Overview
Vangueria erythrophloea K.Schum. & K.Krause, also known as the African medlar, is a tree species that is native to tropical and subtropical Africa. It belongs to the plant family Rubiaceae, which includes other popular plants such as coffee and quinine.
Common Names
The African medlar goes by many different names depending on the region where it is found. Some of the common names include velvet seed, redwood, and African pear.
Uses
The African medlar is known for the red, juicy fruit that it produces. The tree is often cultivated for its fruit which can be eaten raw or used to make jams, jellies, and other sweet treats. The fruit is also used as a traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments including diarrhea, stomach problems, and respiratory infections.
In addition to its fruit, the wood of the African medlar tree is highly valued for its durability and is commonly used in construction and furniture making. The bark of the tree is also used to make rope and baskets.
General Appearance
The African medlar is a tall, evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 meters in height. It has a straight trunk and a wide canopy of branches that are covered in glossy, dark green leaves. The tree produces small, fragrant white flowers that bloom in clusters and are followed by the red, fleshy fruits that ripen in the summer months.
The bark of the African medlar tree is a distinctive smooth, greyish-brown color, with a reddish undertone. The tree's inner bark and wood are a bright red color and produce a fine-grained, durable timber that is highly valued in construction industries. The African medlar is a beautiful and hardy tree species that is both culturally and economically important in many parts of Africa.
Plant Growth Conditions for Vangueria erythrophloea K.Schum. & K.Krause
Vangueria erythrophloea K.Schum. & K.Krause, commonly known as the African medlar, belongs to the family Rubiaceae. It is native to sub-Saharan Africa and can grow up to 25 meters tall. To ensure healthy growth of this plant, certain growth conditions need to be met.
Light Requirements
The African medlar requires full to partial sunlight exposure to grow well. It thrives in bright light but can tolerate periods of partial shade. Placing the plant in dimly lit areas can lead to poor growth and reduced fruit production.
Temperature Requirements
Vangueria erythrophloea prefers warm temperate to tropical climates with temperatures between 20°C to 35°C. It can withstand occasional drought and light frost, but prolonged exposure can damage the plant. The African medlar can grow well in areas with high humidity levels but thrives in well-drained soils.
Soil Requirements
The African medlar grows well in sandy loam soils that are well-drained. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The plant requires a consistent supply of moisture, with the soil being kept slightly moist but not waterlogged. Proper drainage is essential as the plant cannot tolerate excessively wet soils.
Cultivation methods:
Vangueria erythrophloea is a tropical plant that grows well in warmer and humid conditions. It requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0 to thrive. The plant prefers partial to full sunlight exposure and can be grown in open spaces or within containers. Seed propagation is the traditional means of propagating the plant, and it takes a few weeks for the seedlings to sprout. Alternatively, the plant can be propagated using softwood cuttings taken during the growing season.
Watering needs:
Vangueria erythrophloea thrives in moist soils, and it is essential to keep the soil consistently moist without waterlogging the plant. Water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and soil moisture levels. In hot and dry weather conditions, the plant may require more frequent watering to maintain moisture. Mulching around the plants can help maintain moisture levels in the soil and even out temperature fluctuations.
Fertilization:
Vangueria erythrophloea requires regular fertilization to achieve optimal growth and health. A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 blend, can be applied every month during the growing seasons of spring and summer. Additionally, the plant can be supplemented with organic fertilizers like compost. It is also important to provide the plant with ample nutrients to prevent micro-nutrient deficiencies that could harm the plant's growth.
Pruning:
Vangueria erythrophloea responds well to selective pruning to promote growth and improve the plant's overall appearance. Pruning can help maintain the plant's size and shape, remove dead or damaged branches, and promote the growth of new foliage. Avoid pruning the plant during the winter months, as this can lead to various diseases and infections that could harm the plant's growth. Pruning should be done during the growing seasons of spring or summer for optimal results.
Propagation of Vangueria erythrophloea K.Schum. & K.Krause
Vangueria erythrophloea K.Schum. & K.Krause, commonly known as the African medlar or wild medlar, is a slow-growing deciduous shrub or tree that can reach a height of up to 10 meters. Propagation of this plant is commonly done through seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
Vangueria erythrophloea can be propagated by seeds. The seeds must be collected from ripe fruits, which are usually found on the tree in late summer or early autumn. After collection, they must be cleaned and dried for storage or immediate use. Soaking the seeds in water for several hours can enhance germination. The seeds should then be sown in a well-draining medium and kept moist for successful germination. Germination could take anywhere from two weeks to two months, depending on the conditions.
Propagation by Cuttings
Vangueria erythrophloea can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Softwood cuttings, taken from the growing tips of the tree, root easily and quickly under mist or in a greenhouse. The cuttings should be at least 15 cm long with two to three nodes. The leaves from the bottom node should be removed to improve rooting. The cuttings can be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining medium. The pots must be kept moist and placed in a shaded area. Rooting could take four to six weeks, after which the new plant can be transplanted into a permanent location.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is another propagation method for Vangueria erythrophloea. It is often used to propagate cultivars that have desirable traits, such as fruit size or disease resistance. The best time to graft is during the dormant season when the tree is not actively growing. The scion, taken from the desirable cultivar, and the rootstock, taken from a seedling, must be of the same diameter. The scion is then grafted onto the rootstock, and both are bound with grafting tape. The grafted tree is then kept moist and in a shaded area until new growth appears.
Propagation of Vangueria erythrophloea can be done through seeds, cuttings, or grafting, depending on the purpose and desired outcome of the propagation. With proper care and attention, Vangueria erythrophloea can thrive and beautify landscapes and gardens.
Disease Management
Vangueria erythrophloea K.Schum. & K.Krause is susceptible to various diseases that can impact its growth and overall health. Some common diseases that might affect the plant include
- Leaf spot: This disease causes yellowish or brownish spots on the plant's leaves, leading to defoliation. It can be prevented by spraying fungicides and removing the infected parts of the plant.
- Canker: Canker causes stem decay, leading to wilting and death of the plant. Pruning and removing infected parts can prevent further spread, while copper sprays can help control the disease.
- Mildew: Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery coating on the plant's leaves. It can be treated by applying fungicides, avoiding overhead irrigation, and providing adequate ventilation.
Pest Management
Vangueria erythrophloea K.Schum. & K.Krause is also vulnerable to pests that might cause damage to the plant. Some common pests that might affect the plant include
- Scale insects: Scale insects can cause stunted growth, chlorosis, and defoliation. They can be controlled by removing the affected parts and applying horticultural oils or insecticides.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs feed on the plant's sap, causing leaves to yellow and fall off. They can be managed by using insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or alcohol sprays.
- Spider mites: Spider mites cause yellowing of leaves and the appearance of webbing on the plant. They can be eliminated by using insecticides or predatory mites.
Regular monitoring of the plant, timely detection of diseases and pests, and implementing appropriate management strategies can ensure the healthy growth and development of Vangueria erythrophloea K.Schum. & K.Krause.
