Overview
Albizia stipulata (Roxb.) Boivin is a species of tree in the family Fabaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia, specifically found in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It is commonly known as "talong-pusa" in the Philippines and "kukhri" in Cambodia. The plant is valued for its medicinal properties, as well as its use in construction and local handicraft.
Appearance
Albizia stipulata is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 25 meters tall. Its bark is grayish-brown and has deep vertical furrows. The leaves are bipinnately compound, with small, oval-shaped leaflets. The flowers, which bloom in the months of May to July, are pink or purple and are arranged in clusters. The fruit is a flat, brown pod that contains seeds.
Uses
The bark and leaves of Albizia stipulata are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as fever, skin infections, and respiratory problems. The leaves are also used in the treatment of wounds and cuts. Additionally, the wood of the tree is used locally in construction and to create handicrafts, such as baskets and rope. The tree is also planted for ornamental purposes in gardens and parks due to its beautiful flowers and interesting bark.
In summary, Albizia stipulata (Roxb.) Boivin is a deciduous tree native to Southeast Asia, commonly known as "talong-pusa" in the Philippines and "kukhri" in Cambodia. It can grow up to 25 meters tall and has pink or purple flowers that bloom from May to July. The tree has medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. Its wood is also used in construction and handicrafts, as well as for ornamental gardening purposes.Light Requirements
Albizia stipulata requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and development. In areas with high temperatures, it is recommended to provide the plant with some afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorching.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to tropical regions and thrives in warm temperatures. It requires a minimum temperature of 15°C for healthy growth and a maximum temperature of 35°C. Extreme temperatures outside this range can cause stunted growth and plant damage.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a pH range between 6 and 7.5. Albizia stipulata can grow in sandy soils, but it does better in loamy soils that retain some moisture.
Cultivation
Albizia stipulata is a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of soils. It prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can be propagated from seeds, stem cuttings, or by layering.
The seeds should be soaked overnight in water before sowing. The stem cuttings should be taken from mature plants and should have at least two nodes. Layering involves burying a low hanging branch into the soil, where it forms roots before being cut from the parent plant.
Watering Needs
Albizia stipulata requires moderate watering. The plant should be watered thoroughly once a week during the growing season, and less often during the dormant period. Care should be taken not to overwater the plant, as too much water can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Albizia stipulata does not require regular fertilization. However, adding a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season can help promote healthy growth. Care should be taken not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
The plant benefits from regular pruning to promote bushier growth and abundant flowers. Pruning is best done in the winter before the growing season starts. The plant should be pruned to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the plant.
It is also advisable to remove any suckers that grow from the plant's base, as they can take energy away from the main plant.
Propagation of Albizia stipulata (Roxb.) Boivin
Albizia stipulata (Roxb.) Boivin is a perennial plant that reproduces both sexually and asexually. The plant can be propagated in several ways to obtain new plants with characteristics similar to the parent plants.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most commonly used method for Albizia stipulata (Roxb.) Boivin. Seeds are collected from a mature plant and then propagated. Ensure that the seeds are ripe and not infested with pests or diseases. Sterilize the seeds in a fungicide solution for ten minutes then sow them in a well-draining mix. The soil mix must be moist and should not be waterlogged. Keep the soil moist and aerated and maintain a temperature of about 25°C for germination, which can take one to two weeks.
Cuttings
Albizia stipulata (Roxb.) Boivin can be propagated using cuttings from the parent plant. The cuttings should be taken from mature stems that have no disease or pest infestation. Cuttings can be taken from the plant in the rainy season. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormones and then plant them in a prepared bed or potting mix with good drainage. The soil mix should be moist and not waterlogged. Keep the soil moist, and maintain humidity by covering the cutting with a clear plastic bag. Once rooted, the plant can be transplanted to a new location.
Layering
Layering is another propagation method for Albizia stipulata (Roxb.) Boivin. For this method, you need a healthy stem that is not diseased or infested with pests. Select a part of a stem that is close to the ground and strip off the leaves carefully. Make a small scratch on the part of the stem that you want to lay. This will help roots grow on the stem. Bury the scratched part in the soil. The stem will develop roots over time. Once well-rooted, separate the plant from the parent plant and transplant.
Grafting
Grafting is not commonly used to propagate Albizia stipulata (Roxb.) Boivin. This method requires a lot of skill and specialized knowledge and equipment, and it is typically only used in commercial settings. The scion, a part of a plant that is detached from the parent plant, is grafted to the rootstock. This method allows the union of two different plant parts to grow together and form a new plant.
Disease Management for Albizia stipulata (Roxb.) Boivin
Albizia stipulata is susceptible to various diseases such as fungal leaf spots, rust, and powdery mildew.
Fungal leaf spots are caused by several fungal species. Symptoms of the disease include small and dark circular spots on the leaves. The spots can merge, causing the leaves to turn yellow and drop off. To manage fungal leaf spots, remove and destroy infected leaves, maintain good sanitation practices, and avoid watering the plant late in the day, which helps the leaves to dry before the night.
Rust is a common disease that causes orange-yellow pustules on the leaves, and premature dropping of the leaves. Controlling rust involves removing all the fallen leaves and infected plants, the use of fungicides, and application of copper-based fungicides, which help to prevent the spread of the disease.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes different symptoms, including leaf curling, yellowing, and spotting. Application of sulfur and neem-based fungicides can help control the spread of powdery mildew.
Pest Management for Albizia stipulata (Roxb.) Boivin
Several pests can cause severe damage to Albizia stipulata, including mites, scales, and caterpillars.
Mites can cause discoloration and distortion of the leaves, as well as slow plant growth. Imidacloprid, abamectin, and insecticidal soap are effective in managing mites infection. Additionally, removing weeds and maintaining the plant's hygiene can prevent mites' infection.
Scales can cause yellow spots, wilting, and premature leaf dropping. Use of neem oil, insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil can help to control scales' infestation. Regular pruning of affected plant parts is critical in keeping the scale's infestation under control.
Caterpillars consume the plant's leaves, which can weaken and eventually kill the plant if not controlled. The use of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), pyrethroids, and insecticidal soaps can be used to control caterpillar infestation.
