Origin
Aeglopsis chevalieri Swingle var. tanakae (Swingle & M.Kellerm.) A.Chev. is commonly known as “Tanaka’s knife” and is native to the southwestern part of China, specifically in the Yunnan and Sichuan provinces. It can also be found in neighboring areas such as Bhutan and Myanmar.
Common Names
The plant has several common names, including “Tanaka’s knife,” “Yin Xiao” in Chinese, and “Gyoku Ryu” in Japanese.
Uses
The bark of Aeglopsis chevalieri Swingle var. tanakae has medicinal properties and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for various ailments, including stomach disorders, diarrhea, and fever. The plant is also used as a raw material for the production of incense sticks.
General Appearance
Aeglopsis chevalieri Swingle var. tanakae is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20m tall. The leaves are alternate, simple, lanceolate, and approximately 6-22cm long. The flowers are small, white to yellowish-white, and are arranged in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a capsule that contains several small seeds. The bark of the tree is grayish-brown and has a scaly texture.
Light Requirements
The Aeglopsis chevalieri Swingle var. tanakae requires a lot of light for its growth. It is best suited to grow under full sunlight. It is recommended that the plant receives at least 4-5 hours of light each day. Anything less than that could hinder the growth and development of the plant. If the plant is grown indoors, it must be kept near a window that receives good sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The Aeglopsis chevalieri Swingle var. tanakae can grow in a range of temperatures. However, the plant thrives best in warm climates. The ideal temperature for the plant growth is between 24-30°C (75-86°F). In winter, it is preferable to provide the plant with a warmer indoor environment. The plant is susceptible to frost damage, so it is best to avoid exposing it to temperatures below 0°C (32°F).
Soil Requirements
The Aeglopsis chevalieri Swingle var. tanakae requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged, as waterlogged soil can lead to root rot which can be detrimental to the plant's health. The pH level of the soil should be between 5.5-6.5. The plant can grow in a variety of soils, but sandy loam soil is the most suitable for its growth. It is also advisable to add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help keep the soil moist and cool during hot weather conditions.
Cultivation of Aeglopsis chevalieri Swingle var. tanakae
Aeglopsis chevalieri Swingle var. tanakae is a slow-growing and low-maintenance plant that can thrive in well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. It thrives in a sunny spot with partial shade and can adapt to different types of soils, including sandy, loamy, or rocky soils.
Watering needs
Aeglopsis chevalieri Swingle var. tanakae is drought-tolerant and requires moderate watering once per week during growing seasons. When the plant is established, it can go without water for several weeks. Over-watering can cause the roots to die, resulting in stunted growth or leaf drop.
Fertilization
Aeglopsis chevalieri Swingle var. tanakae requires regular feeding with a slow-release and balanced fertilizer. Fertilization should take place at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. Ensure that the fertilizers do not come in direct contact with the plant's stems or leaves.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Aeglopsis chevalieri Swingle var. tanakae, but it can encourage bushy growth. Pruning should take place in late winter or early spring before the growing season. Make sure to use clean and sharp pruning tools to minimize tearing or bruising of the plant's tissues.
Propagation of Aeglopsis chevalieri Swingle var. tanakae (Swingle & M.Kellerm.) A.Chev.
Aeglopsis chevalieri Swingle var. tanakae (Swingle & M.Kellerm.) A.Chev. can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and grafting. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of propagation depends on the grower's objectives and resources.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation of Aeglopsis chevalieri Swingle var. tanakae through seeds is possible, but it is a slow and unreliable method. The seeds of this plant have a hard seed coat, which makes germination difficult and irregular.
To propagate Aeglopsis chevalieri Swingle var. tanakae through seeds, the seeds should be soaked in hot water for a few minutes or nicked with a file. This process can help break the seed coat and increase the chance of germination. The seeds can be sown in a well-draining potting mix in a nursery. It may take several weeks or even months for the seeds to germinate, and the seedlings may take years to reach maturity.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation of Aeglopsis chevalieri Swingle var. tanakae through cuttings is a faster and more reliable method than seeds. Hardwood cuttings of about 15-20 cm long with a diameter of about 0.5-1 cm can be taken from the plant during the dormant season (late winter or early spring) for propagation. The cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants and dipped in rooting hormones before planting in a well-draining potting mix.
The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment with bright, indirect light until they develop roots. This process may take a few weeks to a few months. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the field.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is a common method of propagating Aeglopsis chevalieri Swingle var. tanakae. This method involves joining a scion (a piece of the desired plant to be propagated) with rootstock (the base plant onto which the scion is grafted).
To graft Aeglopsis chevalieri Swingle var. tanakae, select a healthy rootstock of the same species. Cut the scion (a 3-4 cm long twig with a few buds) from a mature and healthy plant. Make a slanted cut at the base of the scion and a matching cut on the rootstock. Join both the scion and rootstock firmly and wrap the graft union with a grafting tape. Keep the grafted plant in a warm and humid environment and protect it from direct sunlight until it develops new shoots.
Disease Management:
Aeglopsis chevalieri Swingle var. tanakae is susceptible to various diseases, including twig blight, root rot, leaf spot, and stem canker. To manage these diseases:
- Prune and dispose of diseased plant parts.
- Avoid overwatering and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
- Apply fungicides according to the label instructions.
- Monitor the plant for any signs of disease and take appropriate measures immediately.
Pest Management:
The plant can also be affected by pests like scales, mealybugs, leaf miners, and spider mites. To manage these pests:
- Regularly inspect the plant for any signs of pest infestation.
- Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control soft-bodied pests like mealybugs and spider mites.
- Introduce natural enemies like ladybugs and lacewings to control the population of aphids and other small insects.
- Prune and dispose of heavily infested foliage.
It is important to note that prevention is always better than cure. Therefore, maintaining good plant hygiene, providing adequate nutrition, and keeping the plant stress-free can go a long way in preventing disease and pest infestations.
