Overview:
Dacryodes excelsa Vahl, also known as Burseraceae or locally as Yellow Mombin, is an evergreen tree that is native to tropical America and can grow up to 40 meters tall. It is a member of the Bursaraceae family and is commonly found in Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela, and some Caribbean islands.
Physical Description:
The leaves of Dacryodes excelsa Vahl are typically oblong and slightly serrated, reaching up to 30 cm in length. The tree's bark is brownish-grey, often with a reddish tint, and is slightly fissured. The tree's flowers are white or yellow and small, while the fruit is large, with an average length of around 5 cm. The fruit has a thin, smooth skin that is green or yellow when immature, and it turns brown when ripe.
Uses:
Dacryodes excelsa Vahl is widely used in traditional medicine in tropical America to treat various ailments such as fevers, jaundice, and asthma. The fruit has a sweet and slightly tangy taste and is commonly eaten raw, although it can also be used to make juice, jellies, and other desserts. The wood of the tree is hard and durable and is commonly used for making furniture, flooring, and construction material.
In recent years, Dacryodes excelsa Vahl has shown potential as a bioactive agent, specifically as an antioxidant. Scientific studies identified the presence of flavonoids and terpenoids in the fruit that may have potential as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial agents.
Cultural Significance:
The tree is considered an important cultural symbol in the Americas. Its fruit and wood have been used by local communities for centuries, and stories are told of its mythical and spiritual properties. Its fruit is used in traditional celebrations, and it is believed that it brings good luck and prosperity.
Light Requirements
Dacryodes excelsa Vahl, commonly known as the buriti palm or moriche palm, requires full sunlight to grow properly. Therefore, it is suitable for planting in areas with high exposure to sunlight. It can survive in partial shade, but the growth rate will be slower in such conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adapted to warm and humid conditions. The optimal temperature range for Dacryodes excelsa Vahl is between 25°C and 35°C. The plant is intolerant to frost and temperatures below 10°C will likely cause significant damage or death to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The buriti palm requires well-drained and fertile soil to grow properly. The ideal soil pH range is between 4.5 and 6.5. The plant can grow in sandy, loamy, or clayey soil types, provided the soil is rich in organic matter. A deep planting hole is necessary to accommodate the plant's extensive root system.
Cultivation Methods for Dacryodes Excelsa Vahl
Planting the Dacryodes excelsa Vahl should be done during the rainy season. The soil should be well-drained and loamy, with a slightly acidic pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. This tree can thrive in full sunlight, but it can also grow in partial shade. The planting hole should be twice the width of the root ball and of the same depth. It is essential to keep the plant at least 10 meters away from other trees to prevent competition for resources.
Watering Needs for Dacryodes Excelsa Vahl
Regular watering is crucial for the growth and fruiting of the Dacryodes excelsa Vahl plant. During the first year after planting, the tree should be watered twice a week. Once the tree is well established, it should receive enough water to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It is advisable to water early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid water evaporation during the hot sun.
Fertilization of Dacryodes Excelsa Vahl
The Dacryodes excelsa Vahl tree requires regular fertilization to grow well and produce fruits. The use of organic fertilizers such as well-composted manure and biodegradable waste is recommended. The best time to fertilize the tree is during the rainy season, and it should be at least twice a year. The right amount of fertilizer should be applied, depending on the age and size of the tree.
Pruning Dacryodes Excelsa Vahl
Pruning of the Dacryodes excelsa Vahl tree should be done when necessary to improve the tree's structure and prevent disease. Pruning should be done during the dormancy period and Avoid pruning during the rainy season or when the weather is hot. Dead, diseased, and weak branches should be removed to maintain a sturdy tree structure. The tree height should be controlled through topping to allow ease in fruit and canopy management.
Propagation of Dacryodes excelsa Vahl
Dacryodes excelsa Vahl, also known as Burseraceae or Bursera excelsa, is a timber tree that can grow up to 40 meters tall and is widely distributed in tropical America. In order to propagate this plant, several methods can be used:
Seed propagation
Seeds are the primary method of propagating Dacryodes excelsa Vahl. They can be collected from mature fruits, which contain one or two seeds. The seeds must be removed from the fruit pulp and cleaned thoroughly with water. Once cleaned, they can be sown in seed trays or pots filled with a well-draining seed starting mix. The seeds should be buried to a depth of 1-2 cm, covered loosely with soil, and watered gently. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination of the seeds occurs within 10-14 days.
Cuttings propagation
Dacryodes excelsa Vahl can also be propagated through stem cuttings taken from mature trees. The cutting should be taken from the current season's growth and should be at least 15 cm long and 1-2 cm in diameter. The cutting should be treated with rooting hormone and then planted in a well-draining rooting mix. It should be placed in bright, indirect light and kept moist by misting regularly. Rooting of the cutting can take anywhere from 4-12 weeks.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is another method of propagating Dacryodes excelsa Vahl. This method involves making a small incision in the stem of a mature tree and then wrapping the wound with sphagnum moss and plastic wrap. Roots will grow from the incision site and into the sphagnum moss. Once roots have formed, the air layered section can be removed from the parent tree and planted in a well-draining potting mix. It should be placed in bright, indirect light and kept moist until established.
Disease and Pest Management for Dacryodes excelsa Vahl
Dacryodes excelsa Vahl is a valuable species for food, timber, and medicinal purposes. Like other plants, it is prone to diseases and pests that can affect its growth, yield and overall health. It is therefore essential to implement proper disease and pest management practices to maintain healthy Dacryodes excelsa Vahl plants.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that might affect Dacryodes excelsa Vahl plants include fungal and bacterial infections, which can cause wilting, yellowing, and necrosis of leaves and stems. Some of the most common fungal diseases that affect Dacryodes excelsa Vahl plants include powdery mildew, leaf spot, and anthracnose. Bacterial diseases that can affect Dacryodes excelsa Vahl plants include bacterial canker and bacterial wilt.
Pest Management
Insects and mites are some of the most common pests that can attack Dacryodes excelsa Vahl plants, leading to reduced growth and yield. Some of the most common pests that might affect Dacryodes excelsa Vahl plants include the cocoa pod borer, termites, and various species of mites. It is essential to implement integrated pest management practices such as crop rotation, proper sanitation, and the use of natural predators to control pest infestations in Dacryodes excelsa Vahl plants.
Disease Management
Preventative measures are the most effective way to control diseases in Dacryodes excelsa Vahl plants. These measures include planting disease-resistant varieties, proper sanitation, crop rotation, and the removal of infected plant parts. Fungicides and bactericides can be used to control infections, and the application should be done according to the manufacturer's instructions. It is recommended to use fungicides and bactericides sparingly as overuse can lead to the development of resistant strains of microorganisms.
Conclusion
Proper disease and pest management practices are critical in maintaining healthy Dacryodes excelsa Vahl plants. It is crucial to identify diseases and pests early and implement the appropriate control measures promptly. Effective management practices can help to increase the yield and quality of Dacryodes excelsa Vahl plants while minimizing the use of chemical controls and their negative impacts on the environment and human health.
