Canarium indicum L. - Description, Origin, Common Names, and Uses
Canarium indicum L. is a dioecious tropical tree belonging to the family Burseraceae. It is commonly known as the galip nut tree, canarium nut tree, and ngali. The tree is native to the western Pacific including Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, and parts of Melanesia.
The galip nut tree is a tall, slender tree that can grow up to 40 meters in height. It has a straight trunk with a diameter of up to 80 cm. The leaves are pinnate with 5-11 leaflets, and the tree produces small, white flowers that grow in clusters. The tree's fruit is a drupe that is round or oval in shape and can be up to 4 cm in diameter. The fruit husk is green when it is unripe and turns yellow or brown when it is ripe. The seed inside the fruit is edible and has a woody texture with a mild, nutty flavor.
The galip nut tree has been cultivated for centuries by Pacific Islanders for its many uses. The seed is a rich source of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins, making it an important dietary staple. The oil extracted from the seed is used for cooking, fuel, and as a skin moisturizer. The dried seeds are also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including coughs, indigestion, and skin infections. In addition to its medicinal properties, the wood of the galip nut tree is highly valued for its strength and durability, making it ideal for construction and carving.
Growth Conditions of Canarium indicum L.
Canarium indicum L. is a tropical tree species that is commonly known as the Canarium nut tree or Galip nut tree. This species is native to various regions in Asia and the Pacific, including Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji, and Vanuatu. The tree species is primarily grown for its edible nuts, which have a high nutritional value and are used in multiple culinary applications, such as in desserts, salads, and sauces.
Light Requirements
The Canarium nut tree grows best in areas where it can receive full sun exposure or partial shade. When grown in shade, the tree tends to grow taller. However, it might produce a smaller number of nuts than when it is grown in direct sunlight. Moreover, the tree species thrives in areas that receive an annual sunlight exposure of at least 1600 hours.
Temperature Requirements
The Canarium nut tree thrives in warm and humid climates with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C (75-90°F). It cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 16°C (61°F). Therefore, this species is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions, such as Hawaii, where the climate is favorable for its growth.
Soil Requirements
The Canarium nut tree prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for the soil is between 5.5 and 6.5. The tree species can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. The tree is also tolerant of saline soils, which makes it a suitable species for coastal plantations in some areas.
In conclusion, the Canarium nut tree is a tropical tree species that requires warm and humid conditions, well-draining soil, and plenty of sunlight for optimal growth. By providing the optimum growth conditions, farmers can achieve a high yield of nutritious nuts.
Cultivation
Canarium indicum L., also known as Pili nuts, can grow up to 25 meters in height and can be cultivated in tropical regions with an annual rainfall of 1500 to 2500 mm and temperatures between 20 to 32°C. The tree requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5. The best time for planting is during the rainy season.
Watering Needs
Pili tree requires regular watering in its early stages of growth. Once the tree has established, it can tolerate drought conditions. However, it still requires periodic watering to ensure proper growth and yield. The frequency of watering should be adjusted depending on the rainfall and soil moisture condition.
Fertilization
It is essential to fertilize the Pili tree regularly to ensure maximum yield. The ideal fertilizer should consist of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, with a ratio of 4:3:2. The application of fertilizers should be done twice a year, preferably during the rainy season. Organic fertilizers such as manure and compost can also be used to enrich the soil.
Pruning
Pruning the Pili tree should be done at the end of the harvesting season. The primary purpose of pruning is to remove old and diseased branches to promote the growth of new and healthy branches. Pruning also helps to control the height and shape of the tree. It is recommended to remove the lower branches to ensure adequate light penetration and air circulation within the canopy.
Propagation Methods for Canarium indicum L.
Canarium indicum L. is a species of plant that belongs to the Burseraceae family. It is commonly known as pili, which is a tropical tree that is popularly grown for its edible nut. Pili is native to the Philippines, but it is also found in other countries in Southeast Asia like Malaysia and Indonesia. There are different propagation methods that can be used for Canarium indicum L., which includes seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is one of the most common ways to propagate Canarium indicum L. This method is easy to do, and it does not require any special equipment or tools. To begin, collect fresh and mature pili nuts from the tree and remove any debris or husks surrounding them. After that, place the nuts in a container with water to soak for a few hours. Then, dry the nuts and crack them open to extract the seeds.
