Origin
Diospyros villosa (L.) De Winter var. villosa, commonly known as Mabolo, is a species of tree in the family Ebenaceae. This plant is native to the Philippines and can be found in other tropical regions like India, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia.
Common Names
Mabolo's common names vary depending on the region. In the Philippines, it is known as Mabolo or Kamagong Bisaya. In India, it is called Kapok Bhowra, while in Malaysia, it is known as Buah Mentega. In Sri Lanka, it is called Kaluwithana.
Uses
Mabolo is mainly used as an ornamental plant due to its attractive edible fruits, which are similar to persimmons in taste and texture. The fruits have a furry outer layer that turns brown as it ripens, revealing a juicy, sweet, and juicy inner flesh. The fruits can be eaten raw or used in various recipes like jams, jellies, and candies.
The wood of the Mabolo tree is also highly valued for its strength, density, and durability. It is often used in making furniture, musical instruments, and decorative items like carvings and sculptures.
General Appearance
The Mabolo tree can grow up to 20 meters tall, with a dark brown to black bark that is rough and fissured. Its leaves are leathery and glossy, with an oval shape and pointed tip, growing up to 20 cm long. The flowers are small, yellowish-white, and inconspicuous, growing in clusters. After pollination, the fruit develops that looks quite similar to a persimmon with its round shape, furry exterior, and crunchy inner. The plant thrives best in well-drained soils and a tropical climate.
Light Requirements
Diospyros villosa (L.) De Winter var. villosa is a plant species that requires full sunlight exposure to promote proper growth and development. In an ideal setting, it should be exposed to light for at least 6 hours daily to encourage photosynthesis, which enables it to produce the necessary carbohydrates to sustain its growth. Lack of sufficient sunlight can result in stunted growth, foliage discoloration, and reduced stem and fruit production.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 68°F to 86°F and can tolerate moderate frost. The species can grow in areas with temperatures failling below 68°F; however, the growth rate is significantly reduced. Extreme temperatures above 104°F and below 50°F can cause severe damage to the plant's developmental process and may cause permanent damage.
Soil Requirements
Diospyros villosa (L.) De Winter var. villosa requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant thrives in loamy or sandy soils with a slightly acidic pH of between 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should be free from any harmful chemicals, such as herbicides or pesticides, which may harm the plant’s growth. Proper drainage is key to preventing waterlogging, which can destroy the plant's root system and affect overall growth.
Cultivation Methods for Diospyros villosa (L.) De Winter var. villosa
Diospyros villosa (L.) De Winter var. villosa is native to tropical and subtropical regions and thrives in warm, humid climates. The plant can be grown in a container or directly in the ground. It prefers well-draining soil and partial shade.
If planting in the ground, the soil should be mixed with organic matter such as compost to provide necessary nutrients and improve drainage. The plant should be spaced at least 5-6 feet apart to allow for adequate growth and root development. If growing in a container, choose a pot that is at least 18 inches in diameter.
Watering Needs for Diospyros villosa (L.) De Winter var. villosa
Proper watering is essential for the health of Diospyros villosa (L.) De Winter var. villosa. The plant prefers evenly moist soil, which means it should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot and other issues.
It's recommended to water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on the climate and soil conditions. Container-grown plants may need more frequent watering due to the limited soil volume.
Fertilization for Diospyros villosa (L.) De Winter var. villosa
Diospyros villosa (L.) De Winter var. villosa benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and fruit production. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer should be applied in early spring, just before new growth begins.
If growing in containers, a liquid fertilizer can also be applied every two weeks during the growing season. It's important not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excess foliage growth and reduced fruit production.
Pruning for Diospyros villosa (L.) De Winter var. villosa
Pruning can help improve the overall health and appearance of Diospyros villosa (L.) De Winter var. villosa and encourage more abundant fruit production. The plant should be pruned during the dormant season, either in late fall or early spring.
Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches. It's also recommended to thin out the interior of the tree to promote better air circulation and light penetration.
When pruning, use sharp, clean tools and make clean cuts just above a healthy bud or lateral branch. Avoid leaving stubs, as they can attract pests and disease.
Propagation of Diospyros villosa
Diospyros villosa can be propagated through several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Seeds
Propagation via seeds is the easiest and most common method. The seeds should be collected from ripe fruits and then sown in the well-draining soil. After sowing, the seedbed should be kept moist and shaded until the seedlings emerge.
Cuttings
The cutting propagation method is more challenging than the seed propagation method. The cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood branches, treated with a rooting hormone, and then placed in a pot with a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, and the cutting should be kept in partial shade to prevent it from burning. After a few weeks or months, the cutting should develop roots and can be transplanted to a bigger pot or to the ground.
Layering
Propagation via layering is the simplest method, but it requires patience. A low branch of the plant should be buried in the soil and then kept moist. After a few weeks or months, the branch should develop roots from the buried nodes. Once the new roots are well-established, the branch can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted to a bigger pot or to the ground.
Overall, the propagation of Diospyros villosa is possible through several methods, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Gardeners and growers can choose the method that best suits their needs and resources.
Disease Management
Diospyros villosa (L.) De Winter var. villosa is susceptible to several diseases. Some of the common ones are mentioned below:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that leads to the development of brownish-black spots on the leaves. To manage anthracnose, it is essential to remove and destroy the infected plant material. It is also recommended to spray the plant with a copper-based fungicide.
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant and leads to the development of brownish-black roots. To manage root rot, it is crucial to remove and destroy the infected plant material. It is also recommended to improve the soil drainage and reduce the frequency of watering.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that leads to the development of circular, brownish-black spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, it is crucial to remove and destroy the infected plant material. It is also recommended to spray the plant with a copper-based fungicide.
Pest Management
Diospyros villosa (L.) De Winter var. villosa is also susceptible to several pests. Some of the common ones are mentioned below:
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small insects that suck the sap of the plant and lead to the development of yellowish leaves. To manage whiteflies, it is recommended to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny insects that also suck the sap of the plant and lead to the development of yellowish leaves. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck the sap of the plant and lead to the development of curled leaves. To manage aphids, it is recommended to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are insects that consume the leaves of the plant. To manage caterpillars, it is recommended to pick them off by hand and to spray the plant with Bacillus thuringiensis (BT).
