Irvingia robur Mildbr.
Irvingia robur Mildbr., commonly known as Wild mango, is a flowering plant species native to the tropical regions of Central and West Africa. This tree can grow up to 40m tall, with a diameter of up to 2m at the trunk base, and its trunk is straight and cylindric.
Common names
Aside from Wild mango, Irvingia robur Mildbr. is also known by a variety of common names, including African mango, manguier sauvage, and odika.
Uses
Irvingia robur Mildbr. has several applications in traditional medicine. Its bark and leaves are used to treat wounds, pains, and fever. The bark is also used as an astringent, whereas the fruit is used to treat diarrhea and dysentery. In recent years, extracts from the seed of the Irvingia robur Mildbr. have gained popularity as a weight-loss supplement, with some studies showing promising results.
General appearance
The leaves of Irvingia robur Mildbr. are simple and alternate, with an elliptical or narrowly elliptical shape and up to 15cm in length. The tree's flowers are small and yellow-green, and the fruit is an oblong drupe that can measure up to 15cm long and 9cm in diameter. The seeds of the fruit are flattened and encased in a woody shell, and their fleshy mesocarp is edible.
Light Requirements
The plant Irvingia robur Mildbr. requires bright light and partial shade to grow. It can tolerate full sun exposure during winter but needs protection during summer. The plant will grow poorly or even die in low light conditions. It is essential to keep the plant near a window with bright but indirect sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for the growth of Irvingia robur Mildbr. is between 20-30°C. The plant can grow in temperatures between 15-35°C but will not succeed beyond this range. Keeping the temperature stable is essential for the plant's successful growth. Too hot or too cold temperatures can lead to stunted growth, leaf drop, and even death.
Soil Requirements
The plant Irvingia robur Mildbr. thrives in a well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6-6.5. A good potting mix for the plant should contain equal parts of peat moss, sand, and perlite. The soil should allow proper airflow and retain some moisture to promote root growth, but not be waterlogged. A lack of proper drainage can lead to root rot and the plant's death.
Cultivation Methods of Irvingia Robur Mildbr.
Irvingia robur Mildbr. is a tropical tree and is best grown in warm, humid climates. It is typically propagated through seeds, which should be collected from ripe fruit. The seeds should be planted in a well-drained soil and kept moist until they sprout. The tree should be placed in an area with enough sunlight, and away from strong winds or cold temperatures. Planting should be done during the rainy season for optimal growth.
Watering Needs of Irvingia Robur Mildbr.
Irvingia robur Mildbr. requires a lot of water to grow successfully. During the dry season, the tree should be watered regularly, at least twice a week. It is important to avoid over-watering, as it can cause root rot and other diseases. The soil should be kept moist, but not soggy.
Fertilization of Irvingia Robur Mildbr.
Fertilization of Irvingia robur Mildbr. should be done at least twice a year, during the peak growing season. The tree responds well to organic fertilizer, such as compost or manure. The fertilizer should be applied to the soil around the base of the tree, and then watered in. Avoid using chemical fertilizers, which can damage the tree and the surrounding environment.
Pruning of Irvingia Robur Mildbr.
Pruning is important for maintaining the health and shape of the tree. It should be done annually, during the dry season. Any dead or diseased branches should be removed. The tree should also be pruned to control its size and shape. Avoid pruning too much, as it can damage the tree and reduce its yield. Additionally, the tree should not be pruned when it is flowering or producing fruit, as this can reduce the yield.
Propagation of Irvingia robur Mildbr.
Irvingia robur Mildbr. is propagated through seeds. The seeds are extracted from the hard pods after they have fallen to the ground. It is important to note that the seeds lose their viability quickly, so they should be planted as soon as possible after harvesting.
The seeds are sowed in individual containers filled with a well-draining soil mix. They should be covered with a thin layer of soil and maintained in a warm, humid environment with bright, indirect light. Germination can take up to three weeks.
Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the ground. When planting in the ground, it is important to choose a site with well-draining soil and partial shade. The seedlings should be watered regularly until they establish.
It is also possible to propagate Irvingia robur Mildbr. through cuttings, although this method is less common. Cuttings should be taken from the softwood of the plant and treated with a rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment with bright, indirect light until they root.
Disease and Pest Management for Irvingia robur Mildbr.
Irvingia robur Mildbr., commonly known as the wild mango, is a tropical tree that is native to West and Central Africa. Though it is a hardy plant that can resist some pests and diseases, there are some that can still affect its growth and yield. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and how to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose - This is a fungal disease that causes the leaves of the plant to turn yellow and fall off. To manage it, farmers should ensure that the plant is grown in well-drained soil and that the area is well-ventilated to reduce the humidity that favors fungal growth. Infected leaves should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Crown gall - This is a bacterial disease that forms galls or tumors on the roots of the plant, which can cause stunted growth. To manage it, farmers should avoid using infected soil and tools when planting the tree. They should also ensure to practice good sanitation when handling the plant to avoid the spread of bacteria.
Pests
Fruit flies - These are common pests that attack the fruit of the plant, making them unfit for consumption. To manage them, farmers should use pesticide traps and baits, as well as practice good sanitation by removing fallen fruits that can harbor fruit flies.
Mealybugs - These are sap-sucking insects that can stunt the growth of the plant. To manage them, farmers can use insecticides or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to feed on them.
Borers - These are insects that bore into the trunk of the plant and can cause a lot of damage. To manage them, farmers should use insecticides or prune off infected branches to prevent the insects from spreading.
By implementing the above management practices, farmers can ensure that the wild mango plant grows optimally and yields high-quality fruits.
