Origin and Common Names
Turraea obtusifolia Hochst. var. microphylla C.DC. is a plant species that belongs to the family Meliaceae. It is native to Africa, specifically found in countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. It is commonly known by various vernacular names, including "Mutedza" in Shona, "Mbarikiki" in Swahili, and "Kamibowei" in Pokot.
General Appearance
Turraea obtusifolia Hochst. var. microphylla C.DC. is an evergreen tree that usually grows up to a height of 10 meters. It has a thin, smooth, and dark bark with a narrow crown. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oblong-lanceolate, measuring about 1 to 2.5 cm long and 0.5 to 1 cm wide. The plant produces small and fragrant white flowers that are grouped in terminal panicles. The fruit is a red or yellow, obovoid to oblong berry, measuring about 1 cm in diameter and containing up to 4 seeds.
Uses
Turraea obtusifolia Hochst. var. microphylla C.DC. has various uses in traditional medicine. Infusions of the bark and roots are used to treat fever, sore throat, coughs, and respiratory infections. The decoction of the leaves and roots is used to alleviate stomach pains and diarrhea. The roots are also used as a purgative, and the bark is used as an antidote to snake bites. Additionally, the fruit is consumed as a food source, while the wood is used for carving small items such as spoons, combs, and walking sticks.
Light Requirements
The Turraea obtusifolia Hochst. var. microphylla C.DC. plant requires full sunlight to grow properly. Inadequate sunlight may lead to the stunted growth of the plant or cause it to flower less frequently. They are also not well adapted to grow well in low-light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it prefers moderate temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C. Temperatures below 5°C or above 40°C can affect the plant's growth and lead to unhealthy plants. This species is well adapted to grow in tropical and subtropical regions.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers sandy or loamy soil that is well-drained and has a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. It is essential to avoid waterlogged soils as that can lead to the rotting of roots. They prefer soil that is rich in organic matter and nutrients. Adding compost, manure, or a slow-release fertilizer can improve soil fertility and promote healthy plant growth.
Cultivation Methods
The Turraea obtusifolia Hochst. var. microphylla C.DC plant can be grown from seeds. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil in a sunny location with partial shade. The seedlings should be kept warm and moist until they are big enough to transplant. The plant prefers a warm climate but can tolerate some cold temperatures. It also requires well-draining soil that is not waterlogged.
Watering Needs
The plant should be watered once a week in the growing season and less frequently in the winter months. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, so it is important to allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again. The plant prefers a high humidity level, so misting the leaves occasionally can be beneficial. However, be careful not to overwater the plant.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant once every three months with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid using too much nitrogen, as this can encourage foliage growth at the expense of flowers. The plant also benefits from organic compost or aged manure, which adds nutrients to the soil.
Pruning
The plant can be pruned in the early spring to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Remove any dead or diseased branches and cut back any leggy growth. Be careful not to remove too much foliage, as this can stress the plant and reduce its overall health. Regular pruning helps to keep the plant in shape and encourages new growth.
Propagation of Turraea obtusifolia Hochst. var. microphylla C.DC.
Turraea obtusifolia Hochst. var. microphylla C.DC. can be propagated through different methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Turraea obtusifolia Hochst. var. microphylla C.DC. To propagate the plant via seeds, collect mature fruits that have turned yellow, and contain seeds. Use scissors or a sharp knife to strip off the fruits from the stem and take them to a dry, airy location for drying. Once the fruits have dried up completely, remove and separate the seeds manually. Choose healthy and viable seeds for planting. Seeds can be sown in seedbeds, filled with loamy soil mixed with sand, and covered lightly with soil, or raised in the nursery in polythene bags filled with a mixture of loamy soil and sand.
The optimal time for seed sowing is in early spring, and it may take three to four weeks for the germination process to begin. The seedlings should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Transplant the seedlings into individual polythene bags once they have developed four leaves and are six months old.
Vegetative Propagation
Turraea obtusifolia Hochst. var. microphylla C.DC. can be propagated vegetatively by stem cutting, air layering, and grafting. While it is a more challenging process than seed propagation, vegetative propagation is useful to maintain the desirable traits of a parent plant.
Stem cuttings need to be taken in the spring, with the cuttings being about 15-20cm, with 2-3 nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom 2/3rds of each cutting, and apply hormone rooting powder to the base of the remaining leaves. Plant the cutting in a growing container filled with a mixture of loamy soil and sand, and cover with a transparent plastic bag to maintain high humidity. Keep the container moist, and after 3-4 weeks, roots will develop. Wait until the roots take hold and slowly acclimate it to a new environment.
Air layering is another method of vegetative propagation. Choose a vigorously growing branch, and make a cut in the center, about 1.5cm wide, with a sterilized knife or razor blade. Apply rooting hormone powder to the cut. Then, wrap a sphagnum moss along the section, and wrap it with a plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep the moss damp, and after 4-6 weeks, roots will sprout from the wound and start growing down into the moss. Cut off the rooted section and transplant into a growing medium.
Grafting is also possible, but is more complicated. This involves attaching a bud or stem cutting of desired plant to a rootstock of another. The success rate is highly dependent on the compatibility of the two parts.
Disease and Pest Management for Turraea Obtusifolia Hochst. Var. Microphylla C.DC.
Turraea obtusifolia Hochst. var. microphylla C.DC., commonly known as the African cherry, is a plant that is primarily found in tropical Africa. Like most plants, the African cherry is susceptible to various diseases and pests that may damage or kill it. Effective management of these diseases and pests is critical to ensure the health and longevity of the plant.
Common Diseases that affect Turraea Obtusifolia Hochst. Var. Microphylla C.DC.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes dark, sunken lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruit of the African cherry. The spores of the fungus are usually spread by water and insects. To manage anthracnose, infected plant parts should be removed, and fungicides should be applied to prevent further spread of the disease.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular or angular brown spots with yellow halos on the leaves of the African cherry. The disease is usually caused by high humidity and poor air circulation. To manage leaf spot, infected plant parts should be removed, and the plant should be given adequate spacing and air circulation. Fungicides can also be applied to control the disease.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery film on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the African cherry. The disease is caused by high humidity and poor air circulation. To manage powdery mildew, infected plant parts should be removed, and the plant should be given adequate spacing and air circulation. Fungicides can also be applied to control the disease.
Common Pests that affect Turraea Obtusifolia Hochst. Var. Microphylla C.DC.
Mites: Mites are small, spider-like pests that feed on the leaves of the African cherry, causing yellowing and distortion of the affected leaves. To manage mites, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be sprayed on the leaves to control the infestation.
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of the African cherry, causing stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and distorted plant growth. To manage aphids, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be sprayed on the plant to control the infestation. Ladybugs and lacewings are also natural predators of aphids and can be introduced into the garden to control the infestation naturally.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies. They feed on the leaves of the African cherry, causing holes and defoliation of the plant. To manage caterpillars, handpicking may be effective for small infestations. Insecticides can also be applied to control the infestation.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests that affect Turraea obtusifolia Hochst. var. microphylla C.DC. requires a multi-faceted approach that includes sanitation, proper plant spacing, adequate air circulation, and the use of curative and preventive measures such as fungicides and insecticides. Regular monitoring of the plant for signs of disease and pests is also crucial to ensure early detection and timely management.
