Vangueria Edulis Lam.

Origin and Common Names

Vangueria edulis Lam. is a tropical and subtropical fruit tree that belongs to the family of Rubiaceae. The plant is native to Africa and is commonly known as the shea butter tree, African medlar, or wild medlar.

General Appearance

The tree can grow up to 15 meters tall with a short trunk and spreading branches. The leaves are glossy and dark green with prominent secondary veins. The flowers are small and greenish-white, followed by round, green fruit with a hard, woody shell. The fruit is about the size of a golf ball and ripens to yellow or orange when mature. It has a slightly acidic taste and a sweet aroma.

Uses

The fruit of Vangueria edulis is used for various purposes, including food, medicine, and cosmetics. The fruit pulp is eaten fresh or used to make jams, jellies, and beverages. The hard shell of the fruit is used to make decorative items and small utensils. The tree's bark and leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and skin diseases. The oil extracted from the fruit is used in cosmetics and skincare products due to its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.

The shea butter tree is also an important source of income for many communities in Africa. The nuts are harvested and the butter is extracted to be used as a cooking oil, as well as in the production of soaps, candles, and other household items.

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Light Requirements

Vangueria edulis Lam. prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate direct sunlight but not for prolonged periods. It requires enough light to grow vigorously and produce fruits. If grown in partial shade, it will need at least four hours of direct sunlight daily.

Temperature Requirements

The plant grows best in sub-tropical to tropical regions with warm to hot temperatures that range between 25°C and 35°C. It can, however, tolerate temperature lows of up to 5°C. Frost damages the tree severely; therefore, it is essential to protect it from freezing temperatures.

Soil Requirements

Vangueria edulis Lam. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. It grows in a wide range of soil types, including sandy loam and clay loam, as long as the soil is well-draining. The pH of the soil should be between 5.5 and 6.5, which is slightly acidic. Regular soil testing is necessary to ensure optimum nutrient levels, and the tree does well with regular fertilizer applications.

Cultivation Methods of Vangueria edulis Lam.

Vangueria edulis Lam., commonly known as the African medlar or white wild medlar, is a small tree that is native to Africa. It is relatively easy to cultivate and can be grown in a wide range of soils. To cultivate this plant, you need to follow the given below methods:

• The best time to plant Vangueria edulis Lam. is in the spring when the soil has warmed up.
• Ensure that the site chosen is well-drained and receives ample sunlight. Vangueria edulis Lam. prefers full sunlight to partial shade.
• You should dig a hole that is twice the diameter and depth of the plant's root ball. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole using a garden fork.
• Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root balls is level with the soil surface. Fill the hole with soil and gently firm it around the plant.
• You should water the plant well after planting

Watering Needs of Vangueria edulis Lam.

Vangueria edulis Lam. requires regular watering to grow properly. It will tolerate dry conditions, but prolonged drought can weaken the plant and damage the fruit. Below are the watering needs of this plant:

• Water the plant regularly during the first year after planting to help it establish its roots. The frequency of watering depends on the climate, but generally, the soil should be kept moist.
• After the first year, you should water Vangueria edulis Lam. once a week during dry periods. Water deeply, ensuring that the soil is moist to a depth of at least six inches.
• During the rainy season, reduce the frequency of watering as too much moisture can lead to root rot.

Fertilization of Vangueria edulis Lam.

To ensure that Vangueria edulis Lam. grows well, it needs to receive the right amount of nutrients. Below are the methods you can follow

• Apply a good quality fertilizer to the soil around the base of the plant before new growth appears in the spring. Use a general-purpose fertilizer that is low in nitrogen.
• Apply the fertilizer in a circular pattern around the plant, ensuring that it is at least 12 inches away from the trunk. You can also spread a layer of organic matter, such as compost, around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
• Repeat the fertilization once or twice during the growing season, depending on the growth rate of the plant.

Pruning of Vangueria edulis Lam.

Pruning Vangueria edulis Lam. is essential to encourage healthy growth and the development of the fruit. Below are the guidelines for pruning:

• Start by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches regularly.
• Prune young trees to create a strong framework of branches. Remove a third of the previous year's growth, cutting back to a bud facing in the direction you want the new branch to grow.
• As the tree matures, remove any shoots that grow from the base or suckers that grow up from the roots.
• Thin out branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other, taking care not to remove more than a third of the canopy.
• Prune Vangueria edulis Lam. after it has fruited. Cut back the previous year's growth by one-third to encourage new growth.

Propagation of Vangueria edulis Lam.

Vangueria edulis Lam. commonly known as the African medlar or jelly plum is a fruit tree that is native to Africa. It is highly valued for its edible fruit, which is rich in vitamin C and used to make jellies, jams, and drinks. Propagation of this plant can be achieved by several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and grafting.

Propagation by seeds

The easiest and most common way to propagate Vangueria edulis Lam. is by using its seeds. The seeds should be collected from ripe fruit and should be cleaned and treated with a fungicide before planting. They should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist until they germinate, which can take up to three weeks.

Propagation by cuttings

Cuttings is another method of propagating Vangueria edulis Lam. This method involves taking a cutting from a healthy, mature plant and rooting it. A stem cutting that is about 30 cm long, with at least two nodes, should be taken in the early spring. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained soil mixture. They should be kept moist and warm until they root, which can take several weeks to a few months.

Propagation by grafting

Grafting is a third method of propagating Vangueria edulis Lam. This method involves taking a cutting from a healthy plant and attaching it to a rootstock from a related plant. The two plants are then held together until they form a graft union and become one. Grafting can be done in the spring or early summer.

Overall, Vangueria edulis Lam. can be propagated by a variety of methods, and each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of method will depend on the grower's goals and skills.

Disease and Pest Management for Vangueria edulis Lam.

Vangueria edulis Lam., commonly known as the African medlar or wild medlar, is a flowering plant that is known for its delicious and nutritious fruit. The plant is native to Africa and is now grown in many other parts of the world. However, like many other plants, Vangueria edulis is vulnerable to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggestions on how to manage them.

Common Diseases

Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that often affects the leaves and fruits of the plant. The infected leaves may have brown or black spots, and the fruits may develop sunken spots with pink or orange spores. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts, apply fungicides, and maintain good plant hygiene by keeping the plant clean and properly ventilated.

Leaf spot: This is another fungal disease that causes small, dark spots on the leaves of the plant. As the disease progresses, the spots may become larger and may merge, leading to the formation of irregularly shaped lesions. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts, prune the plant to improve ventilation and reduce humidity, and apply fungicides.

Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. The infected leaves may become distorted and may eventually die. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts, prune the plant to improve ventilation and reduce humidity, and apply fungicides.

Common Pests

Fruit fly: These are small insects that lay their eggs in ripe or nearly ripe fruits. The larvae of fruit flies cause damage to the fruit, resulting in premature ripening and rotting. To manage this pest, use yellow sticky traps, remove and dispose of infested fruits, and apply insecticides if necessary.

Mealybugs: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant. The insects secrete a sticky substance that can cause the growth of sooty mold. To manage this pest, remove and destroy infected plant parts, use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to clean the insects from the plant, and apply insecticides if necessary.

Scale insects: These are small, shell-like insects that suck sap from the plant. They can cause stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and premature leaf drop. To manage this pest, remove and destroy infected plant parts, use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to clean the insects from the plant, and apply insecticides if necessary.

By following the suggestions above, you can effectively manage the diseases and pests that might affect Vangueria edulis Lam. and ensure a healthy and fruitful plant.