Overview of Beilschmiedia membranifolia Kosterm.
Beilschmiedia membranifolia Kosterm. is a plant species that belongs to the Lauraceae family. This plant is native to the tropics of Asia, specifically found in Indonesia and the Philippines. It is also commonly known as Balinghasay in the Philippines.
Appearance of Beilschmiedia membranifolia Kosterm.
Beilschmiedia membranifolia Kosterm. is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 35 meters tall. The trunk can reach up to 1 meter in diameter and is generally straight. The bark is brownish-grey and has deep cracks. Its branches are horizontal, forming a dense crown of leaves.
The leaves of Beilschmiedia membranifolia Kosterm. are elliptical to oblong in shape, measuring about 10 to 17 centimeters in length and 4 to 6 centimeters in width. They are usually glossy, and their upper surface is green, while the lower surface is pale green. The petioles are up to 1 cm long. The flowers are yellowish-green and appear in panicles, while the fruit is a fleshy drupe, which turns purple when ripe.
Uses of Beilschmiedia membranifolia Kosterm.
The bark, fruits, and leaves of Beilschmiedia membranifolia Kosterm. have been traditionally used in medicine. The bark is known to be a potent source of antifungal agents, and it is also used to treat wounds and diarrhea. In the Philippines, the bark is also used as a vermifuge.
The fruits of Beilschmiedia membranifolia Kosterm. are often eaten fresh, boiled, or roasted. The leaves, on the other hand, are brewed into a tea and used to treat respiratory infections like coughs and colds.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Beilschmiedia membranifolia Kosterm. is also used for timber and is highly valued for its strong and durable wood, which is used in construction, furniture-making, and boat-building. The wood is also used to make charcoal. Due to these various uses, the plant is considered important economically and ecologically in its native range.
Growth Conditions: Beilschmiedia Membranifolia Kosterm.
Light Requirements: Beilschmiedia membranifolia Kosterm. is a tropical tree species that thrives in areas with partial to full sunlight. It prefers shady conditions, making it suitable for cultivation in areas with a canopy cover. The plant may also grow well under artificial light but requires an adequate light intensity of around 1000 µmoles m-2 s-1.
Temperature: This plant species is native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia and thrives well in warm and humid conditions. It can tolerate a temperature range of 20°C to 35°C, making it ideal for cultivation in the tropics. However, it is susceptible to frost and cannot survive in cold conditions.
Soil Requirements: Beilschmiedia membranifolia Kosterm. grows best in well-drained soils with high organic matter content. The pH range should be between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal growth. The plant prefers soils that are rich in nutrients, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is important to maintain the soil moisture levels to prevent waterlogging and ensure proper root development.
Overall, Beilschmiedia membranifolia Kosterm. is a relatively low maintenance plant that can thrive under a wide range of conditions. Providing adequate light, temperature, and soil requirements will ensure optimal growth and yield. It is an excellent species for reforestation and agroforestry systems, as it is fast-growing and provides numerous ecological and economic benefits.
Cultivation Requirements for Beilschmiedia Membranifolia Kosterm.
Beilschmiedia membranifolia Kosterm., commonly known as the 'Perah' tree, native to Southeast Asia, thrives well in tropical climates and can grow up to 20 meters tall.
It prefers well-draining, fertile soil that is acidic to slightly alkaline, with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. A combination of sand, loam, and gravel is ideal for the plant. It can grow in full sun or partial shade.
Watering Needs for Beilschmiedia Membranifolia Kosterm.
The Perah tree prefers moist soil, but it cannot tolerate waterlogging. Water the plant frequently but ensure the soil is well-draining to avoid root rot. For optimal growth, ensure the soil remains moist throughout the growing season.
It is advisable to reduce the frequency of watering during the winter season as lower temperatures can slow down the plant's metabolism and water uptake.
Fertilizing Beilschmiedia Membranifolia Kosterm.
Applying a slow-release granular fertilizer is a great way to provide Beilschmiedia membranifolia Kosterm. with sufficient nutrients during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer at the base of the plant, away from the roots, and ensure it is mixed well with the soil.
It is advisable to reduce the application of fertilizer during the winter season when growth is slow. Over-fertilization can harm the Perah tree, leading to salt buildup and nutrient toxicity.
Pruning Beilschmiedia Membranifolia Kosterm.
Regular pruning encourages the Beilschmiedia membranifolia Kosterm. plant to grow healthy and strong. Prune the plant during the dormant season to shape it and remove dead wood, diseased, or broken branches.
It is necessary to use the right pruning tools and techniques to avoid damaging the plant. It is also important to avoid over-pruning, which can slow down the plant's growth and affect its overall health.
Propagation of Beilschmiedia membranifolia Kosterm.
Beilschmiedia membranifolia Kosterm. can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
The plant produces small flowers that later produce fruits containing seeds. To propagate through this method, collect ripe fruit and extract the seeds. Clean the seeds to get rid of any flesh and soak them for about 24 hours in water to soften the seed coat. After soaking, sow the seeds in a potting mixture of sand, loam and compost, in equal amounts. Cover the potting mixture with a thin layer of sand and place the pot in a warm, bright place with indirect sunlight. The seedlings will germinate in about 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown large enough, transplant them into individual pots.
Asexual propagation
Propagation of Beilschmiedia membranifolia Kosterm. through this method involves the use of stem cuttings. Select healthy stems and cut them into 8-10cm long cuttings, with each cutting having about 3-4 nodes. The lower leaves on the cutting should be removed leaving only the top leaves. Dip the cuttings into rooting hormone powder to enhance root growth. Insert the stem cuttings into a potting mixture of sand and compost, in equal amounts. Water thoroughly, making sure that the potting mixture remains moist but not soaked. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse-like environment. Leave the pot in a warm, bright place with indirect sunlight. A few weeks later, new roots will start developing from the cutting base.
Disease Management for Beilschmiedia membranifolia Kosterm.
Beilschmiedia membranifolia Kosterm. is generally a hardy species that is relatively resistant to most diseases. However, there are a few diseases that can affect this plant.
Leaf blight: Leaf blight is a fungal disease that can cause extensive damage to the foliage. The leaves turn yellow and brown and eventually die. To manage this disease, infected leaves should be removed and destroyed immediately. Fungicides can also be applied, but this should be done as a last resort.
Leaf spots: Leaf spots are caused by several fungi that attack the leaves of the plant, causing small circular or irregular spots. The spots may start out small but can grow and merge to form larger lesions. To manage this disease, infected leaves should be removed and destroyed immediately. Fungicides can also be applied if the infestation is severe.
Pest Management for Beilschmiedia membranifolia Kosterm.
Beilschmiedia membranifolia Kosterm. is also relatively resistant to most pests. However, there are a few pests that can cause damage to the plant.
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing distortion and stunting of the plant. To manage aphids, the plant can be sprayed with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Beneficial insects like ladybugs can be introduced to the garden to feed on aphids.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of certain moths and butterflies. They can cause significant damage to the foliage of the plant. To manage caterpillars, hand-picking them off is the best option. Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) is a natural insecticide that can be used to control caterpillar populations.
