Overview
Vangueria infausta Burch. subsp. infausta, commonly known as the "wild medlar," is a flowering plant belonging to the family of Rubiaceae. It is native to a wide range of African countries, including South Africa, Angola, Sudan, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
Description
Wild medlar is a shrub or small tree, usually growing up to a height of 5 to 8 meters. It has a dense, bushy crown with a spreading canopy. The bark is smooth and greyish-brown in color, with horizontal lenticels that give it a characteristic appearance. The leaves are opposite, elliptic to ovate, and have a glossy, dark green surface. The flowers are small and white, with a sweet fragrance. The fruit is an edible globose berry, which changes in color from green to yellow or reddish-brown as it matures. Each berry contains 1 to 3 seeds and has a hard, woody shell.
Uses
The fruit is the most useful part of the wild medlar plant. It is edible, with a slightly sweet and sour taste, and is consumed fresh or used to make a jam or jelly. The fruit is also an important source of food for birds and wildlife. The bark of the wild medlar has medicinal properties and is traditionally used to treat various ailments, including stomach disorders, fever, and diarrhea. The wood of wild medlar is hard, durable, and used in making various household items, such as tool handles, walking sticks, and fence posts.
Cultivation
Wild medlar is a hardy plant that prefers well-drained soils and full sunlight. It is drought tolerant and can grow in various soil types, including sand, loam, and clay soils. The plant can be propagated through seed or cuttings, and grows relatively slowly. It is often used in landscaping as an ornamental plant, due to its attractive foliage and fruits.
Preferred Growth Conditions for Vangueria infausta Burch. subsp. infausta
Vangueria infausta Burch. subsp. infausta is a small, evergreen tree native to various parts of Africa. It is commonly known as Wild Medlar. The plant can grow up to 5 meters tall and has a spread of about 3 meters. In order to achieve optimal growth and development of the plant, certain critical growth conditions are required, such as exposure to adequate light, optimal temperature range, and appropriate soil conditions.
Light Requirements
Light is a significant requirement for the growth and development of Vangueria infausta. The tree requires a sufficient amount of direct sunlight to grow optimally. A minimum of 4-6 hours of direct sunlight exposure is essential. The tree can also grow in partial shade; however, the rate of growth and fruit production will be lower. When planting, it is advisable to choose a location that receives adequate light and has good air circulation.
Temperature Requirements
An optimal temperature range is essential for the healthy growth of Wild Medlar. Vangueria infausta prefers a warmer climate with a temperature range of 15-26 °C. The plant can tolerate mild frost but cannot withstand extreme temperatures. High temperatures can cause wilting and death of the tree, and extreme cold can lead to the plant becoming dormant or even dying. It is recommended that the tree is planted in an environment with warm temperatures and protected from harsh weather conditions.
Soil Requirements
The Wild Medlar grows well in various soil types; however, the ideal soil should be well-draining, fertile, and have a neutral pH. Heavy clay soil is not suitable for the growth of the tree, as it can cause root rot. The plant grows optimally in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.2. A soil that is rich in organic matter, such as compost or manure, is ideal for healthy growth and fruit production. It is crucial to ensure that the plant is not waterlogged, and the soil is kept moist but not excessively wet.
Cultivation Methods
Vangueria infausta Burch. subsp. infausta is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 5 meters tall. It can be cultivated in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. The plant prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It thrives in full sun and partial shade, making it an ideal plant for gardens and landscapes.
Watering Needs
Watering is an essential aspect of Vangueria infausta Burch. subsp. infausta care. The plant requires moderate watering during the growth season. It is advisable to water deeply and allow the soil to dry before watering again. Overwatering can result in root rot, which can kill the plant. During the dormant season, the plant requires less water, and the soil should be kept slightly dry.
Fertilization
Fertilization is crucial for the proper growth and development of Vangueria infausta Burch. subsp. infausta. The plant requires regular fertilization during the growth season. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended. Fertilization should be done every two to three weeks, following the manufacturer's instructions. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can lead to fertilizer burn.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of Vangueria infausta Burch. subsp. infausta care. The plant requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and size. Pruning should be done during the dormant season when the plant is not actively growing. Dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be pruned off using a clean, sharp pair of shears. Overgrown branches can also be pruned to encourage bushier growth.
Propagation of Vangueria infausta Burch. subsp. infausta
Vangueria infausta Burch. subsp. infausta can be propagated from both seeds and cuttings. The ideal time for seed propagation is during the warm months of the year, while cuttings may be taken during the spring.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds can be collected from ripe fruits of the parent plant. Once collected, they should be cleaned thoroughly and sown immediately. A suitable planting medium for Vangueria infausta Burch. subsp. infausta seeds is a well-draining mix of sand, perlite and compost. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 2-3 cm with adequate spacing between the seeds. After sowing, the medium should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination of the seeds usually occurs within 4-6 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is a faster and easier way to propagate Vangueria infausta Burch. subsp. infausta. Cuttings may be taken from the current year's growth during the spring and should be around 10-15cm long and have at least three nodes. The leaves on the lower third of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone before being inserted into a well-draining potting mix. The potting mix should be kept moist and the cutting should be placed in a warm, sheltered area. Rooting should occur within a few weeks, and once established, the new plant can be repotted into a larger container or planted in the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Vangueria infausta Burch. subsp. infausta
Vangueria infausta Burch. subsp. infausta, also known as the wild medlar or the African medlar, is a tree that can be found in various countries in Africa. It belongs to the family Rubiaceae. Proper disease and pest management is crucial to its survival and productivity.
Common diseases
The wild medlar tree is susceptible to various plant diseases such as powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot. Powdery mildew can be characterized by a white powdery substance that appears on the leaves, shoots, and flowers of the plant. Root rot can cause the plant to wilt, and the leaves will turn yellow. Leaf spot appears as small dark spots on the leaves of the plant.
Managing diseases
To manage powdery mildew, the use of a fungicidal spray can be effective. Pruning and removing infected leaves and shoots can also help reduce the spread of the disease. To manage root rot, it is crucial to avoid overwatering the plant, improving soil drainage, and removing infected roots. Leaf spot can be managed by removing and destroying infected leaves and spraying with a fungicide.
Common pests
Vangueria infausta Burch. subsp. infausta is also prone to attack by various insect pests such as spider mites, scale insects, and fruit flies. Spider mites cause damage by feeding on the plant, which leads to yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Scale insects cause harm by sucking sap from the plant and can result in stunted growth. Fruit flies can cause damage to the fruit of the plant.
Managing pests
Controlling spider mites can be done by applying insecticidal soap, which should be sprayed on the leaves and the stems of the plant. Scale insects can be removed by hand or with the use of a soft brush coated with alcohol. Fruit flies can be controlled by applying sticky traps or baits. Additionally, pruning and removing infected areas of the plant can be useful in limiting the spread of pests.
