Overview
Diospyros incarnata Gürke, commonly known as the velvet apple or mabolo, is a tropical fruit-bearing tree in the family Ebenaceae. It is native to the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia and is widely grown in other tropical regions for its fruit and wood. The tree is highly valued for its sweet and juicy fruits that are used in various culinary preparations. The tree also has ornamental value due to its attractive foliage, colorful flowers, and edible fruits.
Appearance
The velvet apple tree is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 25 meters in height. It has a straight trunk with a dense and rounded canopy that provides ample shade. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and leathery, with a lanceolate shape and a pointed tip. The tree produces small and inconspicuous flowers that are greenish-white, followed by ovoid or oblong fruits that are 5–10 cm in diameter. The fruits have a brownish-red velvety skin that is covered with soft, short hairs, hence the name velvet apple. The flesh of the fruit is juicy, sweet, and aromatic, with a fibrous texture and a single seed in the center.
Uses
The velvet apple is primarily grown for its fruit, which is used in various culinary preparations. In the Philippines, the fruit is commonly eaten fresh or made into jam, jelly, or pickles. The fruit is also used in salads, desserts, and as a flavoring agent for beverages. The wood of the tree is dense and hard, making it suitable for furniture, construction, and decorative purposes. The tree also has medicinal value, with several parts of the plant being used in traditional medicine for their antipyretic, antidiarrheal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cultivation
The velvet apple tree prefers a warm and humid climate and can be grown in well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5–6.5. The tree is drought-tolerant but requires regular watering during the fruiting season. The tree can be propagated through seed, which typically takes 4–6 years to bear fruit. The tree can also be propagated through grafting or air-layering, which reduces the time to fruiting. The tree requires minimal pruning, and the fruits can be harvested when they are fully ripe and have reached their maximum sweetness.
Light Conditions
The Diospyros incarnata Gürke plant requires a significant amount of light to grow and thrive. Ideally, it should be placed in an area with full sun exposure, where it can absorb as much light as possible. If the plant is grown indoors, it should be placed near a south-facing window that receives plenty of sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The temperature requirements for the Diospyros incarnata Gürke plant are relatively narrow. It prefers warm temperatures that are consistent throughout the year. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It is not tolerant of extreme cold or hot temperatures, and exposure to such conditions can harm the plant.
Soil Requirements
The soil requirements for the Diospyros incarnata Gürke plant are specific. It prefers well-draining and slightly acidic soils. The ideal pH range for the soil should be between 5.5 and 6.5. The plant is sensitive to the nutrient content of the soil, so it should be grown in soils that are high in organic matter and have been adequately fertilized. Additionally, the soil should not be waterlogged because this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Diospyros incarnata Gürke
Diospyros incarnata Gürke is known to grow in areas with tropical and sub-tropical climates. It requires well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate a pH range of 4.5 to 7.5. It is best to plant the seeds or seedlings during the rainy season. For propagation, take a healthy stem cutting from an existing plant, dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to encourage root development.
Watering Needs for Diospyros incarnata Gürke
Diospyros incarnata Gürke requires regular watering during the first few years of growth. It is necessary to keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering. After the plant has established itself, it can withstand short periods of drought. However, it is still crucial to ensure that the soil does not completely dry out. Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce excessive evaporation.
Fertilization for Diospyros incarnata Gürke
The plant needs regular fertilization to grow well. It is best to use organic fertilizers that are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizer application should be done during the rainy season, allowing nutrients to be absorbed through the roots and used for growth. During the first year, it is recommended to fertilize once every three months. After it is established, it can be fertilized once every six months.
Pruning for Diospyros incarnata Gürke
Pruning is necessary to maintain an upright and healthy growth habit. It should be done during the dry season when plant growth is slow to avoid excessive sap loss. When pruning, ensure to use sterilized pruning tools to avoid the spread of disease. Diseased shoots or branches should be removed immediately to prevent the spread of infection. Regular pruning also helps to stimulate growth and fruit production.
Propagation of Diospyros incarnata Gürke
Diospyros incarnata Gürke, commonly known as the Cola Nut Tree, is a tree species that belongs to the family Ebenaceae. It is native to West Africa and can be propagated through several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method of propagating Diospyros incarnata. The seeds are collected from ripe fruits and dried for a few days. After drying, the seeds are soaked in water for 24-48 hours to soften the hard coat.
The seeds can be sown directly in the field or in pots filled with soil mixed with sand or perlite. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 2-3 cm and covered with soil. The pots should be kept in a warm place with high humidity until germination occurs.
Germination of Diospyros incarnata seeds takes about 3-4 weeks, but it can take up to 3 months.
Propagation by cuttings
Diospyros incarnata can also be propagated by woody stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from mature trees in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Use a sharp knife to make a clean cut just below a leaf node and remove all the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. Dip the bottom end of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with soil mixed with sand or perlite.
The pot should be kept in a warm, humid place until the cutting develops roots. It usually takes 4-8 weeks for the cutting to root. Once it has rooted, the young plant can be transplanted to a larger container or to the field.
Propagation by grafting
Diospyros incarnata can also be propagated by grafting onto rootstock of a related species. This method is often used when the desired tree has desirable fruit characteristics but its root system is weak or susceptible to disease.
The scion, or top portion of the plant, is cut with a sharp knife and then grafted onto the rootstock of the related species. Careful attention must be paid to ensure the two parts are compatible and that the scion will not be rejected.
The graft should be kept in a warm, humid place until the plants have fused together. Once the plants have fused, the young tree can be transplanted to the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Diospyros incarnata Gürke Plant
Diospyros incarnata Gürke, commonly known as Mabolo or velvet apple, is a plant species native to Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. While this plant is resistant to many diseases and pests, it can still fall prey to certain conditions. Below are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes sunken and dark lesions on fruits, leading to cracking and rotting. To manage anthracnose, remove and dispose of the infected tissues and avoid overhead irrigation. Fungicides can also help to prevent the spread of the disease.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is another fungal disease that manifests as small, dark spots on leaves and stems. It can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off, affecting the plant's growth and productivity. To manage leaf spot, ensure good air circulation around the plant, remove and dispose of the infected leaves, and apply fungicides.
Pests
Fruit Fly: Fruit flies are notorious pests that can damage the fruits by laying eggs under the skin. The eggs then hatch into larvae that feed on the fruit's flesh, leading to significant losses. To manage fruit flies, use traps with lures, practice good sanitation by removing fallen and rotting fruits, and apply insecticides when necessary.
Scale Insects: These insects attach themselves to the plant's stems and leaves, sucking the sap and weakening the plant. They also excrete a sticky substance that attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold. To manage scale insects, remove and destroy the infected parts, apply horticultural oils, or release natural enemies such as parasitic wasps.
By being vigilant and timely in the application of appropriate control measures, you can help keep your Diospyros incarnata Gürke plant healthy and thriving.
