Overview
Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. fyffei (Robyns) Verdc. is a species of plant in the family Rubiaceae. It is native to Africa and has several common names such as African medlar, Fyffe's vangueria, or inkanyamba.
Appearance
The African medlar tree can grow up to 10 meters tall and has a dense canopy of leaves that are 4-10 cm long, oval-shaped, and a glossy dark green. The trunk can be up to 70cm in diameter and has a smooth gray-brown bark. When the tree blooms, it produces small yellow-greenish flowers that are fragrant.
Uses
The fruits of Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. fyffei are edible and are used in traditional African medicine to relieve various ailments such as diarrhea, chest pains, and fever. The fruit is also used to make a popular alcoholic drink in some African countries. The bark and roots of the tree are used to treat various infections and wounds, and the leaves are used to treat skin disorders.
Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. fyffei is also planted as an ornamental tree and is attractive to birds, which makes it a popular choice for creating bird-friendly gardens.
Light Requirements
Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. fyffei (Robyns) Verdc. prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a little shade, but the plant may become less vigorous and produce fewer flowers and fruits. Excessive shade may cause the plant to become spindly and weak.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in warm and humid conditions. The ideal temperature range for Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. fyffei (Robyns) Verdc. is between 18°C and 30°C (64°F and 86°F). The plant can withstand light frosts but cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. In colder regions, the plant is best grown indoors or in a greenhouse.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in a range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils. However, the soil must be well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0. The plant prefers soils rich in organic matter and responds well to regular applications of fertilizer. The plant should be watered regularly, but not to the point of flooding or excessive moisture.
Cultivation
Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. fyffei (Robyns) Verdc. is a small tree that is native to Africa. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b. This tree prefers a partially shaded location with well-draining soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5.
Watering Needs
Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. fyffei (Robyns) Verdc. requires moderate watering. It should be watered when the top one inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the leaves to wilt and dry out.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is necessary to keep Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. fyffei (Robyns) Verdc. healthy and promote growth. Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer every two to three weeks, following the instructions on the package for the correct dosage.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. fyffei (Robyns) Verdc. It should be done during the dormant season, which is typically in late winter or early spring. Remove all dead, diseased, or damaged wood, and trim back any overgrown branches. You can also prune to shape the tree or to encourage more flowering.
Propagation of Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. fyffei (Robyns) Verdc.
Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. fyffei (Robyns) Verdc. can be propagated through several methods. Here are three common propagation methods:
Seed propagation
Seeds can be collected from mature fruits from healthy parent plants. It is best to collect seeds from ripe fruits to ensure high germination rates. The seeds should be cleaned and dried before being sown in well-prepared soil. Seedlings can be transplanted to their final growing location after they have achieved an appropriate size.
Cuttings propagation
The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings from healthy plants can be taken during the dormant season and planted in well-draining soil. It is best to use rooting hormones to increase the chances of success. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a warm, humid environment to encourage root growth. Once roots have established, the cuttings can be transplanted to their final growing location.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is another propagation method for Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. fyffei (Robyns) Verdc. This method involves selecting a healthy stem and scraping away a small section of the bark. A rooting hormone is applied to the exposed area and covered with damp sphagnum moss. The section is then covered with plastic wrap and secured in place. Roots will begin to form at the exposed area, and the new plant can be cut away from the parent plant and transplanted to its final location after sufficient root growth has occurred.
Disease Management
Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. fyffei (Robyns) Verdc. is susceptible to various diseases that can lead to reduced growth and yield. The most common diseases include:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease is characterized by dark, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, and fruits. It can be managed by practicing good sanitation, removing infected plant debris, and using fungicides.
- Leaf spot: This is a foliar disease that causes small, water-soaked lesions on leaves that eventually turn brown and fall off. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves immediately and use fungicides.
- Cercospora fruit spot: This fungal disease causes circular, sunken, and brown lesions on fruits. To manage this disease, remove infected fruits and use fungicides.
To prevent the spread of diseases, always practice good sanitation by removing infected plant debris, and avoid overhead watering, which can promote the spread of diseases.
Pest Management
Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. fyffei (Robyns) Verdc. can also be affected by various pests that can cause significant damage. Some of the common pests include:
- Fruit flies: These pests can cause damage to fruits by feeding on them, leading to premature fruit drop. To manage them, use insecticides and practice good sanitation by removing fallen fruits.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are common pests that can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and sooty mold growth. To manage them, use insecticides or natural predators such as lady beetles.
- Scale insects: These pests can cause yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and a sticky residue on plants. To manage them, use insecticides or remove them manually from the plant.
Regular monitoring of the plants can help identify and manage pests before they cause significant damage. Also, avoid overcrowding of plants, which can promote pest infestations.
