Origin and Common Names
Tetrapleura andongensis Welw. ex Oliv. var. schweinfurthii (Harms) Aubrév. is a flowering plant commonly known as the "Aidan fruit" or "Prekese". It is native to West Africa, specifically the tropical regions of Nigeria, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Cameroon.Uses
Aidan fruit or Prekese is a versatile plant that has been used for centuries across West Africa for its medicinal and culinary properties. The dried fruit is rich in tannins, flavonoids, and essential oils, making it a potent natural remedy for a variety of ailments. It is used to treat inflammation, fever, cough, and gastrointestinal problems. Additionally, it is believed to have antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic properties. The Aidan fruit is also traditionally used in West African cuisine. It imparts a unique flavor to dishes and is often added to stews, soups, and sauces. It is also used as a natural food preservative.General Appearance
Tetrapleura andongensis Welw. ex Oliv. var. schweinfurthii (Harms) Aubrév. is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. Its bark is dark brown and rough, while its leaves are alternate and trifoliate. The fruit of the plant is a large, woody pod that can measure up to 30 cm long and 20 cm wide. The pod contains numerous small brown seeds and a powdery pulp that is rich in nutrients and flavor. When dried, the fruit turns a dark brown color and becomes very hard.Growth Conditions for Tetrapleura andongensis Welw. ex Oliv. var. schweinfurthii (Harms) Aubrév.
Tetrapleura andongensis Welw. ex Oliv. var. schweinfurthii (Harms) Aubrév. prefers a warm tropical climate for optimal growth. It can grow in both humid and semi-arid regions.
Light Requirements
This plant prefers an environment with bright, indirect sunlight. It thrives in partial shade or under light shade. Direct sunlight can damage its leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for the growth of Tetrapleura andongensis Welw. ex Oliv. var. schweinfurthii (Harms) Aubrév. ranges from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). It can tolerate a minimum temperature of 15°C (59°F) and a maximum temperature of 40°C (104°F).
Soil Requirements
This plant prefers a well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and it should not be waterlogged. It can grow well in sandy and loamy soils. The plant can also tolerate slightly alkaline soils but will not grow optimally.
It is important to note that Tetrapleura andongensis Welw. ex Oliv. var. schweinfurthii (Harms) Aubrév. is a slow-growing plant, and it requires a lot of patience and care to grow successfully.
Cultivation of Tetrapleura andongensis Welw. ex Oliv. var. schweinfurthii (Harms) Aubrév.
Tetrapleura andongensis Welw. ex Oliv. var. schweinfurthii (Harms) Aubrév., also known as the African pea, is a plant species native to tropical Africa. It is a hardy tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. It is a member of the Fabaceae family and is widely cultivated for its medicinal properties. Here are some tips on how to cultivate Tetrapleura andongensis:
Watering Needs of Tetrapleura andongensis Welw. ex Oliv. var. schweinfurthii (Harms) Aubrév.
Tetrapleura andongensis requires moderate watering during the growing season. However, it is important not to overwater the plant as it can cause root rot. The plant should be watered deeply but infrequently. Allow the topsoil to dry out before watering again. During the dormant season, watering should be reduced to avoid waterlogging the tree.
Fertilizing Tetrapleura andongensis Welw. ex Oliv. var. schweinfurthii (Harms) Aubrév.
Tetrapleura andongensis requires regular fertilization to encourage growth and fruiting. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended. Fertilization should be done during the growing season, every four to six weeks. The amount of fertilizer applied should be adjusted depending on the age and size of the tree.
Pruning Tetrapleura andongensis Welw. ex Oliv. var. schweinfurthii (Harms) Aubrév.
Tetrapleura andongensis requires little pruning. However, it is important to remove dead or diseased branches as soon as possible to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. The pruning should be done during the dormant season. Tetrapleura andongensis is a hardy tree and can withstand heavy pruning if necessary.
Propagation of Tetrapleura andongensis Welw. ex Oliv. var. schweinfurthii (Harms) Aubrév.
Tetrapleura andongensis Welw. ex Oliv. var. schweinfurthii (Harms) Aubrév. can be propagated through different methods such as:
Seed propagation
The easiest way to propagate Tetrapleura andongensis Welw. ex Oliv. var. schweinfurthii (Harms) Aubrév. is through seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature plants during the flowering season and should be sown immediately. After sowing, they should be covered lightly with soil and kept in a warm, moist environment until germination occurs, which usually takes several weeks.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation of Tetrapleura andongensis Welw. ex Oliv. var. schweinfurthii (Harms) Aubrév. can be achieved through different methods such as stem cuttings, root cuttings, and grafting.
Stem cutting is the easiest and common method used for vegetative propagation. The cuttings should be taken from mature plants and should be at least 15 centimeters long with several well-developed nodes. The leaves should be removed from the lower 5 centimeters of the cutting, and it should be treated with a rooting hormone before planting. The cutting should be planted in a mixture of sand and peat moss and kept in a warm, moist environment until roots develop, which usually takes several weeks.
Root cuttings can also be taken from mature plants during the dormant season. These cuttings should be at least 5 centimeters long and should be planted horizontally in a well-draining soil mixture. After planting, the cuttings should be kept moist and warm until new shoots emerge, which usually takes several weeks.
Grafting can be used for propagation of Tetrapleura andongensis Welw. ex Oliv. var. schweinfurthii (Harms) Aubrév. but it is not commonly used. It involves combining a stem or branch from a desired cultivar with the rootstock of a related species. The graft union should be protected until it heals, which usually takes several weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Tetrapleura andongensis Welw. ex Oliv. var. schweinfurthii (Harms) Aubrév.
Tetrapleura andongensis Welw. ex Oliv. var. schweinfurthii (Harms) Aubrév. is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, under certain conditions, it may fall prey to a few pests and fungal diseases. Effective management strategies include:
Pest Management
1. Mealybugs: Mealybugs suck sap from the leaves of the plant, causing damage to the foliage, reduced growth, and yellowing of the leaves. A few mealybugs can be removed by hand. For severe infestations, an insecticidal soap or neem oil can be applied to the plant. These insecticides have a low toxicity level and can control the mealybugs effectively.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the underside of leaves and cause visible yellowing and bronzing of leaves, leading to defoliation and stunted growth. Spider mites thrive in hot and dry conditions. To prevent spider mites, mist the plant regularly to increase humidity. In case of an infestation, a solution of water and dish soap can be sprayed to control the mites.
3. Scale insects: Scale insects attach themselves to the stem and leaves of the plant and feed on sap. They appear as small, waxy bumps on the surface of the plant. Scale insects can be managed by pruning infested leaves and stems or by spraying insecticidal soap solution over the plant.
Disease Management
1. Leaf spot: This fungal disease manifests in the form of brown or black spots on the leaves. Leaf spot can be prevented by avoiding wet environments and removing affected leaves. Fungicides can also be used to manage leaf spot disease.
2. Powdery Mildew: Powdery Mildew is a fungal disease that can affect Tetrapleura andongensis Welw. ex Oliv. var. schweinfurthii (Harms) Aubrév. This disease shows up as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. Powdery mildew thrives in humid conditions. To prevent this disease, ensure that the plant is adequately watered, and the leaves are not overcrowded. Fungicides like neem oil or copper soap can help control powdery mildew.
Proper care and management will ensure that your Tetrapleura andongensis Welw. ex Oliv. var. schweinfurthii (Harms) Aubrév. plant stays healthy and free from pests and diseases.
