Overview of Calophyllum inophyllum L.
Calophyllum inophyllum L. is a flowering plant of the family Calophyllaceae. It is commonly known as Alexandrian laurel, beach calophyllum, beauty leaf, or Bintangor tree. It is native to the coastal regions of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
General Appearance of Calophyllum inophyllum L.
The Calophyllum inophyllum L. tree is moderate to large in size, reaching a height of 20 to 25 meters, and may grow up to 35 meters in favorable habitats. The trees have a straight, cylindrical, or slightly tapering trunk, branching in the upper portion of the tree and forming a broad rounded crown. The leaves are large and glossy, lanceolate to elliptical in shape, and about 10 to 15 cm long. The flowers are white or pale-yellow, fragrant, and about 2 cm in diameter.
Uses of Calophyllum inophyllum L.
The Calophyllum inophyllum L. tree has been widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments. The bark, leaves, and seeds of the tree contain various bioactive compounds, including calophyllolide, inophyllolide, and tamanolide. These compounds have been found to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, and antitumor properties. In addition to its medicinal properties, the oil extracted from the seeds of the tree has been used in various industrial applications, including as a fuel source, in soap making, and as a lubricant for machinery. The tree is also used in landscaping and as a shade tree in parks and gardens along the coast.
Light Requirements
Calophyllum inophyllum L. is a plant that prefers full sunlight exposure. The plant thrives in areas where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A lack of enough sunlight may cause the plant to have stunted growth, sparse foliage, and reduced flowering.
Temperature Tolerance
Calophyllum inophyllum L. is native to tropical and subtropical regions, and it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. The plant prefers warm temperatures and will thrive in areas with an average temperature of around 21-32°C. The plant can still survive in temperatures of up to 38°C, but it may have reduced growth rates and wilt if exposed to extreme heat for extended periods. On the other hand, temperatures below 15°C can be detrimental to the plant's growth and may lead to leaf yellowing and even dropping.
Soil Requirements
Calophyllum inophyllum L. prefers well-drained soils that are rich in nutrients. The plant requires a soil pH range of 5.5-8.0. The ideal soil type for Calophyllum inophyllum L. is loamy soil that is slightly acidic or neutral. The plant can tolerate mildly saline soils but will not survive in waterlogged or heavy clay soils. Additionally, adding organic matter such as compost to the soil can improve its structure, increase nutrients, and water-holding capacity—all of which can help the plant flourish.
Cultivation of Calophyllum inophyllum L.
Calophyllum inophyllum L. commonly known as the Alexandrian Laurel or beauty leaf is a tropical evergreen tree that grows up to 20-25 meters. The tree thrives in full sunlight, hot and humid climates, and prefers well-drained soils.
The tree can be propagated through seeds, air-layering, and stem cuttings. For seed propagation, the seeds should be thoroughly cleaned and soaked in water for 24 to 48 hours before planting. Air-layering involves scraping and bending a branch and covering it with moist soil and plastic wrap. Stem cuttings should be taken from mature trees, and rooting hormones applied to enhance the success rate.
Watering Needs for Calophyllum inophyllum L.
Calophyllum inophyllum L. requires moderate watering, especially during the initial stages of growth. However, with maturation, the tree can tolerate long periods of drought. It is essential to avoid overwatering as this may lead to waterlogging, root rot, and eventual death of the tree.
The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly before watering. When watering, ensure that the water reaches the root zone, and the tree should not be watered from above as this can lead to fungal diseases.
Fertilization of Calophyllum inophyllum L.
Calophyllum inophyllum L. has moderate nutrient requirements. Fertilization should be done during the tree's active growing season, which is typically during the spring and summer months. Slow-release fertilizers are recommended as they provide a steady supply of nutrients over a more extended period. Application rates should be based on the tree's age, size, and overall health.
Organic fertilizers such as well-rotted manure and compost can also be used. Before applying, ensure that the soil is moist to allow the nutrients to penetrate the root zone.
Pruning of Calophyllum inophyllum L.
