Overview
Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels, commonly known as wampee, is a plant species that belongs to the Rutaceae family. This evergreen tree is native to Southern China, Southeast Asia, and other parts of the tropical and subtropical regions.
Appearance
The wampee tree can grow up to 10 meters tall and has shiny, dark green leaves that are oval-shaped and arranged alternately on the branches. The plant produces small, white flowers that are often fragrant and are followed by round, berry-like fruits that are 2-3 cm in diameter with thin, yellow skin when ripe.
Common Names
The wampee plant is known by different common names such as wampi, wampi tree, Chinese wampee, small long ya, and more.
Uses
Wampee is primarily cultivated for its fruits, which have a sweet, juicy, and slightly tart flavor. They are consumed commercially or in household settings, either fresh or in the form of jams, jellies, syrups, or pickles. In traditional Chinese medicine, various parts of the plant, such as the bark, leaves, and seeds, are used to treat various ailments such as colic, dysentery, and fever. The tree is also cultivated for ornamental purposes, and the fragrant flowers are used in perfumery.
Light Requirements
The Clausena lansium plant prefers to grow in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Optimal growth and fruit production require bright light conditions. Therefore, it's recommended to grow this plant in open fields, orchards, or on the edges of forests.
Temperature Requirements
The Clausena lansium thrives in tropical and subtropical areas, where the temperature ranges from 20 to 35°C (68 to 95°F). This plant is not frost-tolerant and cannot survive in temperatures below 10°C (50°F). In cooler climates, growing Clausena lansium in a greenhouse or indoors is a feasible option.
Soil Requirements
Clausena lansium grows well in various soil types, but it prefers well-drained, fertile, and loamy soils. The ideal pH range is between 5.5 and 6.5. This plant is sensitive to waterlogged soils and high salinity, so it's essential to avoid planting it in areas with poor drainage or high salt content.
Cultivation of Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels
Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels, commonly known as wampi, is a tropical fruit tree. It is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall in favorable conditions. Cultivating Clausena lansium requires some careful consideration of the tree's needs.
Watering Needs
Watering is one of the most important aspects of Clausena lansium cultivation. The tree requires constant watering to maintain its growth and produce high-quality fruits. The frequency of watering depends on the surrounding temperature, humidity, and rainfall. During dry periods, the tree should be watered more often, especially when the soil is dry. However, over-watering can be detrimental to the tree's growth, and thus, growers should ensure proper drainage to prevent drowning the roots.
Fertilization
Fertilization is crucial in Clausena lansium cultivation. The tree requires a balanced uptake of nutrients to produce high yields of quality fruits. Slow-release fertilizers are recommended, and they should be applied annually, preferably during the growing period. The soil pH should be maintained between 6.0 and 7.0, which is suitable for the tree's growth. Growers should also ensure proper macro and micronutrient balance while fertilizing.
Pruning
Pruning is essential in Clausena lansium cultivation to maintain the desired tree shape and encourage maximum yield. The tree should be pruned immediately after harvesting, as this promotes the growth of new shoots and branches. The aim of pruning is to rejuvenate the tree, enhance fruit quality and quantity, and prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Growers should also remove any dead or damaged branches to prevent any further damage to the tree.
Propagation of Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels
Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels, commonly known as wampee, is a tropical tree that bears small edible fruits. It is a slow-growing tree and can be propagated through various methods. The following are some of the propagation methods that can be used to propagate Clausena lansium:
Seed Propagation
The most commonly used method of propagating Clausena lansium is through seeds. The seeds of Clausena lansium are harvested from ripe fruits. The seeds should be cleaned and dried in the sun for a few days before sowing. The seeds can be sown in pots or directly in the ground. It is recommended to sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix. The seeds will germinate in 2-4 weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation can also be done through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken in the early morning or late afternoon and should be about 6-8 inches long. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mix. It is recommended to keep the soil moist and to cover the pot with a plastic bag to help retain moisture. The roots should develop in 4-6 weeks.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another method that can be used to propagate Clausena lansium. This method involves making an incision in the stem of a mature tree and wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss. The moss should be kept moist and covered in plastic to help retain moisture. Roots will develop in 6-8 weeks, and the new plant can be cut off from the parent plant and planted in a pot or directly in the ground.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is a more advanced method of propagation that involves joining two different plants together. It involves taking a cutting of Clausena lansium and attaching it to a rootstock of a related species. The cutting should be the same diameter as the rootstock, and the two should be joined using a grafting technique. Grafting can be a complex process, but it can produce plants with improved qualities.
Disease and Pest Management for Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels
Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels is an ornamental plant commonly grown for its edible fruits. Management of diseases and pests is crucial for the successful cultivation and production of this plant. In this section, we will discuss some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Clausena lansium and suggest some ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Clausena lansium can be affected by various diseases such as powdery mildew, anthracnose, root rot, and sooty mold. Powdery mildew is caused by the fungus Erysiphe sp., and it can cause a white powdery growth on the leaves. Anthracnose is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and it can cause leaf spot and fruit rot. Root rot is caused by soil-borne pathogens such as Phytophthora sp., and it can cause the plant to wilt and eventually die. Sooty mold is caused by the fungi Capnodium sp. and Fumago sp., and it can cause a blackening of the leaves and fruit.
Pest Management
Clausena lansium can also be affected by pests such as fruit flies, aphids, scales, and mealybugs. Fruit flies can cause damage to the fruit, while aphids, scales, and mealybugs can cause damage to the leaves and stems. To manage these pests, it is important to regularly inspect the plant and remove any infested parts. Insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can also be used to control these pests.
Disease Management
To manage powdery mildew and sooty mold, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plant by pruning and thinning out the branches. Fungicides containing sulfur or copper can also be used to control powdery mildew and sooty mold. To manage anthracnose and root rot, it is important to avoid overwatering the plant and to improve the drainage of the soil. Fungicides containing azoxystrobin or mancozeb can also be used to control anthracnose and root rot.
In conclusion, it is important to implement proper disease and pest management practices when growing Clausena lansium. Regular inspection, proper sanitation, and appropriate use of pesticides and fungicides can help control and prevent diseases and pests from affecting the plant, ensuring a healthy and productive crop.
