Overview
Calophyllum brasiliense Camb. var. antillanum (Britt.) Standl. is a tropical plant species that belongs to the family Clusiaceae. It is native to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as Santa Maria, Santa Lucia, and Maria Preta.
Description
Calophyllum brasiliense Camb. var. antillanum (Britt.) Standl. is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 50 feet in height. The bark is brownish-grey and rough, and the leaves are glossy dark green, leathery, and elliptical in shape. The tree produces small, fragrant flowers that are pale yellow in color. The fruit is a round or oblong drupe that contains a single seed, and it is green when young, turning yellow or orange as it ripens.
Uses
The bark of the Calophyllum brasiliense Camb. var. antillanum (Britt.) Standl. tree has been traditionally used in folk medicine to treat various ailments such as wounds, skin inflammations, and gastric ulcers. The leaves are also used as a natural insect repellent. The seeds of the tree are rich in oil, which is used in the cosmetic industry to manufacture beauty products such as soaps, lotions, and shampoos. The wood of the tree is highly valued for its durability and is used in the construction of houses and boats.
Light Requirements:
Calophyllum brasiliense Camb. var. antillanum (Britt.) Standl. requires a moderate amount of sunlight to grow. It can withstand partial shade at times but needs enough sunlight (~6-8 hours/day) to support its growth. Excessive sunlight can cause leaf scorching and stunt the plant's growth.
Temperature Requirements:
The ideal temperature for Calophyllum brasiliense Camb. var. antillanum (Britt.) Standl. to grow is between 22-30°C (71.6-86°F). Temperatures above or below this range can hinder the growth of the plant. However, it can tolerate occasional temperature drops to around 15°C (59°F) and can survive in temperatures up to 38°C (100.4°F).
Soil Requirements:
The plant prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. It thrives best in loamy soils but can also grow in sandy or clay soils. Calophyllum brasiliense Camb. var. antillanum (Britt.) Standl. requires regular watering, especially during the growing season, but cannot tolerate waterlogged soil. Fertilizers are also helpful to support its growth.
Cultivation methods
Calophyllum brasiliense Camb. var. antillanum (Britt.) Standl. is a tropical plant that is best grown in warm and humid conditions. It can be grown in pots or in the ground, but it requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To ensure proper growth, it is important to provide the plant with enough sunlight and protection from strong winds.
Watering needs
This plant needs consistent moisture, but it shouldn't be overwatered. It is important to check the soil regularly to determine its moisture level before watering. Water the plant deeply and make sure that the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging, which can be harmful to the plant's root system.
Fertilization
Calophyllum brasiliense Camb. var. antillanum (Britt.) Standl. requires regular fertilization to thrive. It is recommended to add fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 is ideal for this plant. However, over-fertilization should be avoided as it can lead to burning of the leaves and other plant parts.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of the maintenance of Calophyllum brasiliense Camb. var. antillanum (Britt.) Standl. It should be done in late winter or early spring before the growing season begins. This plant responds well to pruning and can be shaped according to your preference. It is recommended to remove any dead or damaged stems and branches.
Propagation of Calophyllum brasiliense Camb. var. antillanum (Britt.) Standl.
Calophyllum brasiliense Camb. var. antillanum (Britt.) Standl. is commonly propagated through seeds and cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
The most common propagation method for Calophyllum brasiliense Camb. var. antillanum (Britt.) Standl. is through seeds. It is recommended to use fresh seeds since they have a high germination rate. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. The ideal temperature for germination is around 25-30°C. It usually takes around 60-90 days for the seeds to germinate.
Propagation through cuttings
Calophyllum brasiliense Camb. var. antillanum (Britt.) Standl. can also be propagated through cuttings. Softwood cuttings taken in the growing season are the best type of cuttings to use. The cuttings should be around 10-15 cm in length and should have at least one node. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist, and it is recommended to cover the cutting with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. After two to three weeks, the cutting should start to produce new growth. It is important to keep the soil moist and the cutting out of direct sunlight until it has established roots.
Disease Management
Calophyllum brasiliense Camb. var. antillanum is susceptible to several fungal diseases, such as root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. The root rot is caused by the fungus Phytophthora sp. and can be prevented by avoiding over-watering and ensuring proper drainage. Leaf spot is caused by the fungus Cercospora calophylli and can be controlled by removing and disposing of infected leaves and keeping the plant well-ventilated. Powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Oidium sp., can be managed by maintaining low humidity and avoiding overcrowding of plants.
Bacterial diseases such as bacterial leaf blight and stem canker can also affect Calophyllum brasiliense Camb. var. antillanum. These diseases are usually introduced through wounds in the plant and can be prevented by practicing good sanitation and avoiding wounding the plant during cultivation.
Pest Management
The main pests that can affect Calophyllum brasiliense Camb. var. antillanum are the Calophyllum defoliator caterpillar, scale insects, and mealybugs. The defoliator caterpillar can be controlled by manually removing the caterpillars and applying biological controls such as Bacillus thuringiensis. Scale insects and mealybugs can be managed by releasing natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings or by applying horticultural oil spray.
Other pests that can affect the plant include mites, thrips, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled by regularly inspecting the plant and removing any affected parts. Biological controls such as predatory mites or insecticidal soap can also be used to manage these pests.
