Overview of Caesalpinia coriaria (Jacq.) Willd.
Caesalpinia coriaria (Jacq.) Willd. is a tropical, leguminous shrub or small tree that belongs to the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family. Commonly known as Divi-divi, Dividivi, Guatapana, or Cascalote, it is found in the Caribbean, Central, and South America, and is known for its numerous uses and applications.
General Appearance of Caesalpinia coriaria (Jacq.) Willd.
The plant's appearance may vary depending on its growth conditions, but it typically grows up to 10 meters in height and has a narrow, spreading crown. The leaves are 8-20cm long, bipinnately compound, with numerous small leaflets. The flowers are yellow, clustered in axillary racemes, and bloom from May to August. Fruits are flat, oblong, and indehiscent.
Uses of Caesalpinia coriaria (Jacq.) Willd.
The Divi-divi tree has been widely used for various purposes throughout history. Some of its uses are:
- The fruit pods are used traditionally as a tanning agent for leather, hence its other name, Tanner's cassia
- The toasted and crushed pods have been used as a substitute for coffee
- Used for medicinal purposes such as treating wounds, diarrhea, dysentery, fever, and respiratory infections
- The seeds produce an oil that has been used as a substitute for olive oil
- The bark of the tree is used to treat skin allergies and regulate menstruation
- As an ornamental tree due to its attractive appearance and tolerance to drought conditions
Cultural Significance of Caesalpinia coriaria (Jacq.) Willd.
The Divi-divi tree holds cultural significance in various communities. For instance, in Suriname, the tree is associated with the spiritual world as it is believed to be a favorite of the spirits. In the Dominican Republic, it is associated with generosity and hospitality, and the fruit pods are given as gifts to visitors as a symbol of welcome.
Light Requirements
Caesalpinia coriaria grows best in full sun and can tolerate partial shade, but insufficient light can lead to reduced growth and flowering. In shaded areas, the plant may become leggy and weak. Therefore, it should be grown in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sun exposure per day.
Temperature Requirements
Caesalpinia coriaria is native to tropical and subtropical regions and can tolerate high temperatures. The plant grows best in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). Temperatures below 15°C (59°F) can affect the plant's growth and cause it to become dormant. It is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Caesalpinia coriaria prefers well-draining, moderately fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and not too heavy. The plant can tolerate salt spray, making it suitable for coastal regions. However, it may struggle in soils with a high salt concentration. It can also tolerate some drought but performs best when watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation
Caesalpinia coriaria (Jacq.) Willd. is a small, deciduous tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall. Its native range is from southern Mexico to northern Argentina, and it is commonly known as Divi-divi. The ideal conditions for cultivating Caesalpinia coriaria include a tropical climate with full sun exposure and well-drained soil. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought and high temperatures.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Caesalpinia coriaria depend on the climate and soil type. In areas with high rainfall, the plant may not require additional watering, while in dry areas, regular watering may be necessary. The soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot.
Fertilization
The addition of fertilizers is not necessary for Caesalpinia coriaria, as it can thrive in nutrient-poor soil. However, adding organic matter to the soil can help improve its fertility and moisture-retaining capacity. The use of slow-release fertilizers can also enhance plant growth and yield.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Caesalpinia coriaria, as it has a natural, attractive growth habit. However, pruning can be done to shape the tree or remove damaged or diseased branches. Pruning should be done during the dormant season to minimize stress on the plant.
Propagation of Caesalpinia coriaria (Jacq.) Willd.
Caesalpinia coriaria, commonly known as Divi-divi, is a leguminous tree native to tropical America and the Caribbean. The plant is highly valued for its various uses, such as in the tanning industry, as a food source for livestock, and as a medicinal plant. Propagation of Caesalpinia coriaria can be done through both sexual and asexual methods.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common way of propagating Caesalpinia coriaria. The seeds should be collected from mature pods and sown in a well-draining propagation medium. The seeds should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours before sowing to soften the seed coat.
The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm and kept in a warm, humid place with adequate light. Germination typically occurs within 10-21 days, depending on the environmental conditions. Once the seedlings have emerged, they should be gradually introduced to full sunlight and eventually transplanted into their permanent location.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation can be done through a process called air-layering. This method involves making a cut in the bark of a mature stem, applying a rooting hormone to the wound, and wrapping the area with moist sphagnum moss. The moss should be wrapped with plastic to retain moisture and then kept in a warm, shaded place for several weeks. New roots should begin to emerge from the wound, and once they have developed, the rooted stem can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted into its permanent location.
Another asexual propagation method is through grafting. However, this method is not commonly used for Caesalpinia coriaria.
Disease and Pest Management for Caesalpinia coriaria (Jacq.) Willd.
Caesalpinia coriaria (Jacq.) Willd., commonly known as Divi-divi, is a deciduous spiny shrub or small tree that belongs to the Caesalpinioideae subfamily of the Fabaceae family. This plant grows in arid and semi-arid regions of Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Africa. Caesalpinia coriaria (Jacq.) Willd. is known for its multiple uses such as tanning, dyeing, and medicinal purposes.
Common Diseases
Fungal Leaf Spot: It is caused by the fungal pathogens Cercospora caesalpiniae, Cercospora sp., Phaeoisariopsis griseola, etc. Fungal leaf spot shows up as circular to irregular-shaped brown spots on leaves. Severe infections can cause leaf yellowing, defoliation, and twig dieback. To manage fungal leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves, avoid overhead irrigation, and apply fungicides timely following the manufacturer's instructions.
Bacterial Blight: It is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. caesalpinae. Bacterial blight initial symptoms include the appearance of small, water-soaked lesions on the leaves that can turn brown with a yellow border. The infected leaves become twisted and distorted, and the infected plant might defoliate. Bacterial blight control measures include removing and disposing of infected plants, using resistant cultivars, and applying copper-based bactericides.
Common Pests
Spider Mites: They are tiny sap-sucking pests that can cause leaves to turn yellow, dry out, and fall off. Spider mites can also produce webs on the plant's surface. Removing the infested leaves or washing the plant with a strong stream of water can manage a minor infestation. Spraying horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps can control more severe infestations.
Whiteflies: These are small white flying insects that suck plant sap, causing yellowing, leaf drop, and stunted growth. They also excrete honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold. Whitefly control methods include introducing natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. Using yellow sticky traps and applying insecticidal soaps or oils can also help manage the infestation.
Scale Insects: They are small, immobile pests that attach themselves to plant stems and petioles, sucking on their sap. Scales can cause leaf yellowing, wilting, and dieback of twigs and branches. Removing infested plant parts and applying horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps can control minor infestations. Using natural predators such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps or releasing beneficial nematodes can manage heavier infestations.
By promptly identifying and managing these common diseases and pests, growers can maintain healthy Caesalpinia coriaria (Jacq.) Willd. plants and obtain their beneficial uses.
