Origin
Diospyros pseudomespilus Mildbr. subsp. brevicalyx F.White, commonly known as Budo in the Philippines, is a plant species belonging to the family Ebenaceae. This plant is indigenous to the Philippines, particularly in the islands of Luzon, Mindoro, and Panay.
Common Names
Budo is the common name for Diospyros pseudomespilus Mildbr. subsp. brevicalyx F.White in the Philippines. In addition, it is also called Bantolinao, Sarian, Tagpo, and Baloronay.
Uses
The fruit of Diospyros pseudomespilus Mildbr. subsp. brevicalyx F.White is edible and is used in traditional medicine in the Philippines. The bark and leaves of the plant also have medicinal properties and are commonly used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and fever.
Aside from its medicinal uses, the hardwood of Budo is highly valued for its durability, density, and attractive texture. It is used in the construction of high-quality furniture, flooring, and other decorative woodwork. In addition, the tree provides valuable shade and helps maintain the biodiversity of its natural habitat.
General Appearance
Diospyros pseudomespilus Mildbr. subsp. brevicalyx F.White is a small to medium-sized tree that typically grows up to 10 meters tall. The leaves are oblong to elliptic in shape, smooth and glossy on the upper surface, and slightly hairy on the lower surface. The flowers are small, inconspicuous, and are usually borne on the trunk or older branches of the tree.
The fruit of Budo is round, smooth, and about 2-3cm in diameter. It has a slightly hard and bitter outer layer, but the inner flesh is sweet and juicy with a distinct flavor that is unique to the species. The seeds, which are also edible, are hard and brown with a rough surface.
Light Requirements
The Diospyros pseudomespilus Mildbr. subsp. brevicalyx F.White typically requires moderate light and partial to full sun exposure. It can tolerate some shade, but excessive shade can cause the plant growth to slow down and the leaves to become pale and yellow.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow well in a range of temperatures including warm, subtropical climates, and even in areas with mild winters. The ideal temperature for the plant growth is between 20-30°C, but can also withstand temperatures as low as -5°C or as high as 40°C.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It can also tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The pH requirement for the plant ranges from 5.0 to 7.5. However, it is important to note that the plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils or prolonged flooding, which can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Diospyros pseudomespilus Mildbr. subsp. brevicalyx F.White or locally known as “tagunton” is a slow-growing shrub that can thrive in tropical to subtropical conditions. It can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. When planting, choose an area that receives partial shade and has well-draining soil. This plant can tolerate dry soil conditions but does not do well in waterlogged areas.
Watering Needs
Watering the tagunton plant is necessary during the establishment phase, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Once the plant is established, occasional watering is sufficient and only when the soil is too dry. It is best to water it in the morning or late afternoon.
Fertilization
Applying organic fertilizer once every six months can help boost the growth of the Diospyros pseudomespilus Mildbr. subsp. brevicalyx F.White plant. Use a slow-release fertilizer rich in potassium that supports the development of fruit-bearing plants.
Pruning
To shape the plant and promote the growth of new branches, prune the tagunton plant during the dormancy period. Cut off the dead branches and trim off the tips of the ones that grow too long. When pruning, make sure to use a sharp and clean blade to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Diospyros pseudomespilus Mildbr. subsp. brevicalyx F.White
Diospyros pseudomespilus Mildbr. subsp. brevicalyx F.White, commonly known as black ebony, is a tropical evergreen tree that can grow up to 25 meters tall. It produces fruit that is edible and has medicinal properties. The plant can be propagated through various methods.
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest ways to propagate Diospyros pseudomespilus Mildbr. subsp. brevicalyx F.White is through seed propagation. The seeds are usually collected from ripe fruits and sown immediately in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the seeds will germinate within 2-3 weeks. After the seedlings have grown at least 4-6 leaves, they can be transplanted into bigger containers or directly into the ground. It is advisable to protect the seedlings from direct sunlight until they are established.
Cuttings Propagation
Diospyros pseudomespilus Mildbr. subsp. brevicalyx F.White can also be propagated through cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing. Shoot cuttings of 20 to 25 centimeters are taken with a sharp knife from the parent plant and planted in a rooting mixture. The rooting mixture should be kept moist, and the cutting should be placed in indirect sunlight until it forms roots. The cutting can be transplanted into bigger containers or directly into the ground once the roots are established.
Air Layering Propagation
Another method of propagating Diospyros pseudomespilus Mildbr. subsp. brevicalyx F.White is through air layering. This method involves selecting a healthy branch and making a cut halfway through the stem's diameter. The cut is then packed with rooting hormone, and the wound is wrapped with sphagnum moss and plastic wrap to keep it moist. After a few weeks, roots will develop in the area of the cut, and the branch can be cut below the roots and transplanted into a container or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Diospyros pseudomespilus Mildbr. subsp. brevicalyx F.White is a relatively hardy plant and is not prone to many diseases. However, in certain situations, fungal and bacterial infections can occur.
One of the most common diseases affecting this plant is leaf spot, caused by the fungus Cercospora diospyricola. It appears as small, circular lesions with grayish centers and brown borders. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and destroy them to prevent the spread of spores. Apply a fungicide containing copper or sulfur to protect the remaining foliage.
Another disease that can affect this plant is anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum diospyri. It causes dark, sunken lesions with pinkish spore masses on fruits and leaves. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts immediately. Apply a fungicide containing chlorothalonil or mancozeb to protect the healthy parts from infection.
Pest Management
Diospyros pseudomespilus Mildbr. subsp. brevicalyx F.White is not a favorite food source for pests. However, some insects can cause damage to the plant.
Mites and aphids are the most common pests that can infest this plant. Mites cause yellowing of leaves, while aphids suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth. To manage these pests, use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to kill them. Alternatively, you can introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control these pests.
Caterpillars can also cause damage to the plant by feeding on the foliage. To manage them, remove and destroy the caterpillars or use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) spray to kill them.
