Overview:
Bumelia dulcifica Schumach. & Thonn., commonly known as sweetwood or persimmon plum, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the family Sapotaceae. This plant is mainly found in tropical areas of the Americas, including Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
General Appearance:
This plant species can grow up to 20 meters tall, with its grayish bark becoming more furrowed with age. Its leaves are elliptic and leathery, and range in size from 5 to 15 cm long and 2 to 8 cm wide. It produces small, creamy white flowers that are up to 8 mm in diameter and are usually arranged in clusters. The fruit of Bumelia dulcifica Schumach. & Thonn. is oval-shaped, up to 2 cm in diameter, and turns black when it ripens.
Common Names:
Bumelia dulcifica Schumach. & Thonn. is commonly known as sweetwood or persimmon plum. In Mexico, it is also known as tzapotillo, while in Belize and Guatemala, it is called nance dulce.
Uses:
The fruit of Bumelia dulcifica Schumach. & Thonn. is edible and has a sweet, juicy pulp that tastes like honey. It is used to make jams, jellies, and desserts. The bark and leaves of the plant have medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine to treat stomach ailments and fevers. Sweetwood is also used for lumber and as a shade tree in gardens and parks.
Light requirements:
Bumelia dulcifica Schumach. & Thonn. is a plant that requires full sun to thrive. It performs best when it receives six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. If the plant is not grown in a location where it can receive adequate sunlight, it may become weak and vulnerable to diseases and pests.
Temperature requirements:
When it comes to temperature requirements, Bumelia dulcifica Schumach. & Thonn. is suited to grow in warm climates. It prefers temperatures ranging between 65-90°F (18-32°C) and cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. When planting, it is important to choose a location with temperatures that fall within this range for optimal growth.
Soil requirements:
Bumelia dulcifica Schumach. & Thonn. requires well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging. The ideal soil pH for the plant should be between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should be fertile and rich in nutrients for optimum growth. When planting, it is advisable to add organic matter to the soil to improve its nutrient content and texture.
Cultivation Methods
Bumelia dulcifica Schumach. & Thonn. is a tree that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. It requires moderate sunlight and can grow in a wide range of soils. However, the tree prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for this plant is 6.0 to 7.5. Propagation can be done through seeds, which should be sown in prepared soil and kept moist until germination occurs. The seedlings can then be transplanted to their permanent location.Watering Needs
Bumelia dulcifica Schumach. & Thonn. requires regular watering to establish itself and thrive. However, care must be taken not to overwater, as this can cause root rot. The tree prefers moist soil but can tolerate short periods of drought once established. During the growing season, the tree should be watered once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. In dry and hot weather, more frequent watering may be required.Fertilization
Bumelia dulcifica Schumach. & Thonn. requires regular fertilization to maintain its health and vigor. A balanced fertilizer should be applied during the growing season to provide the necessary nutrients. Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure can also be used to improve soil fertility. Fertilizers should be applied evenly around the tree, avoiding the trunk base, and watered in thoroughly. Care should be taken not to over-fertilize, as this can cause excess foliage growth at the expense of fruit production.Pruning
Pruning is an essential aspect of Bumelia dulcifica Schumach. & Thonn. care, as it promotes fruit production, enhances tree structure, and allows for better light and nutrient penetration. Pruning should be done during the dormant season to avoid damage to the tree. Branches that are diseased, damaged, or crossing should be removed. Suckers that grow from the base of the tree should also be removed to promote a single trunk. The tree should be trained to have a central leader, and lateral branches should be spaced evenly along the trunk. Regular pruning will ensure a healthy and productive Bumelia dulcifica Schumach. & Thonn. tree.Propagation of Bumelia dulcifica Schumach. & Thonn.
Bumelia dulcifica Schumach. & Thonn., commonly referred to as "sweetwood" or "southern buckthorn," is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that is native to the southeastern United States.
Propagation of this plant can be achieved through various methods, including seed propagation, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most commonly used method for propagating Bumelia dulcifica. Seeds should be collected from ripe fruits in the fall. The seeds should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat before planting. The seeds should then be sown in a well-draining soil mixture in a nursery bed or directly in the field. Germination usually occurs within 2-4 weeks, and seedlings will need to be transplanted to their final location after they have grown to a sufficient size.
Cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from semi-hardwood stems in the late summer or early fall. Cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and taken from the tips of healthy vegetative shoots. The leaves should be removed from the lower half of the cutting, and the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining soil mix. Cuttings should be placed in a warm, humid environment and kept moist until they develop roots.
Grafting
Grafting can be used to propagate Bumelia dulcifica onto rootstock from related species in the Sapotaceae family. The most commonly used rootstock is that of the related plant Manilkara bidentata, also known as bulletwood. Grafting is typically done in the early spring, and scion wood should be taken from one-year-old shoots. The cuttings should be grafted onto the rootstock using a whip and tongue graft or a cleft graft. The grafted plant should be kept in a warm, humid environment until the graft has taken and the plant is established.
Disease Management for Bumelia dulcifica Schumach. & Thonn.
Bumelia dulcifica Schumach. & Thonn. is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, it may still be susceptible to some diseases such as powdery mildew and leaf spot.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to remove any infected plant debris and improve air circulation around the plant. Fungicides can also be used to control powdery mildew.
Leaf spot is another fungal disease that causes small, circular spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, it is important to remove any infected plant debris and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used to control leaf spot.
Pest Management for Bumelia dulcifica Schumach. & Thonn.
Bumelia dulcifica Schumach. & Thonn. can be susceptible to various pests, including scale insects, spider mites, and aphids.
Scale insects are small, wingless insects that attach to the leaves and stems of the plant and feed on its sap. To manage scale insects, it is important to remove any heavily-infested branches and apply insecticides.
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the undersides of leaves and cause a stippled appearance. To manage spider mites, it is important to increase humidity around the plant and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant and secrete a sticky substance known as honeydew. To manage aphids, it is important to remove them manually or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
