Overview
Cynometra tetraphylla Hook.f. is a shrub in the legume family that is native to Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. It is known by a variety of common names, including Bintangor, Bonalita, and Boonaree.
Appearance
The plant typically grows to about 3-7 meters in height, with a rounded crown and a spread of up to 5 meters. The leaves are dark green and shiny, with four leaflets that are up to 10 cm long and 6 cm wide. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and inconspicuous, and are followed by large, woody pods.
Uses
The wood of Cynometra tetraphylla is highly valued for its durability and strength, and is commonly used for construction, furniture-making, and boat-building. In some cultures, the leaves and bark are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, cough, and diarrhea. The pods are also edible and are sometimes used in cooking.
Light Requirements
Cynometra tetraphylla Hook.f. is a plant species that thrives in a full sun exposure. It requires a lot of sunlight to grow correctly. This species usually grows in areas that have full sun exposure such as savannas and riverbanks.
Temperature Requirements
Cynometra tetraphylla Hook.f. grows well in warm temperatures. This species can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but the ideal temperature range for its growth is between 25 to 35 °C. This plant is adapted to dry tropical and subtropical climatic regions and can withstand harsh conditions such as droughts and frosts.
Soil Requirements
Cynometra tetraphylla Hook.f. requires well-drained, moist soils to proliferate. This species grows well in acidic to the neutral soils, but it can tolerate mildly alkaline soils with pH values up to 8.5. The plant prefers the deep sandy and sandy-loamy soils that have a good organic matter content. Additionally, the soil should be moderately fertile and rich in nutrients to support the growth and development of the plant.
Cultivation methods for Cynometra tetraphylla Hook.f.
Cynometra tetraphylla Hook.f. is a tropical tree that grows best in warm and humid conditions. It can tolerate a variety of soils but prefers well-draining, fertile soils. To cultivate this plant:
- Choose a sunny spot in your garden or greenhouse where the plant can receive direct sunlight.
- Prepare the soil by digging a hole twice as deep and wide as the plant's root ball. Mix in compost or manure to improve soil fertility.
- Plant the tree and water it well. Ensure that the soil is moist, but not waterlogged.
- Provide support for the young tree as it grows. Use stakes or tie it to a nearby structure.
- Protect the tree from harsh winds and frost.
Watering needs of Cynometra tetraphylla Hook.f.
Cynometra tetraphylla Hook.f. thrives in moist soil conditions. Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering. Ensure that the soil does not dry out. Here are some tips:
- Water the plant deeply once or twice a week.
- Do not allow water to accumulate around the base of the tree to avoid root rot.
- During dry periods, increase watering frequency. Check the soil moisture regularly.
- If you are planting in a pot, ensure that the container has drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix.
Fertilization of Cynometra tetraphylla Hook.f.
Cynometra tetraphylla Hook.f. requires regular fertilization to stay healthy and produce fruit. Here are some guidelines:
- Use a slow-release fertilizer or organic fertilizers during the growing season.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Follow manufacturer's instructions regarding dosage and frequency.
- During the fruiting season, use a high-potassium fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 5-10-15 or 0-0-50 to promote fruit development.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to fertilizer burn and soil alkalinity.
Pruning of Cynometra tetraphylla Hook.f.
Pruning is necessary to control the size and shape of the Cynometra tetraphylla Hook.f. tree, and increase fruit production. Here are some tips:
- Prune the tree in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins.
- Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches to improve airflow and prevent pests and diseases.
- Thin out overcrowded branches to allow more light to reach the fruit-bearing branches.
- Shorten long branches to stimulate new growth and encourage fruiting.
- To promote a bushier growth habit, prune the central leader stem to encourage lateral branching.
Propagation
Cynometra tetraphylla Hook.f. can be propagated using seeds, cuttings, and grafting techniques.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Cynometra tetraphylla Hook.f. can be collected from mature plants and sown directly into the soil. Before sowing, the seeds must be scarified to break their hard seed coat. Scarification can be done mechanically, by gently abrading the seed coat with sandpaper, or chemically, by soaking the seeds in hot water or diluted sulfuric acid for a short period. The scarified seeds should be sown in well-drained soil with good organic matter content. The seeds will germinate within 6 to 8 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location after 6-12 months.
Cutting Propagation
Cuttings of Cynometra tetraphylla Hook.f. can be taken from mature plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm long and have at least two nodes. The bottom node should be dipped in a rooting hormone solution to enhance root formation. The cuttings should be planted in a well-drained rooting medium and kept in a shaded area with high humidity. The cuttings will root within 4-6 weeks, and they can be transplanted to their permanent location after 6-8 months.
Grafting
Grafting is a popular propagation technique used for Cynometra tetraphylla Hook.f. The scion, consisting of a piece of branch with one or more buds, is cut from a desirable cultivar and grafted onto a rootstock of a related species, such as Cynometra malaccensis. The graft union is covered with grafting wax or tape to prevent desiccation and infection. The grafted plant should be kept in a shaded area with high humidity until the graft union has healed and the plant has started to grow. Grafted plants typically mature faster and have better survival rates than those propagated by other methods.
Disease and Pest Management for Cynometra tetraphylla Hook.f.
Cynometra tetraphylla, commonly known as Bintangor or Tarap, is a tropical fruit tree that is native to Southeast Asia. Like other plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pest infestations that can negatively affect its growth and yield.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Cynometra tetraphylla is the tarap wilt disease or Ganoderma wilt. This disease is caused by a fungus called Ganoderma boninense, which attacks the plant's root system. Symptoms of the disease include yellowing and wilting of the foliage and the base of the tree's trunk.
To manage the disease, remove and burn infected plants and their roots. When planting new trees, choose disease-resistant varieties and avoid planting in areas where infected trees once stood.
Another disease that affects Cynometra tetraphylla is leaf blight or Corynespora leaf spot. The disease is characterized by small, dark-brown circular spots that appear on the leaves. As the disease progresses, the infected leaves turn yellow and fall off.
To manage the disease, remove infected leaves as soon as they are noticed and spray the tree with a fungicide. Also, ensure that the tree is properly pruned to improve air circulation and reduce humidity levels that contribute to the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Cynometra tetraphylla is also susceptible to pest infestations. One of the most common pests is the fruit-piercing moth, which attacks the fruits. Infested fruits have small holes on the surface, and the larvae feed on the pulp, making the fruits unsuitable for consumption.
To manage the pest, pick and destroy infested fruits, and spray the tree with an insecticide.
The mealybug is another pest that infests the tree, particularly the leaves and stem. The pest feeds on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and stunted growth.
To manage the pest, spray the tree with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Also, remove any severely infested parts and discard them properly.
Overall, regular inspection and proper management practices can help minimize the incidence of diseases and pests on Cynometra tetraphylla Hook.f. trees.
