Overview of Diospyros viridicans Hiern
Diospyros viridicans Hiern, also known as mabolo or velvet apple, is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that belongs to the family Ebenaceae. This species is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines, Borneo, and Sulawesi. Mabolo is widely cultivated in tropical countries and is primarily grown for its edible fruits and timber.
Appearance of Diospyros viridicans Hiern
The mabolo tree can typically grow up to 15 meters tall, and its trunk can reach a diameter of 60 cm. The tree has a dense and rounded crown with oblong leaves that are dark green and glossy on the upper surface and pale green on the underside. The flowers of the tree are small and inconspicuous, and the fruit is round or oblong and can measure up to 10 cm in diameter. The fruit has a furry brownish-green skin that feels like velvet and has a soft and sweet flesh that ranges from light pink to dark purple.
Uses of Diospyros viridicans Hiern
The mabolo fruit is edible and is commonly eaten raw or used to make jams, desserts, or drinks in the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries. The fruit is high in vitamin C and contains antioxidants, making it good for the immune system. In addition, the wood of the mabolo tree is hard and durable, making it valuable for construction, furniture, and crafting. The tree's bark and leaves are also used for medicinal purposes, and the bark is used to treat diarrhea and dysentery.
Light Requirements
Diospyros viridicans Hiern requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. In areas with high temperatures, partial shade may be necessary to prevent leaf scorching and to reduce water loss through transpiration. In areas with low light, such as indoor environments, supplemental lighting may be required.
Temperature Requirements
Diospyros viridicans Hiern grows well in warm to hot temperatures, with an optimal range between 25-30°C (77-86°F). It is not tolerant of frost and can be damaged by temperatures below 5°C (41°F). In colder climates, it can be grown in greenhouses or as an indoor plant.
Soil Requirements
Diospyros viridicans Hiern grows well in well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.0. It prefers soil that is rich in organic matter and has good water-holding capacity. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot. Regular fertilization with balanced nutrients is important for vigorous growth and fruit production.
Cultivation Methods
Diospyros viridicans Hiern, also known as mabolo, is a tropical evergreen tree that belongs to the Ebenaceae family. It is native to the Philippines and thrives in warm, humid climates. This plant can be cultivated from seeds or through grafting, and it prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. Mabolo should be planted in an area with partial shade, especially during the early growth stages of the tree.
Watering Needs
Mabolo requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth. The plant should be watered deeply at least once a week, especially during the dry season, to ensure that the roots receive enough moisture. Avoid overwatering as this may result in root rot. It is best to water early in the morning or late in the afternoon to prevent evaporation and sun damage to the leaves.
Fertilization
Mabolo requires regular fertilization to maintain optimal growth and productivity. A balanced fertilizer with a higher potassium content should be applied during the active growth period of the plant. Fertilization should be stopped during the winter months when the tree becomes dormant. Over-fertilization must be avoided as it may lead to excessive vegetative growth, decreased fruit production, and poor quality fruit.
Pruning
Pruning mabolo is essential to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. The best time to prune the tree is during the dormant period after the fruiting season. Pruning should be done to remove old and diseased branches, any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other, and to promote better air circulation within the canopy. This will help to reduce the incidence of diseases and pests and also improve the quality and quantity of fruit produced by the plant.
Propagation of Diospyros viridicans Hiern
Diospyros viridicans Hiern, commonly known as "mabolo" or "velvet apple," is a fruit-bearing tree that belongs to the Ebenaceae family and is native to Southeast Asia. It is an attractive tree, with green glossy leaves, small white flowers, and brown velvety fruits that are edible. Propagating Diospyros viridicans can be done through two primary methods: seed propagation and asexual propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common way to propagate Diospyros viridicans Hiern. The seeds should be collected when the fruits are ripe and fully matured. The seeds are then removed from the fruits, rinsed, and dried. The dried seeds should be stratified at 10°C for two to three months to improve germination rates.
After stratification, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining potting mix or seed-starting mix. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept evenly moist. Germination can take anywhere from three to six weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of about 10-15 cm, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation is another way to propagate Diospyros viridicans Hiern. This method involves taking cuttings from mature trees and rooting them to produce new plants. Cuttings should be taken in the early spring when the tree is actively growing. Semi-hardwood cuttings of about 10-15 cm long with at least two sets of leaves should be taken from the current year's growth.
The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining potting mix or vermiculite. The potting mix should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Roots should start to form in about four to six weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Both seed propagation and asexual propagation are effective ways to propagate Diospyros viridicans Hiern. However, seed propagation is the most cost-effective and widely used method. It is important to note that plants grown from seed may take longer to fruit compared to those propagated asexually.
Disease and Pest Management for Diospyros viridicans Hiern
Diospyros viridicans Hiern, also known as mabolo, is a tropical fruit tree native to Southeast Asia. Like any plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests, which can cause damage to the tree and reduce its productivity. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and fruit rot in mabolo trees. To manage anthracnose, prune off infected plant parts and dispose of them properly. Also, avoid overwatering and improve air circulation around the tree by pruning it regularly.
Phytophthora fruit rot: This fungal disease causes brown patches on the fruit, eventually leading to fruit rot. To manage phytophthora fruit rot, avoid overhead watering and ensure good drainage around the tree. Also, practice proper sanitation by removing fallen fruits and leaves from around the tree regularly.
Root rot: This disease is caused by various soilborne fungi that attack the tree's roots. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and ensure good drainage around the tree. Also, improve soil structure by adding organic matter to the soil and avoiding soil compaction.
Pests
Mabolo fruit fly: This pest can lay eggs inside the fruit, causing it to rot. To manage mabolo fruit fly, monitor the fruit regularly and remove any infested fruit immediately. Also, use fruit bags to cover the fruit and prevent the pests from laying eggs on them.
Scale insects: These pests are small, sap-sucking insects that can weaken the plant and reduce its growth and productivity. To manage scale insects, prune off heavily infested plant parts and dispose of them properly. Also, use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control the pests.
Mites: These pests are tiny, spider-like insects that can cause leaf damage and reduce the tree's productivity. To manage mites, spray the tree with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. Also, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control the pests.
