Overview:
Carica cundinamarcensis Linden ex Hook.f. is a small tree or large shrub native to South America. It is a member of the Caricaceae family, which contains other tropical plants such as papaya. The plant is an important cultural symbol for native communities in Colombia and Ecuador, where it is commonly found in the Andes mountain range.
Common Names:
Carica cundinamarcensis is commonly known as Mountain Papaya, Andean Papaya, Chamburo, and Lora. The name "chamburo" is used predominantly in Ecuador, while "lora" is frequently used in Colombia.
Appearance:
The plant can grow up to 8 meters tall and has a straight trunk with a diameter of up to 15 cm. Its leaves are large, ranging from 30-50 cm in length. The leaves are deeply lobed and can be either simple or compound with several lobes. The plant produces small, fragrant flowers in clusters, which later develop into yellowish-green fruits that can weigh up to 1 kg. The fruit has a sweet, juicy pulp and numerous seeds.
Uses:
The fruit of Carica cundinamarcensis is a significant source of food for native communities in South America. Its sweet and refreshing pulp is used to make juices, jams, and desserts. The fruit is also believed to have medicinal properties, such as treating digestive problems and reducing fever. In addition, the plant is used for ornamental purposes in gardens and parks due to its attractive leaves and fruit.
Light Requirements
Carica cundinamarcensis Linden ex Hook.f. is a tropical plant species and therefore requires a significant amount of sunlight to thrive. It grows best in bright, direct sunlight or partial shade. Growers should ensure that the plant receives at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day to facilitate growth and fruit development. It is essential to protect the plant from strong winds, which may cause damage to the leaves and the fruits.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Carica cundinamarcensis Linden ex Hook.f. is between 20°C to 29°C. The plant is tolerant of high temperatures, but it is sensitive to frost and cannot survive below 0°C. In areas with cold winters, growers should consider protecting the plant from freezing temperatures. The plant also requires high humidity levels to maintain optimal growth and prevent excessive water loss through the leaves. It is, therefore, important to provide adequate irrigation to maintain soil moisture levels.
Soil Requirements
Carica cundinamarcensis Linden ex Hook.f. grows well in well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and should have good water-holding capacity to prevent excessive waterlogging. Growers should avoid heavy clay soils as they are poorly drained and may cause root rot. The plant is sensitive to salt build-up, which can lead to poor growth, yellowing of leaves, and fruit drop. Therefore, it is important to maintain proper soil fertility and avoid excessive use of fertilizers.
Cultivation of Carica cundinamarcensis Linden ex Hook.f.
Carica cundinamarcensis Linden ex Hook.f., commonly known as Andean papaya, is a shrubby tree that grows up to 5 meters in height. It is commonly found in the Andean region of South America. This plant prefers a warm and humid climate with an average temperature range of 20-27°C.
Andean papaya prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 6-7.5. Before planting, it is recommended to enrich the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-aged manure. The plant can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, or grafting onto rootstocks of related species of papaya.
Watering Needs of Carica cundinamarcensis Linden ex Hook.f.
Andean papaya requires regular watering to maintain its growth and health. During the growing season, the plant needs to be watered at least twice a week. The amount of water required depends on the climate and the soil type. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
In areas with dry weather conditions, mulching around the plant can help retain soil moisture. Mulching also helps to suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilization of Carica cundinamarcensis Linden ex Hook.f.
Fertilization is essential for the growth and development of Andean papaya. It is recommended to apply a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 every three to four months during the growing season. Organic fertilizers such as compost or well-aged manure can also be used to enrich the soil.
It is important not to over-fertilize as it can lead to the accumulation of salts in the soil, leading to root damage. It is best to follow the manufacturer's instructions or consult with a gardening expert about the appropriate dosage and application methods.
Pruning of Carica cundinamarcensis Linden ex Hook.f.
Andean papaya requires minimal pruning. However, pruning can promote bushier growth and increase fruit production. Dead or diseased branches should be removed as soon as they are noticed to prevent the spread of disease.
Regular pruning can also help to manage the plant's height, making it easier to harvest the fruit. Pruning should be done during the dormant season when the plant is not actively growing. It is important to use clean and sharp pruning tools to minimize damage to the plant.
Propagation of Carica cundinamarcensis Linden ex Hook.f.
Carica cundinamarcensis Linden ex Hook.f., commonly known as the Cundinamarca papaya, is a small, tropical plant that is native to Colombia. The plant can reach a height of up to 6 meters and produces sweet, soft fruits that are similar to other papayas. The propagation of the Cundinamarca papaya can be done through several methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and tissue culture.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating the Cundinamarca papaya is through seeds. Seeds extracted from mature fruits can be sown directly into the soil or in seed trays. The seeds require warm, moist conditions to germinate, and the seedlings need to be protected from direct sunlight and strong winds. After the seedlings have developed strong roots, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Vegetative Propagation
Another method of propagating the Cundinamarca papaya is through vegetative propagation. This involves taking cuttings from mature plants and rooting them to produce new plants. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and should be about 6-8 inches long. The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil and watered regularly until they develop strong roots. Once the roots have developed, the new plants can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is a more advanced method of propagating the Cundinamarca papaya. This involves taking small pieces of plant tissue and growing them in a laboratory under sterile conditions. The tissue is placed in a growth medium that contains nutrients and growth hormones, and the plants are grown in a controlled environment. Once the plants have developed strong roots, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Overall, the propagation of the Cundinamarca papaya can be done through several methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and tissue culture. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of which method to use will depend on the grower's needs, resources, and expertise.
Disease Management
Carica cundinamarcensis is susceptible to several diseases like powdery mildew, leaf spot, anthracnose, and root rot. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and become covered in a white, powdery substance. Leaf spot is another fungal disease that causes small brown spots to appear on the leaves, which eventually enlarge and merge to form large patches.
Anthracnose, on the other hand, is a fungal disease that causes dark lesions to appear on the leaves, which can eventually cause defoliation and stunted growth. Root rot, caused by several soil-borne fungi, causes the roots to rot, leading to wilting and eventual death of the plant.
To manage these diseases, it is important to ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and not overwatered. Proper sanitation is also important to prevent the spread of disease. Removing affected leaves and destroying them can prevent the spread of fungal spores.
Applying fungicides can also be effective in managing these diseases. It is important to choose a fungicide that is labeled for use on Carica cundinamarcensis and follow the instructions carefully.
Pest Management
Carica cundinamarcensis is also susceptible to several pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaves to curl and become distorted. Mealybugs also feed on plant sap, and they secrete a sticky substance that can attract ants and cause fungal growth. Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the undersides of leaves, causing yellowing and premature leaf drop.
To manage these pests, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation and to remove any affected leaves. Applying insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be effective in controlling these pests. It is important to follow the label instructions carefully and to apply the treatment when the plant is not in direct sunlight.
Another effective method of pest management is to introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, which can feed on aphids and other pests.
