Overview
Synsepalum msolo (Engl.) T.D.Penn. is a plant species belonging to the family Sapotaceae. It is an evergreen tree with a dense, pyramid-shaped crown that grows up to 20 m in height. It is primarily found in the tropical regions of West and Central Africa, including Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria, and the Congo Basin. The plant has a number of traditional medicinal and culinary uses.
Common Names
Synsepalum msolo (Engl.) T.D.Penn. is commonly known as the African mango, bush mango, dika, Odika, ogbono, and wild mango. These names are used interchangeably across its native range depending on local dialects and cultures.
Appearance
Synsepalum msolo has an elongated shape and can reach a height of up to 20 metres. It has large, shiny, dark green leaves that are alternate, oblong, and leathery. The tree produces yellow-green flowers with five petals, followed by fruit that is roughly the size of a mango, round to oblong with a diameter of 3-7 cm.
The fruit of Synsepalum msolo is hard-shelled, containing a yellow pulp that covers one to three seeds. The seeds are covered in a fibrous, woody coating and are commonly used for their oil and butter content. The butter, also known as dikanut butter, is usually used for culinary purposes while the oil is used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.
Uses
The fruit of Synsepalum msolo is an important source of food across West and Central Africa, used primarily for its edible seeds. The fruit is usually eaten fresh, cooked, or sun-dried, with the seeds removed from the hard outer shell and cleaned before use. It is a key ingredient in various dishes, including soups, stews, and sauces.
The seeds of Synsepalum msolo are high in oil and are used for culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic purposes. The butter from the seeds is used in cooking and as a replacement for cocoa butter in the production of chocolate. The oil is used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including diarrhoea, stomach ulcers, and skin conditions, and is also used in the production of cosmetics.
In addition to its culinary and medicinal uses, Synsepalum msolo is also used as a shade tree and ornamental plant, with its attractive foliage and edible fruit making it a popular choice among gardeners.
Growth Conditions for Synsepalum Msolo Plant
Synsepalum msolo (Engl.) T.D. Penn is an African fruiting tree species indigenous to Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria. The tree can grow up to 50 feet tall in its natural habitat and thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. The following are the typical growth conditions for the Synsepalum msolo plant.
Light
The Synsepalum msolo plant requires bright, indirect sunlight for healthy growth. The tree cannot tolerate direct intense light, which could scorch the foliage. Therefore, it's crucial to place the plant in a shaded area with access to filtered sunlight. An ideal spot is near a north-facing window or an area with dappled sunlight.
Temperature
Synsepalum msolo thrives in warm temperatures ranging between 76°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C). The tree can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) and as high as 95°F (35°C) for a short period. However, extended exposure to extreme temperatures could stunt the tree's growth or cause the leaves to wilt. Therefore, it's essential to maintain a warm and consistent temperature around the plant.
Soil Requirements
The Synsepalum msolo plant prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil. The soil should have a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5. The tree can grow in various soil types like sandy loam, loam, or clay, but it needs a substrate that retains some moisture. For optimum growth, we recommend mixing organic matter like compost, manure, or peat moss to the soil. The organic matter can improve soil aeration, water retention, and provide essential nutrients to the plant.
Cultivation of Synsepalum Msolo
Synsepalum msolo is a small to a medium-sized evergreen plant that requires a warm and humid climate to grow well. The plant can be grown from seeds or cuttings. When using cuttings, ensure that they are taken from healthy and disease-free plants.
The plant requires a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5. The plant grows well in partial shade with good air circulation.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering will depend on the climate and the soil type. In hot and dry climates, the plant may require watering twice a week. During the rainy season, reduce the frequency of watering to avoid waterlogging the soil.
Fertilization
Organic fertilizers are recommended for Synsepalum msolo, and the plant requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are ideal for the plant. Apply the fertilizer twice a year, in the early spring and late summer.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for Synsepalum msolo to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Prune the plant in the early spring before the growing season begins. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Trim the plant's branches to maintain the desired shape and size. Avoid pruning too much, as this can stress the plant and reduce its overall health.
Propagation of Synsepalum msolo (Engl.) T.D.Penn.
Synsepalum msolo (Engl.) T.D.Penn. can be propagated by seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Synsepalum msolo (Engl.) T.D.Penn. should be sown in a well-draining potting mix. The potting mix should be kept moist but not wet. Germination typically takes 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots once they have developed a few leaves.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and should be taken from the tip of the plant. The leaves on the bottom half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be allowed to dry for a day or two before planting. The cutting should be planted in a well-draining potting mix, and it should be kept moist but not wet. The cutting should root in 2-4 weeks, at which point it can be transplanted into a larger pot.
Both propagation methods can be successful with Synsepalum msolo (Engl.) T.D.Penn., but cuttings are generally preferred because they produce a more uniform crop.
Disease and Pest Management for Synsepalum msolo
Synsepalum msolo, commonly known as African mangosteen, is a fruit-producing plant that is native to Africa. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can affect its growth, yield, and even cause death. It is, therefore, important to be aware of the common diseases and pests that may affect the plant and to take appropriate measures to control them. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that may affect Synsepalum msolo and how to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, fruits, and stems of the plant. Symptoms of anthracnose include sunken lesions on fruits and black spots on leaves. To manage the disease, remove and destroy all infected plant parts, and apply a fungicide that contains copper or sulfur.
Bacterial wilt: This is a bacterial disease that affects the stems of the plant, causing them to wilt and eventually die. There is no cure for bacterial wilt, and infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease to other plants.
Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant, causing a white powdery coating to develop on them. To manage the disease, remove and destroy all infected plant parts, and apply a fungicide that contains sulfur or potassium bicarbonate. Ensure the plant is grown in a dry and well-ventilated environment.
Pests
Fruit fly: This is one of the major pests that affect Synsepalum msolo. The female fruit fly lays eggs on the surface of the fruit, and the hatched larvae feed on the flesh, causing the fruit to rot. To manage fruit flies, use insecticides that contain spinosad or pheromone traps that attract and kill the male flies.
Mealybugs: These are small, white, fluffy insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage them, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the bugs, or blast them off with a strong stream of water.
Mites: These are tiny arachnids that cause stippling on the leaves, making them appear bronzy or silvery. They can also cause defoliation and weaken the plant. To manage them, apply a miticide that contains sulfur or spinosad, or use predatory mites to feed on the pest mites.
By implementing these disease and pest management strategies, you can keep your Synsepalum msolo plant healthy and productive.
