Overview
Vangueria esculenta S.Moore var. glabra S.Moore, commonly known as the African medlar, is a small to medium-sized tree that is native to various parts of Africa. The tree bears edible fruits that have both medicinal and nutritional value.
Origin
The African medlar is native to various parts of Africa, including Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Ethiopia, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
The African medlar is known by various names depending on the region. Some of its common names include velvet seed plant, African jelly plum, mutombori, umthombothi, and kayaba.
Appearance
The African medlar tree grows up to a height of 10 meters and has a spreading crown. The tree has a pale grey bark that is smooth when young and becomes rough with age. The leaves of the tree are glossy and dark green, with a leathery texture. They are arranged alternately on the branch and have a lanceolate shape.
The fruits of the African medlar are round and bulbous, about 4-5 cm in diameter. They have a hard outer shell that encases a sweet, juicy pulp that contains a seed in the center. The pulp is green when unripe and turns yellowish-brown when ripe. The seed is large and hard, with a velvety texture on the surface.
Uses
The fruits of the African medlar are edible and have both medicinal and nutritional value. The fruit pulp contains high levels of vitamin C and is known to have immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and other gastrointestinal problems.
The seeds of the African medlar are used to make a potent herbal infusion that is believed to have aphrodisiac properties. The infusion is also used to treat various ailments such as fever, stomach ache, and toothache.
The wood of the African medlar is hard and durable and is used for making tool handles, furniture, and carvings. The leaves of the tree are used as fodder for livestock, while the bark and roots are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Growth Conditions for Vangueria Esculenta S.Moore var. Glabra S.Moore
Light: Vangueria esculenta S.Moore var. glabra S.Moore thrives in full sun or partial shade. It is essential to ensure that the plant receives enough sunlight for growth. Hence, it is recommended to plant them in areas that receive bright light for most of the day.
Temperature: The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures ranging from 10°C to 40°C. However, it prefers a warm climate that is above 20°C. During the winter season, the plant should be protected from frost as it can damage or kill the plant.
Soil: Vangueria esculenta S.Moore var. glabra S.Moore prefers well-drained and fertile soil. The plant is not tolerant of waterlogged soil or soil that is excessively dry. A pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 is ideal for optimum growth. If the soil is deficient in nutrients, the plant can benefit from fertilizers rich in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus.
Cultivation methods for Vangueria esculenta S.Moore var. glabra S.Moore
Vangueria esculenta S.Moore var. glabra S.Moore, also known as the African medlar or wild medlar, is a small tree that is relatively easy to grow. The plant prefers a well-draining, sandy loam soil that is rich in organic matter. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade, with the latter being preferable in extremely hot climates.
When planting, ensure that the hole is dug twice as wide and twice as deep as the root ball. The soil around the tree should be gently firmed down to remove any air pockets.
Watering needs for Vangueria esculenta S.Moore var. glabra S.Moore
Vangueria esculenta S.Moore var. glabra S.Moore requires regular watering during the growing season, which is typically from spring to autumn. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Once the tree is established, it can tolerate short periods of drought, but it is best to avoid this if possible.
During the winter months, reduce watering to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization for Vangueria esculenta S.Moore var. glabra S.Moore
Vangueria esculenta S.Moore var. glabra S.Moore benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and fruit production. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 15-15-15, and apply it in early spring and again in mid-summer. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive and unhealthy growth.
Pruning for Vangueria esculenta S.Moore var. glabra S.Moore
Pruning Vangueria esculenta S.Moore var. glabra S.Moore helps to maintain its shape, promote healthy growth, and improve fruit production. Prune the tree in late winter or early spring while it is still dormant. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood and prune away any crossing or rubbing branches. Maintain an open canopy to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration to the tree.
Propagation of Vangueria esculenta S.Moore var. glabra S.Moore
Vangueria esculenta S.Moore var. glabra S.Moore, commonly known as the Wild Medlar, is a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree that belongs to the family Rubiaceae. It is native to Southern Africa and can grow up to 6 meters tall. The propagation of this plant can be done through several methods.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is one of the most common methods of propagating Vangueria esculenta S.Moore var. glabra S.Moore. The seeds can be directly sown into the soil or in seed trays filled with well-draining seedling mix. The ideal time for seed sowing is during spring or early summer. The seeds should be placed at a depth of about 1cm in the soil and watered regularly until the seedlings appear. Once the seedlings are large enough, they can be transplanted to their final growing position.
Cuttings
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Wild Medlar. This method involves taking cutting from an established plant and allowing them to grow root buds, which will eventually grow into roots. The best time to take cuttings is in spring, and this method is more successful when the parent plant is active and growing. The cuttings should be dipped in root hormone powder before planting them in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, and provide the cutting with bright indirect light.
Root division
Root division is another method of propagating Vangueria esculenta S.Moore var. glabra S.Moore. This method involves dividing the root ball of an established plant into two or more sections and then planting them in separate pots or in the garden. The ideal time for this method is during the dormant period or when the plant is not actively growing. Take care not to damage the roots during division and plant them in a well-draining potting mix.
Overall, Vangueria esculenta S.Moore var. glabra S.Moore can be propagated successfully through seed sowing, cuttings, and root division. Regardless of the method used, it is essential to provide the plant with the right growing conditions for it to thrive.
Disease and Pest Management of Vangueria esculenta S.Moore var. glabra S.Moore
Vangueria esculenta S.Moore var. glabra S.Moore is a fruit-bearing plant that is relatively hardy. However, it is still susceptible to certain diseases and pests, which can reduce yields and cause other problems. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant, along with suggested ways to manage them.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Vangueria esculenta S.Moore var. glabra S.Moore is Powdery Mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of affected plants. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy all infected plant parts and avoid planting in areas that have poor air circulation. Moreover, planting resistant cultivars is another way to prevent the spread of this disease. In addition, applying a fungicide such as sulfur can help in controlling the disease.
Another disease that might affect this plant is Anthracnose. This fungal disease attacks the flowers, leaves, and twigs of the plant, causing them to turn brown or black and wilt. To manage this disease, infected plant parts should be removed and destroyed. Moreover, good irrigation practices, which avoid moisture on the leaves, should be employed to limit the spread of this disease. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease and prevent it from spreading.
Pests
One of the most common pests that affect Vangueria esculenta S.Moore var. glabra S.Moore is the Fruit Fly. Female fruit flies lay their eggs on the fruit, and when the eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the fruit, causing it to rot. To manage this pest, it is recommended to pick fruit as soon as it ripens and discard any fruit showing signs of damage. Moreover, using yellow sticky traps or applying insecticides can help in controlling the population of fruit flies.
Another pest that might affect this plant is the Aphid. Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of the shoots and leaves, causing the plant to become weakened. To manage this pest, it is recommended to wash off aphids with a strong stream of water and introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or parasitic wasps. Moreover, applying insecticides can help in controlling the population of aphids.
Overall, managing diseases and pests in Vangueria esculenta S.Moore var. glabra S.Moore involves removing infected plant parts, avoiding planting in areas with poor air circulation, implementing good irrigation practices, using resistant cultivars when possible, and applying fungicides or insecticides when necessary. By following these best practices, it is possible to grow healthy, productive plants and enjoy a bountiful harvest.
