Description of Chrysophyllum carvalhoi Engl.
Chrysophyllum carvalhoi Engl., also known as abiu-do-cerrado, is a fruit-bearing tree species belonging to the family Sapotaceae. It is native to the Cerrado region of Brazil and is found in areas with well-drained soils and a humid climate.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as abiu-do-cerrado in Brazil and is also referred to as the cerrado abiu.
Uses
Chrysophyllum carvalhoi Engl. is primarily cultivated for its edible fruit, which is yellow-orange in color and has a sweet, creamy flavor. The fruit has a high nutritional value and is rich in vitamins A, C, and B complex, as well as minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. In addition to its culinary uses, abiu-do-cerrado has medicinal properties, and the bark and leaves of the tree are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
General Appearance
The Chrysophyllum carvalhoi Engl. tree typically grows to a height of 4-5 meters and has a dense, rounded crown. The leaves are leathery, glossy, and ovate, with a dark green color and a length of up to 15 cm. The flowers are small and white, and the fruit is round or oval and measures up to 10 cm in diameter. The fruit has a smooth, thin skin and a soft, creamy flesh that contains 1-4 large brown seeds.
Light Requirements
Chrysophyllum carvalhoi Engl. is a tropical plant that thrives in areas where it receives bright but indirect sunlight. The plant does not tolerate direct sunlight and may suffer from sunburn if exposed to intense light for extended periods. Partial shade is ideal for the plant, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements
This species of Chrysophyllum prefers a warm and humid climate, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 30°C (70°F to 86°F). The plant is highly sensitive to cold temperatures and does not tolerate frost. It is essential to protect the plant from cold drafts or sudden temperature drops.
Soil Requirements
Chrysophyllum carvalhoi Engl. thrives in well-draining soils that are rich in nutrients. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant requires adequate humidity, but the soil should not be kept waterlogged as it may cause root rot. Adding organic matter to the soil improves aeration, water retention, and nutrient availability.
Cultivation methods
The Chrysophyllum carvalhoi Engl., commonly known as Abiu, is a tropical fruit tree that grows best in warm and humid climate zones. It requires full sun exposure and well-drained soil for proper growth. The ideal temperature for the plant is between 60°F and 85°F, and it cannot tolerate temperatures below 45°F.
The Abiu can be propagated through various techniques such as seedling, grafting, or air layering. Seedling propagation is the most common and straightforward technique. It involves planting seeds in a pot or nursery bed and keeping them moist until they germinate. Once the seedlings are established and have developed a few leaves, they can be transplanted to their final planting position.
Watering needs
Adequate watering is critical for the Abiu plant's survival and productivity. The plant requires moderate watering during its growing season and reduced watering during the dormant season. Over-watering should be avoided as it may lead to root rot, while under-watering may lead to leaf drop and stunted growth.
The watering frequency should depend on the soil type, weather conditions, and the plant's stage of growth. Generally, the Abiu plant should be watered once or twice a week during the growing season and once every two weeks during the dormant season. It is advisable to water the plant early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid excessive evaporation.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is essential for the Abiu plant's healthy growth and productivity. The plant responds well to balanced fertilizer high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Organic fertilizers such as compost and manure can also be used to provide nutrients to the plant.
The frequency of fertilization depends on the age and stage of growth of the plant. Newly planted trees should be fertilized every three months, while mature trees should be fertilized twice a year. Fertilizers should be applied to the soil before watering to prevent fertilizer burn.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential practice in the cultivation of Abiu plants. It helps shape the tree, remove damaged or diseased branches, and improve fruit quality and yield.
The best time to prune Abiu plants is during the dormant season. It is advisable to prune the plant from a young age to avoid pruning large branches in the future. Pruning should be done using sharp and sterile tools to prevent the spread of diseases. Removed branches should be disposed of carefully.
Propagation methods of Chrysophyllum carvalhoi Engl.
Chrysophyllum carvalhoi Engl., commonly known as the Brazilian silver-grain tree, is a tropical plant found in Brazil. It is a tree species that belongs to the Sapotaceae family and can grow up to 15 meters tall. The plant is known for its fragrant white flowers and edible fruits. Here are the propagation methods used for Chrysophyllum carvalhoi Engl.:
Seed Propagation
Chrysophyllum carvalhoi Engl. can be propagated by its seeds. The seeds should be collected in late autumn or early winter when the fruits are ripe. The seeds must be carefully extracted from the fruit, cleaned, and laid in a warm, dry spot to dry for a few days. After that, sow the seeds in a mixture of peat moss and perlite, and keep the potting mix moist but not waterlogged. The pot should be covered with a clear plastic bag to keep the humidity high. The seeds will germinate within two to three weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Chrysophyllum carvalhoi Engl. can be propagated by cuttings too. Select stem cuttings from a mature and healthy tree. The cuttings should be taken during the dormant season, usually from autumn to early winter. The cuttings should be about 15 cm long with at least five leaves. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in a mixture of vermiculite and perlite. Keep the cutting in a warm, humid spot, and make sure the soil is always moist. The cuttings will start growing roots within four to six weeks. Once the roots are well-established, the cutting can be transplanted to a larger pot or planted outside in the desired location.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another propagation method that works well for Chrysophyllum carvalhoi Engl. This method works best on a mature, healthy stem that is at least one year old. Make a shallow cut of about 2 cm wide, 2 cm below a node on the stem. Wrap the cut area with moist sphagnum moss, and cover with plastic wrap to keep the moisture in. Secure the plastic wrap with string or tape, ensuring it is tight and sealed. After about two to three months, roots will start to develop. Sever the rooted stem from the parent plant and transplant it to a pot or directly in the desired location.
Disease and Pest Management for Chrysophyllum carvalhoi Engl.
Chrysophyllum carvalhoi Engl., commonly known as Carvalho's star, is a tropical tree species that is native to Brazil. The plant is prized for its ornamental value, and its fruit is consumed by humans and animals alike. Although generally hardy and disease-resistant, the tree is susceptible to a few pests and diseases that can affect its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can cause leaf spots, twig blight, and fruit rot in Chrysophyllum carvalhoi. The disease is most common in humid and rainy seasons and can spread rapidly, leading to defoliation and stunted growth. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply a fungicide such as copper-based products or mancozeb.
Scale insects
Scale insects are common pests that feed on Chrysophyllum carvalhoi's sap, leaving the plant stunted and weakened. The insects are usually found on the underside of leaves and can be identified by their soft, pancake-shaped body and waxy covering. To control scale insects, prune heavily infested branches, wash off insects with a strong stream of water, apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, and introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings.
Leaf miners
Leaf miners are small insects that burrow into Chrysophyllum carvalhoi's leaves and create serpentine tunnels, leading to yellowing and wilting of the foliage. The insects are mostly active in the dry season and can cause significant damage if left unchecked. To control leaf miners, remove and destroy infected leaves, apply insecticides such as spinosad or carbaryl, and use yellow sticky traps to monitor adult populations.
Twig borers
Twig borers are small beetle larvae that bore into Chrysophyllum carvalhoi's twigs and branches, causing cankers and dieback. The larvae are usually active in the dry season and can damage young trees severely. To manage twig borers, prune and destroy infested twigs, apply insecticides such as carbaryl or pyrethroids, and keep trees healthy and well-fertilized to reduce stress.
Regular monitoring, proper sanitation, and cultural practices such as regular pruning, watering, and fertilization can significantly reduce the incidence of pests and diseases in Chrysophyllum carvalhoi. It is also important to choose disease-resistant varieties and avoid planting the tree in areas with known pests and diseases.
