Synsepalum Zenkeri Engl. Ex Aubrév. & Pellegr.

General Information

Synsepalum zenkeri Engl. ex Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a plant species belonging to the family Sapotaceae. It is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20 meters in height. The plant is native to West and Central Africa and is commonly found in Cameroon, Gabon, and Nigeria. Synsepalum zenkeri is also known by other common names like African star apple, bush apple, cherry, agbalumo, and udara.

Appearance

Synsepalum zenkeri has glossy, evergreen leaves that are oblong to elliptical in shape and up to 10 centimeters long. The tree produces small, white flowers that are fragrant and grow in clusters. The fruit of Synsepalum zenkeri is the most striking feature of the plant. It is a round, berry-like fruit that is about 5 centimeters in diameter. The fruit has a tough, inedible skin that ranges in color from green to yellow or orange when ripe. The pulp of the fruit is juicy, white, and has a sweet and tangy flavor, similar to a star fruit. The fruit contains several seeds that are inedible.

Uses

Synsepalum zenkeri is primarily cultivated for its fruit, which is popular as a seasonal food in West and Central Africa. The fruit is consumed fresh, and the pulp is also used to make juice, jams, and jellies. The fruit is also believed to have several medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments like fever, sore throat, and stomachaches. The bark of the Synsepalum zenkeri tree is used in the treatment of skin diseases, while the leaves and stem are used as a tonic. The wood of the tree is hard and dense, and it is used for carving and making furniture.

Light Requirements

Synsepalum zenkeri Engl. ex Aubrév. & Pellegr. thrives best in partial to full shade. It prefers a well-lit area with filtered sunlight or 2-3 hours of direct morning or late-afternoon sunshine. Exposure to strong midday sunlight can harm the plant, causing its leaves to scorch or develop sunburn. Inadequate light levels can also impact its growth and productivity. Therefore, it is essential to provide proper shading or supplement light with artificial sources like fluorescent or LED lights.

Temperature Requirements

The ideal temperature range for Synsepalum zenkeri Engl. ex Aubrév. & Pellegr. is between 60°F to 85°F (16°C to 29°C). It cannot tolerate frost, extreme heat, or sudden temperature changes. Cooler temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can result in leaf drop or stunted growth. On the other hand, high temperatures beyond 90°F (32°C) can cause wilting, leaf scorching, and hinder fruit development. Therefore, maintaining stable temperatures is crucial for the plant's overall health and productivity.

Soil Requirements

Synsepalum zenkeri Engl. ex Aubrév. & Pellegr. prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should range from slightly acidic to neutral, around 5.5 to 7.0. The plant can grow in loamy, sandy, or clay soils but performs best in soil that has good drainage and aeration. It is essential to avoid waterlogged conditions that can lead to root rot. You can also enhance the soil fertility by applying organic fertilizers, such as compost or well-aged manure. Additionally, top-dressing the soil with a layer of mulch can help conserve moisture and maintain an even soil temperature.

Cultivation Methods

Synsepalum zenkeri, commonly known as the miracle fruit, is a small shrub that can grow up to 4 meters tall. It can be grown in pots or planted in the ground, and it grows best in warm, humid climates. The plant prefers partial shade, so it should be kept out of direct sunlight.

When growing the miracle fruit, it is important to provide it with well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can add compost or aged manure to the soil to improve its fertility.

The plant should be watered regularly, but it should not be allowed to sit in water. Ensure that the soil is moist, but not waterlogged. Additionally, the miracle fruit is sensitive to cold temperatures, so it should be protected from cold drafts or sudden temperature drops.

Watering Needs

The miracle fruit should be watered frequently, especially during hot, dry weather. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems. The plant requires more water during the growing season and may require less frequent watering during the dormant period.

When watering the miracle fruit, use water at room temperature to avoid shocking the roots. Rainwater or filtered water can be used if the tap water is high in minerals or other impurities.

Fertilization

The miracle fruit can benefit from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and fruit production. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be used. Fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, typically from spring to fall.

When using fertilizer, use it sparingly and according to package instructions. Overfertilizing can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production. Fertilizer should be applied to the soil around the base of the plant, rather than directly onto the leaves or fruit.

