Turraea lycioides Baker: A Fruit-Bearing Shrub
Turraea lycioides Baker, also known as the forest turraea, is a fruit-bearing shrub from the family Meliaceae that is native to eastern and southern Africa. It is commonly found in the coastal regions of Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
Common Names and Local Uses
The plant has a variety of common names depending on the region. In Zimbabwe, it's referred to as `mubovora', while in Kenya, it's commonly known as `mpere wa mwitu'. It's a multipurpose plant, and different parts of the plant are used for medicinal and other purposes.
The bark is used in traditional medicine to treat abdominal pain, coughs, and diarrhea. The leaves can be crushed and applied externally to treat skin conditions, while the roots are used to treat fever, malaria, and dysentery.
The fruits of Turraea lycioides are edible and are a source of food for both humans and wildlife. The plant's seeds can also be used as a substitute for coffee beans.
General Appearance
Turraea lycioides is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall. It has a dense, branched crown and dark, smooth bark. The leaves are simple, alternate, and are elliptical or ovate. The flowers are small and have a greenish-yellow color, and they bloom in clusters.
The fruit is a fleshy, spherical drupe that is orange or red when ripe. It has a sweet and sour taste and contains a single seed.
Turraea lycioides is an ecologically and culturally important plant in its native region. Its fruits provide food for a variety of animals, while its medicinal properties are valued by local communities.
Light Requirements
Turraea lycioides Baker requires full sun for optimum growth and survival. The plant can grow in partial shade, but it may not produce as much foliage or flowering. As a tropical plant, it is adapted to high light conditions and can handle direct sunlight during the early morning or late afternoon without damage.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to sub-Saharan Africa and is adapted to warm temperatures. Turraea lycioides Baker thrives in areas with an average temperature range of 20-27°C (68-81°F). It is crucial to protect the plant from freezing temperatures as it can cause damage or death. Keep the plant in warmer spots or use artificial heat to protect from cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Turraea lycioides Baker can grow in a range of soil types, but it prefers well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. A pH range of 6.0-7.5 is ideal for growth and development. The plant can adapt to slightly alkaline or slightly acidic soils, but extreme levels can cause problems. Avoid water-logged soils as it can cause root rot and stunted growth.
Cultivation of Turraea Lycioides Baker
The plant Turraea Lycioides Baker is a small tree or shrub that is native to Africa. To successfully cultivate this plant, you must provide it with the right growing conditions.
The first step is to select a suitable location for the plant. It prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6-7.5 and a location with full sun or partial shade. Ensure that the plant is well-spaced with enough room for growth. If planting multiple Turraea Lycioides Baker plants, they should be spaced at least 10 feet apart.
You will need to water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, the plant may require frequent watering due to evaporation in hot weather. However, during the winter, you should reduce watering to prevent the roots from rotting. Mulching around the plant will help to retain moisture.
Fertilization of Turraea Lycioides Baker
To promote growth and health, you should fertilize the plant. Before planting, you can add well-decomposed organic matter to the soil to boost nutrients. During the growing season, you can apply a balanced fertilizer at least twice a year. For maximum benefit, apply the fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer.
Avoid over-fertilizing as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers and fruit. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to apply the fertilizer and use only the recommended amount.
Pruning of Turraea Lycioides Baker
Pruning is necessary to keep your Turraea Lycioides Baker plant healthy and promote growth. You should prune the plant in the dormant season, just before the growing season. This allows the plant to redirect its energy to new growth.
Remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches, trimming back to healthy wood. Prune any crossing branches to prevent rubbing, which can cause damage and encourage disease. Trim the plant as needed to shape it, but avoid excessive pruning that can cause the plant to become leggy.
Regular pruning will ensure that the plant remains healthy and productive, producing beautiful flowers and fruit year after year.
Propagation of Turraea lycioides Baker
Turraea lycioides Baker is a deciduous plant that grows in tropical and subtropical regions. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through planting of seeds or stem cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
The seeds of Turraea lycioides Baker can be sourced from mature fruits of the plant. The fruit should be collected when it is fully ripe and the seeds should be extracted. The seeds then need to be cleaned and treated with a fungicide to avoid fungal infections. Once ready, the seeds can be sown in trays or seedbeds containing a suitable potting mix.
The seedbeds should be kept moist and in a shaded area. The seeds should take about three weeks to germinate. Once they have grown to a suitable size, the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots to ensure healthy growth and development. The potting mix should consist of equal parts of topsoil, sand, and compost. The young plants should be watered regularly and kept in a shaded area until they are fully established.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is another effective way of propagating Turraea lycioides Baker. The stems used for cuttings should be semi-hardwood and about 10-15 cm in length. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and preferably from the current season's growth. The leaves from the bottom half of the stem should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage rooting.
The stem cuttings can be planted in trays or seedbeds containing a suitable potting mix. Like with seeds, the cuttings should be kept in a shaded area and kept moist until they have established roots. Once the cuttings have developed roots, they can be transplanted into individual pots to ensure healthy growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Turraea lycioides Baker
Turraea lycioides Baker is generally a healthy and robust plant that can tolerate harsh conditions, but it is not immune to diseases and pests. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that can affect this plant and how to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf spot - This fungal disease can cause brown or black spots on the leaves, which can eventually lead to defoliation. To manage leaf spot, prune and dispose of infected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Apply fungicides such as copper-based sprays if necessary.
Root rot - This disease is caused by several types of fungi that attack the roots, causing them to decay. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering. Applying fungicides to the soil can also help control root rot.
Powdery mildew - This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. To manage powdery mildew, prune and dispose of infected branches and increase air circulation around the plant. Applying fungicides such as neem oil or sulfur-based sprays can also be effective.
Pests
Mealybugs - These small insects can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. They are usually found on the undersides of leaves and stems, where they secrete a sticky substance that attracts ants. To manage mealybugs, prune and dispose of infected branches and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant.
Aphids - These tiny insects can cause distorted growth and yellowing of the leaves. They are usually found in clusters on the undersides of leaves. To manage aphids, prune and dispose of infected branches and spray the plant with a forceful stream of water to dislodge them. Applying insecticidal soap or neem oil can also help control aphids.
Caterpillars - These larvae can cause extensive damage by eating the leaves and flowers of the plant. To manage caterpillars, handpick and dispose of them or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) spray.
Regular monitoring plays a crucial role in the management of diseases and pests in Turraea lycioides Baker. Early detection and management can prevent further spread and ensure that the plant remains healthy and productive.
