Origin and Common Names
Calophyllum antillanum Britt. is a flowering plant species in the mangosteen family, Guttiferae. It is native to the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico, Trinidad, and Tobago. The plant is commonly known as Santa Maria, Jamaican flowering tree, and gaiacwood.
General Appearance
Calophyllum antillanum Britt. is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. Its trunk is covered in a smooth gray bark and produces resin when wounded. The plant has an upright growth habit with a dense and rounded crown. Its leaves are simple, dark green, glossy, and arranged in opposite pairs, measuring up to 15 cm long and 7 cm wide. The flowers are yellow and fragrant, with an average diameter of 4 cm, and bloom in spring and summer. The fruit is a round greenish-yellow drupe, containing one or two seeds.
Uses
Calophyllum antillanum Britt. has various medicinal and commercial uses. The plant's resin is used in traditional medicine to treat skin infections, ulcers, sore throat, and coughs. The bark and leaves produce a yellow dye that is used to color cloth and paper. The wood is strong and durable and is widely used to make furniture, boats, and construction materials. The oil extracted from the seeds is used in soap-making, cosmetics, and as a natural insect repellent.
Light Requirements
Calophyllum antillanum Britt. requires moderate to high light conditions for optimal growth. It grows well in full sun to partial shade environments. However, excessive direct sunlight can cause leaf burn and stunted growth, especially in young plants. Therefore, it is recommended to provide filtered light or partial shade during the hottest periods of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Calophyllum antillanum Britt. is 20°C to 30°C. It can tolerate occasional temperature drops to 15°C but not for extended periods. Similarly, extremely high temperatures above 35°C can be detrimental to the plant's growth. Therefore, it is essential to maintain optimal temperature conditions, especially during the vegetative and reproductive stages.
Soil Requirements
Calophyllum antillanum Britt. prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It can grow in a wide range of soil textures, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. However, it grows best in loamy soils that offer excellent water and nutrient retention capabilities. Furthermore, it requires a sufficient organic matter content in the soil to ensure healthy growth. Adequate soil nutrition is necessary for the plant's growth, and the application of a balanced fertilizer during the growth period can help meet its nutritional needs.
Cultivation of Calophyllum antillanum Britt.
Calophyllum antillanum Britt. typically thrives in zones 10-11. It is a coastal tree prevalent in the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. You can grow it on your property if you reside in a subtropical or tropical climate.
Plant your Calophyllum antillanum Britt. in rich, well-draining soil with partial shade. It grows up to 35 feet in height and may spread up to 25 feet. The tree is cold-sensitive and can't tolerate frost.
Watering Needs of Calophyllum antillanum Britt.
Water your Calophyllum antillanum Britt. tree moderately during its establishment. Once established, the tree has a moderate drought tolerance. Water the tree when the top few inches of soil are dry or during extended periods of drought. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization
Calophyllum antillanum Britt. is a slow-growing tree and doesn't require regular fertilization. You can fertilize it once a year in the spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer. Don't fertilize the tree in the fall since it can hamper the tree's hardening off as winter approaches.
Pruning
Prune your Calophyllum antillanum Britt. tree in the late winter when it's still dormant. Start by removing the dead, damaged, or diseased branches. You can also prune to promote air circulation and sunlight penetration by removing the overgrown or crowded branches. Trim the tree to maintain its desired shape and size. Don't remove more than one-third of the total canopy during a single pruning session.
Propagation of Calophyllum antillanum Britt.
Calophyllum antillanum Britt. can be propagated through various methods which include:
Seed propagation
Seeds of Calophyllum antillanum Britt. are obtained after the fruit ripens. Seeds must be collected carefully and stored in a dry place before planting to avoid seed damage. After cleaning, seeds can be planted in seed beds or pots containing a suitable potting mix. Seedlings should emerge within 2-3 weeks and can be transplanted after they reach a height of about 15-20 cm.
Cuttings propagation
Calophyllum antillanum Britt. can be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings can be obtained from mature trees and should be taken from the semi-hardwood portion of the stem. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone before planting in pots or directly in the soil. The use of bottom heat and high humidity conditions enhances the rooting of cuttings.
Air-layering propagation
Air-layering is another method of propagating Calophyllum antillanum Britt., especially when a mature plant is available. In this method, a small cut is made below a node on the stem, and then the wound is covered with a rooting hormone and a suitable growing media. The stem is then wrapped with plastic to maintain high humidity, and the roots will form at the point of the cut. Once the roots are well established, the stem can be cut and transplanted.
Grafting propagation
Grafting can also be used to propagate Calophyllum antillanum Britt. In this method, a scion from a mature plant is grafted onto a rooted seedling of the same species. Care must be taken to wrap the graft properly and to maintain high humidity until a proper connection is established between the graft and the rootstock.
Disease and Pest Management for Calophyllum antillanum Britt.
Calophyllum antillanum Britt., commonly known as "Tamanu" or "Tamanu tree," is native to the tropical areas of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It is a sacred tree in Polynesia and has been widely used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. However, like any plant species, Tamanu is vulnerable to diseases and pests that can negatively affect its growth and development.
Common Diseases that Affect Tamanu Trees
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common disease that affects Tamanu trees. It is caused by various fungi species that thrive in warm and humid conditions. The symptoms of leaf spot include brown or black spots on the leaves, which can eventually lead to leaf drop. Leaf spot can be managed by pruning infected leaves and avoiding overhead watering to reduce humidity levels.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that affects the leaves of Tamanu trees. It appears as a white or grayish powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. Powdery mildew can cause leaf distortion, stunted growth, and reduced flowering. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to increase air circulation around the plant by pruning, spacing, and avoiding overhead watering.
Common Pests that Affect TamanuTrees
Scale Insects
Scale insects are common pests that affect Tamanu trees. They are small, oval-shaped insects that suck sap from the leaves, stems, and branches of the plant. Infested trees may show signs of yellowing, stunted growth, and leaf drop. To manage scale insects, it is recommended to prune infested branches and to apply horticultural oil or soap sprays to control the population.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are another common pest that affects Tamanu trees. They are the larvae of moths and butterflies and feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant. Infested trees may show signs of defoliation and reduced flowering. To manage caterpillars, it is recommended to handpick them and to apply bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or spinosad sprays as organic pest control measures.
Conclusion
Tamanu trees are susceptible to various diseases and pests that can compromise their growth and vitality. By carefully monitoring the plants' health and taking proactive measures to manage diseases and pests, it is possible to cultivate healthy and productive Tamanu trees.
