Origin
Calamophyllum teretifolium (Haw.) Schwantes, commonly known as the otaheite walnut, is a species of flowering evergreen tree in the Clusiaceae family. It is native to Tahiti, French Polynesia, and can also be found in other parts of the South Pacific, including the Cook Islands, Samoa, and Tonga.
Common Names
Calamophyllum teretifolium goes by various common names in different regions, including Otaheite walnut, Tamanu, Kamanu, Fetau, Alexandrian laurel, and Beauty leaf.
Uses
Calamophyllum teretifolium has a long history of medicinal use in Polynesian cultures. The oil extracted from the seeds is used to treat a variety of skin problems, including burns, cuts, scrapes, and acne. It is also used topically as a massage oil and for relieving joint pain and inflammation.
The wood of the tree is used for making furniture, construction, and canoes. Additionally, the leaves and fruits of the tree are sometimes used in traditional medicine practices.
General Appearance
Calamophyllum teretifolium is a slow-growing evergreen tree that can reach up to 30 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 60 cm. The tree has a dense, rounded crown with glossy green leaves that are 5 to 8 centimeters long and 1 to 1.5 centimeters wide. The flowers are small, fragrant, and white to cream in color, and give way to a fruit that is round, woody, and brown, about 2.5 to 5.0 centimeters in diameter. The seeds are small, black, and oily, from which the valuable tamanu oil is extracted.
Light Requirements
Calamophyllum teretifolium (Haw.) Schwantes prefers sites with partial shade to full sun. In the understory of a forest, the light levels are typically reduced, allowing optimal growth conditions for the plant. However, care should be taken not to expose it to direct sunlight, as this may lead to leaf scorching and reduced growth rates.
Temperature Conditions
This species of plant experiences optimal growth at moderate temperatures ranging from 16 °C to 28 °C. They are suitable to grow in tropical and subtropical regions where the temperature remains reasonably consistent throughout the year. Temperatures outside this range can cause stunting of the plant due to reduced photosynthesis and metabolism.
Soil Requirements
Calamophyllum teretifolium (Haw.) Schwantes thrives in well-draining, rich, and fertile soils that are slightly acidic, with a pH of 5.5-6.5. The species prefers soils rich in organic matter with good moisture retention capability. It's recommended that the soil is allowed to dry between watering intervals, as over-watering may lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Calamophyllum teretifolium (Haw.) Schwantes is a tropical plant native to the Caribbean and South America. It thrives in warm, humid climates and is often grown as an ornamental plant. To cultivate this plant, you should start by selecting a soil mix that is rich in organic matter.
Plant the Calamophyllum teretifolium in a pot or in a well-draining soil in a sunny location. Ensure that the soil is always moist and well-drained.
When propagating, ensure to take cuttings just before the new growth to enhance rooting. Use a rooting hormone and provide bright, filtered light and mild moisture to help the roots grow.
Watering Needs
Calamophyllum teretifolium (Haw.) Schwantes requires consistent watering to grow and stay healthy. It is essential to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, to prevent root rotting. Therefore, misting is required in between watering to keep the soil damp without overwatering the plant.
The watering frequency will depend on the climate, drainage, and humidity of the plant's growing conditions. However, it is recommended to water the plant at least once a week during warm months and once or twice a month during cold months.
Fertilization
To promote strong, healthy growth, you need to fertilize the Calamophyllum teretifolium (Haw.) Schwantes every two weeks during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer, and apply according to instructions.
It is also essential to supplement the plant with micronutrients, such as magnesium and iron, to enhance its growth and appearance. Use a foliar spray containing the micronutrients and apply every two to three weeks during the growing season.
Pruning
Calamophyllum teretifolium (Haw.) Schwantes requires minimal pruning. Trim off dead, damaged, and diseased foliage to promote healthy growth. Also, periodically remove overcrowded growth to improve airflow and even out the plant's shape.
If the Calamophyllum teretifolium (Haw.) Schwantes becomes too large or outgrows its space, you can prune it back to size. However, you should not trim more than one-third of the plant's total foliage at once, as this can weaken the plant.
Propagation of Calamophyllum teretifolium (Haw.) Schwantes
Calamophyllum teretifolium (Haw.) Schwantes can be propagated through several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation through Seeds
The seeds of Calamophyllum teretifolium are typically collected from the fruit after it has ripened and fallen from the tree. The seeds should be cleaned and sown in a well-draining soil mix. The container should be kept in a warm, bright location with consistent moisture until germination occurs. Once the seedlings have reached a suitable size, they can be transplanted to a larger container or into the ground.
Propagation through Cuttings
Calamophyllum teretifolium can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the spring or summer months when the plant is actively growing. Choose healthy stems with at least two nodes and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and place the cutting in a well-draining soil mix. Place the container in a warm, bright location with consistent moisture until roots develop. Once roots have formed, the cutting can be transplanted to a larger container or into the ground.
Propagation through Layering
Layering is another option for propagating Calamophyllum teretifolium. This method involves bending a low-hanging branch to the ground and covering part of it with soil. The covered portion will eventually develop roots and can be severed from the parent plant to create a new individual. This process can take several months, and it's important to keep the soil consistently moist during this time.
Disease and Pest Management for Calamophyllum Teretifolium
Calamophyllum teretifolium is a tropical plant that can be prone to certain diseases and pests. Proper management techniques can help prevent and control these issues, keeping the plant healthy and thriving.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affects Calamophyllum teretifolium is leaf spot. This is caused by a fungal infection and appears as small dark spots on the leaves. Another common fungal disease is powdery mildew, which causes a white, powdery coating to form on the leaves and stems. Both of these diseases can be controlled with the use of fungicides, applied according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Bacterial leaf spot is another disease that can affect Calamophyllum teretifolium. This appears as water-soaked spots on the leaves that turn brown and may have a yellow halo around them. This disease can be prevented by providing good air circulation around the plant and making sure that the soil is well-draining. If the plant does become infected, remove and destroy any affected leaves and apply a copper fungicide to prevent the spread.
Common Pests
Aphids are a common pest that can attack Calamophyllum teretifolium. These small, soft-bodied insects suck sap from the leaves and stems, causing wilting and distortion. They can be controlled with insecticidal soaps or oils, which suffocate the insects. Another common pest is the mealybug, which appears as white, fluffy masses on the stems and leaves. Mealybugs can be controlled by rubbing them off the plant with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Spider mites are another pest that can attack Calamophyllum teretifolium. These tiny insects live on the undersides of the leaves and can cause yellowing and wilting of the foliage. They can be controlled with insecticidal soaps or oils, or by spraying the plant with a strong blast of water to knock them off.
Preventative Measures
To prevent disease and pest problems in Calamophyllum teretifolium, it's important to provide good growing conditions. This includes planting the plant in well-draining soil, providing good air circulation, and avoiding overwatering. Regularly inspecting the plant for signs of disease or pests can also help catch and control any issues before they become too severe.
By following these disease and pest management techniques, you can help keep Calamophyllum teretifolium healthy and vibrant, allowing it to thrive in your garden or landscape.
