Introduction
Artabotrys macrophyllus Hook.f., also known as the large-leaved artabotrys or false durian, is a flowering plant in the Annonaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Common Names
The plant is known by various common names in different regions. In Malaysia, it is called 'yasmin pagar'. In the Philippines, it is known as 'kabuyao' or 'saging-sagingan'. In Thailand, it is called 'chaan-hoo-roi'.
Uses
The Artabotrys macrophyllus plant has various traditional uses in the regions where it is found. In Malaysia, the leaves and bark of the plant are used to treat fever, cough, and diarrhea. In the Philippines, the bark is used as a treatment for dysentery. In Thailand, the leaves are used as a pain reliever and to treat skin diseases.
The plant is also known for its fragrant flowers, which produce a sweet aroma and are sometimes used in perfumery. The fruit of the plant is edible, but it is not commonly consumed due to its unpleasant taste.
General Appearance
Artabotrys macrophyllus is a woody vine or shrub that can grow up to 10 meters in height. It has large, glossy leaves that can reach up to 30 cm in length and around 20 cm in width. The plant produces greenish-yellow flowers that are around 4 cm in diameter and emit a sweet, fruity scent. The fruit of the plant is a large, spiny capsule that contains numerous seeds.
The plant is often grown as an ornamental for its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers.
Growth Conditions for Artabotrys Macrophyllus Hook.f.
Artabotrys macrophyllus Hook.f. is a tropical plant that thrives in specific environmental conditions. The plant is native to Southeast Asia and China and is commonly known as the yang ya fei zi in Chinese.
Light Requirements
Artabotrys macrophyllus Hook.f. prefers a partially shaded environment with at least four hours of direct sunlight. It grows well under the shade of tall trees, making it an ideal understory plant. However, it can also thrive in full shade or full sun conditions with adequate watering.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in warm and humid conditions with an optimum temperature range of 20°C to 28°C. Artabotrys macrophyllus Hook.f. is sensitive to frost and cold temperatures and can only survive in areas with temperatures above 10°C.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. It thrives in rich and fertile soils with good organic matter content. It can also grow in sandy soils or soils that are slightly acidic. It is not tolerant of soils with poor drainage or heavy clay soils.
Cultivation methods:
Artabotrys macrophyllus Hook.f. is a plant that is generally cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The plant prefers a humid climate and well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade, but it does best with partial shade and protection from intense sunlight. This plant is a climbing vine and usually grows up to a height of about 5-7 meters. Therefore, it needs support for its growth, such as hanging strings, trellises, or fences.
Watering needs:
Artabotrys macrophyllus Hook.f. requires moderate watering. It is essential to keep the soil always moist, but not waterlogged. Watering should be done regularly, especially during the dry season. However, it is advisable to reduce the frequency of watering during the rainy season. Too much water can cause root rot and can lead to the death of the plant.
Fertilization:
Artabotrys macrophyllus Hook.f. requires regular fertilization to grow and produce flowers. An organic fertilizer such as compost or a balanced fertilizer can be used every three months during the growing season to supply the required nutrients. This plant also benefits from foliar fertilization, in which a liquid fertilizer mixture is sprayed directly onto the leaves every two weeks to promote growth and flowering.
Pruning:
Pruning of Artabotrys macrophyllus Hook.f. is essential to keep it in good shape, control its size, and improve its flowering. Pruning should be done during the dormant season when the plant is not actively growing. Dead and diseased branches should be removed, and any branches that are crossing should be cut to prevent rubbing. It is also advisable to prune the plant after it has finished flowering to improve the quality of flowers in the next season.
Propagation of Artabotrys macrophyllus Hook.f.
Artabotrys macrophyllus Hook.f. can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation through Seeds
The plant produces fruits that contain numerous seeds. One can propagate the plant through seed propagation. The seeds of Artabotrys macrophyllus Hook.f. are best sown as soon as they are ripe. Sowing the seeds directly in the ground or potting soil will ensure proper growth of the plant. The seeds can be soaked overnight in water to improve the germination rate. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1 cm in the potting soil or seedling tray. The seeds should be watered regularly and kept moist until they germinate. The seeds can take 3-5 weeks to germinate and begin to grow.
Propagation through Cuttings
Artabotrys macrophyllus Hook.f. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be of mature and healthy stems. Cuttings of about 10 cm should be taken during the growing season. The lower leaves of the cuttings should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings should be placed in the potting soil or sand mixtures and kept moist until roots form. Once the roots form, the cutting can be planted in a permanent location.
Propagation through Layering
Artabotrys macrophyllus Hook.f. can also be propagated through layering. In layering, a low hanging branch of the plant is selected. The branch is scraped inwardly near a node and a twig is tied to the scratched area and then buried in the soil. Once the new roots appear from the wound, the branch can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted into a new location.
Disease and Pest Management for Artabotrys macrophyllus Hook.f.
A thorough disease and pest management program is essential to maintain the health of Artabotrys macrophyllus Hook.f. As with any plant, there are several pests and diseases that may affect its growth and survival.
Common Pests
The most common pests that can affect Artabotrys macrophyllus Hook.f. are mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests can weaken the plant, causing leaves to yellow, and growth to slow down. Mites and mealybugs can be controlled by washing the plant with water and soap. Scale insects can be removed manually, or horticultural oil can be used.
Common Diseases
Artabotrys macrophyllus Hook.f. is relatively disease-resistant. However, fungi and bacteria can cause cankers, leaf spots, and root rot. Canker diseases cause dead spots on branch bark. Leaf spot diseases cause small red or brown spots on leaves that usually fall off. Root rot disease of Artabotrys macrophyllus Hook.f. is caused by the fungus Phytophthora. It causes root decay and wilting of leaves and stems, ultimately leading to plant death.
Disease and Pest Management
Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to pest and disease management. Adequate sunlight and air circulation will help in reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Overwatering should also be avoided as it may cause root rot. Infected plant parts should be removed immediately to prevent further damage to the plant. Insecticides and fungicides can be used to manage pest and disease problems effectively. Fungicides such as Thiophanate-methyl, Tebuconazole, and Chlorothalonil are effective in controlling fungal diseases. Neem oil or insecticidal soaps can be used to control mites and mealybugs. Beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can also help in controlling pests.
Overall, a balanced approach of preventative measures and reactive measures will help to maintain the health of Artabotrys macrophyllus Hook.f.
