Overview of Centrolobium paraense Tul.
Centrolobium paraense Tul. is a species of flowering plant belonging to the Leguminosae family. It is commonly known as "jutai" and "pau-mulato" in Brazil, where it is mainly found. This plant is well-known for its various uses in traditional medicine and as a source of timber.
Origin and Distribution
The native range of Centrolobium paraense Tul. is restricted to the Amazonian regions of Brazil, specifically the states of Amazonas, Pará, and Rondônia. However, it can also be found in other regions of South America such as Bolivia and Peru.
General Appearance
Centrolobium paraense Tul. is a large tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 100 cm. Its branches spread out widely and form a dense, rounded crown. The bark is smooth, reddish-brown, and can peel off in small strips. Its pinnate leaves are green and measure around 15-30 cm long and 7-15 cm wide.
The plant produces beautiful pink flowers that grow in clusters, and its fruit is a pod that can be up to 15 cm long and 10-12 cm wide. Inside the pod, you can find several seeds that are black, shiny, and have a hard coat.
Uses
According to traditional medicine, various parts of Centrolobium paraense Tul. have several medicinal properties that help to treat a wide range of ailments such as fever, inflammation, and respiratory problems. Its bark, leaves, and pods are also used in baths and infusions for skin problems and to stimulate blood circulation.
The wood of this plant is highly valued as a source of timber for construction, furniture, and decorative purposes. It possesses excellent qualities such as durability, workability, and strength that make it attractive to many industries.
In conclusion, Centrolobium paraense Tul. is a versatile plant that plays an important role in traditional medicine and as a source of timber in the Amazonian regions of Brazil.
Growth Conditions for Centrolobium paraense Tul.
Centrolobium paraense Tul., also known as the Brazilian Cherry, is a tree species endemic to South America. It is a popular ornamental plant due to its showy flowers, but it is also used for its wood, which is suitable for cabinetry and flooring. To ensure its healthy growth, the following are the typical growth conditions for Centrolobium paraense Tul.:
Light
Centrolobium paraense Tul. prefers full sun to partial shade. It thrives in areas with bright, indirect light and is not tolerant of heavy shading. In areas with strong sunlight, it is advisable to provide some shade during the hottest parts of the day to prevent leaf scorching. If grown indoors, it should be placed near a south-facing window or under grow lights to receive enough light.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for Centrolobium paraense Tul. is between 18 and 28 degrees Celsius. It requires a warm and humid environment to grow well. A sudden drop in temperature can cause damage to the plant and stunt its growth. If growing this plant indoors, ensure that the temperature is consistent and that the plant is not exposed to drafts or cold spots.
Soil Requirements
Centrolobium paraense Tul. grows best in well-draining, fertile soils with a pH level between 5.0 and 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water retention capacity. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is a suitable planting medium for this plant. It is advisable to avoid compacted clay soils as they can suffocate the roots and cause plant stress. It is also important to ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Cultivation
Centrolobium paraense Tul. is an evergreen tree that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. It requires full sun exposure to thrive, and can tolerate a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
When planting, make sure to dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the entire root system. You can add some organic matter to the soil to enhance its fertility. After planting, water thoroughly and apply some mulch to conserve soil moisture.
Watering Needs
Centrolobium paraense Tul. prefers consistent moisture but can tolerate periods of drought. Watering should be done deeply and regularly, especially during the dry season. However, overwatering can lead to root rot and other water-related problems. Water only when the topsoil is dry, and avoid splashing water on the foliage to prevent diseases.
Fertilization
Centrolobium paraense Tul. is not a heavy feeder but can benefit from occasional fertilizer applications. Use a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer), following the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid overfertilizing, as it can burn the roots and harm the plant.
Pruning
Centrolobium paraense Tul. is a low-maintenance plant and does not require regular pruning. However, if you notice any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, remove them promptly to stimulate new growth and prevent the spread of diseases. You can also prune to shape or control the size of the tree, but do it during the dormant season (winter) to minimize stress on the plant.
Propagation of Centrolobium paraense Tul.
Centrolobium paraense Tul. is commonly known as jatobá-do-campo, and it is a tropical tree species found predominantly in the Amazon and Cerrado regions of Brazil. The plant belongs to the family Fabaceae, and it is valued for its strong wood and medicinal properties.
Seed Propagation
The most common propagation method for jatobá-do-campo is by seed. Jatobá-do-campo produces a large, woody pod that holds several seeds. These seeds must be collected from mature pods that have fallen naturally from the tree. The best time to collect seeds is during the dry season, which falls between June and September.
After collecting the seeds, they should be soaked in water for 24-48 hours to soften the hard seed coat. Following this, the seeds can be sown directly into individual containers filled with a well-draining potting soil. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, bright location until the seeds germinate, which can take up to 30 days.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method of propagation for jatobá-do-campo is through cuttings. This method is considered more difficult than seed propagation, but it can be more effective as cuttings will produce a plant that is genetically identical to the parent plant.
Take 10-15cm semi-hardwood cuttings from the current season's growth during the late summer or early fall. Remove the lower leaves and dip the end in rooting hormone powder. Place the cuttings in a well-draining rooting medium, such as coarse sand or perlite. Keep the cuttings moist and in a warm, bright location. Once roots have formed, which can take up to 6-8 weeks, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual containers filled with potting soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Centrolobium paraense Tul.
Centrolobium paraense Tul., commonly known as the trumpet-tree, is a member of the Fabaceae family. Like any other plant species, it is susceptible to different types of diseases and pests. Below are the commonly occurring diseases and pests of the trumpet-tree and ways to manage them.
Diseases Affecting Centrolobium paraense Tul.
The trumpet-tree is susceptible to a few diseases, including:
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by various fungi species. It affects the roots of the plant, leading to their decay and, ultimately, death. Signs of root rot include yellowing and wilting of leaves. To manage root rot, remove diseased plants and avoid overwatering. Ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent the accumulation of excess water.
- Leaf Blight: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the trumpet-tree. Signs of leaf blight include the appearance of dark spots on leaves, which eventually turn brown. To manage this disease, remove and dispose of infected plant debris. You can also use appropriate fungicides to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pests Affecting Centrolobium paraense Tul.
Some of the most common pests that affect trumpet-trees include:
- Thrips: These small, slender insects feed on plant sap. They result in distorted leaves and stem damage. To control thrips, practice good plant hygiene and remove infested plant parts. You may also use insecticidal soap or appropriate insecticides for thrip control.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are known to feed on the trumpet-tree leaves. They leave a ragged appearance on the leaves. Hand-pick caterpillars if in small numbers, or use bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to manage them.
Overall, preventive measures such as practicing proper plant hygiene and providing optimal growing conditions go a long way in managing diseases and pests in Centrolobium paraense Tul. In the case of severe infestations, seek the advice of a professional plant specialist for appropriate management strategies.
