Overview
Garcinia beniensis Engl. is a tropical plant that belongs to the genus Garcinia, which is part of the Clusiaceae family. The species is native to South America.
Common Names
The plant is known by various common names, including "Mangosteen", "Lulo", "Achachairú", and "Achacha".
General Appearance
Garcinia beniensis is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that can reach up to 10 meters in height. Its bark is brown and its branches and leaves are green. The leaves are elliptical in shape and measure 8 to 14 cm in length. The plant produces small yellowish-green flowers that develop into a round or oblong fruit that is 3 to 6 cm in diameter.
Uses
The fruit of Garcinia beniensis is edible and has a sweet and tangy flavor. It is commonly consumed fresh or used to make jams, juices, and other culinary products. The plant is also valued for its medicinal properties, and its bark, leaves, and fruit are used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including diarrhea, dysentery, and fever. The plant is also being studied for its potential as a natural source of anti-cancer agents.
Growth Conditions of Garcinia beniensis Engl.
Garcinia beniensis Engl. is a tropical tree species that is native to South America, particularly in Bolivia and Brazil. This plant species thrives in moist and well-draining soils and prefers a warm climate. Here are the typical growth conditions for Garcinia beniensis Engl.:
Light Requirements
Garcinia beniensis Engl. requires full to partial sun exposure for optimal growth. It is recommended to provide the plant with at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. However, the plant is also tolerant of partial shade and can grow under the canopy of larger trees.
Temperature Requirements
Garcinia beniensis Engl. requires warm and humid conditions for optimal growth. It thrives in temperatures between 23-30°C (73-86°F) and cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C (50°F).
Soil Requirements
Garcinia beniensis Engl. prefers well-draining and fertile soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0). The plant species thrives in moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soils that are rich in organic matter. It cannot tolerate waterlogged or poorly aerated soils.
It is important to note that different growth conditions may affect the growth rate and overall health of Garcinia beniensis Engl. It is best to provide the plant with the ideal growth conditions for its optimal development.
Cultivation Method
Garcinia beniensis Engl. is a tropical plant and requires a warm climate to cultivate. The soil must be fertile, and the pH level should range from 5.0-6.5. The plant is propagated through seeds and cutting methods. For seed propagation, the seeds should be planted in a separate container and kept under shade until germination takes place. For cutting propagation, select the mature stem and prune it, leaving at least one leaf. The stem cutting should be dipped in rooting hormones before planting it in a well-draining pot. The plant’s growth can be accelerated by frequent pruning.
Watering Needs
Garcinia beniensis Engl. prefers moderate watering. Over-watering will lead to root-rotting and poor growth, whereas underwatering will result in wilted leaves and stunted growth. The best approach is to water the plant after two days, but frequency can be determined depending on the climatic conditions. In winter, watering can be reduced to once or twice a week.
Fertilization
Fertilization is vital for the growth of Garcinia beniensis Engl. The amount and type of fertilizers will depend on the soil’s fertility, plant growth stage, and environmental conditions. For best results, slow-release fertilizers should be used to feed the plant. Apply nitrogen-based fertilizer for the first six months, after which potassium-rich fertilizers can be used in equal measures to support plant growth. Fertilizers should be applied fortnightly in the growing season.
Pruning
Garcinia beniensis Engl. requires frequent pruning to ensure bushy growth. Prune the stem before planting to encourage lateral growth. Dead and infected plant matter should be pruned and removed to avoid plant contamination. Also, pruning promotes air circulation, allowing the plant to breathe, and sunlight penetration, enhancing photosynthesis. Pruning should be done in the dormant period to support healthy growth, and the pruned parts can be used for propagation.
Propagation of Garcinia beniensis Engl.
Garcinia beniensis Engl. can be propagated through different methods such as seeds, cuttings, and air-layering.
Propagation by seeds
Seeds from mature Garcinia beniensis fruits can be collected and sown in germination trays filled with a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 1 cm and should be watered sparingly. The seedlings should emerge within 2-3 weeks and can be transplanted into pots or the field when they have grown to about 10-15 cm tall.
Propagation by cuttings
Hardwood cuttings from Garcinia beniensis can be taken during the dormant season. The cuttings should be about 20-30 cm long and should be taken from mature branches. The leaves should be removed from the bottom half of the cutting, and it should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and warm to encourage root formation. Once roots have formed, the cuttings can be transplanted into pots or the field.
Propagation by air-layering
Air-layering is a propagation method that can be used on established Garcinia beniensis trees. A branch is selected and a ring of bark is removed from the stem about 15-20 cm from the tip. The exposed area is then covered with moist sphagnum moss and covered with plastic wrap. The moss should be kept moist and the plastic wrap should be removed after roots have formed, which usually takes about 8-12 weeks. Once roots have formed, the air-layered branch can be cut from the parent tree and planted in a well-draining soil mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Garcinia beniensis Engl.
Garcinia beniensis Engl. is a tropical rainforest plant that belongs to the family Clusiaceae. It is a host to several diseases and pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Thus, proper management of these diseases and pests is necessary to prevent huge losses.
Common Diseases and Pests
1. Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that affects the stems, leaves, and fruits of the plant. It causes the affected parts to have brownish or blackish spots. The disease can be managed by practicing proper sanitation, pruning, and removing the infected parts. Fungicides may also be applied in severe cases.
2. Leaf Spot: Another fungal disease that causes the leaves to have small, circular, and yellowish spots. The affected leaves may drop off prematurely, leading to stunted growth and reduced yields. The disease can be controlled by removing and destroying the diseased leaves, maintaining proper plant spacing for air circulation, and applying fungicides.
3. Powdery Mildew: This disease appears as a white and powdery substance on the leaves, stem, and fruits. It affects the photosynthesis process and reduces the yield of the plant. Good air circulation, pruning, and the use of fungicides are effective in controlling powdery mildew.
4. Fruit Fly: This pest lays its eggs in the fruit, and the larvae feed on the pulp. Infested fruits eventually drop from the tree. To control fruit flies, use chemical insecticides, keep the orchard clean, and trap the adult flies with pheromone traps.
5. Mealybugs: These are small, soft-bodied insects that attach themselves to the leaves, stems, and fruits. They feed on the sap, causing yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. Mealybugs can be controlled by removing and destroying infested plant parts, physical removal by handpicking or spraying with insecticidal soaps and oils.
Prevention and Management
The following measures can be taken to prevent and manage diseases and pests in Garcinia beniensis Engl.
1. Choose healthy plants: Planting healthy seedlings or using certified virus-free planting materials is essential in disease prevention.
2. Sanitation: Cleanliness is crucial in preventing the buildup of disease-causing organisms. Ensure that pruning tools are sharp and disinfected before use, and all fallen leaves, fruits, and branches are properly disposed of.
3. Crop rotation: Growing Garcinia beniensis Engl. in the same field for an extended period can lead to soil-borne diseases. Crop rotation helps to break the disease cycle and prevents the soil from becoming a reservoir of pathogens.
4. Chemical control: This involves the use of pesticides or fungicides. However, it should be used sparingly and after proper diagnosis to prevent the development of pesticide-resistant pests and diseases.
By following the above prevention and management measures, proper care, and regular monitoring for diseases and pests, the yield of Garcinia beniensis Engl. can be maximized.
