Overview
Vitellariopsis dispar (N.E.Br.) Aubrév. is a tree species that belongs to the family Sapotaceae. It is commonly found in tropical regions of Africa, specifically in Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo.
Common Names
Also known as dikela or borne, Vitellariopsis dispar has different names in various African local languages. It is referred to as Mukamba or Nsimba in Congo, Ngoba or Anka'a in Cameroon, and Diafon or Ingania in Gabon.
Appearance
The Vitellariopsis dispar tree is a medium-sized plant that can grow up to 30 meters tall. Its bark is greyish-brown, and its leaves are glossy and dark green in color. It produces small, white, and fragrant flowers that are about three millimeters long. The fruit of the Vitellariopsis dispar tree is a yellow or reddish-brown berry, which contains a single large seed.
Uses
The fruits of Vitellariopsis dispar are consumed by the local people in Cameroon, Congo, and Gabon. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and the seeds can be roasted before consumption. The bark of the tree is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and dysentery. The wood of Vitellariopsis dispar is heavy, hard, and durable, making it ideal for construction and furniture making.
Overall, Vitellariopsis dispar is a versatile and valuable plant species that plays a significant role in the lives of the local people in African countries where it is found.Growth Conditions for Vitellariopsis dispar (N.E.Br.) Aubrév.
Vitellariopsis dispar (N.E.Br.) Aubrév. is a plant that requires specific environmental conditions for optimal growth. The following are the growth conditions that Vitellariopsis dispar thrives in.
Light requirements
Vitellariopsis dispar is best grown under medium to bright light conditions. Insufficient light may result in stunted growth, leaf discoloration, and reduced foliage. However, direct sunlight may burn the leaves and damage the plant. Therefore, it is recommended to protect the plant from intense direct sunlight during midday.
Temperature requirements
Vitellariopsis dispar can grow in a wide range of temperatures but prefers a warm environment. The optimal temperature for growth is between 20°C and 28°C. Temperatures lower than this range may cause the plant to produce smaller leaves and slower growth, while temperatures higher than this range may cause damage to the foliage and limit the production of new leaves. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain a constant temperature within this range for optimal growth.
Soil requirements
Vitellariopsis dispar prefers well-draining, moist soil. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant requires a rich soil mix with a good water holding capacity for optimal growth. To ensure adequate drainage, add organic matter to the soil mix such as peat moss or perlite.
In summary, Vitellariopsis dispar requires medium to bright light conditions, a warm temperature range of 20°C to 28°C, and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with good water holding capacity.
Cultivation Methods
Vitellariopsis dispar, commonly known as the African Olive, is a small tree that is native to Africa. It is a tough plant and can adapt well to various growing conditions. For optimal growth, plant the tree during the rainy season in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers full sunlight, but it can also grow in partial shade.
Ensure you leave enough space between the plants to prevent overcrowding. This can cause a reduction in the yield of fruit and make pruning difficult.
Watering Needs
Vitellariopsis dispar requires moderate watering to establish well and achieve optimal growth. During the initial stages, provide sufficient water until the plant is established. Once it reaches maturity and develops root systems, the amount of water needed can reduce. Excess moisture can cause root rot, which can lead to stunted growth in the tree, so ensure that the soil is well-draining and provide water only when necessary.
Additionally, African Olives are drought-tolerant and can survive without water for some time, making it suitable for arid and semi-arid areas.
Fertilization
As the tree grows and matures, it requires appropriate nutrients to optimize growth and produce good yields. Apply fertilizer rich in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous during the tree's early stages. Ensure that the fertilizer is spread evenly on the soil surface and adequately mixed in the topsoil.
Fertilizer application in mature trees should be done towards the end of the dry season. To maintain optimal growth, never over-fertilize the plant as it can lead to too much vegetative growth with fewer fruits.
Pruning
Regular pruning of Vitellariopsis dispar can help maintain the plant's health, shape, and size. In the early stages of growth, prune the plant to create a strong and open framework. Remove diseased or damaged branches and any crossing or rubbing branches.
Pruning mature trees is necessary to balance vegetative and reproductive growth while increasing light penetration. It's essential to cut back the branches to create new growth and control the tree's height. Pruning in the rainy season can help in healing where the branches are cut.
Before pruning the tree, ensure you have the necessary tools and skills to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation Methods for Vitellariopsis dispar (N.E.Br.) Aubrév.
Vitellariopsis dispar is a slow-growing dainty plant that belongs to the family Sapotaceae. It is commonly known as the "butter tree" due to the high oil content in its seeds. The plant has several propagation methods that ensure its proper growth and establishment.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for Vitellariopsis dispar. The mature fruits contain one seed which is sown in a well-draining soil mix, ideally with sand or vermiculite. The seeds have a hard seed coat which should be scarified or scratched to enhance germination. The seeds are sown at a depth of 1-2 cm and maintain the soil moist until germination. It should take 3-4 weeks for the seeds to germinate.
Cuttings and Grafting
Propagation of Vitellariopsis dispar by cuttings and grafting is possible, but both methods are not commonly used. Cuttings can be taken from the top of a mature stem and should be treated with rooting hormone to enhance rooting. The cuttings are placed in rooting media and kept in a humid environment. Grafting can be done to propagate the plant faster and retain specific characteristics of the parent plant. The method involves joining the stem of the Vitellariopsis dispar onto the rootstock of another plant, preferably from the same family.
Air Layering
Air layering is a simple and effective propagation method that can be done when the plant has enough foliage and branches. A branch with a diameter of 1-2 cm is selected, and a section of the bark removed. The exposed area is treated with rooting hormone, and a ball of moist peat moss is wrapped around it. The area is then covered with plastic wrap to retain moisture. Roots should develop within a few weeks or months, depending on the environmental conditions. Once the roots have developed, the branch can be severed from the parent plant and potted in well-draining soil mix.
Propagating Vitellariopsis dispar requires patience, effort, and care to ensure successful establishment and growth of the plant. Choose the propagation method that suits your skills and resources and ensure proper care of the plant to yield healthy, beautiful plants.
Disease and Pest Management of Vitellariopsis dispar
Vitellariopsis dispar, commonly known as African butter tree, is a flavorful fruit tree native to the African region. Just like any other plants, it is susceptible to a wide range of diseases and pests that can affect its growth and productivity. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that affects plants in humid and wet conditions. It causes brown or black spots on the leaves, stem, and fruit, leading to premature defoliation and fruit drop.
Management: The best way to control this disease is by pruning affected parts and practicing good hygiene. Clear away any fallen leaves or fruit from the ground and provide good airflow around the plant to promote dryness. Fungicides can also be used to control severe infections.
2. Root rot: Root rot is caused by soil-borne pathogens that attack the roots of the plant. The affected plant shows signs of wilting and stunted growth.
Management: To avoid root rot, ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering the plant. Remove any affected plants and replant in fresh soil with proper drainage.
Pests
1. Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that attack plants in hot and dry conditions. They cause yellow spots on the leaves, which eventually turn brown and fall off.
Management: Regularly spraying the plant with water can help deter and remove spider mites. Neem oil and insecticidal soaps can also be used to control severe infestations.
2. Fruit fly: Fruit flies are attracted to ripe fruits and can cause severe infections that lead to fruit drop and loss of productivity.
Management: To control fruit flies, pick ripe fruits regularly and discard any infected or overripe fruits. Place yellow sticky traps around the plant to capture adult fruit flies.
By practicing good plant hygiene and regularly monitoring your Vitellariopsis dispar for signs of diseases and pests, you can ensure a healthy and productive plant.
