Overview
Synsepalum gabonense, also known as African star apple or sweet doka, is a tree native to the tropical regions of Western and Central Africa. This plant belongs to the Sapotaceae family, which includes other species such as the sapodilla, canistel, and mamey sapote. African star apple has many traditional and medicinal uses and is renowned for its nutritional value and delicious fruit.
Appearance
The Synsepalum gabonense tree grows up to 25 meters high, with a dense, rounded crown. The leaves are simple, alternate, and clustered at the end of the twig, with a glossy dark green color. The fruit is a berry, usually ovoid-shaped, and can range from green to orange or purplish-red when ripe. The fruit's flesh is juicy, with white or pale yellow color and contains 5 to 10 black seeds embedded in it.
Common Names
The Synsepalum gabonense tree is widely known by its common names, which vary depending on the region. In Nigeria, it is called agbalumo or udara, while in Cameroon and Congo, it's known as muntu or lokok. In other parts of Africa, it is called alasa, áh?, or humblebee. It is also known as the African cherry or African star apple in some places.
Uses
Synsepalum gabonense has a variety of uses and is valued for its medicinal properties, nutritious fruit, and timber. The fruit is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and has a sweet and tart flavor. It is eaten fresh or processed into juice, wine, jam, or dried fruit chips. The bark, leaves, and seeds are used in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as fever, malaria, diarrhea, and toothache. The wood of the tree is hard and durable, making it useful for construction and furniture.
Light Requirements
Synsepalum gabonense requires bright but indirect sunlight. The plant cannot tolerate direct sunlight as it may scorch the leaves, but it needs strong light to produce fruits. If the plant is grown in a shaded area, it might not produce fruits or produce fewer fruits with weak flavor profiles.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Synsepalum gabonense is between 20°C to 30°C. The plant cannot tolerate cold temperatures, and its growth might be stunted at temperatures below 18°C. In contrast, temperatures above 35°C can result in reduced fruit production and even loss of leaves. Therefore, it's crucial to provide a warm and humid environment for the plant to thrive.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires fertile and well-draining soil for optimal growth. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 5 to 6.5. The plant is sensitive to high levels of soil salinity; therefore, it's essential to avoid applying high levels of salt-based fertilizers. A mixture of composted organic matter and loamy soil is ideal for growing Synsepalum gabonense. Additionally, the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot.
Cultivation of Synsepalum gabonense
The cultivation of Synsepalum gabonense, also known as African star apple or yellow fruit, is best done in tropical regions with humid climates. The plant thrives in well-irrigated soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Before planting, the soil should be prepared by removing any weeds, rocks, or debris. The planting holes should be at least 50 cm deep and 50 cm wide, with a spacing of 5 to 8 meters between the plants. The planting is best done during the rainy season to promote rapid establishment.
Watering Needs
Water is essential for the growth and development of Synsepalum gabonense. The plant requires regular watering to maintain the moisture levels in the soil. It is best to water the plant deeply, at least once a week, especially during the dry season when natural rainfall is inadequate.
However, overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to waterlogging and root rot. Proper soil drainage is necessary to prevent waterlogging, and additional drainage may be necessary in areas with heavy clay soils.
Fertilization
Fertilization is also crucial for the growth and development of Synsepalum gabonense. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 14-14-14 or 15-15-15 should be applied at the beginning of each growing season.
During the plant's fruiting stage, additional fertilizer may be applied at regular intervals of 3 to 4 months to boost the size and quality of the fruit. Organic fertilizers, such as manure or compost, can also be used to supplement the chemical fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Synsepalum gabonense, as the plant naturally has a strong branching system. However, pruning can be done to promote a more open canopy and better air circulation.
Any dead or diseased parts of the plant should be removed, and the tree's height can be restricted by cutting the top branches. Pruning should be done during the dry season to allow the wounds to heal properly and reduce the risk of infection.
Propagation of Synsepalum gabonense
Synsepalum gabonense, commonly known as African star apple, is a tree species that produces edible fruits with a juicy pulp. Propagation of this plant is usually done through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
Seeds are commonly used to propagate Synsepalum gabonense. The seeds should be collected from ripe fruits that have fallen from the tree. The seeds should be sun-dried for a few days before sowing. The planting medium should be a mixture of sand and soil, and the seeds should be planted at a depth of around 1-2 cm. The soil should be kept moist, and germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Propagation by cuttings
Cuttings are another method used to propagate Synsepalum gabonense. Softwood cuttings with a length of around 15 cm and a diameter of 0.5-1 cm are usually taken from the plant during the rainy season. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone before being planted in a mixture of sand and soil. The soil should be kept moist and the cuttings will usually produce roots within 4-6 weeks.
Both of these propagation methods can be successful, but seed propagation is generally preferred for large-scale plantations, while cutting propagation is more suitable for small-scale cultivation of the plant.
Disease and Pest Management of Synsepalum gabonense
Synsepalum gabonense, commonly known as African star apple, is a fruit-bearing tropical tree native to Africa. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can reduce its productivity and yield. Therefore, it is necessary to implement effective management strategies to control these problems.
Common Diseases of Synsepalum gabonense
Some of the common diseases that affect Synsepalum gabonense include:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark, sunken spots on leaves and fruits, which may expand and cause the affected parts to drop prematurely. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy all infected plant debris, maintain good sanitation practices, and apply a fungicide as directed.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery growth on leaves and stems, which can stunt plant growth and reduce yield. To manage powdery mildew, remove and destroy all infected plant debris, maintain good sanitation practices, and apply a fungicide as directed.
- Leaf spot: This bacterial or fungal disease manifests as brown or black spots on leaves, which can cause defoliation and weaken the plant. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy all infected plant debris, maintain good sanitation practices, and apply a fungicide or bactericide as directed.
Common Pests of Synsepalum gabonense
Some of the common pests that affect Synsepalum gabonense include:
- Fruit fly: This pest lays its eggs inside the fruit, causing it to rot and drop prematurely. To manage fruit fly, apply appropriate insecticides and cover the fruits with netting after flowering.
- Mites: These tiny pests suck sap from leaves, causing them to yellow and drop prematurely. To manage mites, apply appropriate acaricides and try to maintain adequate humidity levels.
- Caterpillars: These pests consume foliage, flowers, and fruits, reducing the yield and quality of the produce. To manage caterpillars, handpick them off the plant or apply appropriate insecticides.
It is important to note that prevention is better than cure when it comes to managing diseases and pests in Synsepalum gabonense. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain good sanitation practices, provide adequate nutrition, and monitor the plant regularly for any signs of problems.
