Chukrasia tabularis A.Juss.
Chukrasia tabularis A.Juss. is an evergreen tree that belongs to the Meliaceae family. It is commonly known as Indian white cedar, Chittagong wood, and burflower-tree.
Origin
The Indian white cedar tree is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and India. It grows in tropical regions, where the climate is warm and humid.
General Appearance
The Indian white cedar tree is a moderately large tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. Its trunk is straight and cylindrical, with a diameter of up to 90 centimeters. The bark is grayish-brown, and the leaves are pinnate, alternate, and compound, with 5-8 pairs of leaflets that are oval-shaped and pointed at the tip.
The tree produces white or cream-colored flowers that grow in large clusters. The fruit is a capsule that splits into five sections, releasing winged seeds that are dispersed by the wind.
Uses
The Indian white cedar tree is highly valued for its strong, durable wood, which is resistant to termites and other insects. The wood is used for making furniture, doors, window frames, and other construction materials.
In traditional medicine, various parts of the tree are used to treat various ailments such as fever, dysentery, and skin diseases. The bark is used as a tonic and an astringent, while the leaves are used to treat rheumatism and fever.
The Indian white cedar tree provides shade and shelter to wildlife, and its flowers attract bees and other pollinators. It is also planted as an ornamental tree in urban areas and parks for its aesthetic value.
Light Requirements:
Chukrasia tabularis A.Juss. thrives well in moderate to bright sunlight conditions. The plant requires at least 4-5 hours of sunlight per day. Too much exposure to direct Sunlight may cause desiccation of the leaves and disrupt photosynthesis, leading to stunted growth. Therefore, it is recommended to provide the plant with partially shaded areas during intense sunlight exposure.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant prefers warm to hot tropical climates with temperatures ranging from 25-35°C (77-95°F). It can tolerate lower temperatures up to 5°C (41°F) during mild Winter seasons. However, low temperatures severely affect the growth and survival rate of Chukrasia tabularis A.Juss. Hence, it would be best to provide it with a warm and humid environment to promote healthy growth.
Soil Requirements:
Chukrasia tabularis A.Juss. can adapt to a wide range of soil conditions, but it prefers well-draining sandy loam soil with slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5). The plant requires sufficient moisture in the soil for growth, but the soil must not remain waterlogged or excessively dry. Regular watering and mulching help in maintaining the soil moist and regulating its temperature. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen and phosphorus promote healthy foliage and flowering in Chukrasia tabularis A.Juss.
Cultivation of Chukrasia tabularis A.Juss.
Chukrasia tabularis A.Juss. is a deciduous tree that is native to South Asia and is tolerant of semi-arid conditions. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. The trees prefer full sun but can also grow in partial shade. The plant can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and air layering.
Watering needs of Chukrasia tabularis A.Juss.
Chukrasia tabularis A.Juss. requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the tree to wilt and eventually die. During hot and dry weather, the plant may require extra watering.
Fertilization of Chukrasia tabularis A.Juss.
Chukrasia tabularis A.Juss. benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer. In its early stages, the tree should be fertilized two to three times per year, while mature trees can be fertilized once or twice per year. The tree responds well to organic fertilizers such as compost and manure.
Pruning of Chukrasia tabularis A.Juss.
Chukrasia tabularis A.Juss. requires minimal pruning, mainly in the formative stages to promote a strong, symmetrical form. Dead or diseased branches should be pruned as soon as they are noticed. The best time to prune the tree is during the winter months while it is dormant.
Propagation of Chukrasia Tabularis A.Juss.
Chukrasia Tabularis A.Juss., also known as the Indian white cedar, can be propagated through several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and tissue culture.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Chukrasia Tabularis A.Juss. can be collected from mature fruits that turn dark brown or black when ripened. These seeds can then be sown directly into the soil or in pots filled with well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be placed just below the soil surface and kept moist. Germination can take two to three weeks, and once seedlings emerge, they should be provided with plenty of sunlight and watered regularly.
Cutting Propagation
Chukrasia Tabularis A.Juss. can also be propagated through stem cuttings taken from mature plants. The cuttings should be approximately six inches long and taken from healthy, disease-free plants with mature wood. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a soil mix comprised of sand, peat, and perlite for optimal drainage. They should be kept in warm and humid conditions, and within four to six weeks, roots should form and new growth should become visible.
Tissue Culture Propagation
Tissue culture is a less common but effective method of propagating Chukrasia Tabularis A.Juss. It involves taking small amounts of plant tissue and growing them in a sterile, controlled environment. This method of propagation can produce large numbers of identical plants in a short period, but it requires specialized equipment and knowledge.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is essential to provide the young plants with the appropriate care and environmental conditions to ensure that they thrive and grow into healthy and mature specimens.
Disease and Pest Management for Chukrasia tabularis A.Juss.
Chukrasia tabularis A.Juss., commonly known as the Indian cork tree, is a deciduous tree commonly found in India. Like other plants, the Indian cork tree is susceptible to a range of pests and diseases that can cause serious damage and affect its health. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that affects Indian cork trees. It is caused by a number of fungal species, including Cercospora, Phyllosticta, and Alternaria. You can identify leaf spot by the small, circular spots that appear on the leaves. Leaves may turn yellow and drop prematurely. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and destroy them. You can also apply a fungicide to prevent the fungus from spreading.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is another fungal disease that affects Indian cork trees. It causes leaf blight, fruit rot, and cankers. Symptoms include brown or black spots on the leaves and stems, and lesions on the bark. To manage anthracnose, prune infected branches and remove and destroy infected plant debris. Apply a fungicide to prevent spreading and avoid overhead watering.
Pests
Scale insects: Scale insects are common pests that can damage Indian cork trees. They appear as small, immobile bumps on the bark and leaves of the plant. They can cause yellowing of leaves, wilting, and defoliation. To manage scale insects, scrape the scales off by hand or spray with horticultural oil. Apply beneficial insects like ladybugs that feed on scales.
Aphids: Aphids are another common pest that affect Indian cork trees. They appear as tiny green, yellow or brown insects that cluster on leaves and stems sucking the sap of plants. They can cause leaf curl, wilting, and deformation. To manage aphids, spray a strong stream of water on them to dislodge or spray insecticidal soap on plants in early morning or late afternoon when they are active.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are a common pest that can cause serious damage to Indian cork trees. They can defoliate the plant, leaving it weak and vulnerable to other pests and diseases. To manage caterpillars, handpick them or spray insecticides that contain Bacillus thuringiensis.
Overall, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene, monitor regularly and use appropriate control methods to keep Indian cork trees healthy and free from pests and diseases.
