the tree is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew can cause a white, powdery substance to appear on the tree's leaves, making them look distorted, and ultimately affecting photosynthesis.
Disease Management
To manage anthracnose and powdery mildew, it is vital to implement preventative measures. Keeping the area around the tree clean and free of debris can reduce the risk of disease development since fungi can overwinter in dead plant material. Additionally, using fungicides can also help to control the spread of the disease when applied appropriately. It is critical to follow the instructions on the fungicide label and to apply it promptly when the first signs of disease appear.
Common Pests
Several pests can feed on Synsepalum fleuryanum A.Chev. and cause damage to the tree. One such insect is the fruit fly, which can lay eggs on the fruits, causing them to rot and fall prematurely. Another pest that can affect the tree is the African gall fly. The larvae of the fly burrow into the tree's woody stem, causing the formation of galls that can lead to branch dieback.
Pest Management
The best way to manage pest infestations on Synsepalum fleuryanum A.Chev. is to implement preventative measures. A good practice to follow is to monitor the tree regularly, checking for any signs of pest activity. When the first signs of infestation appear, employing biological control options like introducing natural predators or using pheromone traps can reduce the pest population. In severe cases, using chemical control may be necessary. It is crucial to use insecticides responsibly, following the instructions on the label, and not over-applying the product.
Overall, proper disease and pest management practices are essential in promoting the growth and fruit yield of Synsepalum fleuryanum A.Chev. Regular monitoring of the tree and implementing preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of disease and pest infestation.
