Origin
Klainedoxa gabonensis Pierre ex Engl. var. microphylla Pellegr. is a plant species indigenous to Central and West Africa. It is found in the rainforests of several African countries, including Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, Congo, and Equatorial Guinea.
Common Names
It is commonly known as the "Gabon chocolate tree" or "miniature leaved klainedoxa". In Gabon, it goes by the name "mbokatier" or "puwsé".
Uses
The tree is well known for its edible seeds. The seeds are processed by roasting and pounded to produce a chocolate-like product, which is commonly used in cooking and as a snack in Central Africa. The wood of the tree is also used to make furniture and utensils as it is hard and durable. The bark has medicinal properties and is used traditionally to treat diarrhea and fever, amongst other ailments.
General Appearance
Klainedoxa gabonensis Pierre ex Engl. var. microphylla Pellegr. is a small to medium-sized tree, growing up to 20 meters tall. Its trunk is sturdy with a grayish-brown, rough bark. The leaves are alternate, small, shiny, and elliptical, measuring about 2-4 cm long. It produces small, yellowish-green flowers, and the fruit is a round, brownish-colored capsule, containing brown to blackish seeds (up to 20 in one fruit). The tree blooms from April to May and fruits from July to October.
Growth Conditions for Klainedoxa gabonensis Pierre ex Engl. var. microphylla Pellegr.
Klainedoxa gabonensis Pierre ex Engl. var. microphylla Pellegr., commonly known as the African cherry or moto tree, is a medium-sized tree that belongs to the family Irvingiaceae. It is native to West and Central Africa and is known for its edible fruit and valuable wood. The plant is typically found in tropical rainforests and prefers well-drained soils.
Light Requirements
Klainedoxa gabonensis requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and development. The plant prefers bright, indirect light, however, it can also tolerate a certain degree of shade.
Temperature Requirements
Klainedoxa gabonensis prefers a warm and humid climate with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. The plant cannot tolerate freezing temperatures and prolonged exposure to temperatures below 10°C can be detrimental to its growth. The plant is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11.
Soil Requirements
The African cherry/tree requires well-drained soils with good water retention capacity. The plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5, however, it can also grow in neutral soils. The soil should be fertile and rich in nutrients, with a high organic matter content. The plant can tolerate some degree of salinity but excessive salt can negatively affect its growth.
In conclusion, proper light, temperature, and soil conditions are crucial for the optimal growth and development of Klainedoxa gabonensis Pierre ex Engl. var. microphylla Pellegr. Providing these conditions will ensure the plant thrives and produces high-quality fruits and wood.
Cultivation of Klainedoxa gabonensis Pierre ex Engl. var. microphylla Pellegr.
Klainedoxa gabonensis Pierre ex Engl. var. microphylla Pellegr. is a tropical African plant that thrives in a warm, humid climate. It can be propagated either by seed or stem cuttings. If grown from seed, the seeds should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist until they germinate. If propagated from stem cuttings, a healthy stem should be taken from the plant and planted in moist soil until roots develop.
Watering Needs of Klainedoxa gabonensis Pierre ex Engl. var. microphylla Pellegr.
Since this plant is native to a humid climate, it requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. The soil should never be allowed to dry out completely. During the dry season, it may require more frequent watering. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization of Klainedoxa gabonensis Pierre ex Engl. var. microphylla Pellegr.
Klainedoxa gabonensis Pierre ex Engl. var. microphylla Pellegr. benefits from regular fertilization to ensure healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every two weeks during the growing season. Organic fertilizers like compost can also be used to provide essential nutrients.
Pruning of Klainedoxa gabonensis Pierre ex Engl. var. microphylla Pellegr.
Pruning is not necessary for the growth of Klainedoxa gabonensis Pierre ex Engl. var. microphylla Pellegr. However, it can be beneficial to remove dead or damaged branches to enable healthy growth. Additionally, pruning can help maintain the desired size and shape of the plant.
Propagation of Klainedoxa gabonensis Pierre ex Engl. var. microphylla Pellegr.
Klainedoxa gabonensis Pierre ex Engl. var. microphylla Pellegr., commonly known as the African prune or monkey cutlass tree, is a slow-growing evergreen tree. It is native to tropical and subtropical Africa, particularly in Gabon, Cameroon, and Congo. The tree can grow up to 20-30 meters in height and has a dense, spreading crown with small, glossy leaves. Propagation of Klainedoxa gabonensis can be done through various methods, such as seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common method of propagating Klainedoxa gabonensis is through seeds. The seeds are brown with a hard seed coat and a fleshy, edible pulp. The best time to collect seeds is during the wet season. After collecting, remove the pulp and soak the seeds in water for 24 hours.
Plant the seeds in a mixture of sand and compost in a nursery bed. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 2-3cm and spaced at least 10cm apart. Keep the soil moist and well-drained, and place the nursery bed in a shaded area. Germination can take up to 2-3 months, and the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots after they have grown to 15-20 cm in height.
Propagation by Cuttings
Klainedoxa gabonensis can also be propagated by cuttings. This method is more effective for propagating desirable traits such as disease resistance. Select healthy, young shoots that are 10-15 cm long and remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder and plant in a pot filled with a mixture of sand and compost. Water the cuttings and place them in a shaded area. Rooting can take up to 4-6 weeks.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is another method of propagating Klainedoxa gabonensis. This method is used to propagate desirable traits such as increased fruit production or disease resistance. Select a healthy rootstock plant and a scion with desirable traits. The scion should be a 1-2-year-old stem with at least two buds.
The scion should be grafted onto the rootstock using the whip and tongue grafting method. After grafting, cover the graft union with grafting wax to prevent desiccation. Keep the grafted plant in a shaded area and water as needed. The grafted plant should be transplanted into a larger container or directly into the field after it has grown to a height of 20-30 cm.
Disease Management
Klainedoxa gabonensis Pierre ex Engl. var. microphylla Pellegr. is generally resistant to most diseases. However, some plant pathogens can still cause damage to the plant. Some common diseases that might affect the plant include leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot.
To manage leaf spot, it is essential to prune the affected leaves and destroy them. You can also apply a copper-based fungicide to the plant to prevent the spread of the disease. In the case of powdery mildew, it is essential to maintain good air circulation around the plant. You can also treat it with a sulfur-based fungicide to control the disease. Root rot, on the other hand, can be managed by avoiding overwatering the plant and ensuring that the soil is well-drained.
Pest Management
Klainedoxa gabonensis Pierre ex Engl. var. microphylla Pellegr. can also come under attack by various pests such as mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites.
One way to manage mealybugs and scale insects is to prune the affected parts of the plant and apply a neem oil-based insecticide. Spider mites can also be managed by spraying the plant with water frequently or using an insecticidal soap. It is also essential to regularly inspect the plant for pest infestations and take appropriate measures to control the spread of the pests.
It is essential to note that prevention is the best approach to managing pests and diseases in Klainedoxa gabonensis Pierre ex Engl. var. microphylla Pellegr.. Ensure that the plant is grown in optimal conditions, including good soil drainage, adequate sunlight, and sufficient nutrient uptake. Additionally, ensure that you maintain proper hygiene by regularly cleaning the plant and pruning any dead branches or leaves.
