Overview
Vangueria squamata De Wild. is a tree species that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is widely distributed in tropical Africa and considered as an essential part of the traditional medicine of the region. The plant has other common names including the African Medlar, African Vangueria, and African Buckthorn.
Appearance
The tree can grow up to 15 meters tall, with a wide crown spreading up to 10 meters in diameter. Its bark is pale greyish-brown and rough with a corky texture, while its leaves are glossy green with a length of 8-20 cm and a width of 3-7 cm. The tree produces small, white, and fragrant flowers that grow in clusters at the stem's base, with each flower having a diameter of 8-10 mm. The fruit is spherical, green when young, and reddish-orange when mature, with a diameter of 2-3 cm.
Uses
Vangueria squamata De Wild. is an important medicinal plant in Africa. Its fruit, bark, and roots have been used to treat various health conditions such as fever, dysentery, malaria, and stomachache. The roots and bark contain alkaloids, tannins, and flavonoids responsible for their pharmacological activities. The plant's fruit is also edible, and it is used for making jams and beverages.
The wood of Vangueria squamata De Wild. is used for making household items such as tool handles, walking sticks, and carving. The tree's leaves and fruits are used for feeding domestic animals such as goats and cows.
Light Requirements
Vangueria squamata De Wild. grows best in bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sun can scorch its leaves, but too little light can result in sparse and leggy growth. Placing the plant near a south-facing window or providing it with 6-8 hours of artificial light each day is ideal.
Temperature Requirements
Vangueria squamata De Wild. thrives in temperatures between 60-85°F (16-29°C). Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause damage to the leaves and slow down the growth rate. Avoid placing the plant near cold drafts or air conditioning units.
Soil Requirements
Vangueria squamata De Wild. requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have a loose texture to promote healthy root growth. Adding perlite or sand to the soil can also improve drainage. Avoid waterlogged soil, as this can lead to root rot and other issues.
Cultivation Methods
Vangueria squamata De Wild. is a hardy and drought-resistant plant that can adapt to various environments. It grows well in both full sun and partial shade. The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. If propagating from cuttings, take cuttings during the growing season and root in a well-draining medium. When planting, make sure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Vangueria squamata De Wild. prefers loamy, sandy soil or red clay soil. Space the plants about 3-4 meters apart, as they can grow up to 5 meters tall.
Watering Needs
Vangueria squamata De Wild. is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering once established. However, during the first year, water the plant regularly to help establish the root system. After that, deep watering every 2-3 weeks during the dry season is sufficient. Make sure not to overwater, as the plant is susceptible to root rot.
Fertilization
Vangueria squamata De Wild. does not require heavy fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in early spring, using about 100g per plant. You can also apply compost or well-rotted manure around the base of the plant, which will help improve soil fertility and structure.
Pruning
Pruning Vangueria squamata De Wild. is not necessary, but it can help to keep the plant in a more manageable shape. Prune the plant in early spring before it starts to grow new shoots. Cut back any dead or diseased branches to promote healthy growth. You can also remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Young plants can be pruned to encourage bushy growth and to help establish a good shape.
Propagation of Vangueria Squamata De Wild.
Vangueria squamata De Wild., commonly known as African medlar or wild medlar, is propagated mainly through seeds.
Seed Propagation
Seeds are collected mainly from fully ripe fruits. After collection, the fleshy pulp is removed by soaking the seeds in water, rubbing or boiling. Air-drying is done after cleaning to reduce the moisture content. Scarification, which involves the nicking or scratching of the seed coat to promote germination, may be done to enhance germination rates.
The best time to plant the seeds is during the rainy season. The seeds are planted in a well-prepared bed made up of loamy soil, sand, and organic manure. The bed should be kept moist until germination occurs, which takes between 4 to 6 weeks. Regular weeding and thinning of seedlings should be done for proper growth and development of the plant.
While seed propagation is the most common and viable method, vegetative propagation can also be done through stem cuttings and air layering.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are taken from healthy and mature parent plants during the rainy season. The cuttings, which are usually about 15-20 cm long with at least three nodes, are treated with rooting hormone and planted in well-draining potting soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be protected from direct sunlight until they establish roots, which occurs between 3 to 4 weeks after planting.
Air Layering
Air layering is done by selecting a suitable branch on the plant and removing a ring of bark about 2-3 cm wide. The exposed wood should be covered with a rooting hormone and wrapped with moist sphagnum moss and a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Roots will form at the wound site, and when they are well-developed, the rooted branch can then be cut and planted in a container with planting soil.
Disease Management for Vangueria squamata De Wild.
Vangueria squamata De Wild. is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and yield. Below are some common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, fruits, and stems of Vangueria squamata De Wild. infected plants exhibit dark brown to black necrotic lesions on the leaves, fruits, and stems. The disease spreads rapidly in wet and humid conditions.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, flowers, and fruits of the plant. Infected plants exhibit powdery white to grayish patches on the surface of the leaves, flowers, and fruits. This disease can affect the growth and yield of the plant.
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. Infected plants exhibit brown or black lesions on the roots, which can lead to the death of the plant. Root rot can be caused by excessive soil moisture, poor drainage, and the presence of soil-borne pathogens.
To manage these diseases, it is essential to maintain good plant hygiene. Remove and destroy any diseased plant material to prevent the spread of the disease. Also, avoid overhead watering, as wet foliage provides an ideal environment for the growth and spread of fungal diseases. Fungal diseases can be treated with fungicides.
Pest Management for Vangueria squamata De Wild.
In addition to diseases, Vangueria squamata De Wild. is also susceptible to pest infestations. Below are some common pests that might affect the plant:
- Fruit flies: Fruit flies are the most significant pests that affect the plant. They feed on the fruits, causing them to rot and fall off prematurely. Fruit flies can be managed through the use of pheromone traps and insecticides.
- Scale insects: Scale insects feed on the sap of the plant, leading to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and premature leaf drop. Scale insects can be managed through the use of insecticides.
- Thrips: Thrips feed on the flowers and fruits of the plant, causing them to deform and become discolored. Thrips can be managed through the use of insecticides and natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
To manage pest infestations, it is essential to monitor the plants regularly for any signs of infestation. Early detection and treatment can prevent the spread of the infestation. Insecticides can be used to control pests, but it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
