Overview:
Celtis philippensis Blanco, commonly known as the Philippine hackberry or "capuli," is a tree that belongs to the Ulmaceae family. The tree is native to the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, where it is a highly valued fruit tree. It is a small to medium-sized tree, reaching up to 20 meters in height. The tree has a smooth, grayish-white bark and a broad, roundish crown that is often wider than the tree's height.General Appearance:
Celtis philippensis is a deciduous tree with a broad crown of up to 12 meters in diameter. The tree's foliage is light green, smooth, and symmetrical, with alternate leaves that are 5-14 cm long and 3-10 cm wide. The leaves are ovate or elliptical, with entire margins and pointed tips. The tree blooms with small, greenish-white flowers that are less than 1 cm in diameter. The fruit of the tree is a small red or yellow drupe, which is sweet, sour, and slightly astringent in taste.Common Names:
Celtis philippensis is commonly known as the Philippine hackberry or "capuli" and has a variety of regional names, including "Aratilis" in the Philippines, "Kedondong" in Indonesia, and "Cham" in Vietnam. The fruit of the tree is also known as "calumpit" in some areas.Uses:
The fruit of Celtis philippensis is highly prized and considered a delicacy in many parts of Southeast Asia. The fruit is used fresh or dried, and it is often used to make jams, jellies, and pickles. The fruit is also used to flavor various dishes or eaten fresh as a snack. In traditional medicine, the plant is used for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The bark of the tree is also used as a traditional remedy for coughs, colds, and fever. The wood of the tree is used for making furniture, tools, and firewood, while its fibers are used for paper making.Growth Conditions for Celtis philippensis Blanco
Light: Celtis philippensis Blanco requires full sun or partial shade for optimal growth. Lack of light can result in stunted growth and reduced leaf production.
Temperature: This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions and requires warm temperatures to thrive. During the growing season, average temperatures of 25-30°C are ideal, while they can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C in winter.
Soil: The ideal soil for Celtis philippensis Blanco is well-draining with a pH of 5.5-7.0. The soil should be nutrient-rich and loamy. This plant prefers soils that are slightly acidic but can tolerate slightly alkaline conditions. It grows well in sandy, clay, or loam soils.
Water: Celtis philippensis Blanco requires consistent watering to establish itself, but once established, it can tolerate occasional dry spells. It is important not to overwater this plant as it can lead to root rot. Watering should be reduced in winter as the plant is dormant during this period.
Fertilizer: This plant benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizer should be applied every two to three months.
Propagation: Celtis philippensis Blanco can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds are typically sown in spring, while cuttings can be taken during the growing season.
Cultivation methods
The Celtis philippensis Blanco plant can be cultivated using seeds or cuttings. If you want to grow it from seeds, sow them in a well-draining soil mix in a pot or bed with good sunlight. Cover the seeds with a layer of soil and water sparingly until they germinate. Cuttings can be taken during the spring or summer, dipped in rooting hormone, and planted in moist soil mix with good drainage.
Watering needs
It's best to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged when it comes to Celtis philippensis Blanco. Water the plant deeply once a week, but adjust the frequency depending on the soil's moisture levels and weather conditions. During the plant's first year, water it more frequently. After that, the plant can tolerate some drought but not extended periods without water.
Fertilization
For optimum growth and blooming, Celtis philippensis Blanco requires fertilization at least once or twice annually. Use a balanced fertilizer or a slow-release fertilizer with a high amount of nitrogen. Apply the fertilizer in spring and summer and keep it a foot away from the plant's base to prevent burning.
Pruning
Pruning helps Celtis philippensis Blanco to grow healthily and look good. Regular pruning helps to keep the tree to a manageable size, and encourages branching. Remove dead, diseased, or weak branches to keep the plant healthy and aerated. Prune the tree during the dormant season, but avoid doing so during periods of high humidity, as the tree may suffer from fungal infections.
Propagation of Celtis philippensis Blanco
Celtis philippensis Blanco, commonly known as the Philippine hackberry, is a deciduous tree that is native to Southeast Asia. It is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks because of its attractive foliage and bark.
There are several methods of propagating Celtis philippensis Blanco. These include:
1. Seeds
Seeds are the most common way to propagate Celtis philippensis Blanco. Ideally, seeds should be collected directly from the tree and sown immediately. The seeds are small and should be planted 1-2cm deep in well-draining soil. Germination can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
2. Cuttings
Cuttings are another way to propagate Celtis philippensis Blanco. This method involves taking a cutting from the tree and rooting it in soil. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer, when the tree is actively growing. The cuttings should be about 15cm long and should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted. They should be watered regularly and kept in a humid environment until roots develop.
3. Grafting
Grafting is a more advanced method of propagating Celtis philippensis Blanco. This method involves taking a cutting from the desired cultivar and grafting it onto another plant with a compatible rootstock. This method is often used in commercial nurseries to produce large numbers of plants quickly.
Overall, Celtis philippensis Blanco is an easy-to-grow plant that can be propagated using a variety of methods. Whether you choose to propagate by seeds, cuttings, or grafting, with proper care and attention, you can successfully grow this beautiful and resilient tree.
Disease and Pest Management for Celtis philippensis Blanco
Celtis philippensis Blanco, commonly known as Philippine hackberry, is a native plant in Southeast Asia. It is a hardy tree and easy to grow, but like most plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management are essential to maintain a healthy and productive Celtis philippensis plant.
Common Pests that Affect Celtis philippensis
1. Mealybugs – These pests are tiny, soft-bodied insects that suck plant sap and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold. Mealybugs can be controlled by spraying a solution of water and dish soap directly on the pests or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
2. Scale insects – These pests are similar to mealybugs in that they also suck plant sap and excrete honeydew. They are small and disc-shaped and can be found on the leaves and stems of the plant. Scale insects can be controlled by applying rubbing alcohol with a cotton swab or by using a horticultural oil spray.
3. Caterpillars – Caterpillars are the larval form of moths and butterflies. They can cause significant damage by eating the leaves of the plant. Handpicking caterpillars is the best way to control them, but in extreme cases, insecticides may be necessary.
Common Diseases that Affect Celtis philippensis
1. Leaf spot – Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves of the plant. It thrives in humid conditions and can be prevented by maintaining proper air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Infected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and a copper-based fungicide can be applied to prevent further spread of the disease.
2. Root rot – Root rot is a fungal disease that occurs when the roots of the plant are constantly wet. It can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage and by avoiding overwatering. If root rot is detected, the affected plant should be removed, and the soil should be treated with a fungicide before replanting.
3. Powdery mildew – Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. It can be prevented by maintaining proper air circulation, pruning affected branches, and avoiding overhead watering. An application of a fungicide containing sulfur or potassium bicarbonate can help to control powdery mildew.
Overall, adequate disease and pest management for Celtis philippensis Blanco involves proper watering, pruning, and sanitation, as well as regular inspection and prompt treatment of any signs of pests or diseases. Maintaining a healthy and disease-free plant will allow it to thrive and produce abundant and beautiful foliage.
