Overview of Canarium Album
Canarium album, also known as the Java almond or kenari nut, is a plant species that belongs to the Burseraceae family. This plant is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Description of Canarium Album
Canarium album is a tropical, evergreen tree that can grow up to 40 meters in height. It has a dense and symmetrical crown with a spread of up to 10 meters. The leaves are pinnate, with 9-17 elliptic or oblong leaflets that are about 7-15 centimeters long. The tree produces small white or greenish flowers that are 5-7 millimeters long, which later develop into spherical fruits that are about 4-6 centimeters in diameter with a rough, woody exterior.
Common Names of Canarium Album
Canarium album is commonly known as Java almond or kenari nut in English. In Indonesia, it is called kenari, meaning "walnut," or kanari, and in Malaysia, it is called buah keras. In the Philippines, it is known as pili or pili nut.
Uses of Canarium Album
The edible nut of Canarium album is well known for its nutritional and medicinal properties. The nut is rich in protein, dietary fiber, and various minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. It is a good source of monounsaturated fats and contains antioxidants that can prevent cancer and heart diseases. The nut is used in traditional medicine to treat various health conditions such as cough, asthma, and skin diseases.
Besides its medicinal properties, the nut is also used in cooking and confectionery. Its sweet taste and creamy texture make it an excellent ingredient in desserts, pastries, and chocolates. The fruit of the tree is used to produce essential oil that is used in aromatherapy and skincare products.
The wood of the tree is also valuable as it is hard, durable, and termite resistant. It is used for construction, furniture, and carvings.
Growth Conditions for Canarium album
Light: Canarium album grows best in full sun or partial shade. If planted in a spot that receives inadequate light, it may grow slowly and have smaller leaves. It is important to avoid exposing the plant to direct, scorching sunlight for long periods as it may cause irreversible damage to the leaves.
Temperature: Canarium album prefers warm temperatures and does not tolerate severe cold. The plant grows well in temperatures ranging from 20? to 30? (68? to 86?). In areas with cold winters, it is best to protect the plant by either planting it in a greenhouse or moving it indoors during winter months.
Soil: Canarium album can grow in various soil types, but it thrives in well-draining soils rich in organic matter. The ideal pH level for the soil should be between 5.5 and 6.5. If the soil has poor drainage, it may cause root rot, which could ultimately kill the plant.
Water: Canarium album requires regular watering during the growing season. The soil should be kept slightly moist, but not overly saturated. Over-watering may cause root rot, so it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-draining. In the winter months, the watering frequency can be reduced.
Fertilizer: Canarium album requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and development. Apply a balanced fertilizer every three months during the growing season. Over-fertilization may cause excessive growth, making the plant more susceptible to pests and diseases.
Pruning: Canarium album requires occasional pruning to maintain its shape and size. Prune any dead or damaged branches or branches that rub against each other. It is best to prune during the spring season when new growth has begun, as this will encourage healthy and robust growth.
Pests and Diseases: Canarium album is generally pest-resistant, although it may attract scale insects that feed on its leaves. A regular inspection of the plant can help detect any pest or disease problems early. Treat any issues immediately with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide
Cultivation Methods
Canarium album, also known as the Chinese Olive, is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures and high humidity to grow. It can be cultivated using either seeds or stem cuttings. The plant should be grown in well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It thrives in sandy loam soil with lots of organic matter. The plant requires ample sunshine and partial shade. It grows best in tropical regions with high rainfall.
Watering Needs
Canarium album requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid over-watering as it can lead to root rot. The plant should be watered at least once a week, but the frequency can be increased depending on the weather conditions.
Fertilization
The plant should be fertilized every two to three months with a balanced fertilizer. The fertilizer should be rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, and worm castings are also ideal for Canarium album. It is important to avoid over-fertilization as it can lead to the build-up of salts in the soil, which can be detrimental to the plant's growth.
Pruning
Canarium album requires minimal pruning as it has a natural growth habit. However, it is important to remove any dead or diseased branches as well as those that are rubbing against each other. Pruning should be done during the dormant season when the plant is not actively growing. It is important to use sharp tools to make clean cuts and avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Canarium album
Canarium album, commonly known as the pili nut tree, is a tropical tree that originated from the Philippines. The tree can be propagated through various methods including:
Seed propagation
The most popular method of propagating Canarium album is through seeds. The nuts should be collected from the fully ripe and healthy fruits. The seeds should then be cleaned and soaked in water for 24 hours. After being soaked, the seeds should be planted in well-drained soil at a depth of about 2.5-5 cm. Germination typically occurs within 4-7 weeks after planting.
Air-layering
Air-layering involves creating a small cut in the tree's bark, inserting a rooting hormone and then covering the cut with a damp moss. After some time, roots will start to grow from the cut and the branch can then be cut from the parent tree and planted in well-drained soil.
Cuttings
Canarium album can also be propagated through cuttings, although this method is not as common as seed propagation. The cuttings should be taken from new shoots or branches in the spring before the formation of flower buds. The lower leaves should be removed from the cutting, and the cutting should be planted in well-drained soil with appropriate levels of moisture.
Overall, Canarium album is a hardy plant that can be propagated through a number of methods. Of these methods, seed propagation is the most commonly used method and has the highest success rate.
Disease and Pest Management for Canarium album
Canarium album, also known as the Pili nut tree, is a species of tropical tree widely grown for its nutritious nuts and highly valued timber. Like any other plant, Canarium album is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can affect both the tree's growth and nut quality. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests that can affect Canarium album and how to manage them:
Common Diseases
Bacterial Crown Rot: This is a bacterial disease that causes the rotting of the tree crown, resulting in yellowing and wilting of the leaves and eventual death of the tree. It thrives in warm, moist soils, especially during the wet season. To manage this disease, prune and dispose of all infected branches or, in severe cases, remove the entire tree. Avoid over fertilizing the tree, maintain proper drainage, and reduce irrigation during the wet season.
Anthracnose: It is a fungal disease that causes the formation of brown or black spots on the leaves and stems of Canarium album. Severe cases lead to the death of the tree. To manage this disease, remove and dispose of all infected plant debris, prune infected areas and use copper fungicides or other chemicals to treat the tree.
Common Pests
Leaf-eating Caterpillars: These pests cause significant damage to the tree's leaves and buds by chewing on them. To manage these pests, prune and dispose of infected branches, use biological control agents like lady beetles or natural sprays like neem oil, or use insecticides.
Mites: They suck the sap from the tree's leaves, resulting in leaves turning yellow and later falling off. To manage this pest, you can use natural predators like mite-eating insects or use chemical sprays that control mites without harming the tree.
Fruit Flies: They are common pests that destroy the nuts of Canarium album, making them inedible. To manage fruit flies, hang pheromone traps, bury fallen nuts, or spray chemical insecticides. Rotating with host plants or removing fallen nuts can also help curb the growth of fruit flies.
With proper care and management, Canarium album can thrive and produce healthy fruits. Early detection and management of diseases and pests will help maintain healthy trees and ensure a healthy harvest.
