Overview
Diospyros philippensis (Desr.) Guerke, commonly known as Mabolo, is a medium-sized tree that belongs to the family Ebenaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Appearance
Mabolo is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall with a trunk diameter of about 60 cm. It has a rounded crown and a straight bole with gray-brown bark that is smooth or slightly fissured. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and oblong-shaped with a pointed tip and a rounded base, measuring 8-15 cm long and 4-7 cm wide. The flowers are small, yellowish-white, and fragrant, while the fruit is a berry-shaped drupe that is typically 4-5 cm in diameter and turns from green to orange-brown when ripe.
Uses
The fruit of the Mabolo tree is highly nutritious and is commonly eaten fresh or used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and fever. The wood of the tree is hard and durable, making it suitable for construction, furniture-making, and decorative purposes. The bark and leaves of the tree are also used to make natural dyes and tannins for leather production.
Common Names
Mabolo is also known by various other names depending on the region or country. In the Philippines, it is commonly referred to as Kamagong, while in Indonesia, it is called Sembawa or Sembawo. In Malaysia, it is known as Buah Mentega or Mentega Hutan.
Light Requirements
Diospyros philippensis typically grows in areas with partial to full sunlight. Meaning, it is suited for areas that receive sun for about six to eight hours per day. However, during the summer season, it is advisable to reduce direct sunlight exposure to avoid leaf scorch.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives well in areas with warm temperatures. Diospyros philippensis grows best in areas with a temperature range of 25-32°C. During winter, it is advisable to move the plant indoors or to a greenhouse to provide protection from frost and low temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Diospyros philippensis grows well in well-draining soils that are fertile and rich in organic matter. It is also important to ensure that the soil is slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 - 6.5. Additionally, proper drainage is essential to avoid waterlogging, which could lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Diospyros philippensis or Mabolo is usually propagated by seed. The hard, dark brown seeds are soaked in water for a few days before sowing. Once the seeds have germinated, they should be transplanted into small containers filled with sandy loam soil. Germination usually takes 1-2 months.
Mabolo plants grow well both in full sun and partial shade. They prefer well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels. The plants grow well in warm temperatures, and the ideal range is between 20 – 35°C. At lower temperatures, growth may be slow.
Watering Needs
Mabolo plants require regular watering. However, it is essential not to overwater the plant as it can cause root rot. The frequency of watering will vary depending on the climate, season, and soil type. In general, the soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
During the first year of growth, it is essential to ensure that the plant is watered frequently to establish strong roots.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is necessary to maintain healthy growth and fruit production. The best time to fertilize Mabolo plants is during spring and summer. The recommended fertilizer is a balanced blend that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
It is also recommended to supplement the soil with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and structure.
Pruning
Pruning is recommended to maintain a compact and healthy tree with good fruit production. The best time to prune Mabolo trees is during late winter or early spring.
Pruning should focus on removing dead or damaged branches or any branches that cross and rub against each other. The removal of suckers from the base of the tree should also be done regularly.
It is essential to note that some Mabolo cultivars may require specific pruning methods, and it is best to consult with a horticulturist or expert.
Propagation of Diospyros philippensis (Desr.) Guerke
Diospyros philippensis (Desr.) Guerke, commonly known as Mabolo, is a tropical tree that can grow up to 25 meters tall. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods:
Seed propagation
One of the most common ways to propagate Diospyros philippensis is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from mature fruit and cleaned thoroughly before planting. The seeds should be planted immediately, as they have a short life span. It is important to note that seed-propagated plants may take longer to mature and may exhibit some variability in growth and fruit production.
Cuttings propagation
Diospyros philippensis can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem, approximately 10 to 15 centimeters in length, and make a diagonal cut at the base. Dip the cut end of the stem into a rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix, keeping the soil moist. Roots will begin to form in a few weeks, and the plant can be transplanted to a larger pot once it outgrows the original container.
Air-layering propagation
Air-layering is another propagation method that can be used to grow Diospyros philippensis. This method involves creating a wound in a stem and encouraging roots to form at that site. Start by selecting a healthy stem and making a small cut in the bark. Apply a rooting hormone to the cut and wrap it with moist sphagnum moss, securing it with plastic wrap. Keep the moss moist, and in a few weeks, roots should begin to form. Once the roots are established, the new plant can be cut away from the parent plant and transplanted to a new pot.
Overall, Diospyros philippensis can be easily propagated through seed, cuttings, or air-layering. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages and should be chosen based on the cultivator's preferences and available resources.
Disease and Pest Management for Diospyros philippensis (Desr.) Guerke
Diospyros philippensis (Desr.) Guerke is a semi-deciduous tree species that belongs to the Ebenaceae family. It is commonly found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, especially in the Philippines. This plant is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause severe damage to its growth and yield. Therefore, it is essential to implement disease and pest management practices to maintain its health and productivity.
Common Diseases
1. Leaf Spot: Leaf spots are caused by fungal pathogens and can cause premature defoliation, reducing the plant's photosynthesis and stress tolerance. The infected leaves develop spots of different sizes and colors, ranging from yellow to dark brown. To manage leaf spots, remove infected leaves, prune dense canopies, and apply copper fungicides.
2. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a whitish, powdery coating on the upper surface of leaves. This coating can reduce photosynthesis activity and cause leaf curling. To manage powdery mildew, apply fungicides early in the growing season, provide proper air circulation, reduce humidity levels, and avoid overhead watering.
3. Root Rot: Root rot is caused by soil-borne fungi that attack the plant's roots, reducing its ability to absorb moisture and nutrients. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and leaf drop. To manage root rot, improve soil drainage, avoid over-watering, and apply fungicides to the soil in the early growing season.
Common Pests
1. Scale Insects: Scale insects are tiny, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the plant's leaves and stems, sucking out the sap and damaging the plant's tissues. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and black sooty mold. To manage scale infestations, remove affected plant parts, apply insecticidal soap or oil sprays, and introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs.
2. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are sap-sucking insects that produce a white, cotton-like coating on the plant's stems and leaves. They can damage the plant's tissues, reduce its growth, and transmit plant viruses. To manage mealybug infestations, remove and destroy infected plant parts, apply insecticidal soap or oil sprays, and introduce natural predators, such as parasitic wasps.
3. Thrips: Thrips are slender, winged insects that feed on the plants' leaves and flowers, causing them to become distorted and discolored. They can also transmit plant viruses. To manage thrips infestations, remove and destroy infected plant parts, apply insecticidal soap or oil sprays, and introduce natural predators, such as predatory mites.
Implementing disease and pest management practices, as described above, can help maintain the health and productivity of Diospyros philippensis (Desr.) Guerke. By preventing or managing disease and pest infestations, you can ensure the plant continues to thrive and provide you with an abundance of fruits and other benefits.
