Origin and Common Names
Baccaurea motleyana (Muell. Arg.) Muell. Arg. is a tropical fruit tree native to Southeast Asia, specifically in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. It is commonly known as the "Kundang" or "Mundu" tree.General Appearance
The Kundang tree belongs to the family Phyllanthaceae and can grow up to 20 meters tall. It has a smooth grey bark and produces large, broad leaves, which are dark green and glossy. The tree bears fruit all year round in clusters, each containing 2 to 5 fruits. These fruits, also known as Kundang or Mundu fruit, have a symmetrical, round shape with a diameter of 2-4 centimeters. The outer skin is yellowish-green with a waxy shine, while the flesh is translucent and is divided into 5 segments containing small, black seeds.Uses
The Kundang tree has significant economic importance in Southeast Asia. Its fruits are eaten fresh, usually with salt or sugar to enhance its flavor. Its flesh has a sweet and sour taste, similar to that of grapes. The Kundang fruit can also be used to make jams, jellies, and syrups. The bark of the tree is used in traditional medicine to treat fever and diarrhea. In some cultures, the wood is used for making implements, such as tool handles and furniture. Its leaves are also used as animal fodder. In conclusion, the Baccaurea motleyana (Muell. Arg.) Muell. Arg. or Kundang tree is a remarkable fruit tree, valued for its tasty fruit, medicinal properties, and uses in production.Light requirements
Baccaurea motleyana requires moderate to bright light conditions for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but it may slow down its growth rate with insufficient light. When grown indoors, it is recommended to place it near a window that receives plenty of sunlight, but not under direct sunlight to avoid sunburn.
Temperature requirements
The plant prefers warm and humid tropical conditions, with a temperature range of 20-30°C (68-86°F). It cannot tolerate frost and will experience damage at temperatures below 10°C (50°F). During winter, it is essential to protect the plant from cold drafts and provide it with a warm and humid environment.
Soil requirements
Baccaurea motleyana grows best in well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0). It requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, as it can cause root rot. The soil should also be rich in organic matter to enhance its growth and overall health. A recommended soil mix is a combination of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
Cultivation
Baccaurea motleyana is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures and high humidity. It can be grown both in full sun and partial shade. However, it is recommended to plant it in a shaded area as it cannot tolerate direct sun rays.
The plant prefers loamy soil and requires good drainage to avoid waterlogging. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
Watering Needs
Baccaurea motleyana requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. The plant should be watered once every week or more often during the hot and dry seasons.
However, over-watering must be avoided as it can lead to root rot. Checking the soil before watering is recommended. The soil should be almost dry to the touch before watering again.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to encourage growth and flowering. A balanced fertilizer can be applied every 2-3 months to provide essential nutrients.
Organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, or bone meal can also be used to provide natural nutrients to the plant. Applying too much fertilizer must be avoided as it can cause burning of the roots.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Baccaurea motleyana. However, cutting back the plant after fruiting can promote bushy growth. Removing dead or damaged branches and leaves should be done regularly to maintain the plant's health.
Pruning should be done during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Propagation of Baccaurea motleyana
Baccaurea motleyana (Muell. Arg.) Muell. Arg., also known as locally as "rima-rima," belongs to the family Phyllanthaceae. It is a fruit tree that is commonly found in Sumatra and Borneo in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. Propagation of Baccaurea motleyana can be done through seeds, cuttings, or grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
The easiest method to propagate Baccaurea motleyana is through seed propagation. Seeds must be collected from ripe fruits that have fallen from the tree. After collecting the seeds, they must be cleaned and soaked for 24 hours in a mixture of water and fungicide. This is done to prevent the seeds from being attacked by fungi during the germination process.
After soaking, the seeds can be sown in seed trays filled with well-draining soil mixed with organic matter. The seeds must be sown flat, and covered with coconut fiber or a thin layer of soil. They should be watered regularly to keep them moist. Germination usually takes around 2 to 4 weeks.
After the seedlings have grown to a height of around 25 centimeters, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground. It takes around 3 to 4 years for Baccaurea motleyana to start producing fruit when propagated by seeds.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings can also be done, but this method requires more effort and care. Cuttings must be taken from mature, healthy trees, and should be around 20 centimeters in length with several leaves. They must be taken during the rainy season when the trees are actively growing.
The cuttings must be planted in a rooting medium composed of a mixture of sand and organic matter. The soil must be moist, but not waterlogged. It is important to keep the soil moist at all times to encourage root growth. After around 3 to 4 months, the cuttings will have established roots and can be transplanted.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is another method of propagation for Baccaurea motleyana. This method is preferred when growing specific cultivars. The scionwood of the desired cultivar is grafted onto a rootstock grown from seeds or cuttings.
Grafting must be done during the rainy season when the tree is actively growing. The trees must be healthy and disease-free. The scionwood must be obtained from mature, healthy trees that bear good quality fruits. The rootstock should be one-year-old, and the diameter should be around 1 centimeter.
After grafting, it takes around 6 to 8 months for the graft union to form. Once the union has formed, the grafted plant can be transplanted into the ground. Grafting is a complex method of propagation and requires experience and skill.
Disease Management for Baccaurea motleyana
Baccaurea motleyana is relatively resistant to most diseases. However, in some cases, several types of fungal and bacterial pathogens can infect the plant.
The most common disease affecting Baccaurea motleyana is anthracnose, which appears as brownish-black lesions on leaves, fruits, and stems. To manage anthracnose, it is essential to keep the plant dry, especially during the rainy seasons when the disease can spread rapidly.
Another disease that can affect Baccaurea motleyana is powdery mildew, a fungal infection that appears as white powdery spots on leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure plant leaves are dry during the night, as the moisture from dew can promote infection.
Canker disease also affects Baccaurea motleyana, causing dark lesions on the trunk, which then spread to the branches. To manage canker disease, prune affected branches and keep the tree healthy, as healthy trees are less prone to canker infection.
Pest Management for Baccaurea motleyana
Baccaurea motleyana is susceptible to various insects, mites, and other pest attacks that can cause significant damage to leaves, flowers, and fruits.
The most common pests that affect Baccaurea motleyana are leaf-eating caterpillars, which can defoliate the plant in severe infestations. To manage these pests, inspect the plant regularly and remove the caterpillars by hand. Alternatively, apply Bacillus thuringiensis or neem oil to control caterpillar populations.
Borers and weevils can also attack the trunk and branches of Baccaurea motleyana, causing extensive damage that can lead to plant death. To manage these pests, prune the affected branches and apply insecticides such as carbaryl or permethrin to the trunk and branches.
Finally, spider mites and scale insects can infest Baccaurea motleyana, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth in severe infestations. To manage these pests, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the plant leaves, ensuring they cover the underside of the leaves as well. Alternatively, release predatory mites or ladybugs to control spider mite and scale insect populations.
