Overview
Artabotrys mabifolius Diels is a plant species belonging to the family Annonaceae. It is a climbing shrub that is native to Southeast Asia, particularly to the countries of Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
Common Names
Artabotrys mabifolius is commonly known as "Mak Ma Pao" in Thailand, "Chom pu" in Cambodia, and "Lôc v?ng" in Vietnam.
Uses
Throughout its native range, Artabotrys mabifolius is used both for medicinal and culinary purposes. The leaves and twigs of the plant are traditionally used in Thai medicine to treat skin infections, and Cambodia's indigenous communities use the fruit as a natural diuretic. The fruit, which is usually green when unripe and turns yellow when ripe, is also edible and is consumed as a delicacy in many parts of Southeast Asia.
General Appearance
The plant Artabotrys mabifolius grows as a vine or a climber and has woody stems. It can reach a height of up to three meters. The leaves are simple, ovate-lanceolate to elliptic-lanceolate, and measure from six to 16 centimeters long and one to four centimeters wide. The flowers are produced singly or in small clusters along the branches and are greenish-yellow, about three centimeters in diameter. The fruit is a large, ellipsoid berry, which can be 10-15 cm long and six to seven cm wide, with a slightly bumpy texture, green when unripe, and yellow when ripe.
Light Requirements
Artabotrys mabifolius Diels requires moderate to full sunlight exposure for healthy growth. A minimum of six hours of direct sunlight exposure is necessary for the plant to grow and thrive. Exposure to moderate sunlight helps the plant develop strong stems and foliage. Insufficient sunlight can result in stunted growth and poor flower production.
Temperature Requirements
Artabotrys mabifolius Diels thrives in warm temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 15°C for a short period but can't handle frost or cold temperatures below 10°C. The plant grows well in tropical climates with high humidity and warm temperatures. Temperatures above 35°C can cause damage to the leaves and flowers, leading to poor growth and production.
Soil Requirements
Artabotrys mabifolius Diels prefers well-drained and fertile soils rich in organic matter. The plant thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should have good water holding capacity and good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Adding organic matter such as compost and manure to the soil improves soil structure and fertility, promoting healthy root development, and overall growth of the plant.
Cultivation methods
Artabotrys mabifolius Diels needs a warm, humid climate with an average temperature of 30°C. The plant prefers well-drained and rich soil to grow. It requires partial shade, so it should be grown under trees that allow sufficient sunlight and shade. The plant is propagated by seeds or cuttings. Plant the seeds 2 cm deep in the soil, and the cutting should be immersed in rooting hormone before planting.
Watering needs
Artabotrys mabifolius Diels requires a lot of water to grow well. Deep, regular watering is necessary, especially during the dry season. The plant should be watered early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce water loss through evaporation. The soil should be kept moist for proper growth and yield.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular feeding for optimal growth and yields. Organic fertilizers such as animal manure, bone meal, or compost can be applied every four months. Synthetic fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) can be used as per the manufacturer's instructions. It's important to follow the right application guidelines to prevent overfeeding, which can lead to plant damage and death.
Pruning
Artabotrys mabifolius Diels requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and size. Prune the plant regularly to control its growth, remove dead or diseased branches, and promote flowering. The best time to prune the plant is after flowering and before the growing season. Use sterilized pruning shears to prevent the spread of diseases that could harm the plant.
Propagation of Artabotrys mabifolius Diels
Artabotrys mabifolius Diels, commonly known as Mabi Vine, is a climbing plant native to Papua New Guinea and is chosen for its beautiful flowers and foliage. When it comes to propagating this plant species, there are several methods to choose from:
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagation of Artabotrys mabifolius Diels is through seed propagation. Fresh seeds germinate quickly, usually within 2 weeks. The seedlings may take up to 2-3 months to reach a size that is suitable for transplanting. Germination can be improved by soaking the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing. The seedlings should be kept moist and in a well-lit area until they are ready to be transplanted.
Cuttings Propagation
Artabotrys mabifolius Diels can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Softwood cuttings should be taken in spring or summer and should be around 10-15cm in length. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder and placed in a well-draining potting mix. Cover the container with a plastic bag to maintain humidity and place it in indirect light. The cutting will usually root in about 4-6 weeks.
Air Layering
Artabotrys mabifolius Diels can also be propagated through air layering. This method involves wounding the stem by cutting or scraping off a patch of bark, then covering the wounded area with moist sphagnum moss and enclosing it in plastic. In a few weeks, roots should form where the wound has been made. When a good root system has formed, the rooted section of the stem can be cut off and planted in a potting mix.
Grafting
Grafting can be used to propagate Artabotrys mabifolius Diels onto other rootstocks. This method is best used to propagate cultivars that cannot be propagated through other methods. The scion (stem) is inserted into the rootstock plant and secured with grafting tape. The grafted plant should be kept in a humid environment until it has formed roots and is stable enough to be transplanted.
Overall, these are the various methods that can be used to propagate Artabotrys mabifolius Diels. Each has its own advantages, and the choice of which method to use depends on the situation at hand.
Disease Management
Artabotrys mabifolius Diels is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases that can damage the plants. The common diseases that may affect this plant are:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes black or brown spots on leaves, stems, and flowers. To control anthracnose, remove infected plant parts and destroy them. Provide proper air circulation by pruning and spacing plants.
- Leaf Spot: This is another fungal disease that causes circular spots with brown or black centers on leaves. It can be managed by removing infected leaves, avoiding overhead irrigation, and providing good air circulation.
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that appears as orange or yellow spots on the underside of leaves. Apply fungicide to control rust, remove infected leaves, and provide proper air circulation.
Pest Management
Artabotrys mabifolius Diels is mainly attacked by insect pests that can damage the plants. The common pests that may affect this plant are:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck plant sap and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. Introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings which can feed on them.
- Mites: Mites are tiny, sap-sucking insects that can cause yellowing and curling of leaves. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, cottony insects that can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. They can be removed by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or using insecticidal soap.
