Overview of Diospyros atropurpurea Gürke
Diospyros atropurpurea Gürke, also known as the Black Persimmon or Mabolo, is a tropical tree endemic to the Philippines. It belongs to the family Ebenaceae, which includes other species of ebony trees.
Common Names
Aside from Black Persimmon or Mabolo, Diospyros atropurpurea Gürke has other common names depending on the region where it is found. These include Kalumpit in the Philippines, Duhatan in Indonesia, and Kamagong in some parts of the Philippines.
Appearance
Diospyros atropurpurea Gürke is a medium-sized tree that can reach up to 25 meters in height. It has a straight trunk, with a smooth gray bark that flakes off as the tree ages. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oblanceolate in shape, and can range from 6-20 cm in length. The tree produces small, fragrant, white flowers that bloom in clusters.
The fruit of the Black Persimmon is usually oblong or round, with a diameter of 2-4 cm. When ripe, it turns deep purple or black in color, with a juicy, sweet, and slightly sour pulp that contains small seeds.
Uses
The fruit of Diospyros atropurpurea Gürke is edible and is consumed both raw and cooked. It is commonly used in jams, jellies, and preserves, and is also used as a flavoring for beverages and desserts. The wood of the tree is hard and dense, and is used for making furniture, carvings, and other decorative items. The bark and leaves of the tree have medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, including diarrhea, hypertension, and rheumatism.
Light
Diospyros atropurpurea Gürke prefers bright indirect light to partial sun. Too much direct sunlight can cause leaf burn, while too little light can lead to leggy growth.
Temperature
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it thrives best in warmer conditions. Ideally, it should be grown in temperatures between 60-85 °F (16-29 °C). The plant is sensitive to cold, so it should be kept away from drafty areas.
Soil Requirements
Diospyros atropurpurea Gürke prefers soil that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. A soil with a pH range of 6.0-6.5 is ideal. The plant should be planted in a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. A good potting mix can be made by mixing equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
Regular fertilization is also important for the growth of this plant. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 20-20-20 can be used every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Cultivation
The Diospyros atropurpurea Gürke, also known as the Black Persimmon, is a plant that requires a warm climate to grow. Areas with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 °C are ideal for the plant's growth. It is essential to plant the Black Persimmon in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. As a tropical plant, it thrives in partially shaded to sunny locations.
Watering Needs
Water is essential for the Black Persimmon's growth; therefore, it must be watered regularly. However, over-watering can cause root rot, which can be deadly to the plant. It is best to water the plant when the soil is dry to about one inch deep. The container or soil needs to have good drainage to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization
The Black Persimmon requires regular fertilization for optimal growth and fruit production. Organic fertilizers such as compost, well-rotted manure, and bone meal are the best options. Fertilizers should be applied during the growing season, which is usually during spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing during the winter season.
Pruning
Pruning helps to shape the Black Persimmon, remove dead or damaged branches, and increase the size of the fruit. The best time to prune the plant is during the dormant period, which is from late fall to early spring. Remove any branches that cross each other and any branches that are growing towards the center of the plant. It is also necessary to thin out any small branches to encourage larger fruit growth.
Propagation of Diospyros atropurpurea Gürke
The Diospyros atropurpurea Gürke plant is propagated using both sexual and asexual means. Here are some methods:
Seed propagation
Seeds can be extracted from the fruit of the plant and planted in soil to grow a new plant. The seeds should be extracted from ripe fruits and washed with water to remove any remaining flesh. They should then be air-dried and planted in well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. The seeds should be placed in a shaded area and watered regularly.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation is done by cutting the branches of mature plants and planting them. This can be done through different techniques:
Softwood cutting propagation
The softwood cutting propagation method involves taking cuttings from new growth that is still soft and green. These cuttings should be around 15cm long and should be planted in soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. The cuttings should be placed in a shaded area and watered regularly until roots start developing.
Hardwood cutting propagation
The hardwood cutting propagation method involves taking cuttings from branches that are harder and darker in color. These cuttings should be around 30cm long and should be planted in soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. The cuttings should be placed in a shaded area and watered regularly until roots start developing.
Air layering propagation
Air layering propagation involves creating a small wound on a mature branch and applying rooting hormone to encourage the growth of roots. A moss ball is then wrapped around the wound and kept moist with water until roots start growing. Once roots are developed, the branch can be cut and planted in soil to grow a new plant.
Overall, these propagation methods can help growers expand their Diospyros atropurpurea Gürke plant collection or produce new plants for commercial purposes.
Disease and Pest Management for Diospyros atropurpurea Gürke
Diospyros atropurpurea Gürke, commonly known as Guatemalan persimmon or Zapote mamey, is a small tree or shrub native to Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Like all plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can weaken or kill the plant if left untreated. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests of Diospyros atropurpurea Gürke and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose - This fungal disease is one of the most common diseases affecting persimmon trees. It causes brown or black spots on the leaves, flowers, and fruits, which can eventually turn into sunken lesions. In severe cases, it can cause the fruit to rot and fall prematurely. To manage anthracnose, prune the affected branches and dispose of them properly. Apply a fungicide to protect the remaining branches.
Root Rot - Root rot is caused by several types of fungi that thrive in wet soil. The symptoms of root rot include wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that it is planted in well-draining soil. Remove any infected roots and add compost or organic matter to improve soil drainage.
Powdery Mildew - Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white or grayish powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. In severe cases, it can cause the leaves to curl and drop prematurely. To manage powdery mildew, prune the affected branches and dispose of them properly. Apply a fungicide to protect the remaining branches.
Pests
Spider Mites - Spider mites are small arthropods that feed on the sap of plants, causing yellow or white spots on the leaves and stunted growth. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the affected areas.
Aphids - Aphids are small insects that suck the sap of plants, causing wilting, yellowing, and distorted growth. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the affected areas. Insect-eating predators like ladybugs and lacewings can also be introduced to control the aphids.
Fruit Flies - Fruit flies are small insects that lay their eggs on the fruits, causing them to rot and fall prematurely. To manage fruit flies, remove any overripe or rotting fruits from the plant and dispose of them properly. You can also use sticky traps or baits to catch the adult flies.
By monitoring your Diospyros atropurpurea Gürke for signs of disease and pests, you can take the necessary steps to manage them before they cause serious damage. Regular pruning, proper watering, and the use of fungicides and insecticides can help keep your plant healthy and productive.
