Overview of Antiaris toxicaria Lesch.
Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. is a plant species that belongs to the family Moraceae. It has various common names such as upas tree, pong-pong tree, ipoh tree, and Poison Arrow Tree. This evergreen tree grows up to 20-40 meters tall and is native to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Appearance of Antiaris toxicaria Lesch.
The tree has a smooth and greyish bark that is around 5-10 millimeters thick. The leaves have a glossy green color and are either pointed or oval-shaped with a length of 10-25 centimeters. The tree produces small flowers, which are either male or female and are pollinated by the wind. It also has round-shaped fruits that are 2-4 centimeters in diameter.
Uses of Antiaris toxicaria Lesch.
The tree's bark, leaves, and fruits contain a toxic substance called antiarin that can cause death when ingested. The toxic extracts of this plant have been widely used as an arrow poison by indigenous tribes in Southeast Asia for hunting and warfare. The tree's bark and leaves are also known to have medicinal properties and have been used to treat various ailments such as fever, cough, and skin infections. The wood of the Antiaris toxicaria tree is strong and resistant to termites and has been used in the construction of buildings and boats. It is a valued timber species in Southeast Asia.
Light Requirements
Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. requires full sun exposure to grow properly. It is best to provide the plant with six to eight hours of direct sunlight every day. Insufficient exposure to sunlight can result in stunted growth or death of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows in tropical and subtropical regions, thriving in temperatures between 20-30 degrees Celsius. It cannot survive frost or extremely low temperatures. A temperature below 15°C can cause the plant to go dormant or die.
Soil Requirements
Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should range between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant also requires consistent moisture and does not tolerate drought. Overly saturated soil can lead to root rot and damage the plant.
Cultivation methods
Antiaris toxicaria Lesch., commonly known as Upas tree, can be cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. It is a hardy tree that can tolerate a range of soil and climatic conditions. The best propagation method is through seeds. The seeds should be planted in well-draining soil at a depth of about 2cm with the rough side of the seed facing upwards. The tree can also be propagated through stem cuttings or air layering.
Watering needs
Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. requires regular watering during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. During the winter months, the plant can be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.
Fertilization
The tree responds well to regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The fertilizer should be applied every 2-3 months during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilization as this can lead to leaf drop and other problems.
Pruning
Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. requires minimal pruning. Only prune diseased, damaged, or dead branches. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, before new growth appears. Use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the tree. Avoid heavy pruning as this can lead to stunted growth and reduced vigor.
Propagation of Antiaris toxicaria Lesch.
Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. or commonly known as "Upas tree" is a tall and evergreen tree that's native to Southeast Asia and northern Australia. It's a popular tree because of its medicinal and toxic properties. Propagation of the tree can be done through different methods which include:
Seed propagation
Propagation through seeds is the most common method of propagating Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. Seeds are obtained from ripe fruits, which appear after the pollination of the flowers. It's essential to remove the fleshy outer layer before planting the seeds. The seeds are sown in a nursery in sand or soil, and they usually germinate within 4-5 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a certain size, they can be transplanted into the main field.
Cutting propagation
Propagation through cuttings is another method that is widely used for Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. Cuttings are taken from mature trees and the stem is cut into several pieces. The cuttings are treated with rooting hormones and planted in soil or sand. The cuttings usually start developing roots after a month. Once the roots have developed, the cuttings can be transplanted, and they'll grow into new trees.
Layering propagation
Propagation through layering involves bending a lower branch of a mature tree towards the ground, wounding the bark, and covering it with soil. After some weeks, the branch will start developing roots. Once the roots have developed, the branch can be separated from the parent tree and transplanted to a new location. This method is commonly used to propagate mature trees that have a desirable trait.
Grafting propagation
Grafting is another method that is used to propagate Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. Grafting involves joining a scion (a cutting from a desirable cultivar) with a rootstock (a rooted cutting from another tree). Grafting is a common method used to combine the desirable traits of two plants into a single tree. It is a useful technique for propagating trees that are difficult or impossible to propagate through other methods.
Disease and Pest Management for Antiaris toxicaria Lesch.
Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. is a toxic plant that belongs to the Moraceae family. It is commonly found in tropical regions throughout Southeast Asia. Unfortunately, the plant is prone to a range of diseases and pests that can damage or even kill the tree. Therefore, it is essential to manage these factors to avoid tree damage and promote healthy growth.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. is the fungal disease known as Anthracnose. This disease is most common in humid and rainy environments and can result in necrosis leaves and stems, leading to stunted growth and plant death.
Another common disease that affects Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. is Leaf Spot. The disease leads to the formation of dark or yellowish spots on the leaves. These spots can enlarge, leading to the fall of affected leaves. The disease reduces the photosynthetic capability of the tree, leading to stunted growth if left unchecked.
To manage these diseases, it is important to keep the environment around the tree clean and free from debris. Also, ensure that the tree is adequately watered and planted in well-draining soils. You might want to use chemical fungicides to manage the spread of the disease further. Some effective fungicides to control these diseases include Mancozeb or copper-based fungicides.
Common Pests
Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. is also prone to pest attacks, mostly by mites and caterpillars. These pests can severely defoliate the tree, resulting in the tree's stunted growth or even death.
To manage these pests, you must implement regular monitoring programs to detect an infestation early. Remove any affected leaves and restrict the spread of pests. You may want to use miticides or insecticides to control these pests' spread. Apply the chemicals as directed on the label, following all safety precautions.
Conclusion
Managing diseases and pests affecting Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. requires a comprehensive approach, comprising good horticultural practices, cultural methods, and, if necessary, chemical control. Consult with a horticulturalist or other plant experts for more detailed information on disease and pest management.
