Origin of Diospyros dichrophylla
Diospyros dichrophylla (Gand.) De Winter is a species of tree in the family of Ebenaceae. It is native to the tropical and subtropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, particularly in the countries of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.
Common Names of Diospyros dichrophylla
Diospyros dichrophylla is commonly known as the "two-color ebony" or "red-black ebony" due to the contrasting colors of its heartwood and sapwood. It is also called "dua lian" in Malaysian and "ma khaam thao" in Thai.
Uses of Diospyros dichrophylla
The heartwood of Diospyros dichrophylla is used in making high-quality furniture, musical instruments, and handicrafts as it has a beautiful and durable finish. Additionally, the bark and leaves of the tree contain medicinal properties that are used in traditional medicine for treating fevers, diarrhea, and snakebites. The bark extract is also used for dyeing textiles.
General Appearance of Diospyros dichrophylla
Diospyros dichrophylla is a medium-sized to large tree that can reach up to 30 meters in height with a dense and spreading crown. The bark is dark gray or blackish with a square pattern. The leaves are elliptical, leathery, and shiny, with a length of 7-15 cm and a width of 2.5-5 cm. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, and the fruit is a yellowish-orange berry that contains 1-4 seeds.
Light Conditions
The Diospyros dichrophylla (Gand.) De Winter plant prefers to grow in partially shaded areas with moderate light levels. Direct exposure to the sunlight can lead to the drying out of the leaves and damage the plant growth.
Temperature Conditions
The growth of Diospyros dichrophylla (Gand.) De Winter is encouraged in moderate to warm temperature ranges, usually around 27 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius could render the plant unable to survive. However, this plant can tolerate occasional high temperatures as long as they don't last for extended periods.
Soil Requirements
For the Diospyros dichrophylla (Gand.) De Winter to grow healthily, it requires well-drained fertile soil that is not dry or waterlogged. The soil must have a pH range of around 6.5 to 7.5 with a good amount of organic matter. These plants can withstand different soil types as long as they are fertile and well-drained.
Cultivation Methods
Diospyros dichrophylla (Gand.) De Winter is a tropical tree that grows in well-drained soils and requires a warm and humid climate. It is best grown in regions with temperatures ranging between 20-25°C and an average rainfall of 1500 mm per year. This tree can be propagated through seeds or vegetative means like cuttings and grafting.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is very crucial for the growth and development of Diospyros dichrophylla (Gand.) De Winter. Watering should be done regularly while taking into consideration the moisture content of the soil. Inadequate watering leads to stunted growth, while excess watering leads to root rot. During the dry season, it is essential to provide adequate water to keep the soil moist.
Fertilization
Fertilizers play a vital role in the cultivation of Diospyros dichrophylla (Gand.) De Winter. The type and amount of fertilizers required depend on the soil fertility and the stage of growth. Generally, balanced fertilizers with a ratio of 2:1:1 of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium should be used at the rate of 200g per tree. Application of organic fertilizers once per year is also beneficial.
Pruning
Regular pruning enhances the overall growth and yield of Diospyros dichrophylla (Gand.) De Winter. The best time to prune is during the dry season when the vegetative growth is minimal. Pruning should be done to remove diseased, damaged, or dead branches. It also helps to shape the plant and ensure adequate penetration and distribution of light onto the plant.
Propagation of Diospyros dichrophylla (Gand.) De Winter
Diospyros dichrophylla (Gand.) De Winter, commonly known as velvet apple, is a tropical fruit tree that belongs to the Ebenaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia and is grown for its sweet and juicy fruit that is rich in vitamins and minerals. The plant can be propagated via several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Propagation via seed is one of the most popular methods to grow Diospyros dichrophylla. The seeds should be cleaned and soaked in water for 24 hours before planting them in a mixture of peat, sand, and perlite. The mixture must be kept moist and placed in a warm and shady location. The seeds will germinate within 2-3 weeks, and the saplings can be transplanted into individual pots or a well-prepared planting bed.
Cuttings Propagation
Diospyros dichrophylla can also be propagated via cuttings from mature plants. A 6 to 8 inches long cutting should be taken from the healthier and fully-ripened one-year-old branch, and its lower end dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting should then be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist and shaded until the root system develops. The cuttings will develop roots in about 3-4 weeks, and the saplings can be transplanted outside during the warmer months.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another propagation method suitable for Diospyros dichrophylla. In this process, a small branch is selected and the bark is removed in a ring shape which will root later on. The cut area should then be treated with rooting hormone and wrapped in damp sphagnum moss. After few weeks, roots will appear and can be detached from the parent plant and planted in a separate pot.
In conclusion, Diospyros dichrophylla can be propagated via seed, cuttings, and air layering. These methods are simple and require minimal care and attention, making it easier for growers to propagate and cultivate the plant for its juicy fruit.
Disease and Pest Management for Diospyros dichrophylla
Diospyros dichrophylla, commonly known as Gandari, is a valuable plant species found in the tropics. This plant is known for its use in medicinal purposes, food, wood, and fiber. However, like every other plant species, it is vulnerable to several pests and diseases that can affect its growth and productivity. Therefore, it is essential to understand common diseases and pests and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Bacterial Blight: This disease is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris, which affects the leaves, flowers, and fruits of the plant. Symptoms include brown spots on the leaves, and the infected parts may turn yellow, dry, and fall off. The disease is spread by insects, wind, or water. To control this disease, it is necessary to remove infected parts and spraying with copper-based fungicides.
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease caused by the pathogen Colletotrichum sp. Symptoms include the development of dark, sunken spots on leaves, and the fruit. These spots may expand in size, turn black, and cause rotting of the fruit. To control this disease, it is necessary to remove infected parts, avoid over-watering the plants, and applying fungicides to prevent the spread of the disease.
Cercospora Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that affects older leaves of the plant. Symptoms include light gray or brown spots that turn dark grey or black as it matures. This disease is spread through soil, wind, or water. To control the disease, it is necessary to remove infected parts and applying fungicides preventively.
Common Pests
Fruit Fly: Fruit flies are tiny insects that lay eggs on the fruits, which hatch into maggots. Larvae are responsible for the damage to the fruit, leading to rotting and dropping of the fruit. To control this pest, it is necessary to remove infected fruits and spraying the plant with insecticides.
Spider Mites: These pests are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing a yellowish discoloration. As the infestation progresses, a fine web may be observed on the plant. To control this pest, it is necessary to spray the plant with insecticides and prune away infected parts of the plant.
Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the leaves, causing deformations and curling. These pests can also spread diseases, exacerbating the damage done. To control this pest, it is necessary to remove infected plants and spraying insecticides.
Conclusion
To ensure the healthy growth and productivity of Diospyros dichrophylla, it is necessary to monitor for pests and diseases regularly. The best way to avoid severe damage is to prevent an infestation from spreading, which can be done through proper hygiene, pruning, and the application of fungicides and insecticides. By following these steps, it is possible to control pests and diseases and maximize the productivity of the plant.
