General Description
Uapaca kirkiana Müll.Arg. var. sessilifolia P.A.Duvign. is a deciduous to semi-deciduous tree that belongs to the Phyllanthaceae family. This tree species is native to Eastern and Southern Africa and can grow up to 15 meters tall. However, it is usually smaller in cultivation.
Common names
The species has several common names depending on the region, including Mahobohobo, Moshere, Mwenzi, and Mosika. Additionally, it's commonly referred to as the African plum which refers to its plum-like fruit.
Uses
The fruit of the Uapaca kirkiana Müll.Arg. var. sessilifolia P.A.Duvign. is edible and is highly sought after for its sweet and sour taste. Additionally, the tree is also used for medicinal purposes to treat maladies such as stomach ulcers, dysentery, and as a purgative. The tree has also been used in traditional African medicine to treat eye infections, gonorrhea, and fever. The bark of the tree is used to tan hides and as a source of fiber for making baskets and ropes.
Appearance
The tree has a dense, rounded crown and a straight bole that is usually less than 10 meters tall. Its bark is typically a dark grey-brown color, and its leaves are oval-shaped, glossy green, and leathery. The tree also produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that bloom in clusters and give way to the plum-like fruit. The fruit is usually reddish-brown and is about 2-3 cm in diameter.
Growth Conditions of Uapaca kirkiana Müll.Arg. var. sessilifolia P.A.Duvign.
Light: This plant prefers to grow in a partially shaded environment with filtered sunlight to full sun exposure. It can also thrive in direct sunlight but only for a certain amount of time, not all day.
Temperature: Uapaca kirkiana Müll.Arg. var. sessilifolia P.A.Duvign. is a tropical plant that requires a warm and humid environment. It can withstand temperatures as high as 35°C and as low as 5°C. Temperatures below 0°C can cause the plant to die.
Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils, but it thrives in sandy loam. The soil pH range should be around 5.5-7.5.
Water: The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, but it should not be overwatered. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can eventually kill the plant. The soil must be allowed to dry slightly between watering, with a frequency of around once a week.
Fertilizer: The plant requires frequent fertilization to maintain its growth. Succulent plant fertilizers can be used at half strength once or twice a month during the growing season.
Propagation: The propagation of Uapaca kirkiana Müll.Arg. var. sessilifolia P.A.Duvign. is through seeds and cuttings. For seeds, they should be kept in a warm and humid place to increase the chances of germination. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants during the growing season and planted in sandy soil mixed with organic material.
Pests and Diseases: The plant is prone to attacks from mealybugs, spider mites, and scales. Regular inspection of the plant can help detect and prevent pest infestations. The plant is also prone to root rot and stem canker, which can be prevented by maintaining appropriate growing conditions and applying proper fungicide treatment.
Cultivation of Uapaca kirkiana Müll.Arg. var. sessilifolia P.A.Duvign.
Uapaca kirkiana Müll.Arg. var. sessilifolia P.A.Duvign. is a tropical plant species that requires warm temperatures and a humid environment for healthy growth. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings and should be planted in well-draining soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5.
Watering Needs of Uapaca kirkiana Müll.Arg. var. sessilifolia P.A.Duvign.
Uapaca kirkiana Müll.Arg. var. sessilifolia P.A.Duvign. prefers evenly moist soil but can be sensitive to overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, but avoid waterlogging the soil.
Fertilization of Uapaca kirkiana Müll.Arg. var. sessilifolia P.A.Duvign.
Uapaca kirkiana Müll.Arg. var. sessilifolia P.A.Duvign. can benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with a 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer every four to six weeks, following the instructions on the label.
Pruning of Uapaca kirkiana Müll.Arg. var. sessilifolia P.A.Duvign.
Pruning of Uapaca kirkiana Müll.Arg. var. sessilifolia P.A.Duvign. is recommended to control its size and shape. It is best to prune in the early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or diseased branches, and shape the plant by selectively pruning back to a healthy bud or to the desired length. Avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant's growth in a single season.
Propagation of Uapaca kirkiana Müll.Arg. var. sessilifolia P.A.Duvign.
Uapaca kirkiana Müll.Arg. var. sessilifolia P.A.Duvign. is generally propagated through seeds and vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Uapaca kirkiana Müll.Arg. var. sessilifolia P.A.Duvign. are collected from the fruits, which usually mature during the wet season. The fruit pulp is removed using clean water to extract the seeds. The seeds are then soaked in water for two days to soften the seed coat. After that, the seeds are sown in a seedbed or containers filled with a well-draining soil mix. The seedbed should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location after they reach a height of at least 10-15 cm.
Vegetative Propagation
The plant can be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings and root cuttings. Stem cuttings are usually taken from mature plants during the rainy season. A cutting with a length of approximately 15-20 cm is obtained and the leaves at the tip are removed. The base of this cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. Root cuttings are also taken during the rainy season. A section of the root with a length of 10-15 cm is taken and planted in a container filled with a well-draining soil mix. The container should be kept moist and the cuttings should develop roots within 4-6 weeks. Vegetable propagation can be done on a large scale through tissue culture technique.
Disease and Pest Management for Uapaca kirkiana Müll.Arg. var. sessilifolia P.A.Duvign.
Uapaca kirkiana Müll.Arg. var. sessilifolia P.A.Duvign., commonly known as African Plum, is a species of plant found in tropical Africa. It is known for its edible fruit, which is rich in vitamin C. Like any other plant species, Uapaca kirkiana is susceptible to disease and pest infestations. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown or black spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can also affect the fruit, causing it to rot. To manage this disease, avoid overhead watering, and remove and destroy any infected plant material. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Leaf spot: Another fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves. It can be managed by removing and destroying any infected plant material, practicing good sanitation, and using fungicides when necessary.
Root rot: This disease is caused by fungi that attack the roots of the plant, causing them to rot. It can lead to wilting and death of the plant. To prevent root rot, ensure proper drainage, avoid overwatering, and use fungicides if necessary.
Pests
Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth. They can be managed by using insecticidal soap or neem oil, practicing good sanitation, and attracting natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
Scale insects: These pests attach to the leaves and stems of the plant, suck the sap from them, and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew. It can be managed by using insecticidal soap or neem oil, manually removing them with a soft brush or cotton swab, and practicing good sanitation.
Mites: These tiny pests also feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. They can be managed by using insecticidal soap or neem oil, pruning heavily infested leaves and branches, and practicing good sanitation.
Overall, preventing diseases and pests in Uapaca kirkiana includes practicing good sanitation, ensuring proper drainage, and using pesticides and fungicides when necessary. With proper care, African Plum is a relatively hardy plant that can thrive in many environments.
