Overview
Garcinia albersii Engl. is a plant species from the family Clusiaceae which is native to the Philippines.
Common Names
Commonly known as "Albers' mangosteen," Garcinia albersii Engl. is also called "bomokau" in the Bisaya language of the Philippines.
Appearance
The plant has a tree-like habit and can grow up to 10 meters tall with a diameter at breast height of up to 50 cm. Its bark is gray to brown and is smooth when young, becoming scaly when mature. The leaves are dark green and glossy and measure 7-12.5 cm long and 3.5-7 cm wide. The flowers are small and unisexual, with males and females on separate trees. The fruits are round, measuring 3-5 cm in diameter, and turn from green to dark red or purple when mature.
Uses
The fruit of Garcinia albersii Engl. is edible and has a sweet, tangy flavor. In the Philippines, it is commonly used as a flavoring for desserts, jams, and beverages. In traditional medicine, the bark and leaves of the plant are used to treat diarrhea and fever. The plant's wood is sometimes used in construction and furniture making.
Growth Requirements of Garcinia albersii Engl.
Garcinia albersii Engl. is a tropical plant that requires specific growth conditions to thrive.
Light Requirements
The plant prefers partial shade and may experience leaf burn if exposed to direct sunlight. It is recommended to grow Garcinia albersii Engl. in an area with filtered sunlight or partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
Garcinia albersii Engl. requires warm temperatures, ideally between 20°C to 30°C. Temperatures that are too cold or fluctuate significantly can negatively impact growth and development.
Soil Requirements
This plant prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil. A mix of sandy, loamy soil with added organic matter, such as leaf mold or compost, is ideal. The soil should be kept moist, but not saturated or waterlogged.
Other Requirements
Adequate air circulation and humidity are important for the growth of Garcinia albersii Engl. This can be achieved by placing the plant in a location with good airflow or by using a humidifier. Additionally, regular fertilization can help provide the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
Garcinia albersii Engl., commonly known as the Native Mangosteen, is a tropical fruit-bearing plant that requires warm temperatures and high humidity. It can be propagated through seeds, which should be planted in a well-draining soil mix in a shaded area.
The soil should be kept moderately moist, and the seedlings should be protected from direct sunlight until they have grown to a height of about 30 cm. The plant can also be propagated through stem cuttings, which should be taken from mature stems, dipped in a rooting hormone, and planted in soil.
Watering Needs
Garcinia albersii requires regular watering to ensure healthy growth. However, overwatering should be avoided. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly before the next watering. During the growing season, the plant should be watered every week, while in the winter, watering can be reduced to once in two weeks.
The plant also requires high humidity. A humidifier can be used to maintain the necessary humidity levels around the plant.
Fertilization
Garcinia albersii requires regular fertilization to support its growth and fruiting. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 should be applied once a month during the growing season.
Organic fertilizers, such as compost and manure, can also be used to supplement the soil's nutrients and improve its texture. However, they should be used sparingly as they can lead to over-fertilization and root burn.
Pruning
Pruning Garcinia albersii is not necessary. However, if the plant grows too tall or wide, it can be pruned to control its size and shape. Pruning should be done after the fruiting season, using a sharp, sterilized pruning tool.
Only about one-third of the plant's growth should be removed, as pruning too much can damage the plant or affect next year's fruit production. Any dead or diseased branches should also be removed promptly.
Propagation of Garcinia Albersii Engl.
Garcinia albersii Engl., also known as Albersia garcinioides, is a flowering plant species endemic to the Philippines and belongs to the family Clusiaceae. It is commonly propagated by seeds.
Seed propagation
Seeds of Garcinia albersii are obtained from the mature fruit when it turns dark red or brown. The seeds are then soaked in lukewarm water for about 24 hours to facilitate faster germination. The top layer of the seeds can be removed by rubbing them on a sieve to promote better contact with the soil.
The seeds are then planted in a well-draining soil mix such as a mixture of sand, compost, and peat moss. The seeds should be placed about 1 cm deep and watered thoroughly. The planting container should be kept in a warm and well-lit area, with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C.
The seedlings will emerge after about 2-3 weeks, and they should be thinned to a spacing of about 5 cm apart to promote optimal growth. The container should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and care should be taken not to disturb the root system when transplanting the seedlings to a larger container.
It is important to note that seed-grown Garcinia albersii plants may have variations in growth habits and fruit quality.
Disease and Pest Management for Garcinia albersii Engl.
Garcinia albersii Engl., also known as Albers garcinia, is a tropical evergreen tree that belongs to the family Clusiaceae. This plant species is primarily grown in Southeast Asia, especially in the Philippines and Indonesia, for its fruit that is used in traditional medicine and culinary applications. However, like any other plant, Garcinia albersii is vulnerable to various diseases and pests that can affect its yield and quality. Hence, it is crucial to implement proper disease and pest management practices to keep this plant healthy and productive.
Common Diseases
Garcinia albersii is prone to several fungal and bacterial diseases that can lead to leaf spots, blotches, cankers, and even wilting or death in severe cases. One of the most common diseases that affect this plant species is anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. This disease appears as dark spots on the leaves that eventually enlarge and cause leaf drop. Another prevalent fungal disease is powdery mildew, caused by several species of the genus Erysiphe. Powdery mildew disease looks like a white or grayish powdery coating on the leaves and can cause chlorosis and deformation. On the other hand, bacterial leaf spot, caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis, appears as small circular spots with watery margins that turn brown or black with age.
Disease Management
The best way to manage diseases in Garcinia albersii is through prevention and control. It is essential to follow good cultural practices to maintain plant vigor, such as proper watering, fertilization, and pruning. Also, it is advisable to choose a well-draining soil, adequately space the plants to enhance air circulation, and avoid overhead watering that can splash water onto the leaves. In case of an infection, remove and dispose of the affected plant parts to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides and bactericides containing copper or sulfur can be applied on the foliage or soil to control certain diseases, but it is essential to follow the label instructions and timing.
Common Pests
Garcinia albersii can also be attacked by several insect pests that can damage the leaves, flowers, and fruit. Some of the common pests that affect this plant species include mealybugs, scale insects, aphids, and fruit flies. Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant tissues, causing yellowing and wilting. Scale insects appear as small, flattened, and oval-shaped bumps on the leaves and stems, and they also suck sap. Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that congregate on the undersides of the leaves and excrete a sticky substance that attracts ants. Lastly, fruit flies lay their eggs on the fruit's surface, causing the fruit to rot and drop prematurely.
Pest Management
Controlling pests in Garcinia albersii includes several cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods. It is advisable to practice good sanitation and hygiene by removing weed hosts, pruning and disposing of infested plant parts, and cleaning the tools and equipment before use. Handpicking or using a strong spray of water can dislodge small infestations of mealybugs, scale insects, or aphids. Insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can also help control these pests by suffocating them. Moreover, setting up traps or using baits can reduce the population of fruit flies. However, it is crucial to use pesticides selectively and responsibly, following the label instructions and avoiding harmful effects on beneficial insects and the environment.