Pruning is an essential practice in maintaining the growth and health of Calophyllum inophyllum L. The tree should be pruned to remove dead, diseased, and damaged branches. Additionally, pruning can be done to control the tree's size and shape and ensure that it does not interfere with power lines or structures.
Pruning should be done during the tree's dormancy period, which is typically during the winter months. Ensure that the pruning tools are sharp and that cuts are made at an angle to prevent damage to the remaining stem or branch. If significant pruning is required, it is recommended to engage the services of a professional arborist.
Propagation of Calophyllum inophyllum L.
Calophyllum inophyllum L., also known as Alexandrian laurel, is a subtropical evergreen tree that can reach up to 20 meters in height. The plant is native to Asia, but it has been distributed throughout the world in tropical and subtropical regions. Propagation of Calophyllum inophyllum L. is important for its commercial use in medicine, cosmetics, and cooking oil production.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Calophyllum inophyllum L. Seeds should be collected from mature fruits that are dark green or black in color. The collected seeds must be removed from the fruit by soaking them in water for several hours, then they should be dried in the sun for about a week. The dried seeds should be stored in a cool, dry place until planting.
To germinate seeds, they should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting them in a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil, and watered regularly to ensure that the soil stays moist. Seeds can take up to two months to germinate, depending on the conditions.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation is a method used to produce new plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant. This method involves taking cuttings from healthy branches of the Calophyllum inophyllum L. tree. The cuttings should be around 20-30 centimeters long, and taken from the middle of the branch.
The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone, then planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, but not saturated. The cuttings should be placed in a shaded area for the first few weeks to reduce stress and encourage root growth. After the roots are established, the new plants can be transplanted to their final location.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is a method of propagating Calophyllum inophyllum L. that involves rooting a branch while it is still attached to the parent plant. This method is preferred for plants that are difficult to propagate using other methods.
To perform air layering, a branch is selected, and a ring of bark is removed from the branch's stem. A rooting hormone is applied to the exposed area, and the area should be wrapped with moist sphagnum moss. The moss should be covered with plastic wrap and secured with a rubber band at both ends. After a few weeks, roots will grow from the exposed area. The rooted branch can be cut from the parent plant and replanted in well-draining soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Calophyllum inophyllum L.
Calophyllum inophyllum L. is a versatile plant with many benefits. However, it can be affected by various diseases and pests that can reduce its yield and quality. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that can affect Calophyllum inophyllum L. and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Fungal Leaf Spot: Fungal leaf spot is one of the most common diseases that affect Calophyllum inophyllum L. It is caused by fungi and is characterized by small spots that appear on the leaves. To manage fungal leaf spot, it is essential to maintain proper sanitation practices by removing infected leaves and ensuring proper drainage.
Bacterial Leaf Blight: Bacterial leaf blight is another disease that can affect Calophyllum inophyllum L. It is caused by bacteria and results in dark, water-soaked spots on leaves. To manage bacterial leaf blight, it is necessary to remove infected leaves and apply bactericides.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can affect various parts of Calophyllum inophyllum L., including leaves, flowers, and fruits. It is characterized by irregular-shaped spots that appear on infected areas. To manage anthracnose, it is essential to maintain proper sanitation practices and apply fungicides.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are common pests that can affect Calophyllum inophyllum L. They damage the plant by sucking sap from the leaves, resulting in yellowing and curling of leaves. To manage aphids, it is necessary to apply insecticides or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are another pest that can infest Calophyllum inophyllum L. They are characterized by small, immobile scales that cover the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage scale insects, it is necessary to remove infected parts of the plant and apply insecticides.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause significant damage to Calophyllum inophyllum L. by damaging the leaves. They are characterized by tiny webs and a stippled appearance on the leaves. To manage spider mites, it is essential to apply insecticides or introduce natural predators such as predatory mites.
By implementing proper disease and pest management practices, it is possible to prevent and manage diseases and pests that affect Calophyllum inophyllum L., resulting in a healthy, thriving plant.
