Dalbergia Malangensis E.c.sousa

Dalbergia malangensis E.C.Sousa: Origin and Common Names

Dalbergia malangensis E.C.Sousa, also known as the Malang dalbergia, is a tree species that belongs to the family Fabaceae. This plant is primarily found in the state of Bahia, Brazil, particularly in the municipalities of Ilhéus and Buerarema.

Locals also refer to this plant as "jacarandá-do-mato" or "mamica-de-cadela" in Portuguese.

General Appearance

The Malang dalbergia tree can grow up to 15 meters tall and has a diameter of around 30 centimeters. It has a dark brown or reddish-brown bark and a slender trunk. Its leaves are yellow-green and made up of 7-11 leaflets, with an alternating arrangement along its branch.

The Malang dalbergia produces small and fragrant white flowers that bloom from August to September. These flowers transform into pod-like fruits that are filled with hard, dark-brown seeds.

Uses

The Malang dalbergia is highly valued for its wood which is considered to be one of the world's most expensive and sought-after woods. It is commonly used for furniture, decorative objects, and as a material for musical instruments, particularly for the construction of guitars and violins.

Aside from its commercial uses, the Malang dalbergia also provides a variety of environmental benefits. Its leaves provide food and habitat for insects, birds, and other wildlife. Its roots can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, while its canopy provides shade and helps cool the surrounding area.

Light Requirements

The plant Dalbergia malangensis E.C.Sousa requires partial sunlight exposure to grow properly. The direct exposure of sunlight can cause damage to the plant by causing drying of the leaves or the stem.

Temperature Requirements

The plant grows well in warm and humid conditions, with an average temperature range of 22-28°C. Extreme temperatures should be avoided as it can cause harm to the leaves and the roots below the soil.

Soil Requirements

The soil must be well-drained and rich in nutrients to support the growth of the plant. The pH level should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a range of 6.0-7.5. Therefore, adding compost to the soil during planting can help in improving the soil quality to support better growth and development.

Cultivation Method for Dalbergia Malangensis E.C.Sousa

Dalbergia Malangensis E.C.Sousa, commonly known as Malang Parota, is a tropical hardwood tree species. It is mainly found in the eastern parts of India and is used for various purposes such as woodwork and furniture making. Here are some cultivation methods for this plant:

• It is essential to grow the plant in a warm, humid environment.
• The soil should be rich in organic matter with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
• Propagation can be done through seed germination or vegetative propagation.
• Planting should take place during the rainy season to ensure adequate moisture supply.
• The plant requires ample space for growth, and the planting location should be well-drained.

Watering Needs of Dalbergia Malangensis E.C.Sousa

Watering is an essential aspect of plant cultivation. Follow these tips to ensure proper watering for your Dalbergia Malangensis E.C.Sousa plant:

• The plant should be watered regularly during the growing season.
• Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as excess water can lead to root rot.
• Water sparingly during the dormant season, reducing the frequency but still keeping the soil moist.
• Avoid watering the plant from the top, as this can lead to fungal diseases.
• Use of drip irrigation is a recommended option for the plant's optimal watering.

Fertilization of Dalbergia Malangensis E.C.Sousa

Fertilization helps plants grow healthy and strong. Below are some guidelines on how to fertilize your Dalbergia Malangensis E.C.Sousa plant:

• Use a balanced fertilizer with a 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 N-P-K ratio.
• Fertilize the plant twice a year with an application rate of 100-150 grams per plant.
• Apply the fertilizer during the plant's growing season, avoiding the dormant season.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to an overgrowth of foliage and reduce wood production.
• Perform the fertilization process early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid damaging the plant during the hottest part of the day.

Pruning of Dalbergia Malangensis E.C.Sousa

Pruning helps maintain the health and shape of plants. Here are some tips on how to prune your Dalbergia Malangensis E.C.Sousa plant:

• Prune the plant during the dormant period to stimulate new growth.
• Avoid pruning the plant during the rainy season, as this can lead to fungal infections.
• Remove dead branches, broken limbs, and leaves to promote healthy growth.
• Prune the plant regularly to maintain its shape and size.
• Avoid pruning more than 25% of the plant's foliage as this can cause stress to the plant and reduce its overall health.

Propagation of Dalbergia malangensis E.C.Sousa

Dalbergia malangensis E.C.Sousa, commonly known as Brazilian rosewood, is a tropical hardwood tree that is native to the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. The tree is highly valued for its beautiful wood, which is used in the making of high-end furniture, musical instruments, and luxury goods. Propagation of Dalbergia malangensis is possible through several methods, including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and grafting.

Seed propagation

Seed propagation is the most common method for propagating Dalbergia malangensis. The seeds are collected from mature trees and planted in well-drained soil in a shaded area. The seeds are sown at a depth of 1 to 2 cm, and the soil is kept moist. The germination period is usually between 30 to 60 days. After the seedlings emerge, they are transplanted to individual pots and grown in a shaded area until they reach a suitable size for planting in the field.

Cutting propagation

Dalbergia malangensis can also be propagated through cutting propagation, which involves taking a cutting from a mature tree and planting it in well-drained soil. The cutting should be taken from a healthy, disease-free tree, preferably during the dormant season. The cutting should be approximately 30 cm long and have at least two nodes. After planting, the cutting should be covered to retain moisture and placed in a shaded area. The cutting will root within 3 to 6 months, after which it can be transplanted to a larger container or directly to the field.

Grafting

Grafting is another method for propagating Dalbergia malangensis, particularly for producing improved cultivars. Grafting involves joining a scion (a small cutting containing buds) from a desired cultivar onto a rootstock of a related species. This method allows for the production of a plant with desirable characteristics, such as improved growth rate, disease resistance, or wood quality.

In conclusion, Dalbergia malangensis can be successfully propagated through different methods. Seed propagation is the most common and easiest method, while cutting propagation and grafting are useful alternatives for producing improved cultivars.

Disease Management for Dalbergia malangensis E.C.Sousa

Dalbergia malangensis E.C.Sousa is susceptible to various diseases, including:

Leaf Spot

Leaf spot is a fungal disease that can be identified by the small, dark spots that appear on the leaves. The disease can be managed by applying fungicides, reducing overcrowding and improving air circulation around the plant.

Root Rot

Root rot, caused by fungi, is a disease that affects the roots of Dalbergia malangensis E.C.Sousa, causing them to rot and discolor. Overwatering and poor soil drainage are the main causes of root rot. To manage root rot, it is important to avoid overwatering and be careful with watering techniques. Applying fungicides to the soil can also be an effective management strategy.

Anthracnose

Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the plant's branches, leaves, and fruit. The disease can be identified by the brown or black spots that appear on the affected parts. To manage anthracnose, it is important to remove and destroy the affected plant parts. Applying fungicides can also be an effective management strategy.

Pest Management for Dalbergia malangensis E.C.Sousa

Dalbergia malangensis E.C.Sousa is also susceptible to pests, including:

Scale Insects

Scale insects are small, oval-shaped insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing discoloration of the leaves and weakened growth. To manage scale insects, it is important to prune the plant regularly, wash the leaves with soap and water, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Mites

Mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant's leaves, causing stippling, discoloration, and curling of the leaves. To manage mites, it is important to regularly prune the plant and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are small, white, cottony insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and weakening of the plant. To manage mealybugs, it is important to prune affected plant parts, use a stream of water to knock them off the plant, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.