Origin
Dillenia suffruticosa, also known as Simpoh Ayer or Shrubby Simpoh, is a flowering plant belonging to the family Dilleniaceae. This plant is native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Common Names
Dillenia suffruticosa is known by different common names in various Southeast Asian countries. In Malaysia, it is called simpoh ayer, while in Indonesia, it goes by the name kelempai or kelemoyan. In the Philippines, it is known as katmon or bagoongon. It is also referred to as the Shrubby Simpoh.
Uses
Many cultures in Southeast Asia have long used Dillenia suffruticosa for medicinal purposes. Different parts of the plant are believed to have healing properties, and it is commonly used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, fever, dysentery, and coughs. In Malaysia and Indonesia, the leaves and young shoots are used as a traditional medicine to reduce fever. The boiled fruits are utilized as a traditional anti-cancer remedy and also used to make jam and syrup. The bark has also been used traditionally as a remedy for a wide range of ailments such as diabetes, dysentery, and inflammation.
Besides its medicinal properties, Dillenia suffruticosa is also valued for its ornamental and culinary purposes. The fruit has a tangy flavor and is sometimes used in Southeast Asian cuisine as a souring agent. The flowers of the plant are large, showy, and have a pleasant fragrance, making them a popular ornamental plant choice in gardens and parks.
General Appearance
Dillenia suffruticosa is a large shrub or small tree that can grow up to 6 meters in height. The plant has broad, ovate leaves that are dark green and glossy, growing up to 25 centimeters in length. The flowers of Dillenia suffruticosa are large, often measuring up to 25 centimeters in diameter, and have five white petals with yellow stamens. The fruits of the plant are oval-shaped and large, measuring up to five centimeters in length. When ripe, the fruit turns yellow to orange-red and has a thick, fleshy pulp containing many seeds.
Growth Conditions of Dillenia suffruticosa (Griffith) Martelli
Dillenia suffruticosa (Griffith) Martelli, commonly known as Simpoh Air or Bunga Simpoh, is a shrub species belonging to the family Dilleniaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in tropical rainforests.
Light Requirements
Dillenia suffruticosa prefers partial shade to full sun. In its natural habitat, it grows under the canopy of taller trees, receiving dappled sunlight. It is important to avoid direct sunlight exposure during the hottest part of the day, as it can cause leaf scorching and dehydration. A partially shaded position is ideal for optimal growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers a warm and humid environment, with temperatures ranging between 20°C to 30°C. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of 10°C but cannot survive frost. In cooler regions, it is best grown in a greenhouse or indoors to protect it from cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Dillenia suffruticosa prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils with a pH ranging between 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and regular fertilization is recommended. It is essential to avoid waterlogging as the plant is susceptible to root rot. Regular watering is necessary, especially during dry periods.
Overall, Dillenia suffruticosa requires a warm and humid environment, partial shade to full sun, well-drained slightly acidic soils, and regular watering and fertilization to thrive.
Cultivation methods
Dillenia suffruticosa is a woody shrub that can grow up to 5 meters in height. It can be cultivated in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It can grow in a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. The shrub can be propagated through seeds or by taking cuttings from the stem.
Watering needs
Dillenia suffruticosa requires consistent watering, especially during its first year of growth. The shrub should be watered deeply once a week, and the soil should be kept moist at all times. Although the plant prefers moist soil, it should not be waterlogged. Too much water can lead to root rot, so it is essential to monitor the soil's moisture level and adjust watering accordingly.
Fertilization
During the growing season, it is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer once a month to promote healthy growth and flowering. The fertilizer should be applied at the plant's base, and the soil should be watered thoroughly after application. Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive foliage growth, so it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid over-fertilizing.
Pruning
Pruning helps maintain the plant's shape and promotes healthy growth. Dillenia suffruticosa should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Dead or damaged wood should be removed, and the shrub's canopy should be thinned to allow adequate light penetration. The shrub should be pruned to encourage growth in the desired direction and to remove any crossing or inward-growing branches.
Propagation of Dillenia suffruticosa (Griffith) Martelli
Dillenia suffruticosa (Griffith) Martelli is usually propagated through seed and vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
Seeds are normally collected in the wild when they ripen and become available. Fresh seeds are planted in a mixture of sand and peat moss in a shaded area. The seeds germinate within 3 to 4 weeks, and the seedlings are transplanted to individual pots. The seedlings are usually kept in the shade for at least six months before they can be planted in the field.
Vegetative Propagation
Dillenia suffruticosa (Griffith) Martelli can be propagated from cuttings or air layering.
Cuttings:
Stem cuttings about 25 cm long, with two to three nodes, are taken from the mother plant and planted in river sand. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and placed in a shaded, humid area. The cuttings will start rooting within 4 to 6 weeks. Once the roots are well developed, the young plants can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the field.
Air layering:
Air layering involves making a cut on a mature stem, applying rooting hormone, and wrapping a moist material around the cut. The material and wound are then wrapped with plastic to maintain high humidity, allowing roots to develop over several weeks. Once the roots are well developed, the layer can be removed from the mother plant and planted in the field.
Disease Management
Dillenia suffruticosa is generally a healthy plant. However, there are some diseases that can affect the plant, such as leaf spots and root rots.
The most common disease affecting the plant is leaf spots, which are caused by bacterial or fungal infections. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove any infected leaves immediately and dispose of them. Additionally, avoid watering the plant from above to prevent the spread of the disease. If the disease persists, applying a fungicide or bactericide may be necessary.
Root rots are caused by soil-borne fungi and can result in wilting and yellowing of the leaves. To manage this disease, it is recommended to plant the dillenia in well-draining soil and to avoid over-watering the plant. If the disease persists, removing the plant and replacing the soil may be necessary.
Pest Management
Dillenia suffruticosa is also vulnerable to some pests that can cause significant damage to the plant, such as mealybugs, scale insects, and aphids.
Mealybugs are small insects that can be found in clusters on the underside of leaves or near the stem. They can cause wilting, yellowing, and stunting of the plant. To manage mealybugs, they can be removed manually or with a stream of water. Additionally, applying an insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective.
Scale insects are small, oval-shaped pests that can be found attached to plant stems, leaves, and fruits. They can cause yellowing and wilting of the plant. To manage scale insects, they can be removed manually or with a stream of water. Additionally, applying an insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can be found in groups on the underside of leaves or near the stem. They can cause curling of leaves and yellowing of the plant. To manage aphids, they can be removed manually or with a stream of water. Additionally, applying an insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective.
