Overview
Allophylus crassinervis Radlk. is a species of plant in the soapberry family Sapindaceae. It is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Australia and bears fruit in the form of small red or black berries.
General Appearance
Allophylus crassinervis Radlk. is a shrub or small tree that grows up to 10 meters in height. The leaves are evergreen, elliptic, glossy, and dark green in color. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown, and the twigs are rusty-pubescent.
Common Names
Allophylus crassinervis Radlk. goes by a variety of common names, such as Mastwood, Native currant, Tree turquoise berry, and Shoestring tree. In the Philippines, the plant is known as Pitak means “to catch”.
Uses
The plant is used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of ailments, including asthma, fever, and dysentery. The fruit is edible and can be used to make jams and jellies. The wood is hard and durable, making it useful for construction and carpentry.
Light Requirements
Allophylus crassinervis Radlk. grows best under partial shade conditions. The plant cannot tolerate direct sunlight as it can cause the leaves to wilt and dry out. Therefore, it is recommended to grow the plant in areas with filtered sunlight or in shaded spots under trees or other taller plants.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm and humid climates. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 20°C and 27°C. Allophylus crassinervis Radlk. cannot withstand temperatures below 10°C. Temperatures above 32°C can also be detrimental to the plant's growth and development.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow in a range of soil types, but it prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It is essential to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged as it can lead to root rot. The addition of organic matter such as compost or manure can improve the soil's fertility and structure, which is beneficial for the plant's growth.
Cultivation
Allophylus crassinervis Radlk. can be grown in both indoor and outdoor settings. The plant thrives in well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. It's best to plant Allophylus crassinervis Radlk. during the spring season.
One of the most critical factors for Allophylus crassinervis Radlk. is to ensure the plant receives adequate sunlight. The ideal location for the plant would be in a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily.
It's important to provide ample space to the plant while planting. This species can reach a height of up to 30 feet, so ensure that there's enough space between each plant for proper growth.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Allophylus crassinervis Radlk. can vary depending on the conditions. The plant requires regular watering while the roots are establishing, but once the plant matures, you can lessen the frequency of watering.
Ensure that the soil is moist during the early stages of the plant's growth, but avoid overwatering the soil as it can lead to root rot. It's best to monitor the moisture level carefully to avoid any issues.
If the plant is grown indoors, misting the leaves is beneficial. It's essential to provide adequate humidity levels to the plant as dry air can lead to issues such as leaf yellowing.
Fertilization
Fertilizing Allophylus crassinervis Radlk. is essential to promote healthy growth. It's best to apply a balanced fertilizer during the early spring and continue fertilizing throughout the growing season.
Avoid over-fertilizing as it can cause damage to the plant. Additionally, it's essential to follow the instructions on the fertilizer to prevent any damage or burning of the leaves.
Pruning
Pruning is not typically necessary for Allophylus crassinervis Radlk. However, it's important to remove any dead or diseased branches or leaves promptly. This plant doesn't require any significant pruning, but you can perform a light pruning to manage the size and shape of the plant if necessary.
It's best to perform any pruning during late winter or early spring while the plant is still dormant. Be sure to clean and sanitize your pruning tools before and after use to avoid disease transfer.
Propagation of Allophylus crassinervis Radlk.
Allophylus crassinervis Radlk. can be propagated through different methods, including seed propagation, cuttings propagation, and air layering. Each of these methods has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Seed propagation
Seeds of Allophylus crassinervis Radlk. can be collected from the plant during the fruiting season and sown directly into the soil. Before sowing, it is recommended to soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to remove any seed coat dormancy. After soaking, the seeds can be sown in well-drained soil and covered lightly with the soil. Regular watering is required to keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings propagation of Allophylus crassinervis Radlk. is one of the easiest ways to propagate the plant. Select healthy and disease-free stem cuttings with at least two nodes. After cutting, dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder and plant it into well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a shaded area. After some weeks, new roots will begin to form.
Air layering
Air layering is another effective method of propagating Allophylus crassinervis Radlk. Select a healthy branch and make a cut just below a node. Apply rooting hormone powder to the cut area and wrap it with a ball of moistened sphagnum moss. Cover the moss ball with plastic wrap and secure the ends with a twist tie. Roots will start to form within a month. Once the roots are sufficient, cut the branch below the moss ball and plant it into well-drained soil.
Disease Management
Allophylus crassinervis Radlk. is a resilient plant and disease issues are rare. However, certain diseases can affect the plant, and prompt management can help prevent the spread of diseases and avoid plant death.
Bacterial Leaf Spot, Leaf Blight, and Anthracnose are the most common diseases that affect Allophylus crassinervis Radlk. Bacterial Leaf Spot and Leaf blight appear as small, circular, or V-shaped spots on the leaves while Anthracnose appears as brown spots on the leaves, and eventually, they result in leaf drop. Fungal and bacterial diseases can be prevented or minimized by applying fungicides during the early stages of infection. Additionally, when pruning diseased parts of the plant, disinfect the pruning tools to avoid spreading the disease.
Pest Management
Similar to disease, pests are not a major issue for the Allophylus crassinervis Radlk. plant. Some of the common pests that can affect the plant include spider mites, thrips, and scales. These pests can cause serious damage to the plant and should be managed promptly to avoid plant death.
The best way to manage pests is through regular maintenance, which includes monitoring plants for pest activity and identifying the pests affecting the plant. Insecticides or pesticides can be applied to manage pests. However, it is essential to follow the recommended instructions when applying the chemicals to avoid damaging the plant. Additionally, regular cleaning of the surroundings by removing weeds, litter, and debris can go a long way to control pests.
