Overview of Drypetes roxburghii (Wall.) Hurus.
Drypetes roxburghii, also known as the Indian butter tree, is a small to medium-sized tree found in tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. This plant is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, which includes more than 7,500 species of plants, ranging from flowering plants to succulents and cacti.
Common Names
Drypetes roxburghii is known by several names including Indian butter tree, Puta, Chalmali, Chalta, Chilauni, and Talisha. In some regions, it is referred to as "Kokum butter tree" due to its association with kokum, a sour fruit used in culinary preparations in some Indian states.
Appearance
Drypetes roxburghii is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 15 meters high. It has a broad, spreading crown with dark green, glossy leaves that are 5-15 cm long. The bark of the Indian butter tree is grayish-brown and smooth, with shallow vertical fissures. Its flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and inconspicuous. The fruit of the Indian butter tree is a fleshy drupe that is green when unripe and turns orange when mature. The fruit contains a single seed that is covered with a thin, buttery layer.
Uses of Drypetes roxburghii
Drypetes roxburghii has several medicinal and culinary uses. In some parts of India, the fruit is used to make a sour and tangy jam, which is used to flavor curries and other dishes. The bark and leaves of the plant have been used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, dysentery, and skin disorders. The buttery layer around the seed of the fruit is also used as a cosmetic ingredient to moisturize the skin and improve its texture.
Drypetes roxburghii is also used for reforestation and soil conservation in some parts of its distribution range due to its nitrogen-fixing ability and shade tolerance. In addition, the wood of the tree is used to make furniture, utensils, and other small objects due to its durability and attractive grain patterns.
Growth Conditions of Drypetes Roxburghii (Wall.) Hurus.
Drypetes roxburghii, commonly known as the Mubai tree, is a tropical evergreen shrub or small tree mostly found in the subtropical and tropical regions, particularly in the Indian subcontinent. The plant has specific requirements for light, temperature, and soil to grow and thrive.
Light
The Mubai tree requires full sunlight or partial shade to grow and establish. However, it's essential to keep them away from the direct afternoon sun as it may harm the plant. You can grow them indoors in areas that receive adequate light, but it's best to keep them near a window.
Temperature
Being a tropical plant, Drypetes roxburghii requires a steadily warm and humid climate to grow and propagate. It thrives well in temperatures between 20°C and 35°C (68°F to 95°F). Anything below 10°C (50°F) may cause harm to the plant, particularly during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
The Mubai tree thrives well in well-drained soil, high in organic matter with a neutral pH level. The soil should not be too compact nor too light. It should have a perfect balance of nutrients and moisture required for the plant's growth and health. The ideal composition of soil is two parts of loamy soil, one part sand, and one part well-decomposed organic matter, all mixed thoroughly.
The plant requires regular watering, especially during the summer season, and benefits well from occasional misting or spraying. It is essential to keep the soil moist but not water-logged, as the latter may lead to root rot.
Overall, Mubai trees are relatively easy to grow and care for, given the right growth conditions, and provide an additional element of beauty and greenery to any outdoor or indoor space.
Cultivation Methods:
Drypetes roxburghii, commonly known as the Putranjiva tree, is a tropical evergreen plant that grows well in warm and humid conditions. It is commonly grown in home gardens as an ornamental tree or as a shade tree. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
If you plan to grow drypetes roxburghii from seeds, soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting. Plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate.
When propagating through cuttings, select a healthy stem from the parent plant and cut it at an angle. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the stem in moist soil and keep the soil evenly moist until new growth appears.
Watering Needs:
Drypetes roxburghii plants require regular watering to ensure healthy growth. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, or more frequently in hot, dry weather.
When watering, make sure the water reaches the root zone of the plant. Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged, as this can cause root rot and damage to the plant. Always water the plant early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid water evaporation and stress on the plant.
Fertilization:
Drypetes roxburghii plants benefit from a regular fertilization schedule to promote healthy growth and blooming. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, once a month during the growing season.
Avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as this can cause damage to the roots and reduce the plant's blooming potential. Always follow the fertilization guidelines on the packaging and water the plant after applying fertilizers to avoid root burn.
Pruning:
Prune the drypetes roxburghii plant regularly to remove dead or damaged branches and promote healthy growth. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
When pruning, use sharp and clean pruning tools to make clean cuts. Avoid cutting too much of the plant's foliage, as this can reduce the plant's ability to produce flowers.
If the plant is grown as a hedge, prune it frequently to maintain its shape and size. Always remove the pruned branches from the garden to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation Methods for Drypetes roxburghii
Drypetes roxburghii (Wall.) Hurus. is a plant that belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is a popular plant in many parts of Southeast Asia due to its medicinal properties. Propagation of Drypetes roxburghii can be done in several ways. The best propagation methods for this plant include seed propagation, cutting propagation, and air layering.
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Drypetes roxburghii is through seed propagation. The first step is to collect mature Drypetes roxburghii seeds from healthy plants. Once collected, the seeds should be soaked in water for several hours to soften the seed coat. After soaking, the seeds are sown in a pot or seedling tray containing well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate.
Cutting Propagation
Drypetes roxburghii can also be propagated through cutting. The first step is to select a healthy branch from the mother plant, ideally a branch that is about 6-8 inches long with several leaves. Using pruning shears, cut the selected branch at a 45-degree angle. Remove any leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the stem, leaving only a few leaves at the top. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and place the stem in a pot containing a well-draining soil mixture. Water the soil until it is moist. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag to create humidity and place the pot in a bright, indirect light location. Within a month, roots should develop and the new plant should be ready for transplanting.
Air layering
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used to propagate Drypetes roxburghii. Choose a healthy stem from the mother plant and make a cut just below a node. Dust rooting hormone on the cut and wrap a peat moss ball around the cut region, securing it with plastic. Keep the moss ball moist by misting it regularly. After about six to eight weeks, roots should start to form from the cut region into the moss layer. Once there are enough roots, cut the rooted stem below the moss ball and pot it in a well-draining soil mixture.
Disease and Pest Management for Drypetes roxburghii
Drypetes roxburghii, also known as Indian Oak, is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. This plant is vulnerable to several diseases and pests that can cause significant damage if left untreated. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect Drypetes roxburghii and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf Spot: Leaf spots are circular, water-soaked areas that can appear on the leaves of the plant. This fungal disease is caused by wet conditions and overcrowding. Fruits can also get infected. Management: Regular pruning to control the overcrowding and provide proper air circulation. Fungicides can be used.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can cause stem and leaf blight. Symptoms include dark, sunken areas on the stems and leaves, which can then cause the leaves to drop. Management: Cut and remove the infected parts. Make sure to dispose of the infected leaves or stems away from the plant. Fungicides can be used.
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. The symptoms of root rot include discolored roots, stunted growth, and weak stems. The plant may not be able to take in enough water or nutrients. Management: Make sure the plant is in well-draining soil. Reduce watering if needed. Fungicides can be used, but prevention is the best method.
Pests
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant. They can cause discolored leaves, stunted growth, and a general weakening of the tree. Management: Insecticides can be used, but prevention is the best method. Remove any infested parts of the tree immediately.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small insects that attach themselves to stems and leaves. They suck the sap from the plant, causing yellowing and leaf drop. They also secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract ants and other insects. Management: Insecticides can be used, but prevention is the best method. Remove any infested parts of the tree immediately. Ants should be controlled as they may interfere with the natural predators of scale insects.
Borers: Borers are beetles that lay eggs in the bark of the tree. These eggs hatch into larvae that bore through the bark, causing damage to the plant. Management: Prune off the infested branches. Application of a layer of tree wound paint or insecticides can also help prevent infestation.
Drypetes roxburghii can provide numerous benefits, and keeping it healthy is essential to ensure its longevity. Regular monitoring, quick diagnosis, and prompt management are the best ways to protect the Drypetes roxburghii from diseases and pests.
