Overview
Centrolobium ochroxylum Rose ex Rudd is a large, tropical tree species belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is also referred to as 'Yellow Incienso,' which translates to 'Yellow Incense' in English. The plant has several uses and is popularly grown for its wood and ornamental purposes.
Appearance
The Yellow Incienso is a tall tree that can grow up to 65 feet (20 meters) in height. The trunk diameter can reach up to 2 feet (60 centimeters) wide. The tree has a straight trunk with grey bark that appears smooth when young and becomes furrowed with age. The plant has a dense canopy of large compound leaves that can grow up to 15 inches (40 centimeters) long. The leaflets are light green, glossy, and arranged opposite each other.
Origin
The Yellow Incienso plant is indigenous to Central and South America and is found in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela.
Uses
Yellow Incienso is commercially important for its wood, which is dense, durable, and resistant to decay. It is used for making furniture, flooring, and construction purposes. The plant is grown as an ornamental tree due to its attractive foliage and flowers. In traditional medicine, the bark extract is used to treat skin infections and inflammation.
Overall, Centrolobium ochroxylum Rose ex Rudd is an important plant with several practical uses. It provides timber for manufacturing, adds aesthetic appeal to landscapes, and is a source of traditional medicine.Light Requirements
The Centrolobium ochroxylum Rose ex Rudd plant requires a moderate amount of light to grow. It can grow under full sun in areas with a cooler climate but prefers partial shade when in areas with warmer temperatures. If the plant is exposed to direct sunlight for a long period of time, it might show some signs of leaf scorching, so it's important to keep it in a partially shaded area
Temperature Requirements
The plant cannot tolerate a temperature that is below 50°F. The ideal temperature range for Centrolobium ochroxylum Rose ex Rudd is between 60°F to 70°F during the day and around 55°F at night. While this plant can survive in regions with a little frost, it is best to keep it in an area with a constant temperature above 50°F to ensure proper growth and development.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Centrolobium ochroxylum Rose ex Rudd should be rich in organic matter, well-draining, and slightly acidic with a pH range between 4.5 and 6.5. The plant requires adequate soil moisture, but it should not be waterlogged. Sandy loam soil is the best for growing the plant as it allows for easy infiltration of water and easy root penetration.
Cultivation of Centrolobium ochroxylum Rose ex Rudd
Centrolobium ochroxylum Rose ex Rudd is a species of timber tree that is native to Brazil, Colombia and Peru. It is often grown as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks due to its striking, yellow-flowering display. Here are some tips on cultivating this beautiful plant:
Watering Needs
Centrolobium ochroxylum Rose ex Rudd prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering. During the dry season, the tree should be watered more frequently, at least once a week, to keep the soil moist. Watering should be done in the morning or evening to avoid excessive evaporation.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential to ensure healthy growth and blooming. During the growing season, the tree should be fertilized with a balanced slow-release fertilizer, which contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. This should be done once or twice a year, and the recommended dose should be indicated on the packaging.
Pruning
Pruning should be done carefully, especially during the early years of growth, to ensure a well-shaped and healthy tree. The ideal time to prune Centrolobium ochroxylum Rose ex Rudd is in late winter before the new growth appears. The branches should be cut back just before a bud to encourage new growth. Dead, diseased or damaged branches should also be removed immediately.
Propagation of Centrolobium ochroxylum Rose ex Rudd
Centrolobium ochroxylum Rose ex Rudd, also known as pink or golden trumpet tree, is a popular ornamental plant species. The plant belongs to the Fabaceae family, and it grows up to 25 meters tall. Propagation of the plant can be done in several ways.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and easiest way of propagating Centrolobium ochroxylum. The seeds must be collected from the mature pods of the plant. The collected seeds should be cleaned and soaked in water for one day before sowing. The seeds must be sown in well-draining soil mixed with compost. The soil should be kept moist until germination occurs. The seedlings should be transplanted to individual pots once they have developed their first true leaves.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation can be done to propagate Centrolobium ochroxylum. Cuttings should be taken from the plant's young branches. The cuttings should be around 15-20 cm long and should be treated with rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm, humid environment until they begin to produce roots. After rooting, the cuttings should be transplanted into individual pots and kept in a bright area, avoiding direct sunlight.
Graft Propagation
Graft propagation can be done to propagate Centrolobium ochroxylum. This method involves grafting a scion from the preferred plant onto a compatible rootstock of the same species. Grafting involves making a slit on the rootstock and inserting the scion into the slit. The grafted plant should be kept in a humid environment until it establishes and starts to grow.
Propagation of Centrolobium ochroxylum can be done through seed propagation, cutting propagation, or graft propagation. Each method requires different procedures and materials, so it is essential to choose the most suitable method based on your needs and skills.
Disease and Pest Management for Centrolobium ochroxylum Rose ex Rudd
Centrolobium ochroxylum Rose ex Rudd, commonly known as pau marfim-amarelo, is a tropical tree species found in the Amazon region of Brazil. This tree is highly valued for its wood, and due to deforestation and forest fragmentation, it has become endangered. Disease and pests can also impact its survival, making it important to manage and control any outbreaks properly.
Common Diseases and Pests
One of the significant diseases affecting C. ochroxylum is leaf spot disease caused by the fungus Cercospora sp. This disease appears as small brown spots on the leaves, which eventually enlarge and merge, resulting in premature leaf drop. Another fungal disease that affects C. ochroxylum is anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum sp. This disease leads to the death of young tissues and has a detrimental effect on the growth and productivity of the plant.
C. ochroxylum is also susceptible to wood decay, which is caused by various fungi. This decay leads to the deterioration of the wood, reducing its quality and durability. Termites are one of the significant pests that cause damage to this plant. They feed on the wood, which weakens the tree, making it more susceptible to other pests and diseases. Other pests that can cause problems for C. ochroxylum include leaf miners, bark beetles, and defoliators.
Disease and Pest Management
The most effective way to manage and control diseases and pests in C. ochroxylum is through a combination of preventive and curative measures. One of the essential preventive measures is to maintain a clean and healthy environment by removing fallen leaves and debris. This helps to reduce the risk of fungal spores and pests. Pruning infected branches and leaves and disposing of them away from the plant area can help to reduce the spread of diseases.
Applying fungicides is an effective method to control fungal diseases in C. ochroxylum. The fungicide application should be done as soon as the symptoms are seen, spraying the plants' foliage entirely. The use of insecticides is also necessary to control pests like termites. It's essential to follow the recommended dosage and application method to avoid damage to the plant and to prevent harmful effects on the environment.
Biological control is another effective method to control pests and diseases. The introduction of beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings can help control pests like defoliators and leaf miners. Biofungicides can also help control fungal diseases. The use of resistant cultivars can also reduce the incidence of diseases and pests.
To conclude, managing and controlling diseases and pests in C. ochroxylum is essential in the conservation and survival of this species. Preventive measures, combined with curative methods like the application of fungicides and insecticides, can help control the spread of diseases and pests. Biological control is an eco-friendly approach that can also be considered in managing C. ochroxylum diseases and pests.
