Origin
Voacanga schweinfurthii Stapf var. puberula (K.Schum.) Pichon, commonly known as African peach, is a flowering plant that is native to Sub-Saharan Africa.
Common Names
The plant goes by several common names, including Mupepe (in Swahili), Mueti (in Kikuyu), and Mukungulu (in Kamba).
Uses
The bark and roots of Voacanga schweinfurthii Stapf var. puberula are traditionally used in African medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, coughs, and diarrhea. The plant is also used as a psychoactive substance in some African cultures, with the bark or seeds used to induce vivid dreams or as a hallucinogen.
Appearance
Voacanga schweinfurthii Stapf var. puberula is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 7 meters tall. The bark is gray-brown and rough in texture, while the leaves are simple, oblong-lanceolate, and up to 20 cm long. The plant produces small, white flowers that are followed by orange-red fruits that resemble small peaches. The fruits are edible but not commonly consumed.
Light Requirements
Voacanga schweinfurthii Stapf var. puberula requires a moderate amount of sunlight to grow. It can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade may cause stunted growth and sparse foliage. Therefore, it's best to plant it in an area that receives bright, indirect sunlight for most of the day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical Africa and thrives in warm temperatures. It's best to keep it in an environment where the temperature range is between 60°F and 90°F. It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but frost or prolonged exposure to cold temperatures may result in irreversible damage.
Soil Requirements
Voacanga schweinfurthii Stapf var. puberula prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It does not tolerate waterlogged soil, which can cause root rot and kill the plant. A soil pH range of 6.5-7.5 is ideal for this plant. Adding compost or a slow-release fertilizer to the soil can help meet the nutrient requirements of the plant.
Cultivation methods
Voacanga schweinfurthii Stapf var. puberula (K.Schum.) Pichon can be grown in a wide range of soils, including sandy and loamy soils, but it thrives well in nutrient-rich soil with good drainage. The plant prefers a partially shaded environment, and full sun can lead to leaf scorching. The shrub can grow up to four meters in height and two meters wide, but it can be pruned to maintain a smaller size.
Watering needs
The plant should be watered thoroughly and frequently, especially in the first year after transplanting, to help establish a root system. However, the soil should be allowed to dry slightly before the next watering. Overwatering can cause root rot and other fungal infections, so it's essential to strike a balance. During hot, dry seasons, the plant may require more frequent watering to prevent wilting.
Fertilization
The shrub requires regular fertilization, especially during the growing season, to promote healthy growth and flowering. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers can be applied every six weeks. Compost and manure can also be added to the soil to improve nutrients and soil structure. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to burnt leaves and stunted growth.
Pruning
Voacanga schweinfurthii Stapf var. puberula (K.Schum.) Pichon should be pruned regularly to maintain its size and shape. Pruning should be done after flowering, and about one-third of the shrub can be cut back to the desired size. Dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of infections. Regular pruning also promotes healthy growth and flowering.
Propagation Methods of Voacanga schweinfurthii Stapf var. puberula (K.Schum.) Pichon
Voacanga schweinfurthii Stapf var. puberula (K.Schum.) Pichon can be propagated through various methods. Here are some of the most commonly used ones:
Seed Propagation
Voacanga schweinfurthii Stapf var. puberula (K.Schum.) Pichon can be easily propagated from seeds. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix and covered with a thin layer of soil. The seeds should be kept moist and warm until germination. It usually takes around 2-3 weeks for the seeds to germinate. Once the seedlings have developed a few leaves, they can be transplanted into bigger pots.
Cuttings Propagation
Voacanga schweinfurthii Stapf var. puberula (K.Schum.) Pichon can also be propagated from cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the stem of a healthy plant. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting should then be planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting should be kept moist and warm until roots start to develop. It usually takes around 2-3 weeks for roots to develop. Once the roots have developed, the cutting can be transplanted into a bigger pot.
Air Layering Propagation
Voacanga schweinfurthii Stapf var. puberula (K.Schum.) Pichon can also be propagated through air layering. In this method, a healthy stem is selected and a section of the bark is removed. The exposed area is then covered with potting soil or sphagnum moss, which is kept moist and warm until roots start to develop. Once the roots have developed, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted into a pot.
Disease Management
Voacanga schweinfurthii Stapf var. puberula (K.Schum.) Pichon is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth, yield, and quality. The following are the most common diseases that might affect the plant:
Fungal Disease
Fungal diseases such as Armillaria root rot, Fusarium wilt, and Verticillium wilt can cause severe damage to the plant. Some of the typical symptoms of fungal infection include wilting, leaf spots, and discoloration. To manage fungal diseases, it is best to remove and destroy infected plants. Maintaining proper soil drainage and adequate spacing between plants can also help prevent fungal diseases.
Bacterial Disease
Bacterial diseases such as bacterial wilt and leaf spot can cause severe damage to the plant. It can cause wilting, necrotic lesions, and defoliation. Managing bacterial diseases can be challenging, but it can be prevented by practicing good sanitation and crop rotation. Using antibacterial agents can help in controlling bacterial diseases.
Viral Disease
Viral diseases such as mosaic virus and leaf curl virus can cause stunted growth, mottled leaves, and yellowing of the foliage. These viruses are often transmitted by insects such as aphids and whiteflies, so controlling their populations can help prevent the spread of these viruses. No treatments are available for viral diseases, so management strategies focus on prevention, including the use of disease-free seedlings and resistant cultivars.
Pest Management
Several pests can infest Voacanga schweinfurthii Stapf var. puberula (K.Schum.) Pichon, impacting the plant's health and yield. Here are some of the most common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Root-knot Nematodes
Root-knot nematodes are tiny, microscopic worms that attack the roots of Voacanga schweinfurthii plants, causing stunted growth, wilting, and leaf drop. To manage these pests, it is best to rotate crops regularly, keeping the soil healthy and well-drained and using nematode-free seedlings. Nematicides may also help to control these pests.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck on the plant's sap, causing curling, yellowing, and distortion of the leaves. Managing aphids can be done through the use of insecticidal soaps and oils, natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings, or beneficial nematodes.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are insects that secrete a white, waxy substance to protect themselves, and they feed on the plant's sap. Their presence can cause yellowing and abnormal growing tips on the plant. You can remove mealybugs by manually wiping them off with a damp cloth or using a natural insecticide such as neem oil.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are arachnids that can damage the plant by piercing the leaves to consume the sap, resulting in yellow or brown spots and eventually defoliation. You can manage spider mites by using natural predators such as predatory mites or by spraying the plants with water to dislodge them.
