Origin
Diospyros physocalycina Gürke, also known as Jumby cherry, is a member of the Ebenaceae family. It is native to Central and South America, specifically found in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
Common Names
Aside from Jumby cherry, Diospyros physocalycina has various other common names such as zapote bobo, zapote chupare, zapote de mono, and ciriguela de macaco.
Uses
This plant is utilized in traditional medicine for its numerous benefits. Its bark and leaves are used to treat fever, while its root bark serves as treatment for high blood pressure, diarrhea, and stomach ulcers.
In addition, its fruit can be eaten fresh or used to make juices and jams. It is also used for wine-making in Brazil and Colombia.
General Appearance
Diospyros physocalycina Gürke is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 25 meters in height. Its leaves are alternate, oval-shaped, and have a glossy dark green color. Its flowers are small and greenish-white, and its fruit is round and yellow-orange when ripe, with a sweet and sour taste.
The bark of this tree is smooth and light gray when young, but becomes rough and dark gray as it matures.
Light Requirements
Diospyros physocalycina Gürke, commonly known as Indian persimmon, requires full to partial sunlight for healthy growth. The plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. Lack of enough sunlight can cause poor growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements
Indian persimmon grows well in warm temperatures. The plant requires temperatures above 10°C (50°F) for healthy growth. The optimal temperature range for the plant is 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), although it can tolerate temperatures up to 40°C (104°F). Exposure to frost or temperatures below 5°C (41°F) can damage the plant and reduce its growth rate.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-aerated, well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.8. It can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils, as long as they are not compacted or waterlogged. Adding organic matter like compost can improve soil fertility and drainage, leading to better plant growth.
Cultivation Methods
The Diospyros physocalycina Gürke, also known as the Gabon Ebony, is a slow-growing, evergreen tree that thrives in warm, humid subtropical or tropical climates with regular rainfall. It prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter and partial to full sun exposure.
Propagation can be done from seeds or cuttings. Seeds can be collected from mature fruits, which need to be kept moist before planting. Cuttings can be taken from young shoots and grown in a pot with good quality potting soil. Transplant to a larger container or the ground once established.
Watering Needs
The plant prefers regular watering, especially during dry seasons, but excessive watering can harm or kill the tree. It is important to check the soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering. The ideal moisture level is slightly moist, but not saturated. Watering should be done at the base of the plant to avoid splashing water or wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal growth.
Fertilization
Diospyros physocalycina Gürke is not a heavy feeder, and excessive fertilization can encourage a flush of weak growth. It prefers natural, slow-release fertilizers such as compost or well-aged manure applied once or twice a year. If necessary, a balanced fertilizer can be applied sparingly during the growing season, but only after watering the plant.
Pruning
The plant requires minimal pruning and should be allowed to form its natural shape. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. The goal of pruning should be to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as crossing branches, and to thin out dense foliage to promote light penetration. If necessary, shaping can be done to maintain the desired size and form, but avoid heavy pruning, which can cause stress and weaken the tree.
Propagation of Diospyros physocalycina Gürke
Diospyros physocalycina Gürke, commonly known as Abrusco, is a tropical evergreen tree that is native to the African continent. The tree is propagated through several methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and tissue culture.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Diospyros physocalycina Gürke. Seeds can be collected from ripe fruits and sown directly into the soil. The seeds require good soil drainage and regular watering to germinate.
It is essential to soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing to enhance their germination rate. The seedlings should be transplanted to individual containers after six months to one year of growth, depending on their size and health. The preferred time for seed sowing is in early spring.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Diospyros physocalycina Gürke is possible by several techniques, such as grafting, budding, and air layering. Grafting is commonly used because it is a reliable method of propagation and maintains the genetic characteristics of the parent tree.
Budding and air layering are also used but are not as reliable as grafting. Vegetative propagation is preferred for the production of superior cultivars and for trees with desirable traits.
Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is a relatively new propagation method for Diospyros physocalycina Gürke. This technique involves the growth of plant tissue in a nutrient-rich medium with controlled conditions.
Tissue culture can produce a large number of uniform plantlets within a short period and is a useful method for the rapid multiplication of rare and valuable plants. However, the cost and expertise required for tissue culture make it less accessible and practical for small-scale propagation.
Disease Management
The Diospyros physocalycina Gürke plant is susceptible to a variety of fungus diseases. Among these fungus diseases, powdery mildew, anthracnose, and leaf spot are the most common ones.
To manage powdery mildew, it is important to provide adequate air circulation and keep the plant dry. It is also helpful to remove infected foliage and use a fungicide as a preventive measure. For anthracnose and leaf spot, it is important to remove any infected leaves or stems and dispose of them. Additionally, using a fungicide as a preventive measure can help control these diseases.
Pest Management
The Diospyros physocalycina Gürke plant can also suffer from insect pests, such as scales, mealybugs, and spider mites.
To manage scales and mealybugs, it is important to remove heavily infested foliage or branches and use an insecticide according to the manufacturer's instructions. It can also be helpful to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation and act quickly if any are detected. For spider mites, regular misting to increase humidity and using an insecticidal soap can help control their population.
It is important to note that while chemical controls are effective in managing diseases and pests, it is always best to take preventative measures and maintain a healthy plant. This can be done by providing the plant with appropriate watering, fertilization and pruning. Keeping the plant healthy will help it resist diseases and pests naturally.
