Origin
Vangueria lichenoxenos K.Schum., commonly known as Mosoko, is a tropical plant that is native to Africa. It is found in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, Angola, Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania.
Common Names
Some of the common names for Vangueria lichenoxenos K.Schum. include Mosoko, African medlar, and native medlar.
Uses
The fruit of Vangueria lichenoxenos K.Schum. is edible and is commonly used in traditional medicine. The fruit is believed to have antimicrobial, antimalarial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The root bark of the plant is used for the treatment of urinary tract infections, while the leaves are used to treat headaches and fever. The bark is also used as a natural dye to produce a reddish-brown color.
General Appearance
Vangueria lichenoxenos K.Schum. is a small tree or a shrub that grows up to a height of 4-6 meters. The tree has a dense crown with a spreading or rounded shape. The bark of the tree is grayish-brown in color, and the leaves are oval-shaped and arranged in an alternate pattern on the branches. The flowers of the tree are small and white, and they bloom in clusters. The fruit of the tree is small, round, and fleshy, and it ripens to a yellow-orange color. The fruit has a sweet and tangy taste and contains one or two seeds.
Light Requirements
Vangueria lichenoxenos K.Schum. requires partial shade to full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. In areas with intense sunlight, it is recommended to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day to avoid leaf scorching.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm and humid tropical climates, with a temperature range of 20°C to 30°C being ideal. Freezing temperatures or frost can severely damage or kill the plant. In regions with colder climates, Vangueria lichenoxenos K.Schum. may be cultivated in greenhouses or as indoor plants.
Soil Requirements
Vangueria lichenoxenos K.Schum. prefers well-drained, fertile, and nutrient-rich soils. The plant can grow in various soil types, including loam, clay, sandy, and acidic to slightly alkaline soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Regular soil moisture is essential for optimal growth and yield of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Vangueria lichenoxenos K.Schum. is a type of shrub that grows well in warm to tropical climates, making it ideal for cultivation in regions with such climates. It generally thrives in well-draining, sea-facing soils. Before planting, it is advisable to prepare the soil by adding organic matter to it.
You can propagate Vangueria lichenoxenos K.Schum. using seeds. The seeds need to be soaked in water for one day to enhance their absorbency before planting.
Watering Needs
Vangueria lichenoxenos K.Schum. requires regular watering to thrive. However, you should avoid overwatering, which may lead to root rot. Watering should be done once every week, or whenever the soil feels dry to the touch. During the dry season, you may need to water the plant twice a week.
Fertilization
Vangueria lichenoxenos K.Schum. requires a well-balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 14-14-14. Fertilization should be done during the growing season, which is typically the spring and summer months. This will help to promote healthy growth and the development of large fruit. Be careful not to apply too much fertilizer, as it may burn the plant's roots.
Pruning
Regular pruning is necessary to enable the plant to grow sturdy and healthy. Pruning should be done in the early spring, just before the growing season starts. This involves removing any dead, diseased, or broken branches. It also helps to keep the plant's size in check.
You can also prune Vangueria lichenoxenos K.Schum. to shape it, removing any unwanted branches to give it an aesthetically pleasing outline. Always use clean, sharp pruning tools to prevent bruising or tearing of the plant.
Propagation of Vangueria lichenoxenos K.Schum.
The propagation of Vangueria lichenoxenos K.Schum. is primarily done through seeds and stem cuttings. However, due to challenges in sourcing seeds, stem cuttings are the more commonly used method.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Vangueria lichenoxenos K.Schum. are collected from mature fruits. The fruits are allowed to mature on the tree before they are harvested. The seeds are then extracted from the fruits and sown directly into the soil.
Germination of the seeds takes approximately 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings should be transplanted to a nursery after they have developed two to three leaves. Seedlings should be kept in a well-draining soil medium and should be regularly watered.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings from a healthy and mature Vangueria lichenoxenos K.Schum. plant can be used for propagation. The stem cuttings should be approximately 20 cm long and should have at least two to three nodes.
The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and then planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist by misting them with water regularly. Rooting should occur within two to three weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted to a nursery or a permanent location once they have developed a good root system.
Care should be taken to protect young Vangueria lichenoxenos K.Schum. plants from harsh weather conditions and pests. Regular pruning is also recommended to promote healthy growth and branching of the plant.
Disease and Pest Management of Vangueria lichenoxenos K.Schum.
Vangueria lichenoxenos K.Schum., commonly known as the small-fruited myrobalan, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family Rubiaceae. Like any other plant, it is prone to pests and diseases that can affect its growth and development. Below are some common diseases and pests that might affect Vangueria lichenoxenos K.Schum., with tips on how to manage them.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and fruits of Vangueria lichenoxenos K.Schum. The symptoms of the disease include dark spots on the leaves, which eventually turn into big brown patches. The disease can be managed by pruning infected branches and using fungicides.
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. The symptoms include yellowing and wilting of leaves and stunted growth. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and make sure the soil is well-drained. If the disease is already present, remove the affected plant parts and apply fungicides.
Common Pests
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, cotton-like insects that suck the sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth and deformations. They can be managed by using insecticides or by wiping them off the plant with a soft cloth dipped in alcohol.
Fruit fly: Fruit flies are tiny insects that lay eggs on the fruits of the plant, causing them to rot. To manage them, it is important to pick up the fallen fruits and to use traps or insecticides.
Scale insects: Scale insects are small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the stem and leaves of the plant. They can be managed by removing them manually or by using insecticidal soaps or oils.
By taking the necessary precautions and implementing the above remedies, it is possible to manage the diseases and pests that can affect Vangueria lichenoxenos K.Schum. and promote its overall health and productivity.
