🌿 Prekese Seedling (Tetrapleura tetraptera)
Prekese, also known as Aidan fruit, is a cherished medicinal plant native to West Africa, especially Ghana and Nigeria. It is commonly used in soups, herbal medicine, and wellness products. Starting with a healthy prekese seedling is essential for successful growth.
🌱 What is Prekese?
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Scientific name: Tetrapleura tetraptera
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Local names: Prekese (Twi – Ghana), Aidan (Nigeria), Uhio (Igbo)
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Uses: Spice in soups, treatment of hypertension, diabetes, postpartum care
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Parts used: Pod, leaves, bark
🌿 Seedling Characteristics:
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Height at seedling stage: 6–12 inches
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Leaves: Compound leaves (many small leaflets), green
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Stem: Woody and upright
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Growth habit: Grows into a medium-sized tree (up to 20–25 ft tall)
✅ Ideal Growing Conditions:
| Factor | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Climate | Tropical to subtropical |
| Sunlight | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil | Well-drained loamy soil, rich in organic matter |
| Watering | Regular watering when young |
| Spacing | 3–5 meters apart |
🌱 How to Plant Prekese Seedlings:
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Choose a sunny location with good soil.
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Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the seedling’s root ball.
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Place the seedling upright, cover gently with soil.
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Water thoroughly after planting.
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Add mulch around the base to retain moisture.
🌾 Care and Maintenance:
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Watering: Regular during dry seasons, especially first 1–2 years
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Fertilizer: Add compost or NPK 15:15:15 every 3–4 months
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Weeding: Keep base clear to reduce competition
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Pruning: Remove weak or dead branches to shape the tree
🫘 Fruit Maturity Time:
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Prekese trees usually begin to bear fruit after 4–5 years.
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Pods are harvested when brown, dry, and aromatic.