The seeds of Canarium indicum L. should be sown immediately after extraction. Use a mixture of potting soil and sand for seed germination. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1-2 inches and water them regularly. The seeds will usually germinate within 2-3 weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves using parts of the plant like stem cuttings, root cuttings, or leaf cuttings to grow new plants. This method is useful for reproducing plants that do not produce seeds or have low seed viability.
For Canarium indicum L., stem cuttings are the most common method of vegetative propagation. Select a healthy stem from a mature tree and cut a 6-8 inch section from it. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem, leaving only the ones at the top. Then, dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a potting mix of equal parts of sand and peat moss. Keep the soil moist, and the cutting should start to grow roots in about 4-6 weeks.
Grafting
Grafting is a propagation method that involves joining a stem or branch of one plant with the rootstock of another plant. It is a common method used to propagate Canarium indicum L. because it helps to improve the growth and yield of the tree.
To graft Canarium indicum L., select a healthy seedling as a rootstock and a healthy branch from a mature tree as a scion. Cut off the top of the rootstock and make a diagonal cut on the scion. Then, join the two parts together and wrap them with grafting tape. Keep the grafting site moist, and the tree should start to grow in about 2-3 weeks.
Overall, Canarium indicum L. can be propagated through different methods, and each method has its advantages and disadvantages. Seed propagation is simple and easy, but it can take a long time for the plant to mature. Vegetative propagation produces plants that are genetically identical to the parent, but it requires more attention and care. Lastly, grafting is useful for improving the growth and yield of the tree, but it requires more skill and knowledge to do.
Disease and Pest Management for Canarium indicum L.
Canarium indicum L. is a tree native to Melanesia and popular for its edible nuts. The plant is highly susceptible to many diseases and pests, which can reduce its yield, quality, and overall productivity. Proper disease and pest management practices can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of these problems.
Common Diseases
Fungal Leaf Spot: Fungal leaf spot is the most common disease in Canarium indicum L., caused by Gloeocercospora canarii fungi. It causes small brown spots on leaves that gradually grow to become larger. The spots eventually turn dark brown with a yellow halo, leading to defoliation and reduced productivity.
Anthracnose: Another fungal disease that affects the tree is anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The symptoms of anthracnose start with small, dark spots on leaves that later enlarge, turning into irregularly shaped patches. The fungus can also infect fruits and stems, leading to significant yield and quality losses.
Root Rot: Root rot is a common disease in plants grown in waterlogged soils, which causes decay of the roots and eventual death of the tree. The disease is caused by various fungi, including Fusarium spp., Rhizoctonia solani, and Phytophthora spp.
Pest Management
Fruit Fly: Fruit fly is the most damaging insect pest that attacks Canarium indicum L., causing significant losses in yield and quality. The pest lays eggs on the fruits and later develops into larvae that feed on the flesh, leading to rotting and deformation. Regular monitoring, proper sanitation, and cultural practices can help to reduce fruit fly infestation.
Stem Borer: Stem borer is another insect pest that affects the plant, causing damage to the trunk and branches. The pest lays eggs on the bark, and the larvae tunnel into the wood, causing swelling and cracks. The infested parts eventually become brittle, leading to breakage and reduced productivity. Proper sanitation and cultural practices can help to reduce the incidence of stem borers.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are sap-sucking pests that attach themselves to the branches and leaves, causing yellowing, wilting, and curling. The pests produce a sugary substance that attracts ants and other insects, leading to further damage. Proper sanitation, pruning, and application of insecticides can help to control scale insects.
In conclusion, implementing proper disease and pest management practices is crucial for improved yield, quality, and productivity of Canarium indicum L. growers should regularly monitor their crops, implement cultural practices, and apply appropriate chemical treatments to reduce the incidence and severity of diseases and pests.
