Origin and Common Names
Baissea longipetiolata Dilst, also known as Long-Petioled Baissea, is a rare and unusual plant that belongs to the family Annonaceae. It is native to the tropical rainforests of Madagascar, an island country off the southeastern coast of Africa. The plant is sometimes referred to as "Madagascar Custard Apple" or "Madagascar Soursop" in the English language, owing to its close similarity to the two fruits in taste and aroma.
Appearance
Baissea longipetiolata Dilst is a small deciduous tree that grows up to 10 metres in height. Its bark is brown and rough, and the leaves are simple, alternate, and obovate in shape. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and can grow up to 20 cm long and 8 cm wide. What sets this plant apart is its unique feature of having very long petioles (stalks that connect the leaf blade to the stem), which can be up to 25 cm long.
Baissea longipetiolata Dilst also has a distinct flower structure that resembles a small trumpet in shape and size. The flowers are greenish-yellow and grow in clusters that arise from the main stem or the leaf axils. The fruits are fleshy and ovoid in shape, measuring up to 10 cm long and 7 cm wide. They have a hard and knobbly surface, with a greenish-yellow to brownish color when ripe. The pulp is yellowish-white and fragrant, with numerous small black seeds.
Uses
The fruit of Baissea longipetiolata Dilst is edible and has a sweet and sour flavor, similar to other custard apples or soursops. The fruit is usually eaten raw or made into drinks or desserts, and it is a popular snack in Madagascar. The plant has also been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as fever, diarrhea, and respiratory tract infections.
The long petioles of Baissea longipetiolata Dilst are sometimes used in weaving, and the wood is used for making furniture and utensils. The plant has the potential for ornamental use due to its unique and striking appearance, with its long petioles and unusual fruit structure.
Light Requirements
Baissea longipetiolata Dilst prefers bright but indirect sunlight. Place it near a windowsill or a well-lit area in your home or garden that receives partial shade. Direct sunlight can cause leaf scorching and damage to the plant.
Temperature Requirements
This shrub grows well in moderate temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C. It can tolerate low temperatures up to 10°C, but the cold can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop from the plant. Avoid exposing Baissea longipetiolata Dilst to temperatures below 5°C, as it can be fatal for the plant.
Soil Requirements
Baissea longipetiolata Dilst thrives in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5-7.0. The soil must be rich in nutrients, and it should retain moisture without becoming waterlogged. Use a mixture of peat, perlite, and compost to create a well-draining soil with good water retention. Make sure to fertilize the plant every three months to provide the nutrients it needs to grow.
Cultivation
Baissea longipetiolata Dilst grows best in well-draining soil, preferably with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. This plant prefers moderate temperatures and partial shade while growing. It can be propagated from stem cuttings or seedlings. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged when planting.
Watering Needs
Baissea longipetiolata Dilst requires moderate watering. Water the plant only when the soil is dry to the touch. Ensure that there is proper drainage to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Increase watering during hot and dry conditions to ensure that the soil is consistently moist.
Fertilization
For Baissea longipetiolata Dilst, fertilization should be done during the growing season, which is from spring to summer. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Ensure that the fertilizer is well-diluted before application. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent fertilizer burn that may damage the plant.
Pruning
Prune Baissea longipetiolata Dilst regularly to keep the plant healthy and well-groomed. Cut off yellowing or dead leaves and stems. To promote bushy growth, pinch off the tips of the stems. The best time to prune is during early spring when the plant is beginning its new growth phase.
Propagation Methods for Baissea Longipetiolata Dilst
Baissea longipetiolata Dilst, commonly known as “breech tree” and “bat sapodilla,” is a tree endemic to the Philippines. Its propagation is typically done through seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Seeds
Seeds of Baissea longipetiolata Dilst can be obtained from mature fruits. Cleaning and drying the seeds under the shade is necessary before planting them. After preparing a well-draining soil mix, plant the seeds about 2-3 cm deep. Keep the soil moist but not too wet.
Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is done using semi-hardwood cuttings. Choose young branches with at least two nodes and 6-10 cm long. Remove the lower leaves and dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining medium and keep it moist. It may take 2-3 months for the cutting to develop roots.
Grafting
Grafting is a more efficient way to propagate Baissea longipetiolata Dilst as it allows for better control over the genetics of the new plant. The most common type of grafting used for this plant is cleft grafting. Choose a healthy rootstock tree and make a vertical downward cut about 2-3 cm long. Prepare a scion with a diameter of about 0.75-1 cm and a length of 4-6 cm. Make a sloping upward cut on the scion and fit it into the cut on the rootstock. Secure them together with grafting tape or rubber. Keep the graft union protected from sunlight until it has healed.
Disease and Pest Management for Baissea Longipetiolata Dilst
Baissea longipetiolata Dilst is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can significantly reduce its productivity and growth. Proper management practices can help minimize the impact of these problems and prevent severe damage.
Common Diseases
The most prevalent diseases affecting Baissea longipetiolata Dilst include:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brownish spots surrounded by yellow halos to appear on leaves and stems. As the infection progresses, the leaves and stems wither and die. To manage anthracnose, affected plant parts should be removed and destroyed, and the remainder of the plant treated with a fungicide.
- Root Rot: It can occur in poorly drained soils where roots can't get enough oxygen, leading to root decay and stunted growth. Improving soil drainage is key to preventing root rot. Use a well-draining soil mix, and avoid overwatering.
- Powdery Mildew: It appears as a white powdery substance on leaves, flowers, and stems. The affected plant parts eventually dry out, curl, and fall off. The use of fungicides and proper cultural practices like spacing plants properly and avoiding overhead watering can help control powdery mildew.
Common Pests
The most common pests affecting Baissea longipetiolata Dilst include:
- Aphids: These are tiny insects that suck the sap out of the plant, causing yellowing and stunted growth. To control aphids, use insecticidal soaps or oils or spray the infested plant parts with a strong stream of water.
- Thrips: These are small, slender insects that feed on the plant's tissue, causing discoloration and distortion of leaves. Thrips can be controlled using insecticides or sticky traps.
- Spider Mites: They are tiny pests that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing, browning, and stippling on leaves. Spider mites can be controlled by releasing predatory insects like ladybugs or using insecticides.
Regular monitoring of Baissea longipetiolata Dilst can help detect any signs of diseases or pests early enough before they cause significant damage. Implementing proper cultural practices like good sanitation, crop rotation, and proper watering techniques can also help keep these problems at bay.
