Origin and Common Names
Vangueria bicolor K.Schum. is a species of flowering plant in the family Rubiaceae. It is commonly known as the West African Cherry, African Medlar, or Olohun in Yoruba language. The plant is native to tropical and subtropical Africa, including Benin, Cameroon, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Uganda.
Uses
The fruits of Vangueria bicolor K.Schum. are edible and have various medicinal properties. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, calcium, and iron. The fruits have been traditionally used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, fever, and respiratory infections. The roots, bark, and leaves of the plant have also been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including malaria, sexually transmitted infections, and stomach problems.
The wood of Vangueria bicolor K.Schum. is also used for carving and making furniture. The plant is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental for its attractive flowers and fruit.
General Appearance
Vangueria bicolor K.Schum. is a small to medium-sized tree, growing up to 15 meters tall. The plant has a dense, spreading crown and a straight, cylindrical trunk with smooth grey bark. The leaves are simple, alternate, and deciduous, measuring up to 12 centimeters long and 8 centimeters wide. They are oblong to elliptic in shape, with a glossy dark green upper surface and a paler undersurface. The plant produces fragrant, tubular flowers that are white to cream in color, measuring up to 2.5 centimeters long.
The fruit of Vangueria bicolor K.Schum. is a fleshy, ellipsoid drupe, measuring up to 3 centimeters long and 2 centimeters wide. The fruit is initially green, turning yellow when ripe, with a thin, edible skin and a hard, woody stone containing one or two seeds.
Light requirements
Vangueria bicolor is a plant species that requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. It can tolerate some partial shade, but full sun exposure is necessary for the plant to thrive. It is recommended that the plant is kept in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature requirements
The Vangueria bicolor plant typically grows in warm to hot climates and can tolerate high temperatures. A temperature range of 20-30°C is suitable for the plant to thrive. Temperatures below 10°C may cause the plant's growth to slow down or become stunted. Additionally, the plant is sensitive to frost and should be protected during winter periods.
Soil requirements
Vangueria bicolor prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 5.5-7.5. The plant can grow in various soil types, including loamy, sandy or clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. The addition of compost or other organic matter can help improve the soil structure and add necessary nutrients to support the plant's growth.
Cultivation Methods
Vangueria bicolor K.Schum. is a shrub that belongs to the family Rubiaceae. The plant is native to Africa but can thrive in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Vangueria bicolor K.Schum. can grow up to 6 meters tall and spread to about 4 meters wide.
For cultivation, Vangueria bicolor K.Schum. prefers well-drained soil with a pH level ranging between 6.0-7.5. The plant thrives well in full sunlight or partial shade. It is advisable to plant the shrub during the rainy season and avoid waterlogging at all costs.
Watering Needs
Vangueria bicolor K.Schum. requires frequent watering during the dry season. This is because the plant needs adequate moisture to thrive well. However, it is essential to avoid overwatering, which can cause the plant to rot or suffer from fungal diseases. During the rainy season, it is not necessary to water the plant frequently.
Fertilization
Vangueria bicolor K.Schum. requires periodic fertilization to supplement the soil with essential nutrients. Prioritize organic fertilizers rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen helps in the growth of healthy leaves, while phosphorus helps in the growth of root systems. Potassium helps in the overall development of the plant. It is advisable to use compost manure or well-decomposed animal manure.
Pruning
Pruning is essential during the early stages of the plant's growth to encourage a healthy and robust structure. It is also advisable to prune the plant regularly to remove infected or diseased parts and improve air circulation. You can prune Vangueria bicolor K.Schum. during the rainy season when new growth and flowers appear. Prune the plant to the desired shape and size using clean and sterilized pruning tools.
Propagation of Vangueria bicolor K.Schum.
Vangueria bicolor K.Schum., commonly known as the Red-milkwood, is a deciduous tree native to Southern Africa. It produces edible fruits that taste like apricots and are often used to make jams and jellies. The propagation of Vangueria bicolor can be achieved through several methods.
Seed propagation
One of the most common methods of propagating Vangueria bicolor is through seed propagation. Seeds can be collected from the ripe fruits that have fallen from the tree naturally. The seeds should then be cleaned of any remaining plant material and dried in the sun. Once the seeds are fully dried, they can be stored in a cool, dry place until it is time to plant them.
Seeds should be planted in well-draining soil. A suitable potting mix would be a combination of organic matter and river sand. Plant the seeds shallowly and cover them with a thin layer of sand. Water the soil lightly, trying not to disturb the seeds. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take between 4 to 12 weeks.
Cuttings
Cuttings from Vangueria bicolor can be used to propagate the plant. Hardwood cuttings should be taken from mature wood during the dormant season. Cuttings should be approximately 20-30cm long and the diameter of a pencil. Remove any leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Stick the cutting into a well-draining potting mix and water well. Cover the cutting and pot with a plastic bag to retain humidity and place in a warm, shaded area. Roots should start to form within 6 to 8 weeks.
Semi-hardwood cuttings can also be taken from Vangueria bicolor during the growing season. Follow the same instructions as the hardwood cuttings, but be sure to mist the cuttings frequently to prevent them from drying out.
Air layering
Air layering is another method of propagation that can be used for Vangueria bicolor. This method involves wounding a stem of the plant and covering it with rooting medium to encourage root growth. Select a healthy branch and remove a small section of bark from the stem where it meets the branch. Dust the wounded area with rooting hormone and cover it with a ball of sphagnum moss. Wrap the moss tightly with plastic wrap to ensure that it remains moist. Once roots have developed, cut the stem below the new root ball and pot it up in fresh soil.
Overall, Vangueria bicolor can be easily propagated using seeds, cuttings, or air layering. With proper care and attention, these methods can result in successful propagation and healthy plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Vangueria Bicolor K.Schum.
Vangueria bicolor K.Schum. is a fruit tree that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. Pests and diseases can cause significant damage to the tree, resulting in yield loss. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect this plant and the best ways to manage them:
Pests
1. Fruit fly: This pest can cause severe damage to the fruits, resulting in yield loss. To manage fruit fly infestations, periodic application of insecticides such as cypermethrin and deltamethrin can help reduce the pest population.
2. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are common sap-sucking pests that can cause the decline of the tree. In severe infestations, it may be necessary to use systemic insecticides such as imidacloprid to control their population.
3. Scale insects: They can cause the decline of the tree and reduce fruit yield. Regular pruning, application of insecticidal soap sprays, and the introduction of natural predators like ladybugs can help reduce scale insect infestation.
Diseases
1. Anthracnose: This fungus can cause leaf spots, stem and twig blight, and fruit rot, resulting in yield loss. Fungicides like copper-based sprays can help control the fungus's spread.
2. Powdery mildew: It can cause leaves to curl and stunt growth, resulting in yield loss. To manage powdery mildew, use of sulfur-based fungicides and good cultural practices like pruning and adequate air circulation can help reduce infection.
3. Root rot: This disease can be caused by different fungi in waterlogged soil which can ultimately lead to the death of the tree. Planting in well-drained soil, good cultural management, and use of fungicides like thiophanate-methyl can help control and prevent root rot.
4. Leaf spot: This disease causes small spots on the leaves, which then turn into necrotic lesions. Fungicides like neem oil and good cultural practices such as pruning and removing infected plant debris can help manage leaf spot.
Vangueria bicolor K.Schum. is a valuable fruit tree that needs good pest and disease management practices to thrive. Early identification and management of pests and diseases can help reduce their impact on the tree and ensure good fruit yield.
