Introduction
Diospyros villosa (L.) De Winter var. parvifolia (De Winter) De Winter, commonly known as velvet apple or mabolo, is a tree species in the family Ebenaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.Description
The velvet apple tree can reach up to 25 meters in height and has a dense, spreading canopy. The bark is grayish-brown and smooth when young, but becomes rough and scaly as the tree ages. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and oval-shaped, measuring 10-20 cm in length. The flowers are small, bell-shaped, and white. The fruit is round, about 5-15 cm in diameter, and covered in a velvety brown skin that is easy to peel. The pulp is creamy white and soft, with a sweet and slightly tangy taste.Uses
The velvet apple tree has various uses, primarily as a source of food and medicine. The fruit is consumed fresh, either as a snack or in various desserts, jams, and beverages. The pulp is also used as a flavoring for ice cream, yogurt, and other dairy products. Additionally, the bark and leaves of the tree contain various compounds with medicinal properties, such as tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids. These have been traditionally used to treat various health conditions, such as diarrhea, fever, and inflammation.Conclusion
Overall, Diospyros villosa var. parvifolia is a versatile and useful tree species with many benefits. It provides a source of delicious and nutritious fruit, as well as various medicinal compounds that can aid in treating a range of health conditions. Its distinctive appearance, with its velvety brown fruit and glossy green leaves, makes it a striking addition to any landscape.Light Requirements
The Diospyros villosa var. parvifolia plant grows best in full sunlight. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to promote optimal growth. If the plant is grown in an area with insufficient light, it may become leggy and weak.
Temperature Requirements
The Diospyros villosa var. parvifolia plant grows best in warm temperatures and does not tolerate frost or cold temperatures well. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 20°C-35°C (68°F-95°F). If temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F) the plant may become dormant and stop growing.
Soil Requirements
The Diospyros villosa var. parvifolia plant prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH. The soil should be rich in organic matter and should not be overly compacted. The plant can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soil, as long as it is well-drained. The addition of organic mulch can help retain moisture in the soil and protect the plant's shallow roots from extreme temperatures.
Cultivation Methods
The Diospyros villosa (L.) De Winter var. parvifolia (De Winter) De Winter, commonly known as the Velvet Apple, is a tropical fruit tree that thrives in warm and humid climates. It can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10-11 or indoors as a container plant. When cultivating this plant outdoors, it needs to be planted in well-draining soil with good organic matter. The roots are sensitive to waterlogging, so the soil should not stay waterlogged for long periods.
Watering Needs
Vincent gardens require moderate watering, and their water demand may vary depending on the environmental conditions. During the dry season, watering should be done more frequently, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. On the other hand, in the wet season, watering should be less frequent as the rainwater may be enough to keep the plant hydrated.
Fertilization
Velvet Apple trees require regular fertilization to ensure healthy growth and optimum fruit production. Fertilizers high in nitrogen and potassium will encourage more vegetative growth while a higher phosphorus content can promote more flowering and fruiting. Fertilizers should be applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, especially during the first year of planting. Adding organic matter such as compost will add nutrients to the soil and improve soil quality.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of velvet apple care, and it should be done regularly to keep the tree's shape and size under control. Pruning also promotes air circulation, which can prevent pests and diseases from attacking the plant. Pruning should be done during the winter season when there is less active growth. Any dead, damaged, or diseased branches should be removed immediately. Young plants should be pruned to encourage a single main trunk and well-spaced lateral branches.
Propagation of Diospyros villosa var. parvifolia
Diospyros villosa var. parvifolia, also known as the Cagayan velvet apple or mabolo, is a fruit-bearing tree native to the Philippines. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Diospyros villosa var. parvifolia through seed is possible. However, it is not the preferred method because it results in plants with variable characteristics. To ensure success, the seeds must be fresh and taken from mature fruits. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. Seeds can be planted directly in soil or in seed trays filled with loam soil. Germination can take up to 90 days.
Asexual Propagation
The preferred method of propagation for Diospyros villosa var. parvifolia is asexual propagation. This method ensures that the characteristics of the parent plant are passed on to the offspring. Asexual propagation can be done through layering, grafting, or budding.
Layering: Layering is the process of rooting a branch while it is still attached to the parent plant. A low-lying branch of the plant is wounded and then buried in a hole filled with soil and compost. After roots have grown, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted.
Grafting: Grafting is the process of attaching a scion of a plant onto a rootstock of another plant. This method is done to combine the desirable characteristics of the two plants. For Diospyros villosa var. parvifolia, grafting can be done using the bark grafting method.
Budding: Budding is a method of grafting that involves attaching a bud of a plant onto the rootstock of another plant. For Diospyros villosa var. parvifolia, the preferred method of budding is the T-budding method.
Disease Management
Diospyros villosa is susceptible to a number of diseases that can impact plant growth and productivity. Here are some of the most common diseases and ways to manage them:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease appears as small, sunken spots on leaves and can eventually spread to stems and fruit. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant material, remove weeds to improve air circulation, and use fungicides when necessary.
- Canker: This bacterial disease causes sunken areas on the bark and can lead to wilting and death. To manage canker, remove and destroy infected plant material, prune back healthy tissue, and use copper-based bactericides.
- Root rot: This fungal disease occurs in waterlogged or poorly drained soils and causes roots to rot and die. To manage root rot, improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and use fungicides when necessary.
Pest Management
In addition to diseases, pests can also be a problem for Diospyros villosa. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
- Fruit flies: These pests lay eggs in ripening fruit, leading to damage and decay. To manage fruit flies, use traps, remove and destroy infected fruit, and use insecticides when necessary.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests cause leaves to yellow and become speckled with small spots. To manage spider mites, improve air circulation, use insecticidal soap, and prune back infected leaves.
- Caterpillars: These pests can defoliate the plant and cause significant damage. To manage caterpillars, handpick and destroy them, use insecticides when necessary, and encourage natural predators such as birds and wasps.
