Overview of Canarium album (Lour.) Rausch.
Canarium album (Lour.) Rausch. is a tropical evergreen tree of the family Burseraceae. The plant is native to the Southeast Asia region and grows in countries like Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. It is commonly referred to as the Java almond, kenari nut, galip, or Chinese olive.
Appearance of Canarium album (Lour.) Rausch.
The tree of Canarium album (Lour.) Rausch. can grow up to 40 meters tall and 100cm–150 cm in diameter. The bark is light to dark brown and rough with deep longitudinal fissures. The leaves are pinnate and measure about 15–40 cm long, with 5–11 leaflets. The flowers are small and white, with a diameter of about 4–5 mm. The fruit of the plant is an elongated and somewhat flattened drupe that is about 2–5.5 cm long and 1.5–2.5 cm wide.
Uses of Canarium album (Lour.) Rausch.
The plant Canarium album (Lour.) Rausch. is known for its many uses. The oil from the seed is edible and is used in cooking and as a food ingredient, especially in Southeast Asian cuisine. The tree's wood is also used in construction, carpentry and furniture making. Additionally, the bark, roots and leaves of the tree have medicinal properties and have been used for treating various ailments such as coughs, fever, and skin infections. The seed extract has also been found to possess antioxidant properties and is used in cosmetic products.
The tree is also significant in religious ceremonies and cultural traditions in Southeast Asia. The wood and resin have been used as incense in religious ceremonies such as Hindu rituals and Buddhist monks use it for their meditation. The seed is considered as a symbol of prosperity and is used in Chinese New Year dishes as a good luck charm.
Light requirements
Canarium album prefers partial to full sun exposure. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to support its growth. Insufficient light can lead to stunted growth and reduced fruit production.
Temperature requirements
The plant grows well in warm and humid tropical regions. It can tolerate temperatures as high as 35°C but prefers a range of 20-30°C. Cold temperatures below 15°C can damage the plant and reduce fruit production.
Soil requirements
Canarium album grows well in well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil must be rich in organic matter, fertile, and capable of holding moisture. The plant can tolerate some level of salinity but does not grow well in water-logged or compacted soils.
Cultivation Methods
Canarium album, commonly known as the Chinese olive, is a tropical tree that thrives in hot and humid conditions. It can grow up to 35 meters tall and prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The best planting time is during the rainy season when the soil is moist. Before planting, loosen the soil and remove any rocks or debris.
Watering Needs
Canarium album requires ample water to grow and produce fruit. During the dry season, water the tree once a week or more often if the soil feels dry to the touch. However, it is essential not to overwater the tree, as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
To ensure optimal growth, you should fertilize your Canarium album tree twice a year. Use a balanced fertilizer with a 10-10-10 NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) ratio. Apply the fertilizer around the base of the tree and water it immediately.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the health and shape of the Canarium album tree. Prune the tree during the dormant season, which is usually after the fruiting stage. Remove any dead or diseased branches and any branches that cross each other. Ensure that you use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the tree.
Propagation of Canarium album (Lour.) Rausch.
Canarium album (Lour.) Rausch., also known as the Chinese white olive, is a tropical tree that can be propagated by various methods. These methods include seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and air layering.
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Canarium album is by seed. To propagate through seed, pre-treated seeds are sown in a nursery bed. The seeds should be soaked in water for at least 48 hours before planting. Seedlings will emerge within three weeks of sowing, and these seedlings can be transplanted to pots or directly into the field when they reach a height of 20-25cm. Seeds should be sourced from healthy trees with desirable characteristics to ensure propagation of high-quality trees.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation can be done through various methods like cutting, grafting, and budding. Cutting propagation is done using mature and healthy branches, which are cut into 15 to 20cm length and planted in the nursery. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting to ensure a high success rate. Grafting and budding are commonly done on young seedlings or mature trees. The scion chosen for grafting should be healthy and preferably from selected superior trees.
Air layering
Air layering is another method of propagating Canarium album but is not widely used. In air layering, a branch is girdled by removing a strip of bark. The exposed cambium is then coated with a rooting hormone and covered with moist sphagnum moss before wrapping it with a plastic sheet. Roots will develop at the site of the girdle, after which the branch can be separated from the mother tree and planted.
Overall, Canarium album (Lour.) Rausch. can be propagated by seed, vegetative propagation, or air layering. The choice of propagation method depends on factors such as the planting system, seed source quality, desired plant characteristics, and availability of materials. Proper care and management should be given to ensure successful propagation, resulting in healthy and vigorous trees.
Disease and Pest Management for Canarium album (Lour.) Rausch.
Canarium album (Lour.) Rausch., also known as Mindanao elemi, is a tree species native to Southeast Asia. As with any crop or plant, it is important to manage diseases and pests to maintain its productivity and quality. Learn about common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them below:
Common Diseases
1. Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a common fungal disease that affects many crops, including Canarium album. It causes dark-colored lesions on the leaves, twigs, and fruits of the plant, which may eventually cause the fruit to rot and drop. To manage anthracnose, it is important to remove and destroy infected plant parts. Fungicidal sprays can also help prevent the disease from spreading further.
2. Leaf spot
Leaf spot is another fungal disease that affects the leaves of Canarium album. It causes circular lesions that are gray or brown in color, which eventually causes the leaves to drop off. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves, and avoid watering the plant from above. Fungicidal sprays can also help prevent the disease from spreading further.
Common Pests
1. Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, white, fluffy insects that suck the sap out of plants, including Canarium album. They can cause distorted leaves and stunted growth. An infestation of mealybugs can be managed by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Alternatively, you could introduce natural enemies such as ladybugs or lacewings to control the infestation.
2. Scale insects
Scale insects are small, flat insects that attach themselves to the plant, sucking the sap out of it. They secrete a sticky substance that attracts ants and can cause black mold to grow. To manage a scale infestation, try to remove the insects manually using a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in alcohol. If the infestation is severe, you can use insecticidal sprays or introduce natural enemies such as parasitic wasps.
By taking steps to manage diseases and pests, you can help ensure that your Canarium album plant remains healthy and productive.
