Overview of Filicium elongatum Radlk. ex Taub.
Filicium elongatum Radlk. ex Taub. is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Sapindaceae. It is commonly known by several names, including mahogany berry, Indian almond, and Nigerian walnut. This evergreen tree is native to tropical West Africa, but it has now spread to other parts of the world and is found in parts of Asia and South America as well.
Appearance and Growth
The mahogany tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and typically has a single straight trunk and a rounded canopy. The leaves are alternate, pinnate, and deciduous, comprising 5-9 leaflets that are thin, lanceolate, and shiny green. The flowers are small and greenish-white, blooming in dense clusters at the branch tips. The fruit is a drupe that is hard and woody, weighing 15-20 g and measuring 4-5 cm long and 2.5-3 cm wide. The fruit is surrounded by a fleshy and juicy aril that is edible and sweet-tasting.
Uses
Filicium elongatum has several uses. The tree is most commonly cultivated for its fruit, which is consumed raw or cooked. The aril of the fruit is sweet and has a pleasant taste, making it popular as a snack, while the seed is roasted and eaten as a nut. The fruit is also used to make jams and jellies, and the wood of the tree is used for construction and furniture-making. The tree also has medicinal properties; its bark and leaves are used to treat various ailments such as dysentery, gonorrhea, and fever.
Overall, Filicium elongatum Radlk. ex Taub. is a valuable tree due to its edible fruit, medicinal properties, and versatility. Its ability to adapt to various climates makes it a popular tree grown in many parts of the world.
Light Requirements
Filicium elongatum Radlk. ex Taub. prefers bright and indirect sunlight. It cannot tolerate direct exposure to the sun. The plant can also grow well under light shade. It is important to keep the plant away from the windows that receive direct sunlight, especially during the hot afternoons of summer seasons.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires warm temperatures for growth. It does not tolerate cold weather conditions. The minimum temperature for its growth is around 15°C. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 20°C to 30°C. During the winter season, it is important to keep the plant in a warm and humid environment to prevent damage due to cold weather.
Soil Requirements
Filicium elongatum Radlk. ex Taub. requires well-draining and rich soil. The soil must be slightly acidic to neutral with a pH between 5.5 to 7.5. It is important to ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged as it can cause root rot. Adding organic matter to the soil helps in providing the required nutrients for the growth of the plant. The plant can also grow in sandy or loamy soil.
Cultivation of Filicium elongatum Radlk. ex Taub.
Filicium elongatum Radlk. ex Taub. is a tropical tree that is generally cultivated in warm and humid climates. Ensure that you cultivate the tree in a spot that is well protected from strong winds and direct sunlight. Seedlings can be used to propagate the tree. They should be planted in deep and wide holes that are filled with well-draining soil.
Watering Needs
Filicium elongatum Radlk. ex Taub. needs frequent watering, especially during the dry season. The tree should be watered two to three times in a week, depending on the weather conditions. Ensure that you water the tree deeply to saturate its roots, but avoid overwatering as this could lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Filicium elongatum Radlk. ex Taub. requires regular fertilization to thrive and produce healthy foliage and flowers. Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilization should be carried out every three to four months.
Pruning
Pruning of Filicium elongatum Radlk. ex Taub. should be carried out during the dry season. Remove any branches that cross each other, as well as those that are weak and diseased. The tree should be trimmed to encourage bushy growth, and to remove any unwanted branches that may affect the tree's shape.
Propagation of Filicium elongatum Radlk. ex Taub.
Filicium elongatum Radlk. ex Taub., commonly known as the "queensland lacebark," can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and air layering.
Propagation through seeds:
Filicium elongatum Radlk. ex Taub. can be propagated through seeds. Collect the seeds from mature fruits and soak them in water for 24 hours before sowing. Sow the seeds 1-2 cm deep in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist, and the seeds will germinate in 2-4 weeks.
Propagation through cuttings:
Propagation through stem cuttings is also possible for Filicium elongatum Radlk. ex Taub. Take semi-hardwood cuttings from the plant in spring or summer, at a length of 10-15 cm and with a few leaves. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder, and plant it in well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, bright location. The cuttings will root in 4-6 weeks.
Propagation through air layering:
Air layering is a suitable propagation method for Filicium elongatum Radlk. ex Taub. Select a healthy, mature branch of the plant and make a 2-3 cm long cut 6-8 cm from the tip. Pack the cut with sphagnum moss or peat moss, and wrap it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep the moss moist and wait for roots to form in 2-3 months. Once the roots have formed, cut the branch below the rooted area and plant it into a well-draining soil mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Filicium elongatum Radlk. ex Taub.
Filicium elongatum Radlk. ex Taub is a susceptible plant to several diseases and pest infestations. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the plant frequently and provide necessary treatments to manage diseases and pests efficiently.
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a common disease observed in Filicium elongatum, caused by the fungus Cercospora piaropi. The affected leaves develop small, dark-brown lesions that can expand and merge to form large spots. The infected leaves eventually fall off, reducing the plant's ability to produce energy through photosynthesis. To manage leaf spot, remove the affected leaves and apply copper-based fungicides to the plant's foliage.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the plant's leaves, flowers, and stems. The affected parts of the plant develop a white powdery layer on the surface, inhibiting photosynthesis, and leading to stunted growth. To control powdery mildew, prune any infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering. Apply a fungicide treatment containing potassium bicarbonate or sulfur to manage powdery mildew symptoms.
Common Pests
Scales: Scales are small insects that attach themselves to the plant's leaves and stems, feeding on the sap. They secrete a sticky substance that attracts fungus and leads to sooty mold growth. To manage a scale infestation, prune any infested plant parts and apply a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to the plant to smother the insects and their eggs. Repeat the treatment every week until the scales have been eradicated.
Mites: Mites are tiny pests that suck the plant's sap, leading to yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. They also produce webbing on the leaves, which reduces the plant's ability to perform photosynthesis. To control mites, prune the affected plant parts and rinse the plant's leaves with water. Apply acaricides containing neem oil or insecticidal soap to manage mites efficiently.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the plant's leaves, causing severe defoliation and stunted growth. To manage caterpillars, remove any affected plant parts and apply a biological control agent like Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or spinosad. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides as they can harm beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
Proper disease and pest management is critical for the healthy growth and survival of Filicium elongatum. Regular monitoring of the plant and adopting appropriate management strategies can help to prevent any significant damage and maintain optimal plant health.
