General Description
Entelea arborescens R. Br. is a small tree or shrub commonly known as the Corkwood tree. It belongs to the family Malvaceae and is native to Australia and New Zealand. The plant has a distinctive appearance and is commonly found in wet forests and near river banks.
Appearance
The plant can grow up to 15 meters tall and has a trunk diameter of up to 50cm. The bark is pale and corky, hence the name Corkwood tree. The leaves are green, glossy, and oval-shaped with a length of 4 to 13cm and a width of 2 to 6cm. The flowers are cup-shaped and have a diameter of 1 to 2.5cm. The fruit is a woody capsule that can be up to 2.5cm long and 2.5cm in diameter.
Uses
The Corkwood tree has various uses. The bark is rich in tannins and has been used traditionally to tan leather. It has also been used to make baskets, hats, and sandals. The tree is sometimes planted as an ornamental tree due to its attractive foliage and flowers. The plant is also used for medicinal purposes. A decoction of the leaves and bark is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and to relieve pain.
The plant has a high ecological value due to the fact that it provides habitat and food for many animals. The fruit provides food for birds and other animals while the foliage provides an ideal habitat for arboreal animals such as possums and gliders.
Growth Conditions for Entelea arborescens R. Br.
Entelea arborescens R. Br. is commonly known as the kaikomako tree and is native to New Zealand. It is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 12 meters in height with a trunk diameter of 40 cm. To achieve optimal growth, certain conditions must be met.
Light Requirements
The kaikomako tree requires full to partial sunlight to thrive. Partial shade is best for young trees. The tree prefers an area with good air movement to prevent disease. The leaves of the tree will indicate if it is receiving adequate light. If the leaves are dark green and healthy-looking, then the light levels are ideal for the tree. If the leaves are small or yellow, the tree is likely not receiving sufficient light.
Temperature Requirements
The kaikomako tree prefers a temperate climate. It can tolerate a range of temperatures, from frost to hot weather, but it prefers a mild environment. The tree can grow in temperatures ranging from 5°C to 20°C. However, the tree can suffer if it experiences temperatures below 0°C, and prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause heat stress to the tree.
Soil Requirements
The tree grows best in well-draining soils, and it prefers soils that are rich in nutrients. It can grow in acidic to slightly alkaline soil with a pH of 4.5 to 7.5. The tree requires adequate soil moisture for optimal growth but does not grow well in waterlogged soils. If the soil is too dry, the tree's growth will be stunted, and foliage will suffer from leaf scorching.
Cultivation of Entelea arborescens R.Br.
Entelea arborescens R. Br., commonly called the New Zealand tree fuchsia, is a small to medium-sized tree that belongs to the family Tiliaceae. It is native to New Zealand, where it grows in moist forests and along riverbanks.
When cultivating Entelea arborescens R. Br., it is essential to choose a planting site that receives partial shade and shelter from strong winds. The soil should be rich, well-draining, and moisture-retentive. It is also important to plant the tree away from the root zone of other trees, as it can become root-bound and stunted in competition with other vegetation.
Watering Needs of Entelea arborescens R.Br.
Entelea arborescens R. Br. prefers moist soils and does not tolerate drought well. Therefore, it is important to maintain a regular watering schedule, particularly during hot, dry weather. Be sure to water deeply and thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering intervals.
Fertilization of Entelea arborescens R.Br.
Regular fertilization is necessary to promote healthy growth and abundant blooming in Entelea arborescens R. Br. Choose a slow-release, balanced fertilizer and apply it annually at the beginning of the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of blooming.
Pruning Entelea arborescens R.Br.
Pruning is not required for Entelea arborescens R.Br., as it grows naturally into a well-formed, attractive tree. However, if desired, pruning can be done in early spring to remove any dead, damaged or diseased branches. It is also possible to shape the tree to maintain a particular size and form, but this should be done sparingly to avoid damaging the tree's natural habit.
Propagation of Entelea arborescens R. Br.
Propagation of Entelea arborescens R. Br. is typically done through seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Entelea arborescens R. Br. can be collected from the tree and sown in a well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be sown at a depth of approximately 1 cm and kept moist until germination, which typically takes between 2-4 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Propagation by cuttings
Cuttings from Entelea arborescens R. Br. can be taken during the summer months when the plant is actively growing. Softwood cuttings should be taken from new growth and semi-hardwood cuttings should be taken from slightly more mature growth. The cuttings should be approximately 10-15 cm long and taken from healthy, disease-free plants.
The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone powder and then placed in a well-draining potting mix. The potting mix should be kept moist and the cuttings should be kept in a warm, protected location until they have rooted, which typically takes between 4-8 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Entelea arborescens R. Br. is susceptible to fungal diseases, including leaf spot, powdery mildew, and canker. Leaf spot appears as circular or angular necrotic spots on leaves, and it can be managed by removing infected plants and maintaining proper plant spacing to improve air circulation. Powdery mildew can be managed by pruning infected branches, improving air circulation, and applying fungicides. Canker is a more severe disease that causes sunken bark spots and can lead to plant death. Pruning infected areas and avoiding plant stress can help manage canker.
Pest Management
Common pests that affect Entelea arborescens R. Br. include mites, scale insects, and caterpillars. Mites and scale insects can both cause plant discoloration and stunted growth. These pests can be managed by pruning infected areas, improving plant health with proper fertilization and irrigation, and applying insecticides. Caterpillars can defoliate plants and cause significant damage. They can be managed by handpicking and removing affected plant parts, applying biological insecticides, and introducing natural predators such as birds or wasps.
