Overview
Canarium auriculatum H.Winkl. is a tropical tree that is native to Southeast Asia. It belongs to the family Burseraceae and is commonly known by its local names, such as Ngoh-keng in Malaysia, and Chien-Mou in Thailand. The tree is known for its ruddy resin and is also a source of valuable timber.
Description
The Canarium auriculatum H.Winkl. tree can reach up to 40 meters in height and has a trunk diameter of up to 120 cm. The bark is smooth and greyish-brown in color. The leaves are pinnate and each leaf has about 6-9 pairs of leaflets. The flowers are small, white, and bunched in panicles. The fruit is a drupe that is about 4 cm in diameter, and when ripe, it turns from green to brown. The fruit contains a single seed, which is edible and resembles a hazelnut.
Uses
Canarium auriculatum H.Winkl. has many uses. The tree produces a ruddy resin known locally as "damar mata kucing" in Malaysia, which is used for incense and varnish. The tree is also a source of valuable timber, which is used for construction and furniture making. The seeds are edible and are used in traditional cooking in Southeast Asia. They can also be boiled, roasted, or blended to make cooking oil. Moreover, the tree has medicinal properties, and its bark, leaves, and resin are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including coughs, fever, and headache.
Light requirements
Canarium auriculatum H.Winkl. grows well in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight but not for extended periods as it can lead to leaf scorch and damage. Placing the plant near a window that receives filtered light or using artificial grow lights can provide optimum light conditions.
Temperature requirements
This plant thrives in a warm environment with temperatures ranging between 18°C to 25°C. It cannot withstand extreme cold or hot temperatures. Keeping the plant away from cold drafts and avoiding placing it next to heating and cooling appliances is important for its optimal growth.
Soil requirements
The Canarium auriculatum H.Winkl. prefers a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (between 5.5 to 7.0). A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite can provide an ideal growing medium. It is essential to avoid overwatering and allowing the soil to dry out partially before watering again.
Cultivation Methods for Canarium auriculatum H.Winkl.
Canarium auriculatum H.Winkl., commonly known as pelele or kamansi, is a tropical fruit tree that grows well in warm and humid climates. These trees thrive in well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and they prefer full sun to partial shade.
They should be planted in holes that are twice as wide and deep as their root balls, and the soil should be amended with compost or organic matter. Once planted, they should be watered regularly until they establish themselves.
Watering Needs for Canarium auriculatum H.Winkl.
Canarium auriculatum H.Winkl. requires moderate watering during the growing season, but it is important to ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. In general, these trees should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the local climate and soil conditions.
Newly planted trees require extra attention, and they should be watered more frequently until their root systems are well-established. During hot, dry weather, it is especially important to monitor the soil moisture levels and provide additional water as needed.
Fertilization for Canarium auriculatum H.Winkl.
Canarium auriculatum H.Winkl. responds well to regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is a good choice for young trees, and can be applied every three months during the growing season.
Once the trees begin to produce fruit, a fertilizer with a higher potassium content, such as one with an N-P-K ratio of 5-10-15, can be used instead. Organic fertilizers, such as compost or aged manure, can also be used to provide necessary nutrients to the soil.
Pruning for Canarium auriculatum H.Winkl.
Pruning helps to shape the tree and promote healthy growth. Canarium auriculatum H.Winkl. should be pruned during the dormant season to avoid stimulating new growth at the wrong time.
Dead or diseased branches should be removed, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Thinning out the interior of the tree can also help to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease.
It is important to avoid over-pruning, as this can weaken the tree and reduce its fruit production. Pruning should be done gradually over several years, and should never remove more than 30% of the tree's canopy at once.
Propagation of Canarium auriculatum H.Winkl.
Canarium auriculatum H.Winkl., commonly known as Ngali or Java almond, is a tropical tree species that is native to Southeast Asia. It is a valuable timber species that is also cultivated for its edible nuts. Here are some details about the propagation of this plant:
Seed propagation
One of the most common methods of propagating Canarium auriculatum is through seed propagation. The seeds of this plant can be harvested from mature fruit, and they should be cleaned and dried before planting. Once the seeds are ready, they can be sown directly in the soil or in seed trays filled with a well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be covered with about 1 to 2 centimeters of soil, and they should be watered regularly until germination occurs.
Stem cutting propagation
Another propagation method for Canarium auriculatum is through stem cuttings. This method is best done with semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings. The cuttings should be about 15 to 20 centimeters long and have at least two nodes. The leaves on the lower nodes should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a pot filled with potting mix or directly in the ground. The cutting should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist, and it should be placed in a shaded area to prevent wilting.
Air-layering propagation
Air-layering propagation is another method that can be used to propagate Canarium auriculatum. This method involves making a small cut in the stem of the plant and placing a rooting hormone in the cut. A small amount of moist sphagnum moss is then placed around the cut, and it is wrapped in plastic to keep it moist. After a few weeks, roots should start to form, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and planted in a pot or directly in the ground.
Overall, Canarium auriculatum can be propagated using a range of methods, including seed propagation, stem cutting propagation, and air-layering propagation. Each method requires a different level of skill and knowledge, so it is important to research the different methods thoroughly before attempting to propagate this plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Canarium auriculatum H.Winkl.
Canarium auriculatum H.Winkl., commonly known as the Ngali Nut tree or locally referred to as 'Ngali" is a tree species found in the moist tropical forests of Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. The tree is valued for its nuts, which are edible and have several medicinal properties. To ensure a healthy and abundant yield, it is imperative to protect the plant from diseases and pests that can cause significant damage. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that affect the canarium auriculatum H.Winkl plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Phytophthora Fruit Rot: This disease is caused by the Phytophthora fungus. Symptoms include dark and sunken lesions that develop on young fruits and leaves. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy all infected plant material. Also, avoid over-watering, which creates a suitable environment for the fungus to thrive.
Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by the fungus Cercospora. Symptoms include small, circular spots that develop on the leaves of the tree. As the disease progresses, the spots may merge, and the leaves may turn yellow and fall prematurely. To manage this disease, prune the tree to enhance light penetration and air circulation. Also, avoid overhead watering to prevent the spread of fungal spores.
Common Pests
Fruit Borer: The larva of the fruit borer moth attacks the fruits of the Canarium auriculatum H.Winkl tree, causing significant damage to the crop. Symptoms include small holes on the fruit's surface, exudates, and frass visible around the hole. To manage this pest, it is recommended to remove and destroy all infested fruits. Also, maintain good orchard hygiene by removing fallen fruits and debris from the orchard floor.
Coffee Root-Knot Nematode: This pest attacks the root system of the Canarium auriculatum H.Winkl plant and causes significant damage. Symptoms include stunted growth, wilting, and yellowing of leaves. To manage the nematode, it is recommended to practice crop rotation and avoid planting crops that are susceptible to the nematode, like coffee. Also, ensure that the planting material is free from nematode eggs.
In conclusion, maintaining healthy canarium auriculatum H.Winkl plants requires effective disease and pest management strategies. By implementing the management practices mentioned above, farmers and gardeners can ensure a healthy and abundant yield and avoid significant crop losses.
