Overview of Dracontomelon Blume
Dracontomelon Blume, also known as the New Guinea walnut, Indonesian sumac, or locally as Kembang Tahu, is a species of flowering plant in the family Anacardiaceae. Dracontomelon Blume is a large deciduous tree native to Southeast Asia, mainly found in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Malaysia. The tree's fruit has sweet-sour pulp, which is consumed fresh or used to make a variety of products such as jams, candies, and tarts.
General Appearance of Dracontomelon Blume
Dracontomelon Blume can grow up to 40 meters tall, with a diameter of up to 2 meters. The bark is grayish-brown, with shallow, longitudinal fissures, and smooth, cream-colored patches. The leaves are large, alternate, pinnately compound, up to 70 cm long, with 8-18 leaflets, each up to 15 cm long and 5 cm wide. The flowers are small, white, and produced in large, branched inflorescences, up to 50 cm long. The fruit is a drupe, up to 4 cm long, with a fleshy, yellowish-green or orange-red covering enclosing a single seed.
Uses of Dracontomelon Blume
Dracontomelon Blume has various uses, including medicinal, culinary, and commercial applications. The fruit is used in traditional medicine to treat fever, diarrhea, dysentery, and inflammation, especially in Southeast Asia. In culinary applications, the fruit is mostly used to make jams, fruit juices, and desserts. The wood of Dracontomelon Blume is light and soft, making it ideal for plywood, boxes, furniture, and carving.
Growth Conditions for Dracontomelon Blume
Dracontomelon Blume, commonly known as the "Indonesian Longan," requires specific growth conditions for optimal growth. Here are the necessary growth factors to consider:
Light Requirements
The plant requires full sunlight exposure for at least six hours or more daily. Therefore, it grows well in open areas without being obstructed by tall trees or buildings that may limit sunlight supply.
Temperature Range
The plant flourishes in warm to hot temperatures, ranging between 22 to 30°C (72-86°F). Therefore, it thrives in tropical climates with high humidity levels that provide optimal growth conditions.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained loamy or clayey soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be slightly acidic within a range of 4.6-6.5, which is optimal for growth. Since the plant has a shallow root system, it is vital to ensure the soil does not dry up by providing regular irrigation.
In conclusion, ensuring optimal light, temperature, and soil conditions is crucial for the growth and development of the Dracontomelon Blume plant. Once provided with the necessary growth requirements, the plant can attain a height of 30-40 meters and a diameter of 1.5-2 meters in favorable conditions.
Cultivation
Dracontomelon Blume or as commonly known as the "New Guinea Walnut" is native to Southeast Asia and the Philippines and can be grown in a wide range of soils from sand, loam, and clay. It prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 5-6.5. It can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. Ensure the growing area is free from any weeds that may compete for nutrients.
Watering
The New Guinea Walnut is drought tolerant, but young trees need enough water to establish. Water young plantings at least once a week until the trees start showing new growth. Mature trees can go for extended periods without watering, but to keep the leaves healthy, water once a month or after four weeks. Ensure the soil is moist enough, but not water-logged, as this may cause root rot.
Fertilization
Add fertilizer once or twice a year, the first application should be during springtime before the growing season begins, and the second during autumn after harvesting. Use a well-balanced slow-release organic fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12. Young plantations need fertilizing more frequently as compared to mature plantations. Be careful not to apply too much fertilizer as it may cause scorching of the leaves and killing of the tree.
Pruning
Dracontomelon Blume does not require heavy pruning, but pruning can be done to remove dead or diseased branches. Prune during the winter or early spring, preferably before the appearance of new growth. Pruning during this time helps to direct growth, helps in pest control, and increases the overall head shape of the tree.
Propagation of Dracontomelon Blume
Dracontomelon Blume is a tropical tree species that is widely cultivated in Southeast Asia for both its fruits and wood. The plant can be propagated from seed, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation from Seed
The seeds of Dracontomelon Blume can be used for propagation. Fresh seeds are collected from fruit, and they must be cleaned and air-dried before sowing. The seeds must be treated with hot water or sulfuric acid to improve the germination rate. After treatment, the seeds are sown in moist sand or peat moss. The seedlings can be transplanted to pots or directly to the field after six months.
Propagation from Cuttings
Dracontomelon Blume can also be propagated from stem cuttings. The cuttings are made from young branches, and they should be about 20-30 cm long and contain a few buds. The cuttings are treated with rooting hormones and planted in soil or sand. The cuttings require high humidity and moderate light for rooting, and it takes about three months for the roots to develop. The rooted cuttings can be transplanted to pots or the field after six months.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is another method of propagating Dracontomelon Blume. The method involves joining a scion of the desired cultivar to a rootstock of the same or a related species. The grafting technique used depends on the stem diameter of the stock and the scion. Bud grafting, cleft grafting, and side grafting are commonly used. The grafted plants should be grown under high humidity and kept shaded until they have developed new leaves.
In conclusion, Dracontomelon Blume can be propagated from seed, cuttings, and grafts. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of propagation method depends on the grower's preferences and resource availability.
Disease and Pest Management for Dracontomelon Blume
Dracontomelon Blume, also known as the New Guinea walnut, is a tropical fruit tree that is native to Southeast Asia. It is a relatively hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of soil types and climates. However, as with any plant, it is vulnerable to pests and diseases that can cause damage or reduce yield. Effective management of these factors can help ensure a healthy, productive tree.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases to affect Dracontomelon Blume is anthracnose. This fungal disease can cause leaf spots, twig blight, and fruit rot. To manage anthracnose, it is important to keep the tree and surrounding area free of fallen leaves and debris, as the fungi can survive in this material. Additionally, regular pruning of affected branches and the use of fungicides can help control the spread of anthracnose.
Another fungal disease that can affect Dracontomelon Blume is powdery mildew. This disease can cause a white, powdery substance to form on the leaves, stems, and fruit of the tree. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to promote good air circulation around the tree, as the fungi that cause powdery mildew prefer humid, still conditions. Additionally, the use of fungicides and regular pruning can help control the spread of powdery mildew.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests to affect Dracontomelon Blume is the fruit fly. These flies can lay their eggs in the fruit of the tree, causing significant damage to the crop. To manage fruit flies, it is important to practice good orchard sanitation, removing damaged or fallen fruit from the ground regularly. Additionally, the use of insecticides and physical barriers such as mesh netting can help control fruit fly populations.
Another common pest that can affect Dracontomelon Blume is the Asian longhorned beetle. These beetles can bore into the wood of the tree, causing damage that can be fatal if left unchecked. To manage Asian longhorned beetles, it is important to be vigilant for signs of infestation, such as round exit holes in the bark or sawdust-like material near the base of the tree. Infested branches and trees should be pruned and destroyed to prevent the spread of the beetles.
Effective management of both diseases and pests is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of Dracontomelon Blume. With the right practices and tools, growers can minimize the impact of these factors and ensure a bountiful harvest year after year.
