Introduction
Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut. is a type of plant that belongs to the family Clusiaceae. It is commonly found in several regions of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Common Names
The plant is known by a variety of common names depending on the region. In Indonesia, it is called "nyamplung," while in Malaysia, it is known as "bintangor." In Thailand, the plant goes by the name "ma kham pom."
Uses
The Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut. plant has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes, including treating various skin conditions. The oil extracted from its seeds is used in several cosmetic and skincare products, including lotions, creams, and soaps. Additionally, the wood of the plant is used for furniture, carvings, and boat-building.
General Appearance
The Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut. plant typically grows up to 30m in height and has a rounded to irregular canopy. The leaves are leathery and glossy green, measuring about 15-20cm in length. The plant produces white or cream-colored flowers that give way to globular, green fruits that turn yellow or orange when ripe. The fruit typically contains a single seed, which is surrounded by a thick, oily pulp.
Overall, the Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut. plant is a valuable resource in Southeast Asia due to its medicinal and commercial uses. Its unique appearance and interesting characteristics make it a popular choice for growers and enthusiasts alike.Growth Conditions for Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut.
Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut. is a small to medium-sized tree that is native to the Amazon rainforest. To achieve optimal growth and development, this plant requires specific growth conditions.
Light Requirements
This plant prefers indirect light, meaning it does not do well in direct sunlight. The ideal location for Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut. is under the canopy of taller trees where it can receive dappled sunlight throughout the day. Too much direct sun exposure can cause leaf scorch and stunt growth.
Temperature Range
The optimal temperature range for Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut. is between 20°C and 30°C. This plant prefers a warm and humid climate, although it can also grow in cooler areas as long as the temperature does not drop below 15°C. Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can cause stress and may even be fatal for the plant.
Soil Requirements
Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It grows best in soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. This plant does not tolerate waterlogged soil, so proper drainage is crucial. A mix of soil and sand or perlite can improve drainage and aeration.
Furthermore, Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut. is sensitive to salt, so it's important to avoid planting it in areas with high levels of salinity. Regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer can help improve soil quality and provide necessary nutrients for optimal growth.
By providing the right growth conditions, Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut. can thrive and produce beautiful foliage and blooms. Keeping these factors in mind can help ensure the long-term success of this plant in any environment.
Cultivation Methods
Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut. is a tropical plant native to the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. It requires a warm, humid environment to grow best, with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C. It can be grown from seeds or cuttings, but seed propagation is recommended.
When planting the seeds, they should be soaked in lukewarm water for 24 hours before planting. The seeds should then be planted 1-2 cm deep in a well-draining soil mixture.
Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut. requires a lot of sunlight, but it should be protected from direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. It should also be sheltered from strong winds, as this can damage the plant.
Watering Needs
Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut. requires regular watering, particularly during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot. It is important to avoid letting the soil dry out completely between watering.
During the winter months, watering should be reduced to prevent overwatering. The plant should be watered only when the top layer of soil is dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut. requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. It should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
During the winter months, fertilization should be reduced to once a month. It is important not to over-fertilize, as this can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is an important aspect of caring for Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut. It should be pruned regularly to maintain a healthy shape and promote new growth. Pruning should be done in the spring or early summer, after the plant has finished flowering.
To prune, remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. It is also recommended to prune back any long, leggy branches to promote bushier growth.
It is important to use clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. The pruning shears should be sterilized with rubbing alcohol before use to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut.
Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut. can be propagated by various methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and tissue culture techniques.
Seed propagation
Seeds of Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut. can be collected from ripe fruits and sown directly in the field or in containers filled with suitable media. The seeds germinate within 3 to 5 weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted in the field in polybags or containers once they reach a height of 15-20cm.
Vegetative propagation
Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut. can be propagated vegetatively by stem cuttings, air layering, or grafting. Stem cuttings of 10-15cm length collected from mature plants can be treated with rooting hormones and planted in a substrate consisting of sand, peat, and vermiculite. Air layering and grafting are also effective methods for propagation in this species.
Tissue culture propagation
Tissue culture propagation is a modern technique that has proved successful in the propagation of Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut. In vitro propagation of this plant involves the aseptic growth of plant tissues on artificial media supplemented with hormones and other nutrients. The tissue-cultured plants can be micropropagated to produce a large number of plants in a short time, which makes it an efficient method for mass propagation of this species.
Disease and Pest Management for Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut.
Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut., also known as Bintangor or Hiri, is a tropical evergreen tree commonly found in Southeast Asia. As with any plant, it can be susceptible to diseases and pests that can impede its growth and development. Here are some common issues and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal diseases can be a major issue for Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut., particularly in humid climates. One common disease is leaf blight, which causes yellowing and wilting of leaves. To manage leaf blight, affected leaves should be pruned and destroyed, and a fungicide should be applied to the rest of the plant.
Another fungal disease is anthracnose, which causes lesions on leaves and branches, and can lead to defoliation. To manage anthracnose, infected plant parts should be pruned and destroyed, and a fungicide should be applied to the rest of the plant.
Bacterial wilt is another issue for Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut., which can cause wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for bacterial wilt, so infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pests
Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut. can also be vulnerable to insect pests that feed on its leaves and sap. One common pest is the mealybug, which appears as small, white, fuzzy dots on the plant. To manage mealybugs, a combination of physical removal and chemical treatments, such as insecticidal soap and neem oil, can be effective.
Caterpillars can also be an issue for Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut., as they can defoliate the plant. To manage caterpillars, physical removal and the use of insecticides specific to caterpillars can be effective.
Finally, scale insects can also be a problem for the plant, as they can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves, as well as the secretion of a sticky substance called honeydew that can attract other pests. To manage scale insects, physical removal and the use of insecticidal soaps and oils can be effective.
Regular monitoring and management of diseases and pests is essential to maintaining the health of Calophyllum cholobtaches Laut. With proper care, this tree can grow and thrive for years to come.
