Overview of Diospyros blancoi A. DC. Plant
Diospyros blancoi A. DC. is a rare tree species that belongs to the family of ebony trees, Ebenaceae. It is commonly known as the Blanco's Diospyros after its discoverer, the Spanish botanist Francisco Manuel Blanco. The tree is indigenous to the tropical rainforests of Luzon Island in the Philippines and is well-known for its hardwood timber.
Appearance of Diospyros blancoi A. DC. Plant
The Diospyros blancoi A. DC. tree grows up to 30 meters tall and has a diameter of about 60 cm. The tree's bark is smooth, with a dark brown or black color. The leaves are simple, alternate, and glossy, measuring around 10-14 cm in length and 2-5 cm in width. These leaves have a bright green color and are leathery in texture.
This tree species is dioecious, which means the male and female flowers grow on separate trees. The male flowers of the Diospyros blancoi A. DC. tree are small and white, while the female flowers are larger and green.
Uses of Diospyros blancoi A. DC. Plant
The hardwood timber of Diospyros blancoi A. DC. is highly valued for its strength, durability, and attractive dark color. It is frequently used for making furniture, flooring, and accessories like knife handles. Additionally, the bark of the tree is an essential ingredient in traditional medicine in the Philippines for its antimicrobial properties.
The tree's fruit, known as a "tagumpay," is edible and often used in traditional Philippine cuisine. The black, spherical fruit is around 2-3 cm in diameter and has a sweet and juicy pulp that surrounds large seeds.
Moreover, the Diospyros blancoi A. DC. tree is often grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance and hardiness. It can withstand strong winds and tolerate drought and flooding.
Light Requirements
The plant Diospyros blancoi A. DC. requires moderate to high levels of light for optimal growth. It is best suited to grow in direct sunlight, although it can also tolerate partially shaded areas. Too much shade can result in stunted growth and poor fruit development. Therefore, it is recommended to grow this plant in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Diospyros blancoi A. DC. thrives in warm and humid conditions. It is best suited to grow in tropical and subtropical climates, with temperatures ranging between 20°C to 35°C. Temperatures below 10°C can be detrimental to the growth and development of this plant. However, young plants may require temperatures above 25°C, while mature ones can tolerate slightly lower temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The plant Diospyros blancoi A. DC. grows well in a well-draining, fertile, and slightly acidic soil. It prefers soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. Soil that is too acidic or alkaline can cause nutrient deficiencies and poor growth. The plant requires consistent moisture, and therefore, it is best grown in soils that can hold moisture but drain excess water efficiently. The addition of organic matter to the soil can help improve soil fertility and structure, and enhance the growth and yield of this plant.
Cultivation Methods
Diospyros blancoi A. DC. is a tropical plant that typically grows in hot and humid regions. It prefers well-draining and fertile soils that retain moisture. Ensure that the plant is placed in an area that receives partial shade and is protected from strong winds.
Propagation of Diospyros blancoi A. DC. can be done through seeds or cuttings. However, it is recommended to use cuttings as they provide better results. Take cuttings from mature and healthy plants during the growing season.
Watering Needs
The plant requires consistent watering during its growing season. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can impair the growth and development of the plant. During the dormant season, reduce watering and ensure that the soil dries out partially between watering times.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization can help improve the growth and health of Diospyros blancoi A. DC. Apply a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, especially during the first year. The fertilizer application should be done once a month. In the subsequent years, apply the fertilizer twice a year.
Pruning
Pruning Diospyros blancoi A. DC. is essential to promote healthy growth, improve the plant's shape, and remove damaged or diseased parts. Prune the plant during the dormant season to allow for new growth during the growing season. Use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Diospyros blancoi A. DC.
Diospyros blancoi A. DC., commonly known as 'mabolo' or velvet-apple, can be propagated through various methods.
Seed propagation
Seeds are the most commonly used method for propagating mabolo. The seeds take 30-45 days to germinate and usually have low germination rates of about 20-30%. To get a higher germination rate, the seeds should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours before sowing. The seeds are then planted in well-drained soil and kept moist till they sprout. The seedlings are then transplanted to individual containers or into the field after they have grown to about 6 inches.
Cuttings propagation
Although mabolo can be propagated through cuttings, this method is less popular. Hardwood cuttings are used and should be collected during the dormant season, between December to February. The cuttings of about 6-8 inches long with a diameter of about 1/4 inch should be treated with rooting hormone before inserting them into the soil. The soil should be well-drained, and the cuttings should be kept moist until they root. Cuttings usually have a low success rate and are therefore not widely used for propagation.
Grafting propagation
Mabolo can also be propagated through grafting. Grafting involves joining a scion of the desired plant on to a rootstock of a closely related species. Grafting is a popular method for propagating mabolo as it results in plants that produce fruits similar to the parent plant. This method is used commercially to propagate seedless varieties. Grafting takes place during the wet season between May to August.
In conclusion, Diospyros blancoi A. DC. can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and grafting. Seed propagation is the most popular method due to its simplicity and low cost. However, grafting is preferred for commercial propagation due to its better success rate and production of fruits similar to the parent plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Diospyros blancoi A. DC.
Diospyros blancoi A. DC. is a tropical tree that is native to the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Like any other plant, this species is also susceptible to various pests and diseases that can affect its growth and development. Therefore, it is essential to adopt proper disease and pest management strategies to maintain plant health and productivity.
Common Pests
The most common pest that can affect Diospyros blancoi A. DC. is the shoot borer (Hypsipyla robusta). The larvae of this pest bore into the shoot tips, causing tip die-back and stunted growth. In severe cases, the entire plant can be affected, leading to plant death. To control these pests, pruning and destroying the infested shoot tips can be the best option. One can also use chemical insecticides to control the pest, but this may have adverse environmental implications.
The bark beetle (Hypothenemus hampei) is another common pest that can affect Diospyros blancoi A. DC. This pest attacks the bark of the tree, leaving small holes and tunnels. The beetles may also carry pathogens that can cause diseases. To prevent these pests, it is essential to maintain good tree health through proper nutrition, irrigation, and pruning of dead or diseased branches. Insecticides can also be used to control this pest.
Common Diseases
Diospyros blancoi A. DC. is also prone to various diseases, such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, and anthracnose. Leaf spots appear as dark brown or black spots on the leaves, causing them to wither and drop prematurely. Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers, while anthracnose causes wilting and darkening of the leaves and stems.
To manage these diseases, it is advisable to use a combination of cultural and chemical control methods. Maintaining proper plant nutrition, airflow, and moisture around the plant can help prevent fungal growth. Chemical control methods such as fungicides may also be used, but it is essential to ensure that they are safe for the plant, the environment, and human health.
Conclusion
Diospyros blancoi A. DC. is a valuable tree species that can provide various benefits to humans and the environment. However, it is susceptible to pests and diseases that can affect its productivity and survival. Therefore, it is crucial to adopt proper disease and pest management strategies to maintain its health and productivity. A combination of cultural and chemical control methods can be useful in managing pests and diseases.