Pruning

Pruning the miracle fruit can help maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. When pruning, remove any dead or damaged branches and trim back any overgrown or leggy branches.

The goal of pruning is to create an open, airy plant structure that allows plenty of light and air to reach the leaves and fruit. This can help prevent diseases and promote healthy fruit production.

Additionally, the miracle fruit can be trained as a small tree with a single trunk, or kept as a shrub with multiple stems. It is important to remove any suckers or shoots that sprout from the base of the plant to prevent overcrowding.

Propagation of Synsepalum zenkeri Engl. ex Aubrév. & Pellegr.

The plant Synsepalum zenkeri Engl. ex Aubrév. & Pellegr. is commonly propagated through seeds and cuttings. Both methods have their own process, and it ultimately depends on which one you find more convenient.

Propagation through Seeds

Propagation through seeds is the most common method for Synsepalum zenkeri. The seeds are usually collected during the fruiting season and should be planted immediately or stored in moist peat moss until planted.

The process is as follows:

1. Collect the seeds from ripe fruits and clean them thoroughly.
2. Fill a shallow container with moist soil that is well-draining and place the seeds on top of it. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.
3. Place the container in a warm, humid location with indirect sunlight. The ideal temperature range for germination is between 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).
4. Keep the soil moist but not too wet, and avoid overwatering as this can cause rotting.
5. Once the seedlings are about 5cm tall, transplant them into individual pots filled with a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter.
6. The young plants should be kept in a warm, humid location with indirect sunlight and watered regularly.
7. After about a year or once the plant has reached a height of about 30cm, it can be transplanted into its permanent location.

Propagation through Cuttings

Propagation through cuttings is another method that can be used for Synsepalum zenkeri. Cuttings are taken from the parent plant during the growing season when the stems are mature enough to handle. Make sure the cutting is taken from a healthy and disease-free plant.

The process is as follows:

1. Cut a stem that is about 15cm to 20cm long from the parent plant, making sure that it has at least one node and several leaves.
2. Remove the lower leaves and dip the base of the cutting in rooting hormone powder.
3. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix that is moist and place it in a warm, humid location with indirect sunlight.
4. Keep the soil moist but not too wet and avoid overwatering as this can cause rotting.
5. Once roots have formed, which can take about 4 to 6 weeks, transplant the cutting into an individual pot filled with a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter.
6. The young plant should be kept in a warm, humid location with indirect sunlight and watered regularly.
7. After about a year or once the plant has reached a height of about 30cm, it can be transplanted into its permanent location.

Disease and Pest Management for Synsepalum Zenkeri Engl. ex Aubrév. & Pellegr.

Synsepalum Zenkeri, also known as African Cherry, is a popular plant found in tropical regions of Africa. While it is relatively hardy, it is still susceptible to various diseases and pest problems. Here are some common issues and ways to manage them:

Diseases:

Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots and can lead to defoliation. It spreads quickly in humid conditions. To manage it, remove infected leaves and provide good air circulation by pruning overcrowded branches. Use a fungicide if needed.

Root Rot: Overwatering the plant can cause root rot, which can be identified by blackened or mushy roots. Reduce watering and ensure good drainage. Use a fungicide to manage the disease.

Bacterial Leaf Spot: This is caused by the Xanthomonas campestris bacteria and creates brown, water-soaked spots on leaves that eventually turn yellow and fall off. To manage it, remove infected leaves and provide good air circulation.

Pests:

Spider Mites: These small insects appear as tiny red, brown, or yellow dots on leaves and create webs between branches. To manage them, increase humidity around the plant and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Mealybugs: These insects appear as white, cotton-like masses on leaves and can cause stunted plant growth. To manage them, remove infected leaves and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Scale Insects: These insects appear as small, round, brown bumps on stems and leaves and can cause yellowing and wilting. To manage them, remove them by hand and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Regularly inspecting the plant for any signs of diseases or pest problems is crucial for keeping it healthy. It is important to remember that prevention is always better than a cure, so keeping the plant in good growing conditions and providing proper care can go a long way in preventing problems from occurring.