Overview
Vangueria bequaertii De Wild. is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Gentianaceae. It is commonly known as the "Wild medlar" or "Bequaert's medlar". The plant is indigenous to Central and Southern Africa and has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes.Description
Vangueria bequaertii De Wild. is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that grows up to a height of 4 to 6 meters. The tree has a short trunk with a spreading crown. The bark is grey and smooth when young, becoming rough and fissured as the tree matures. The leaves of the plant are oblong and 8 to 15 cm long, with a glossy texture and serrated margins. The plant produces small, sweetly-scented white flowers, which are followed by a small, round fruit that is edible when ripe.Habitat and Distribution
The plant is native to Central and Southern Africa and is commonly found in the Miombo woodland and savannahs of Angola, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique. It prefers well-drained soils and grows in areas with a moderate amount of rainfall.Uses
The fruit of Vangueria bequaertii De Wild. is edible and has a sweet and tangy taste. The fruit is commonly consumed fresh, and is also used to make jams and jellies. The plant is also used in traditional medicine for various purposes, such as treating diarrhea, stomach ache, and skin irritations. The bark of the tree is used for treating malaria and fever, and the leaves are used as a remedy for coughs and chest infections. Additionally, the wood of the tree is used for making furniture and other household items.Conclusion
Vangueria bequaertii De Wild. is an important plant species that has various uses in traditional medicine and as a food source. Its sweet and tangy fruit, as well as its medicinal properties, have made it a valuable plant species in many African communities.hereLight Requirements
The Vangueria bequaertii De Wild. plant thrives best when exposed to bright but indirect light. The plant should be placed near a window with some filtered shade to avoid direct sunlight. Direct sunlight could cause scorching on its leaves, which could cause damage to the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The Vangueria bequaertii De Wild. plant can thrive optimally in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C (68°F - 82°F). It requires a minimum temperature of 15°C (59°F) to survive, as it cannot tolerate harsh climatic conditions such as frost. It is essential to keep the plant away from drafty areas and air conditioning units, which can cause the temperature to fluctuate beyond the recommended range.
Soil Requirements
Vangueria bequaertii De Wild. requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A recommended mix is half peat moss and half perlite or coarse sand. The plant needs a soil pH that ranges from 6.0 to 7.5, and the soil should be slightly acidic. Slightly acidic soil allows the plant to absorb essential nutrients like iron and manganese efficiently. To ensure the soil drains well, you can add some compost or sand during preparation.
Cultivation of Vangueria bequaertii De Wild.
Vangueria bequaertii De Wild. belongs to the Rubiaceae family and is commonly referred to as the African Medlar. The plant grows naturally in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, preferring well-drained sandy soil with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings that are treated with rooting hormones.
Watering Needs of Vangueria bequaertii De Wild.
Vangueria bequaertii De Wild. requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The plant prefers moist soil but should not be overwatered as this can lead to root rot. It is important to water the plant at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can cause fungal diseases. During the winter, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization of Vangueria bequaertii De Wild.
Vangueria bequaertii De Wild. benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. The fertilizer should have high nitrogen content to support vegetative growth. Avoid the use of fertilizers with high phosphorus levels as these can limit the uptake of iron, which can lead to chlorosis. Fertilizer should be applied once a month during the growing season.
Pruning of Vangueria bequaertii De Wild.
Vangueria bequaertii De Wild. requires minimal pruning, which should be done to remove dead, diseased, or damaged wood. The plant can be pruned to restrict its size and shape, but this should be done during the dormant season. It is essential to use clean, sharp pruning tools to avoid injuring the plant's bark.
Propagation of Vangueria bequaertii De Wild.
Vangueria bequaertii De Wild. is a tree species belonging to the family Rubiaceae. It is a native plant in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. The tree has cultural and medicinal values and is also noted for its edible fruits.
Seed propagation
Vangueria bequaertii De Wild. can be propagated from seeds without much difficulty. The seeds should be collected from ripe fruits and cleaned off the pulp. After cleaning, the seeds should be left to dry in the sun for a few days. Once the seeds are dry, they can be planted in seed trays or pots using a good quality, well-drained soil mix. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2 to 3 cm and watered regularly. The germination period is usually between 30 and 60 days. The seedlings should be transplanted when they have developed two to three sets of true leaves.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Vangueria bequaertii De Wild. The best time to take cuttings is during the early spring period. Semi-hardwood cuttings of about 10 to 15 cm in length are best for this method. The leaves on the lower part of the stem should be removed, and the cutting should be treated with a rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in a well-drained soil mix and kept in a warm and humid environment. The rooting period should take about 3 to 4 weeks. After rooting, the cuttings can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the ground.
Air-layering propagation
Air-layering is another method of propagating Vangueria bequaertii De Wild. that is commonly used. This method involves making a notch or cut about 1/3 of the way through the stem, just below a node, and wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss or peat moss. The area where the cut is made should be covered with plastic or polythene to help retain moisture. After about four to six weeks, roots should have developed at the notch area. The rooted portion should be cut from the parent plant and transplanted into its growing container. This method is more time-consuming and requires patience, but it is often successful.
Disease and Pest Management for Vangueria bequaertii De Wild. Plant
Vangueria bequaertii De Wild. or African Medlar is susceptible to both pests and diseases. Here are some common ones and ways to manage them:
Pests
African fruit moths: These are the most common pests attacking the fruit of V. bequaertii. They burrow into the fruit, destroying its insides and causing it to fall prematurely. Handpicking affected fruits and destroying them can help to control their population. Also, application of an insecticide like spinosad can help in the management of the pests.
Scale insects: They can cause wilting, yellowing and leaf drop. These pests primarily affect the tree's lower branches and trunk. Controlling them can be difficult and may require the use of horticultural oil or insecticide application.
Mites: They mainly infest the tree's underside and can lead to the yellowing of leaves and defoliation. Appropriate management consists of spraying the infested parts using an insecticidal soap.
Diseases
Canker: This fungal disease affects the tree's bark, causing sunken, dead patches on the trunk and branches. To manage canker, cutting off the infected parts of the plant is necessary. You can then apply a fungicide like Bordeaux mixture to the treated part of the plant.
Anthracnose: It causes leaf spots, twig blight, and fruit rot. Fungicides and good sanitation practices can help in keeping this disease at bay. Prune the infected branches and dispose of them to avoid the spread of the disease. Also, avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation around the plant.
Root rot: This disease makes the plant susceptible to uprooting, and it can eventually die. Providing well-drained soil and ensuring not to overwater the plant can prevent root rot. In case of infection, applying a fungicide can help to control its spread.
