Plant Description:
Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. volkensii is a deciduous small tree or shrub that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. The plant is also commonly known as African medlar, monkey orange, or African peach. It can grow up to 5-6 meters or more in height, with spreading branches. The tree has an irregular, rounded crown with a thick, rough, and greyish-brown bark that furrows as the tree ages.
Origin:
The African medlar is native to tropical Africa, occurring from Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Mozambique. It thrives in semi-arid to moist habitats, from coastal lowlands to mountainous regions.
Uses:
The fruit of Vangueria volkensii var. volkensii is edible and highly valued for its sweet, juicy, and aromatic pulp. The fruit is harvested when ripe and can be eaten fresh, cooked, processed into jellies or jams, or fermented to make an alcoholic drink. The seeds are also edible and nutritious, with a nutty flavor, while the bark and leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including malaria, fever, diarrhea, and stomachache. The wood of the tree is dense and durable, and thus used in making implements such as tool handles, walking sticks, and construction poles.
General Appearance:
The African medlar has an attractive appearance, with glossy, leathery, and dark green leaves arranged oppositely along the branches. The leaves are ovate to elliptical, measuring about 5-15 cm long and 3-8 cm wide, with a pointed tip and a slightly serrated margin. The tree produces white to cream flowers in clusters that bloom from October to December, attracting bees and other pollinators. The fruit is a drupe that measures about 2-5 cm in diameter, with a green to yellowish-green skin that turns yellow or orange when ripe. The fruit contains a large seed, surrounded by a sweet and juicy pulp that gives it the characteristic taste, aroma, and texture.
Light Requirements
The Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. volkensii requires partial to full sunlight for optimal growth. It is a sun-loving plant that needs at least six hours of sunlight per day. Lower light levels can result in slower growth, spindly branches, and reduced fruit yield.
Temperature Requirements
The Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. volkensii is a tropical plant and thrives in warm temperatures. It requires a minimum temperature of 18°C and a maximum temperature of 30°C. Temperatures beyond these extremes could negatively impact plant growth and development.
Soil Requirements
The Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. volkensii prefer well-drained soils with a high organic matter content. The optimal soil pH is between 5.5 and 7.5. This plant can grow in different soil types like sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but it performs best in well-draining soils with ample nutrients.
Cultivation Methods
Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. volkensii can be grown in a wide range of soils, but it thrives best in well-drained soils with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. It grows well in full sun or partial shade and requires a lot of space for roots to expand. The plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings.
Watering Needs
Watering is a critical aspect of Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. volkensii's cultivation. It requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. The plant should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch, and the water should be applied directly to the roots. Watering should be reduced during the rainy season to avoid waterlogged soil.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for the plant's healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10:10:10 is suitable for Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. volkensii. The fertilizer should be applied three times a year, once during the growing season, which is spring, once during the fruiting season, which is early summer, and once during the dormant season, which is late fall.
Pruning
Pruning is critical to the plant's growth and production. Prune the plant during the dormant season, which is late fall or early winter. Prune to remove dead or diseased branches, to maintain the plant's shape, and to encourage fruit production. Cutting back the branches to promote new growth can significantly increase fruit production.
Propagation of Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. volkensii
Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. volkensii can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and layering. However, the success rate of propagation varies depending on the chosen method.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. volkensii are best sown as soon as they ripen. However, they can also be stored in a cool, dry place until planting. Before sowing the seeds, they should be soaked in water for at least 24 hours to soften the seed coat and increase germination rates.
The seeds should then be sown in well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm and moist environment until they germinate. Once the seedlings have developed a few leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings of Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. volkensii can be taken during the plant's growing season. The cuttings should be at least 8-10 cm long and have several leaves. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped into rooting hormone to encourage root formation.
The cuttings should then be inserted into a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm, humid environment until they develop roots. Once the roots have formed, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Layering
Layering is another propagation method for Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. volkensii. This method involves bending a low-hanging branch to the ground and covering it with soil. The branch should be partially damaged to encourage root formation, and the soil should be kept moist until roots have formed.
Once the roots have formed, the branch can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted into its own pot or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. volkensii
Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. volkensii is a hardy plant that can survive in different conditions. Nevertheless, there are challenges that growers may face in maintaining high yields. The two primary concerns are disease and pest infestations.
Common Diseases That Affect Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. volkensii
The plant is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes small sunken spots on the leaves and twigs. They eventually turn into large necrotic lesions that may cause defoliation of the plant.
- Leaf spot: Caused by the fungus Cercospora vangueriae, this disease causes small to large brown spots on the leaves. It can cause defoliation, which may lead to decreased production.
- Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a whitish-grey powdery substance on the leaves and stem. It can cause leaf curling and premature leaf drop.
Common Pests That Affect Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. volkensii
The most common pests that affect Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. volkensii include:
- Mites: Spider mites and red mites can cause heavy damage to the plant by feeding on its juices. They may also spread viral diseases, causing yellowing and deformation of the leaves.
- Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that suck the plant's juices, causing deformed leaves, flowers, and fruits.
- Caterpillars: The larvae of many butterfly species feed on the plant's leaves and berries, causing holes and defoliation.
Management of Diseases and Pests in Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. volkensii
Here are some management strategies for the pests and diseases that affect Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. volkensii:
- Prune infested leaves and shoots: Remove any infected or damaged parts of the plant using sterilized pruning shears. This helps to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Use fungicides: Apply appropriate fungicides during the growing season to prevent leaf diseases caused by fungi.
- Use insecticides: Apply insecticides to control pest infestations. However, always choose the appropriate formulation and concentration to avoid damaging the plant or harming beneficial insects.
- Apply organic pest control measures: You can use botanicals like neem oil, garlic extract, and chili pepper to control pests. They are safe for beneficial insects and the environment.
By adopting a combination of these approaches, you can protect your Vangueria volkensii K.Schum. var. volkensii plants from diseases and pests. Always monitor the plants regularly to ensure early detection of any invasive organisms.
