Origin
Uapaca benguelensis Müll.Arg. forma pilosa P.A.Duvign. is a species of tropical plant native to the continent of Africa. It can be found growing in the tropical rainforests of Central Africa, including countries like Cameroon and Gabon.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as the African cherry or the gaboon cherry. It is called so because its fruits resemble cherries, although it is not related to the cherry tree.
Uses
The African cherry tree is valued for its wood, which is heavy, hard, and durable. It is used in construction, furniture, and carving. The fruit of the Uapaca benguelensis is edible and is eaten by both animals and humans. The bark and leaves of the tree are also used in traditional medicine to treat various illnesses.
General Appearance
The Uapaca benguelensis Müll.Arg. forma pilosa P.A.Duvign. is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. It has a thick, round crown and a straight trunk that can reach up to 1 meter in diameter. The bark of the tree is rough, dark brown, and fissured. Its leaves are glossy, oblong, and measure approximately 20 centimeters long. The tree produces small, yellowish-green flowers that appear in dense clusters. The fruit of the tree is a small, cherry-like drupe that is approximately 1.5 centimeters in diameter and yellow in color when ripe.
Growth Conditions for Uapaca Benguelensis Müll.Arg. Forma Pilosa P.A.Duvign.
Light: Uapaca benguelensis Müll.Arg. forma pilosa P.A.Duvign. grows well in partial to full shade. The plant can tolerate some levels of direct sunlight but it is best to avoid exposing it to prolonged periods of extreme heat and light. Exposure to excessive sunlight can lead to wilting and leaf scorching.
Temperature: Uapaca benguelensis Müll.Arg. forma pilosa P.A.Duvign. prefers warm temperatures ranging from 21-26°C. Temperatures above or below this range can stress the plant and affect its growth and productivity. This plant species is sensitive to frost and should be protected during the cold season.
Soil: For optimal growth, Uapaca benguelensis Müll.Arg. forma pilosa P.A.Duvign. requires moist, well-drained and nutrient-rich soil. The plant can tolerate a range of soil types including clay, sandy and loamy soils. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0-7.0 for best results.
Water: Frequent and regular watering is essential for the growth and development of Uapaca benguelensis Müll.Arg. forma pilosa P.A.Duvign. The plant prefers moist soil conditions but does not tolerate waterlogged soils. During dry spells, the plant should be watered deeply and regularly to prevent drying out.
Fertilizer: Uapaca benguelensis Müll.Arg. forma pilosa P.A.Duvign. benefits greatly from regular applications of organic and inorganic fertilizers. Fertilizer application should be done at the beginning of the growing season and during the active growth period. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 14-14-14 NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) is beneficial for optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods
Uapaca benguelensis Müll.Arg. forma pilosa P.A.Duvign. is a tropical tree that grows in warm, humid environments. The tree can be grown in both pots and in the ground, but it is important to ensure that the soil used is well-draining and that the plant is located in a partially shaded area. The tree should be planted during the rainy season for optimal growth.
Watering Needs
The Uapaca benguelensis Müll.Arg. forma pilosa P.A.Duvign. tree requires regular watering to ensure that the soil remains moist. During the dry season, the tree should be watered at least twice a week. However, care must be taken to avoid overwatering, as this can damage the roots and cause rotting.
Fertilization
The Uapaca benguelensis Müll.Arg. forma pilosa P.A.Duvign. tree benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer should be applied every two to three months during the growing season, from spring to summer. The fertilizer should be applied around the base of the tree, and care should be taken not to apply too much, as this can burn the roots.
Pruning
Pruning is an important part of caring for the Uapaca benguelensis Müll.Arg. forma pilosa P.A.Duvign. tree. Pruning should be done during the dry season, as this is when the tree is dormant. Pruning should be done to remove damaged or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. The tree should be pruned to maintain a balanced shape and size, but care should be taken not to prune too heavily, as this can damage the tree.
Propagation of Uapaca benguelensis Müll.Arg. forma pilosa P.A.Duvign.
Uapaca benguelensis Müll.Arg. forma pilosa P.A.Duvign. can be propagated through two principal methods: by seed and by cuttings.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is a straight-forward method of producing new Uapaca benguelensis plants. The seeds can be obtained from ripe fruits of the plant. The ripe fruits are collected from the parent plants, and allowed to dry and open naturally. The seeds are then extracted carefully from the fruit and cleaned. The seeds can be sown immediately or after some period of storage, depending on the species.
The seeds of Uapaca benguelensis should be sown in a well-drained seedbed where they are covered by a thin layer of soil, sand, or vermiculite. The seedbed should be kept moist, but not soggy. Germination may take between one and two months, and can be accelerated by soaking the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing. As the seedlings grow, they should be thinned out to reduce competition, and can be transplanted to individual pots once they have reached a suitable size for transplanting.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another method of producing new Uapaca benguelensis plants. Cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free plant material during the active growing season (spring or summer). The cuttings should be taken from the tips of the branches or from mature wood from the previous year's growth. The cuttings should be around 10-15 cm, and should include a terminal bud and two to three pairs of leaves.
The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root formation and then planted into a well-drained compost mix or soil. It is recommended that they are planted in a shaded area until they have developed sufficient roots to be moved into full sun. During the rooting phase, the cuttings should be kept moist, but not wet. In around two to three months, the cuttings would have developed roots and can be transplanted to individual pots.
Disease Management
Uapaca benguelensis Müller-Argoviensis forma pilosa is generally a hardy plant, but it can be susceptible to certain diseases. Below are some common diseases that may affect the plant and ways to manage them:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease is characterized by dark, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, and fruits. To manage anthracnose, it is recommended to prune affected plant parts and remove them from the area. Fungicides can also be applied to manage the disease.
- Bacterial Blight: This disease is caused by the Xanthomonas campestris bacterium and is characterized by water-soaked spots on leaves that later turn yellow and fall off. To manage bacterial blight, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plant parts as soon as possible. Copper-based fungicides can also be applied to control the disease.
- Root Rot: This fungal disease is caused by various soil-borne pathogens and affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot. To avoid root rot, it is essential to ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. Affected plants should be removed and destroyed, and the soil should be treated with fungicides.
Pest Management
Aside from diseases, Uapaca benguelensis Müller-Argoviensis forma pilosa may also be affected by pests. Below are some common pests that may affect the plant and ways to manage them:
- Scale Insects: These small, immobile insects will attach themselves to the plant and suck sap from its leaves, causing them to yellow and die. To manage scale insects, you can manually remove them from the plant using a soft brush or cotton swab. Applying insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can also help to manage the pests.
- Aphids: These tiny, pear-shaped insects may cluster on new growth or the undersides of leaves. They suck sap from the plant, causing it to grow poorly, become distorted or yellow. To manage aphids, you can apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ladybugs, lacewings, and other beneficial insects can also be introduced to help control the pest population.
- Mites: These tiny arachnids are difficult to see but cause yellowing of leaves, stippling, and webbing on the plant. To manage mites, it is recommended to apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil. Mites can also be managed by introducing predatory mites.
Regularly monitoring the plants for signs of disease or pest damage can aid in early detection and management to keep the Uapaca benguelensis Müller-Argoviensis forma pilosa healthy and growing well.
