Origin and Common Names
Beilschmiedia tawa is a tree species that is native to New Zealand, particularly found in the North Island. It belongs to the Lauraceae family, and commonly known as simply tawa or New Zealand laurel.General Appearance
Tawa tree can grow up to 30 meters in height, and can live for more than 500 years. It has a straight and tall trunk with smooth, light grey bark, and a large spreading crown. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and around 10-20 cm long. They are arranged alternatively on the branches and have an oval or elliptic shape. The tree produces small, greenish-white flowers in spring, which are followed by dark purple or black fruits in summer.Uses
The tawa tree has a significant cultural and ecological significance in New Zealand. Its wood is prized for its durability and is traditionally used for carving, furniture-making, and construction of buildings. The fruit is a food source for birds, and the tree itself provides shade and habitats for various animals. The leaves and bark also have medicinal value. The tawa tree is also commonly planted as an ornamental tree due to its attractive foliage and spreading crown.Light Requirements
Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as Tawa, typically grows in areas with moderate to high light levels. It prefers full sun to partial shade, with a minimum of 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In shaded areas, the plant may produce foliage but will not flower or fruit as much as those grown in full sun.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to New Zealand and grows well in moderate to warm temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures ranging from 7°C to 26°C. However, it is not winter hardy and cannot withstand frost or freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Beilschmiedia tawa is known to grow well in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant prefers soils with a pH ranging from 4 to 8. It can tolerate a variety of soil textures, including sand, loam, and clay soils. However, the plant may not grow well in waterlogged soils.
The plant is also tolerant of salty soils and can grow in coastal areas. It is essential to ensure that the soil is not too compacted, which can limit root growth and reduce the overall health of the plant. Regular soil testing can help maintain the proper soil pH and nutrient levels required for good plant growth.
Cultivation Methods for Beilschmiedia Tawa
Beilschmiedia Tawa, commonly known as tawa or swamp maire, is a small to medium-sized tree that is native to New Zealand. The plant thrives best in areas with moist, fertile soil and partial shade. The tree can be propagated from seeds or cuttings, either in pots or directly in the soil.
Watering Needs for Beilschmiedia Tawa
When grown in pots or containers, Tawa requires regular watering, especially during the summer months when it is hot and dry. For established trees in the open ground, deep watering is necessary once or twice a week, particularly in the summer. However, care should be taken to avoid waterlogging, which might lead to root rot.
Fertilization of Beilschmiedia Tawa
Fertilizing is necessary for young tawa plants to encourage root and stem growth. It is recommended to add a slow-release fertilizer high in nitrogen to the soil. For established trees, spreading a layer of compost over the soil is an excellent way to promote growth. However, be careful not to give too much fertilizer as it can cause trees to grow too fast and may be susceptible to pests and disease.
Pruning Beilschmiedia Tawa
Pruning of Beilschmiedia Tawa is necessary to keep the plant's shape and size under control. Pruning should be done in the early spring when the tree is still dormant. It is best to remove the branches that intersect and the ones that grow towards the center of the tree. Also, pruning can be done to remove the dead and diseased branches, which may cause harm to the plant. However, proper care should be taken not to remove more than one-third of the tree at any given time.
Propagation of Beilschmiedia tawa
Propagating Beilschmiedia tawa can be done through various methods. Here are some of the most commonly used propagation techniques:
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Beilschmiedia tawa is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from mature fruits of the plant during autumn and winter seasons. Before sowing the seeds, they need to be soaked in water for 24 hours to help soften their hard outer coating. After soaking, the seeds can be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm, moist and shaded area until they germinate. Seedlings are ready to be transplanted when they have reached 2-3 inches in height.
Cuttings Propagation
Beilschmiedia tawa can also be propagated from cuttings taken from mature plants. Hardwood cuttings are preferred for propagating this plant. The cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood stems of the plant during the summer season. The leaves from the lower part of the cuttings should be removed, and the remaining leaves should be trimmed to help reduce moisture loss. The cuttings can then be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a moist, well-draining potting mix. After planting, the cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid and shaded location until roots develop. It usually takes around 4-6 weeks for roots to develop on hardwood cuttings.
Layering Propagation
Another way to propagate Beilschmiedia tawa is layering technique. This technique involves bending a lower branch of the plant towards the ground and burying it partially in soil, leaf mould or compost. Once the stem is buried, it should be lightly pressed down with a piece of stone or a brick. The tip of the buried stem is cut off to encourage the growth of shoots. The newly formed shoots are allowed to grow until they are large enough to be severed from the parent stem. When cutting off the new shoot, it is important to note that it should have developed roots before removal.
Tissue Culture Propagation
Tissue culture propagation is a relatively new technique that involves creating small pieces of the plant in a laboratory environment. These small pieces are then encouraged to grow into a complete plant in a sterile medium with enough nutrients and hormones. This technique is widely used to propagate plants from endangered or rare species, as it ensures the plants' genetic purity. However, this method of propagation is costly, and only professional plant growers tend to use it.
Disease and Pest Management for Beilschmiedia tawa
Beilschmiedia tawa is generally a healthy, low-maintenance plant, but it can be affected by some diseases and pests that can affect its growth and health. Here are some common issues and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf spots: This disease is caused by fungal pathogens and manifests as small, dark spots on the leaves. It can cause defoliation if left untreated. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove the infected leaves and dispose of them properly. Additionally, applying a fungicide to the plant can help control the spread of the disease.
Rust: Rust is another fungal disease that can affect the plant. It causes orange or yellow spots on the leaves, which eventually turn black. To manage rust, it is important to prune off the affected leaves and dispose of them properly. Applying a fungicide can also help control the spread of the disease.
Pests
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can be a big problem for Beilschmiedia tawa, as they can strip the leaves off the plant and stunt its growth. To manage caterpillars, it is recommended to apply an insecticide that specifically targets caterpillars. Hand-picking them off the plant can also be effective for a small infestation.
Scale insects: Scale insects are small, oval-shaped pests that often appear as small bumps on the stems or leaves of the plant. They can cause yellowing, stunted growth, and leaf drop. To manage scale insects, it is recommended to apply a horticultural oil to the plant, which will suffocate them. Pruning off heavily infested branches can also be effective.
By implementing these management strategies, Beilschmiedia tawa can remain healthy and vibrant, as well as free from disease and pests.
