Overview
Uapaca nitida Müll.Arg. var. longifolia (P.A.Duvign.) Radcl.-Sm. is a plant species that belongs to the Phyllanthaceae family. The plant is a flowering tree that is widely distributed in tropical Africa and is known by several common names.
Origin and Distribution
Uapaca nitida Müll.Arg. var. longifolia (P.A.Duvign.) Radcl.-Sm. is native to the tropical rainforests of sub-Saharan Africa, where it occurs in Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
Common Names
The tree is known by several common names, including African cherry, African plum, and Englisso.
Appearance
Uapaca nitida Müll.Arg. var. longifolia (P.A.Duvign.) Radcl.-Sm. is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 25 meters tall. It has a straight trunk with a diameter of up to 60 centimeters and a dark brownish-grey bark that is smooth when young but becomes rough and fissured as the tree matures.
The leaves of the tree are simple, alternate, and oblong to narrowly obovate in shape, with a glossy dark green color that turns yellow in autumn before falling off. The flowers are unisexual and inconspicuous, with male and female flowers found on different trees. The fruit is a succulent, fleshy berry that is reddish-brown in color, with a diameter of up to 2 centimeters.
Uses
The fruit of Uapaca nitida Müll.Arg. var. longifolia (P.A.Duvign.) Radcl.-Sm. is edible and is used to make jams, jellies, and fermented beverages. The tree is also used for medicinal purposes, with the bark, leaves, and roots being used to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and stomach ache. The wood of the tree is used for building, furniture making, and carving.
Growth conditions for Uapaca nitida Müll.Arg. var. longifolia (P.A.Duvign.) Radcl.-Sm.
Light: Uapaca nitida Müll.Arg. var. longifolia (P.A.Duvign.) Radcl.-Sm. requires bright light or partial shade to grow optimally. It is not recommended to expose the plant to direct sunlight for extended periods as it may lead to leaf burn.
Temperature: This plant species grows well in warm temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius may cause damage to the plant. Uapaca nitida Müll.Arg. var. longifolia (P.A.Duvign.) Radcl.-Sm. is suitable for outdoor growth in tropical or subtropical climates.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soils that are moderately fertile. Sandy loam soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 are ideal for the growth of Uapaca nitida Müll.Arg. var. longifolia (P.A.Duvign.) Radcl.-Sm. The soil should also have good water retention capacity as the plant requires consistent moisture levels for optimal growth. Organic matter such as compost and decomposed leaves can be added to improve soil fertility.
Cultivation methods
Uapaca nitida Müll.Arg. var. longifolia (P.A.Duvign.) Radcl.-Sm. is a plant that grows well in warm temperatures and requires well-drained soil. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. If using seeds, they should be sown in a seedbed and covered with a thin layer of soil. The seedbed should be kept moist until the seedlings emerge. Once the seedlings are strong enough, they can be transplanted into bigger pots or directly into the ground.
Watering needs
Uapaca nitida Müll.Arg. var. longifolia (P.A.Duvign.) Radcl.-Sm. prefers moderate watering. It is essential to keep the soil moist but not overwatered. Overwatering can lead to root rot, and underwatering can cause the plant to dry out and become stressed. Watering the plant once or twice a week is enough. However, this may vary depending on the environmental conditions and the type of soil.
Fertilization
Uapaca nitida Müll.Arg. var. longifolia (P.A.Duvign.) Radcl.-Sm. requires moderate fertilization. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied at the beginning of the growing season, followed by another application halfway through the growing season. Avoid using too much fertilizer as this can lead to excessive growth, which may weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Uapaca nitida Müll.Arg. var. longifolia (P.A.Duvign.) Radcl.-Sm. requires minimal pruning. Dead or damaged branches should be pruned, especially during the dormant season. The plant can also be pruned to maintain its shape or size, but avoid excessive pruning as this can weaken the plant. It is best to prune after the plant has finished flowering to avoid removing potential buds and flowers.
Propagation of Uapaca nitida Müll.Arg. var. longifolia (P.A.Duvign.) Radcl.-Sm.
Uapaca nitida Müll.Arg. var. longifolia (P.A.Duvign.) Radcl.-Sm. can be propagated through different methods. These include:
Seed propagation
Propagation through seeds is possible, but it can be challenging. The seeds of Uapaca nitida Müll.Arg. var. longifolia (P.A.Duvign.) Radcl.-Sm. have a hard coat that makes them difficult to germinate. Before planting the seeds, it is advisable to soak them in hot water for 24 to 48 hours. This will help soften the seed coat and improve the chances of germination.
Once the seeds have been soaked, they can be planted in a seedbed filled with well-draining soil. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water them gently. The seedbed should be placed in a warm, humid area with partial shade. If the seeds germinate successfully, they can be transplanted to individual pots and eventually to larger containers or directly to the field.
Cuttings propagation
Propagation through cuttings is another option for Uapaca nitida Müll.Arg. var. longifolia (P.A.Duvign.) Radcl.-Sm. This method involves taking cuttings from the plant's stem and rooting them to form new plants.
To do this, select a healthy stem from the parent plant and cut it into sections that are 10 to 15 centimeters long. Remove the leaves from the lower half of each cutting, leaving only a few at the top. Treat the bottom end of the cuttings with rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Water the cuttings and place them in a warm, humid area with partial shade. The cuttings should root within a few weeks. Once they have developed a healthy root system, they can be transplanted to larger containers or directly to the field.
Disease Management
Uapaca nitida Müll.Arg. var. longifolia, also known as the African cherry, is a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases. However, some common diseases might affect the plant, including root rot, leaf spots, and powdery mildew.
Root Rot: This disease is caused by fungi that attack the roots and cause them to decay. Symptoms include stunted growth, wilting, and yellowing of leaves. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and ensure good drainage. Add organic matter to improve soil health.
Leaf Spots: Leaf spots are caused by fungi and bacteria that thrive in humid conditions. Symptoms include brown or black spots on leaves, premature leaf drop, and defoliation. To manage leaf spots, practice good hygiene by removing infected leaves and cleaning tools. Avoid overhead watering and keep the plant in well-ventilated areas.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves' upper surfaces, causing a powdery growth. Symptoms include yellowing and curling of leaves, weakened stems, and stunted growth. To manage powdery mildew, spray the plant with a solution of neem oil and water. Increase the plant's exposure to sunlight and ensure good air circulation.
Pest Management
The African cherry is relatively resistant to pests. However, some common pests might infest the plant, including mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects.
Mealybugs: These pests suck sap from the plant and cause distorted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage mealybugs, spray the plant with neem oil and water solution or wipe the pests off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Quarantine new plants and inspect them regularly for infestations.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck sap from leaves, causing discoloration and leaf drop. To manage spider mites, increase humidity around the plant by misting the leaves regularly. Spray the plant with water and insecticidal soap solution or neem oil solution. Remove severely infested leaves and ensure proper ventilation.
Scale Insects: These pests feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and curling of leaves and stunted growth. To manage scale insects, remove the pests with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Spray the plant with a neem oil and water solution, particularly on the undersides of leaves. Remove severely infested leaves and quarantine new plants.
