Origin
Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br. is native to tropical Africa, specifically in the regions of Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as the African breadfruit, African wild breadfruit, monkey cola, and ube. It is also referred to as the African elemi due to the similarity of its resin to the Elemi tree.
General Appearance
Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br. is a medium-sized tree that can reach up to 20 meters in height. It has a straight trunk with smooth grey bark and a dense, spreading crown. The tree produces large, obovate leaves that measure about 30-50 cm long and 20-30 cm wide. The leaves have a glossy texture and a dark green color. The plant produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that are arranged in clusters.
The fruit of Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br. is large and oval-shaped, measuring about 20-30 cm long and 15-20 cm wide. It has a hard, woody shell that protects the edible pulp inside. The pulp is starchy and has a nutty flavor, similar to that of breadfruit. The fruit is also rich in nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Uses
The African breadfruit is an important food source in Africa, where it is consumed as a staple food in many communities. The fruit can be eaten boiled or roasted, and the seeds can be ground into a flour that is used for making bread, cakes, and other baked goods.
In addition to its use as a food source, Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br. has medicinal properties. The bark and leaves of the tree are used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and stomach problems.
The wood of the tree is also used for various purposes such as making furniture, tools, and construction materials.
Growth Conditions of Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br.
Light Requirements: Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br. is a shade-loving plant that requires partial to full shade. Direct sunlight can cause leaf scorching and damage to the plant. Therefore, it is best to grow Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br. under tree canopies or in shaded areas.
Temperature Requirements: Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br. is a tropical plant that grows best in warm and humid conditions. The ideal temperature for the plant growth is between 25°C to 35°C. The low-temperature limit for the plant growth is around 15°C, while anything above 40°C can be detrimental to the plant.
Soil Requirements: Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br. prefers well-drained, loose, and fertile soil. The soil pH range for the plant growth is between 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soils ranging from sandy loam to clay. However, the soil must be rich in organic matter. The plant requires good soil moisture, but it cannot withstand waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Water Requirements: Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br. requires regular and consistent watering to maintain soil moisture. However, overwatering can lead to waterlogging, which can damage the plant. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-drained before watering the plant.
Fertilizer Requirements: Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br. responds well to organic fertilizers. It is recommended to apply a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10:10:10 or 15:15:15 during the growing season. The fertilizer should be applied at least once a month to ensure healthy growth and development of the plant.
Propagation: Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br. is propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, or air-layering. However, propagating the plant through seeds is the most recommended method.
Cultivation methods for Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br.
Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br., commonly known as African breadfruit, is a fruit-bearing tree native to West and Central Africa. It grows best in warm, humid climates with plenty of sunshine. The first step in cultivating Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br. is to select a planting site that provides enough space for the tree to mature.
The soil should be fertile and well-draining, with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. The planting hole should be twice the size of the tree's root ball and filled with a mixture of compost and topsoil. Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br. can be propagated from seeds or cuttings, and it should be planted during the rainy season.
Watering needs for Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br.
Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br. requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. The tree should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot and other diseases.
The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering sessions. The use of mulch around the base of the tree can help retain moisture in the soil and reduce water consumption.
Fertilization of Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br.
Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br. requires regular fertilization to grow healthy and produce fruit. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every four months.
The fertilizer should be spread evenly around the base of the tree and watered in lightly. It is important not to apply too much fertilizer, as this can damage the tree and reduce fruit quality.
Pruning of Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br.
Pruning is an essential part of caring for Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br. and should be done regularly. Dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be removed promptly to prevent further damage to the tree.
Pruning should be done during the dry season when the tree is dormant. The tree should be pruned to maintain its shape, remove any crossed branches, and promote air circulation. It is important to use sharp, clean pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br.
Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br. can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br. can be collected from mature fruits and sown directly into the soil or in pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm and kept in a warm and moist environment. Germination is usually erratic and may take up to 6 months. Once the seedlings reach a height of 10-15 cm, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the field.
Vegetative Propagation
Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br. can be propagated by stem cuttings and root cuttings. Stem cuttings can be taken from the matured stems of the plant during the dormant season. Healthy cuttings of about 20 cm in length with at least 3-4 nodes should be selected and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment and watered regularly. Root cuttings can also be taken during the dormant season from the main root of the parent plant. The cuttings should be about 10 cm in length and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm environment until they sprout roots and new growth.
Grafting
Grafting is another propagation method for Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br. It can be used to grow plants with desired characteristics that may not be present in the parent plant. The scion, which is the branch with the desired characteristics, is grafted onto a rootstock of the same species. The two should match in size and diameter. The graft union should be wrapped with grafting tape and kept in a warm and humid environment until the graft takes. Once the graft takes, the plant can be transplanted into the field or a larger container.
Disease and Pest Management for Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br.
Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br., also known as bread fruit, is a tropical tree that produces edible fruits. It is susceptible to various diseases and pest infestations that can damage the plant and reduce the yield. Effective management strategies are necessary to control the spread of diseases and to prevent pest infestations.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that affect Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br. include leaf spot, anthracnose, and powdery mildew. Leaf spot is caused by the fungus Cercospora treculiae and can cause yellow or brown spots on the leaves, leading to defoliation and reduced growth. Anthracnose is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and can cause dark lesions on the fruits, branches, and leaves, leading to fruit rot and tree decline. Powdery mildew is caused by the fungus Oidium treculiae and can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves, reducing photosynthesis and causing stunted growth.
Disease Management
To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves, and apply fungicides containing copper or chlorothalonil. To manage anthracnose, prune and dispose of infected branches or fruits, and apply fungicides containing copper or azoxystrobin. To manage powdery mildew, prune and dispose of infected leaves, and apply fungicides containing sulfur or triadimefon. Proper sanitation practices, such as removing fallen leaves and debris, can also reduce the spread of diseases.
Common Pests
The most common pests that affect Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br. include aphids, mealybugs, and scales. Aphids can cause yellowing and curling of leaves by sucking the plant's sap. Mealybugs can cause honeydew secretion, leading to the growth of sooty mold and causing leaf drop. Scales can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves by sucking the plant's sap and secreting honeydew.
Pest Management
To manage aphids, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings. To manage mealybugs, remove and destroy infected plant parts, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. To manage scales, prune and dispose of infected plant parts, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Regular inspection and monitoring of the plant for pests can also help in early detection and management.
In conclusion, effective disease and pest management strategies are necessary to protect Treculia obovoidea N.E.Br. from common diseases and pests that can damage the plant and reduce the yield.
