Overview
Vangueria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand is a species of flowering plant from the Rubiaceae family. It is native to tropical Africa and can be found in countries such as Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo.
Common Names
Common names for Vangueria dewevrei include Abooba, Bouboulou, and Songa.
Uses
The fruit of Vangueria dewevrei is edible and is commonly consumed locally. The bark and root of the plant have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments including fever, malaria, and diarrhea.
General Appearance
Vangueria dewevrei is a small to medium-sized tree that can reach heights of up to 15m. The leaves are glossy and dark green, elliptical in shape, and measure up to 12cm long by 6cm wide. The flowers are small and white and are arranged in clusters. The fruit is a fleshy drupe that is green when unripe and turns yellow when it is mature. It measures up to 2.5cm in diameter and contains one large seed.
hereTypical Growth Conditions of Vangueria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand
Vangueria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand is a slow-growing plant that belongs to the family of native trees from the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. Below is detailed information about the specific growth conditions required for optimal growth:
Light Requirements
Vangueria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand thrives under full sun or partial shade. The plant can tolerate direct sunlight as long as it receives enough water and nutrients. On the other hand, insufficient sunlight can lead to a reduction in the plant's growth rate, which can eventually lead to complete stunting.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-draining, fertile soil that is moist but not waterlogged. The ideal pH range for Vangueria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand is between 5.5 and 6.5. This ensures that the plant can absorb all the necessary nutrients for growth. The soil must be rich in organic matter, and adding compost, manure, or leaf litter can help improve soil quality.
Water Requirements
Vangueria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand prefers a consistently moist environment, but not one that is waterlogged. The plant requires regular watering, especially during the summer months. Proper drainage is essential to prevent the roots from rotting due to over-watering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers a warm to a hot climate and responds well to high humidity. The ideal temperature range for Vangueria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand is between 22°C and 28°C. The plant is sensitive to cold, and temperatures below 15°C can lead to stunted growth or even death.
Fertilizer Requirements
Vangueria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand requires regular fertilization to ensure optimal growth. The plant responds well to a balanced fertilizer with an equal amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizer application should be done during the growing season, typically in the spring and summer months.
Overall, Vangueria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand requires well-draining soil, regular watering, consistent fertilization, high humidity, sufficient sunlight, and warm temperatures for optimal growth. The plant is known for its slow growth rate, so patience is required when cultivating this species.
Cultivation of Vangueria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand
Vangueria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand is a tropical fruit-bearing shrub native to West Africa. It thrives in warm and humid environments, making it an excellent plant for greenhouse cultivation or outdoor cultivation in warm regions.
For outdoor cultivation, it is essential to plant Vangueria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand in a spot that receives partial shade to protect it from the hot sun. Additionally, it would help if you chose fertile, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Watering Needs of Vangueria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand
Vangueria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand thrives in moist environments, and it is essential to keep its soil evenly moist. Water the plant once or twice per week, depending on the weather conditions. If the weather is hot and dry, increase the frequency of watering to prevent the soil from drying out.
When watering Vangueria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand, avoid getting water on its leaves, as this can cause fungal diseases to develop.
Fertilization of Vangueria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand
Vangueria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy and robust growth and fruit production. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every two to three months during the growing season.
It is crucial to read the fertilizer instructions carefully and apply the correct amount based on the size of the plant. Overfertilization can damage the roots and lead to poor plant growth.
Pruning of Vangueria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand
Pruning helps to promote more robust and healthier growth and increase fruit production in Vangueria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand.
It is best to prune the plant during the dormant season when it is not actively growing. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches using a sterile pruning tool. Additionally, remove any branches that grow inward towards the center of the plant and any that obstruct sunlight or airflow.
Prune the plant lightly to maintain its shape and size, but avoid excessive pruning, as this can reduce fruit production.
Propagation of Vangueria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand
Vangueria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, stem cuttings, and layering. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the grower's goals and needs.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for growing Vangueria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand. Collect the seeds during the fruiting stage and store them in a cool, dry place for several days. After you gather the seeds, soak them in warm water for 24 hours, drain the water, and place them in seed trays filled with a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place it in a warm, bright area to ensure germination. After the seeds grow into seedlings, you can transplant them or keep them in their containers for a year.
Stem cuttings
Stem cutting propagation is another option for Vangueria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand. Collect cuttings during the plant's active growth period, usually in the early to mid-summer months. Choose a healthy stem, preferably one without any flowers. Cut the stem using sterilized scissors and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the stem's end in rooting hormone and plant it in a container filled with well-draining soil. Water the cutting regularly and keep it in a warm, bright area. After several weeks, check to see if the cutting has shown any signs of root growth. Once it does, you can transplant the cutting into a larger container or in the garden.
Layering
Layering is another propagation method for Vangueria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand, which involves burying a part of a healthy stem, making it a new plant. Choose a strong, healthy, and flexible stem and bend it down to the soil, making sure it remains intact. Choose a spot where the stem can root, and keep it in place with metal pins or rocks. Once the stem roots, often within a few weeks, you can cut it from the parent plant and transplant it into a new container or onto the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Vangueria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand
Vangueria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand, commonly known as African medlar, is a fruit-bearing plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. The plant is vulnerable to various diseases and pests that can impact its growth and development. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. To manage anthracnose, remove infected plant debris and improve air circulation. Fungicides can also be applied to protect healthy plants from infection.
Bacterial canker: This disease causes wilting and yellowing of leaves as well as the death of the plant's branches. To manage bacterial canker, remove infected plant debris and avoid overhead irrigation. The use of copper-based fungicides can also help control the disease.
Root rot: This disease occurs due to fungal infections and can cause the root system to decay. To manage root rot, minimize waterlogging around the plant's roots and use well-draining soil. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Pests
Thrips: These insects cause damage to the plant's flowers and fruits. To control thrips, prune infected plant parts and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant.
Fruit flies: These pests cause damage to the plant's fruit and can lead to decay. To manage fruit flies, pick up and dispose of fallen fruit and apply insecticidal bait traps or sticky traps around the plant.
Mealybugs: These insects can damage the plant by sucking out sap from its leaves and stems. To control mealybugs, remove infected plant parts and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant.
Regular pruning, cleaning, and proper soil drainage can also contribute to the overall health of the plant and prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests. By following these disease and pest management practices, plant owners can ensure the healthy growth and development of Vangueria dewevrei De Wild. & T.Durand.
