Origin and Common Names
Uapaca benguelensis Müll.Arg. forma glabra P.A.Duvign. is a tree species that belongs to the family Phyllanthaceae. It is commonly known as Red milkwood or African red milkwood. The tree is native to southern Africa, where it is mainly found in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa.
Appearance
The Red milkwood is a medium-sized tree that grows up to 12 meters tall. It has a dense, round-shaped canopy that spreads up to 8 meters. The bark is rough, dark brown, and fissured. The leaves are simple, alternate, and glossy, with an oval shape that ranges from 2.5 to 8 centimeters long. The tree produces small, creamy yellow flowers that are not very noticeable, followed by yellow or red fruit that resembles a small apple, about 2 centimeters long.
Uses
The Red milkwood is an important tree to the local communities for various reasons. The fruit is edible and is used for making a traditional beverage, jams, and jellies. The bark is used for medicinal purposes, such as treating wounds, skin rashes, and diarrhea. The wood is durable and hard, making it ideal for making poles, furniture, and carvings. The tree's dense shade also makes it a perfect tree for landscaping and recreational purposes.
Growth Conditions for Uapaca benguelensis Müll.Arg. forma glabra P.A.Duvign.
Uapaca benguelensis Müll.Arg. forma glabra P.A.Duvign. is a small tree that thrives in a tropical environment. The following are some of the essential growth conditions to take into consideration when cultivating it.
Light Requirements
The Uapaca benguelensis Müll.Arg. forma glabra P.A.Duvign. requires plenty of sunlight for optimal growth. It thrives in well-lit locations and needs at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Therefore, plant it in an open location where it will get adequate sunlight.
Temperature Conditions
The plant grows well in warm environments with stable temperatures that range between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius. Young plants are susceptible to frost damage, and therefore, it's essential to plant them when the temperatures are favorable. Avoid planting the tree in areas with significant temperature fluctuations as it may stress the tree, and adversely affect its growth.
Soil Requirements
Uapaca benguelensis Müll.Arg. forma glabra P.A.Duvign. thrives in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil must be loamy with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It grows best in soils with good water retention capacities, but it's crucial to avoid waterlogging as the trees do not tolerate waterlogged soils. The plant tends to grow well in low-altitude regions with high annual rainfall.
Cultivation methods
Uapaca benguelensis Müll.Arg. forma glabra P.A.Duvign. is a subtropical plant that thrives in well-draining soils. It prefers to grow in a location that receives partial shade, as it cannot tolerate direct sunlight for an extended period.
When planting, dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball, and fill it with a well-draining soil mix. The plant should be planted at the same depth as it was in the container.
Watering needs
Uapaca benguelensis Müll.Arg. forma glabra P.A.Duvign. prefers to be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, the plant should be watered once a week, and as winter approaches, the frequency can be reduced to once every two weeks.
It is important to not overwater the plant as this can cause root rot, which can kill the plant. The soil should be allowed to dry out between each watering session.
Fertilization
The best fertilizer for Uapaca benguelensis Müll.Arg. forma glabra P.A.Duvign. is a slow-release fertilizer that has a high amount of nitrogen but low amounts of phosphate and potassium. The fertilizer should be applied at the start of the growing season and again after six months.
It is important not to over-fertilize the plant as this can cause the leaves to turn yellow, indicating a nitrogen toxicity. The best course of action is to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the proper use of the fertilizer.
Pruning
Uapaca benguelensis Müll.Arg. forma glabra P.A.Duvign. has a natural shape that requires no pruning. However, if the plant becomes too large, pruning can be done to maintain its size and shape. Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring before the start of the growing season.
The pruning process involves removing any dead or broken branches, and cutting back any branches that have grown too long or too wide. It is also important to thin out the center of the plant to promote air circulation and sunlight penetration.
Propagation Methods for Uapaca benguelensis Müll.Arg. forma glabra P.A.Duvign.
Uapaca benguelensis Müll.Arg. forma glabra P.A.Duvign., commonly known as the smooth-fruited Uapaca or the Matomb tree, can be propagated by various methods, including seed propagation, stem cuttings, and air layering.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagating Uapaca benguelensis is through seed propagation. Seeds should be collected from mature fruits and shouldn't be stored for long. Once collected, they can be sown immediately into seedling trays filled with a mixture of sand and compost. The trays should be placed in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight. The seedlings will emerge within 10 to 14 days and should be watered regularly.
Stem Cuttings
Another method of propagating Uapaca benguelensis is through stem cuttings. Softwood cuttings can be taken during the summer and should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be placed in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight. With regular watering, roots will develop within a few weeks.
Air Layering
Air layering is a method of propagation that involves creating a new tree by inducing rooting in a stem while it's still attached to the parent plant. A small branch of Uapaca benguelensis is selected, and a ring of bark around the branch is removed, along with some of the underlying wood exposing the cambium layer. A ball of moist sphagnum moss is then placed over the area where the bark has been removed and held in place with plastic wrap. The roots should start to develop in the moss after a few months. Once established, the branch can be cut from the parent plant and planted separately.
Disease and Pest Management for Uapaca benguelensis
Uapaca benguelensis Müll.Arg. forma glabra P.A.Duvign., commonly known as the African cherry, is a plant species that is susceptible to various pests and diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to have proper disease and pest management strategies in place to maintain plant health and productivity.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Uapaca benguelensis is leaf spot caused by the fungus Cercospora spp. This disease causes small lesions with dark borders and gray centers to appear on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves and destroy them. Additionally, avoid overhead watering, as moisture promotes the growth of the fungus.
Anthracnose is another fungal disease that affects Uapaca benguelensis, causing irregularly shaped brown or black lesions on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove and destroy all infected plant parts, carefully avoiding over-watering and over-fertilizing.
Common Pests
The most common pests that affect Uapaca benguelensis include mealybugs, aphids, and scales. Mealybugs and scales often appear as white or gray cottony masses on the leaves and stems, while aphids can be found on the undersides of leaves. These pests feed on sap, causing the leaves to yellow and wilt. To manage these pests, remove them physically using cotton swabs or sprays of soapy water, or use organic pesticides.
Another pest that commonly affects Uapaca benguelensis is the bagworm. These pests form bags made of foliage, twigs, and silk, which often camouflage them. The bags can be removed manually before the larvae hatch, or insecticides can be applied to prevent infestation.
By implementing these disease and pest management strategies, you can keep your Uapaca benguelensis plants healthy and productive.
