Overview
Uvaria cylindrica Schumach. & Thonn., also known as the African breadfruit or cylinder uvaria, is a species of plant in the Annonaceae family. It is native to tropical Africa and can be found in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Cameroon.
Common Names
Aside from African breadfruit and cylinder uvaria, Uvaria cylindrica Schumach. & Thonn. has several other common names in different regions. In Nigeria, it is called icheku, while in Cameroon, it is known as njangsa or munguella.
Uses
The fruit of Uvaria cylindrica Schumach. & Thonn. has a sweet and tangy taste and is often used as a food ingredient. In Nigeria, the seeds are roasted and eaten as a snack or used to make a flour substitute. The leaves and bark of the plant have also been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and malaria.
General Appearance
Uvaria cylindrica Schumach. & Thonn. is a medium-sized tree that can reach up to 20 meters in height. It has a dark grayish-brown bark and glossy leaves that are oblong in shape. The plant produces small, yellowish-green flowers that develop into fleshy, oblong fruits that are typically around 10-15 centimeters in length. The fruit is covered in a hard, woody shell that splits open when it is fully ripe.
Light Requirements
Uvaria cylindrica Schumach. & Thonn. grows well in partial shade to full sun conditions. However, it prefers a shady environment and cannot tolerate direct sunlight. The ideal light requirement would be filtered or dappled light with a few hours of direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Uvaria cylindrica Schumach. & Thonn. thrives in tropical to subtropical climates, with a temperature range of 20°C to 30°C. The average temperature where the plant is grown should not fall below 18°C or go above 35°C. Cold weather conditions cause the plant to go dormant and eventually die.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, fertile, and moisture-retentive. A combination of peat moss, loamy soil, and sand would be an ideal soil mix. Uvaria cylindrica Schumach. & Thonn. does not do well in heavy clay soil or waterlogged soil as it may cause root rot.
Cultivation of Uvaria Cylindrica Schumach. & Thonn.
Uvaria cylindrica Schumach. & Thonn. is a tropical vine that requires warm and humid conditions for optimal growth. It can be grown both in the ground and in containers.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is essential for the growth and development of Uvaria cylindrica Schumach. & Thonn. The plant needs regular watering, especially during the hot and dry months. However, it is important to avoid over-watering the plant, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Uvaria cylindrica Schumach. & Thonn. requires regular fertilization to support its growth and development. The plant can benefit from a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilization should be done during the growing season, which is typically in the spring and summer months.
Pruning
Pruning is an important aspect of Uvaria cylindrica Schumach. & Thonn. cultivation, as it promotes healthy growth and removes dead or diseased branches. The best time to prune the plant is during the dormant season, which is typically in the late winter or early spring. It is important to use sharp and clean pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Uvaria cylindrica Schumach. & Thonn.
Uvaria cylindrica Schumach. & Thonn. is a multi-stemmed, evergreen shrub that grows up to 20ft in height. This plant is an attractive addition to any garden, and it is propagated in several ways.
Seed propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Uvaria cylindrica Schumach. & Thonn. is by using the seeds, which are readily available either from seed banks or harvested from mature plants. The seeds of this plant require a warm temperature to germinate, which is typically between 25-30°C. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil and kept moist until they sprout, which usually takes about 2-4 weeks.
Cuttings propagation
Another way to propagate Uvaria cylindrica Schumach. & Thonn. is through cuttings. The plant is best propagated by using stem cuttings that are taken in the spring or summer months. The cutting should be about 15-20cm in length and should be taken from a healthy plant. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder and planted in a well-drained soil mix. The propagation container should be kept in a warm and humid location to help promote root formation.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is a propagation technique that involves inducing roots to develop on a stem while it is still attached to the parent plant. This method is suitable for Uvaria cylindrica Schumach. & Thonn., and it is typically done at the beginning of the growing season. The stem of the plant is notched and wrapped with wet sphagnum moss, which is then covered with plastic wrap to prevent evaporation. The roots will form at the notch and can be detached from the parent plant and planted in a separate container once they are 2-3 inches long.
Disease and Pest Management for Uvaria cylindrica Schumach. & Thonn.
Uvaria cylindrica Schumach. & Thonn., commonly known as African corkwood, is a shrub or small tree that belongs to the Annonaceae family. Like any other cultivated plant, Uvaria cylindrica is susceptible to pests and diseases. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect Uvaria cylindrica, and how to manage them:
Fungal diseases
Uvaria cylindrica is susceptible to various fungal diseases, including leaf spot, powdery mildew, root rot, and stem canker. One of the most common fungal diseases to affect the plant is leaf spot, which causes small circular spots on the leaves that turn brown and eventually die.
To manage fungal diseases, it is important to prune any infected plant parts and remove them from the area to prevent further spread. Providing adequate air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can also help prevent fungal diseases. Fungicides can also be used as a preventive measure or to treat existing infections.
Bacterial diseases
Bacterial wilt is a common bacterial disease that affects Uvaria cylindrica. Symptoms include wilting leaves, yellowing, and stunted growth. The bacteria that cause the disease can survive in the soil for long periods and spread through root contact and irrigation water.
To manage bacterial diseases, it is important to remove any infected plant parts and destroy them to prevent the bacteria from spreading further. Crop rotation and avoiding overhead watering can also help prevent bacterial diseases. There are no specific chemical treatments for bacterial diseases, but maintaining plant health and sanitation can help prevent and manage infections.
Insect pests
Uvaria cylindrica can be affected by various insect pests, including mealybugs, scale insects, and thrips. These pests can cause extensive damage to the plant, including leaf yellowing, curling, and distortion.
To manage insect pests, it is important to regularly inspect the plant and identify any signs of infestation. Applying insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can help control existing infestations, while providing adequate cultural care can help prevent infestations from occurring. Biological control measures, such as introducing predatory insects, can also help manage insect pests.
Mites
Spider mites are a common pest that can affect Uvaria cylindrica. These pests are small and difficult to see but can cause extensive damage to the plant, including yellowing and browning of leaves.
To manage spider mites, it is important to regularly inspect the plant and identify any signs of infestation. Applying a miticidal soap or horticultural oil can help control existing infestations, while providing adequate cultural care can help prevent infestations from occurring. Biological control measures, such as introducing predatory insects, can also help manage spider mites.
Proper management of pest and disease issues can help ensure that Uvaria cylindrica remains healthy and productive.
