Overview
Mammea usambarensis Verdc. is a species of evergreen tree in the Clusiaceae family. It is natively found in Eastern Africa, specifically in Kenya and Tanzania.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as the African apple, tamboti, mampara, or mambolo.
Uses
The fruit of Mammea usambarensis is edible and has been traditionally used by the native communities for medicinal purposes. The bark and leaves have also been used to treat various illnesses such as fever, malaria, and stomach ulcers.
The tree's wood is high-quality and durable, making it valuable for construction purposes, such as for building furniture, boats, and houses. The tree's resin has traditional use as a perfume or incense.
Appearance
The African apple tree is a tall and slender tree, growing to a height of 15-20 meters. The tree has a rounded crown with a straight, cylindrical trunk and grey-brown bark. The leaves are simple, alternate and are dark green in color. It produces small, green flowers in clusters, which then bear a round, yellowish-green fruit that contains one large seed.
The fruit of Mammea usambarensis Verdc. is round and large, measuring up to 12 cm in diameter. The fruit is encased in a woody shell, which is covered in a thick layer of latex. When ripe, the fruit releases a strong, sweet, and pleasant aroma that attracts animals and humans alike.
Growth Conditions for Mammea usambarensis Verdc.
Light: Mammea usambarensis Verdc. prefers a semi-shaded environment. It thrives well in areas with filtered sunlight. Direct and prolonged exposure to sunlight can damage the plant, especially the leaves. Therefore, it is essential to grow this plant in a semi-shaded region or under shade cloth.
Temperature: This plant thrives in a warm environment with temperatures averaging between 18 to 28°C (64 to 82°F). Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can damage the plant. It is essential to plant it in an area that is warm and does not experience frost during the winter months.
Soil: Mammea usambarensis Verdc. thrives well in well-drained soils such as sandy loam soils and clay soils. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH ranging between 6.0 to 7.5. It is also essential to ensure that the soil is rich in organic matter, as this plant requires sufficient nutrients for proper growth and development. Regular addition of organic matter and mulch to the soil is highly recommended.
Water: The plant requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. However, it is essential to avoid waterlogging, which can damage the roots. The plant requires moderate levels of water, and watering twice a week is ideal for proper growth and development.
Fertilizer: Mammea usambarensis Verdc. requires regular fertilization for optimal growth and development. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 is ideal, and it should be applied at least once every three months. However, it is essential not to over-fertilize the plant as it can lead to salt build-up, which can damage the roots.
Humidity: The plant requires moderate levels of humidity to thrive well. Humidity less than 50% can be detrimental to the plant, leading to drying out of the leaves. It is essential to maintain humidity levels between 50 to 70% for optimal growth and development.
Cultivation of Mammea usambarensis Verdc.
Mammea usambarensis Verdc. is a tree that is native to tropical regions of East Africa. It can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11 or in areas with a minimum temperature of 30°F.
The preferred soil for this plant is well-drained and nutrient-rich. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic, in the range of 6.0 to 6.5. This tree prefers partial shade to full sun exposure.
The best way to propagate Mammea usambarensis Verdc. is by seed. Seedlings should be planted in a pot or container with well-draining soil. When the seedling has grown to about six inches, it should be transplanted to a larger container, or directly into the ground.
Watering Needs of Mammea usambarensis Verdc.
The watering needs of Mammea usambarensis Verdc. vary depending on environmental and seasonal factors. In general, the tree needs consistent, moderate watering. It should be watered deeply but should not be allowed to sit in water. The soil around the tree should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
During the dry season, the plant may require more frequent watering. It is important to monitor the soil moisture level and adjust the watering schedule accordingly.
Fertilization of Mammea usambarensis Verdc.
Mammea usambarensis Verdc. benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. Fertilizer should be applied twice a year, once in early spring and once in mid-summer. The fertilizer should be applied around the base of the tree, and then watered in.
Organic fertilizers, such as compost or aged manure, can be used as an alternative to a traditional fertilizer. These will provide slow-release nutrients to the plant.
Pruning Mammea usambarensis Verdc.
Mammea usambarensis Verdc. requires minimal pruning. Dead or damaged branches should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of disease. The tree can be lightly pruned to maintain its shape, but heavy pruning should be avoided as it can reduce the plant's ability to produce fruit.
The best time to prune this tree is during the dry season. It is important to use sharp, sterile pruning tools to prevent damage to the tree.
Propagation of Mammea Usambarensis Verdc.
Mammea usambarensis Verdc. can be propagated using seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Propagation:
Seeds need to be harvested from ripe fruit. This can be done by manually harvesting the fruits from the tree or by collecting them from the ground. The seeds will need to be cleaned and sown immediately as they lose viability quickly. The seeds can be sown in a soil mixture of peat moss and perlite and kept moist until they germinate, which may take several weeks to a few months.
Cutting Propagation:
Cuttings can be taken from the semi-hardwood of the plant, usually in the early summer. The leaves, except for the top two, should be removed, and the cutting should be about 6-8 inches long and dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and covered in clear plastic to maintain humidity. Once roots develop, the plastic cover can be removed, and the cutting can be grown on.
Grafting Propagation:
Mammea usambarensis Verdc. can also be propagated through grafting. This technique involves attaching a scion (a small stem with a bud) of the desired variety onto an established rootstock of a related plant. Grafting typically has a high success rate and can allow for the production of disease-resistant plants.
Disease Management for Mammea usambarensis Verdc.
Mammea usambarensis Verdc. is generally resistant to diseases, but there are still some issues that can affect it. Here are the common diseases and ways to manage them:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease presents as sunken, brownish-black lesions with purple rims on leaves, stems or fruits. To manage anthracnose in Mammea usambarensis Verdc., it is best to remove infected plant parts immediately to prevent it from spreading. Fungicides can also be applied to prevent further infection.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that presents as round, yellow or brown spots on the leaves. The spots may have a darker border and may merge together, causing the whole leaf to yellow and die. To manage leaf spot, it is best to remove infected leaves or branches and prune the plant to improve air circulation. Fungicides can also be applied to prevent further infection.
Pest Management for Mammea usambarensis Verdc.
Mammea usambarensis Verdc. is also relatively resistant to pests, but there are still some that can cause damage. Here are the common pests and ways to manage them:
- Scale insects: Scale insects are small, parasitic insects that feed on plant sap. The presence of scale insects can be identified by long, sticky secretions on leaves, branches or fruits. They can be managed through natural predators, like ladybugs, or through systematic application of insecticides.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that produce a powdery substance that looks like cotton. The presence of mealybugs can be identified by white, cottony patches on leaves, stems or fruits. They can be managed through natural predators, like ladybugs, or through systematic application of insecticides.
Regular inspection of the plant and proper sanitation practices are essential for effective pest and disease management in Mammea usambarensis Verdc. Controlling the environmental factors, such as temperature, light, and soil moisture, can also help avoid the occurrence of diseases and pests. Finally, seeking guidance from a certified horticulturist may help prevent stress and damage to the plant.
