Diospyros Discolor Willd.

Overview

Diospyros discolor Willd., also known as velvet apple or mabolo, is a tropical evergreen tree found in Southeast Asia. It's in the family Ebenaceae and is known for its edible fruit.

Appearance

The tree can grow up to 25 meters tall and has a narrow, conical crown. Its leaves are oblong, glossy, and dark green, and its flowers are small and white, appearing in clusters. The fruit it bears is a round, berry-like fruit with a brownish-red velvet-like skin and a green pulp that turns into a custard-like texture when ripe.

Origin

Diospyros discolor is native to the Philippines and can also be found in other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It grows best in warm, humid climates, especially in areas with well-draining soils.

Common Uses

The fruit of Diospyros discolor is the most commonly used part of the plant. It's eaten raw or used in desserts and drinks, giving a mildly sweet and slightly astringent taste. The bark and leaves of the tree are also used in traditional medicines to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and fever. Additionally, the wood of the tree is used in furniture and construction due to its strength and durability.

Light Requirements

Diospyros discolor plants prefer to grow in environments with ample natural sunlight or bright, indirect light. Lack of proper light can lead to stunted growth, yellow leaves, and poor overall health. It is best to place the plant near a south-facing window that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

Temperature Requirements

Diospyros discolor plants thrive in warm, humid environments. Optimal growth temperatures range from 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 30 degrees Celsius). The plant should be kept away from cold drafts and air conditioning units that may cause the temperature to fluctuate too much. Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius) as it can lead to leaf drop and plant death.

Soil Requirements

Diospyros discolor plants prefer well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should allow for good water retention without becoming waterlogged. A potting mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and sand makes for an ideal growing medium. The soil's pH level should be between 5.5 and 6.5. The plant should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Cultivation Methods for Diospyros discolor Willd.

Diospyros discolor Willd., commonly referred to as velvet apple, is a tropical fruit tree that grows well in warm and humid climates. It is mostly propagated through seeds and grafting.

The soil should be well-drained, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic with a pH of around 5.5 to 6.5. Ensure that the planting hole is at least twice as wide and twice as deep as the root ball. After planting, take care to keep the soil moist until the plant establishes itself.

Watering Needs for Diospyros discolor Willd.

Diospyros discolor Willd. requires regular watering, especially during the flowering and fruiting seasons. Water the tree deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Watering should be reduced during the rainy season to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

It is recommended to mulch the area around the tree to retain soil moisture and prevent weed growth. A layer of organic mulch, such as shredded leaves or bark chips, should be spread around the tree.

Fertilization for Diospyros discolor Willd.

Fertilization is necessary for the proper growth and fruiting of Diospyros discolor Willd. to boost its production. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 8-8-8 or 10-10-10, at the rate of 2-4 pounds per tree, per year. The fertilizer should be applied twice a year, during the active growth periods, and when the fruits are maturing.

The application should be around the perimeter of the tree's canopy, and care should be taken not to touch the trunk. Water the fertilizer thoroughly into the soil to prevent it from evaporating.

Pruning for Diospyros discolor Willd.

Pruning for Diospyros discolor Willd. should be done regularly to remove weak and diseased branches, to improve the plant's air circulation and light penetration, and to shape the tree. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, preferably after the fruiting period, to avoid damage to developing fruits.

The tree can be trained to a single trunk or allowed to grow into a multi-stemmed bush shape. Young trees should be pruned to have a single stem to form a strong central leader for support. The new limbs and shoots can be tied to stakes to train them in the desired direction.

Propagation of Diospyros discolor Willd.

Diospyros discolor Willd. can be propagated both by seeds and vegetative means. Here are the propagation methods:

Propagation by Seeds

Seeds are a common method for propagating Diospyros discolor Willd. Here are the steps:

1. Collect ripe fruit from a healthy parent plant.
2. Extract the seeds from the fruit pulp and clean any remaining flesh off the seeds.
3. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to soften their hard seed coat.
4. Sow the seeds in a mixture of sand, soil, and compost in containers or seedbeds. Cover the seeds lightly with the mixture.
5. Water regularly and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
6. Transfer to individual pots once the seedlings have been developed.

Propagation by Vegetative Methods

Diospyros discolor Willd. can be propagated asexually through the following vegetative methods:

Softwood Cuttings

Here are the steps for propagating Diospyros discolor Willd. using softwood cuttings:

1. Select healthy non-flowering stems from a mature, disease-free parent plant in the early spring season.
2. Cut the stem tips to a length of 10-15 cm with a sharp and sterilized pruning shear.
3. Remove the lower leaves of the stem, leaving the top leaves intact.
4. Dip the base of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a mixture of sand, soil and compost.
5. Cover the cuttings with a humid plastic film and place them in a shaded spot.
6. Rooting usually takes up to 4-6 weeks, depending on environmental factors and plant genetics. Once rooting is completed, each cutting can be transplanted into its individual container and grown to maturity.

Layering

This is a low-cost technique that can be used to propagate Diospyros discolor Willd. Here are the steps:

1. Select a healthy, low-lying stem of a mature, disease-free parent plant.
2. Scarify or wound the bark of the stem near a node without completely severing the stem.
3. Apply rooting hormone powder to the wounded area.
4. Bend the stem downwards and the wounded and powdered area is buried in the soil medium.
5. Secure the stem in place with a U-shaped wire or stake if needed.
6. Water the plant and cover with a plastic bag to create a humid microclimate around the buried stem.
7. Rooting takes about 3-4 months, and once it has succeeded, the stem can be separated and grown into a mature plant.

Propagation by division or grafting is not usually recommended for Diospyros discolor Willd. as it can lead to unstable plants and poor growth.

Disease Management for Diospyros discolor Willd.

Diseases can cause considerable damage to the plant, leading to reduced productivity and sometimes even plant death. With proper management, these diseases can be controlled to a great extent. Here are some common diseases that can affect Diospyros discolor Willd.:

Leaf Spot

Leaf spot is a fungal disease that is characterized by the appearance of small, circular spots on the leaves. These spots are usually brown to black and have a yellow halo around them. The infection can cause the leaves to drop prematurely, leading to reduced plant vigor. To manage this infection, diseased leaves need to be removed and destroyed. Fungicides can also be used for control.

Root Rot

Root rot is a fungal disease that occurs due to overwatering or poor soil drainage. Symptoms include yellowing and wilting of leaves, stunting of plant growth, and root discoloration. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering and ensure good soil drainage. Fungicides can also be used to control the infection.

Pest Management for Diospyros discolor Willd.

Pests can cause significant damage to plants and lead to reduced productivity. Proper management of these pests is important to prevent damage. Here are some common pests that can affect Diospyros discolor Willd.:

Aphids

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap and excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew. This can lead to the growth of black sooty mold on leaves. To manage this pest, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Natural predators like ladybugs can also be introduced into the garden to control the infestation.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny, spider-like insects that feed on plant juices and can cause leaf discoloration and premature leaf drop. They thrive in hot, dry conditions. To manage this pest, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings can also be introduced to control the infestation.