Overview
Garcinia cereoflava Engl. is a species of flowering plant in the Clusiaceae family. It is commonly known as the "Yellow Mangosteen" or "Lemon Drop Mangosteen". This plant is native to the Philippines and can also be found in nearby countries like Malaysia and Indonesia.Appearance
The Yellow Mangosteen grows up to 20 meters tall with a smooth, gray bark. It has elliptic to oblong leaves that are dark green and glossy. During blooming season, the tree produces flowers that are small and yellow, measuring up to 2 centimeters in diameter. These flowers develop into round-shaped fruits that range in size from 2 to 4 centimeters in diameter. The fruit's rind is thin, orange-yellow in color, and inedible. Inside the fruit, there are 4 to 8 segments with a pale yellow and juicy pulp. Each segment contains a single seed that measures around 1 centimeter long.Uses
The Yellow Mangosteen's fruit resembles the highly valued mangosteen fruit, but it is much smaller and less popular. The fruit is said to taste sour and sweet at the same time, and it is often eaten raw or used in cooking and baking. In the Philippines, the fruit pulp is sometimes mixed with sugar and turned into jams or preserves. The bark, leaves, and roots of the plant have various medicinal uses as well. They are used to treat various ailments like fevers, stomach aches, and diarrhea. Furthermore, the fruit is used as a source of yellow dye in some regions.Growth Conditions for Garcinia cereoflava Engl.
Garcinia cereoflava Engl. is a tropical evergreen plant that requires specific growth conditions to thrive. Let's discuss some of the critical factors that contribute to its growth and development.
Light Requirements
The plant requires bright, indirect light for optimal growth. Direct sunlight can harm the plant, so it's important to provide a shaded area where the plant can receive adequate light without being exposed to direct sunlight. Placing the plant near windows that provide filtered light is an ideal location.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures ranging between 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F). During the winter, temperatures should not drop below 13°C (55°F). Sudden changes in temperature can harm the plant, so it's essential to keep the plant in a stable environment.
Soil Requirements
Garcinia cereoflava Engl. thrives in well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and fertilized every month during the growing season. Using a high-quality potting mix with perlite or vermiculite added for improved drainage is recommended.
Watering Requirements
The plant requires moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry out partially before watering again. Overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering can lead to leaf drop. It's essential to maintain a watering schedule and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water to prevent root damage.
Providing appropriate growth conditions for Garcinia cereoflava Engl. will facilitate healthy growth and keep the plant looking beautiful. Remember to keep the light, temperature, soil, and watering needs in mind when caring for the plant.
Cultivation Methods of Garcinia cereoflava Engl.
Garcinia cereoflava Engl. is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It grows best in well-drained soil under full to partial sunlight.
The plant can be grown from seed or vegetatively using stem cuttings. When growing from seed, it is advisable to plant them directly in a pot or seedbed.
The plant needs to be protected from strong winds and heavy rain as they can cause damage to the plant.
Watering Needs of Garcinia cereoflava Engl.
Garcinia cereoflava Engl. requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept evenly moist to prevent it from drying out.
Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. On the other hand, under-watering can cause the leaves to wilt and drop.
Watering should be done early in the morning or in the evening to minimize water loss through evaporation.
Fertilization of Garcinia cereoflava Engl.
Garcinia cereoflava Engl. requires regular fertilization for healthy growth. A balanced fertilizer with a 3:1:2 or 4:1:2 ratio of NPK is recommended.
Fertilization should be done every three months during the growing season. Overfertilization should be avoided as it can cause damage to the roots and foliage.
Organic fertilizers such as compost can also be used to provide essential nutrients to the plant.
Pruning of Garcinia cereoflava Engl.
Garcinia cereoflava Engl. requires minimal pruning. Dead or damaged branches should be removed immediately to prevent the spread of diseases.
Pruning can be done to shape the plant, remove unwanted branches or to control its size. Pruning should be done in the early spring or late fall.
Sharp and clean pruning tools should be used to prevent damage to the plant.
Propagation of Garcinia cereoflava Engl.
Garcinia cereoflava Engl., commonly known as Yellow Mangosteen, can be propagated through several methods. The following are the propagation methods:
1. Seed propagation
The most common and easiest method of propagating Garcinia cereoflava Engl. is through seeds. Collect the ripe fruits from the tree, and extract the seeds by carefully cutting the fruit open. Clean the seeds and sow them directly into the potting mix. The seeds take around 2-3 months to germinate, and during this period, maintain a warm and moist environment. Once the seedlings are ready to transplant, shift them to desired locations and space them accordingly.
2. Grafting
Garcinia cereoflava Engl. can also be propagated by grafting. The best time to graft is during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing. Take a scion and graft it onto the rootstock of a closely related species of Garcinia. This method ensures that the new plant will retain the characteristics of the parent plant and produce the same fruit.
3. Air layering
Air layering is another method of propagating Garcinia cereoflava Engl. This method is best suited for larger plants that are not ideal for transplanting. Identify a branch that is close to the ground, make a shallow cut on the bark, and wrap moist sphagnum moss around it. Then, wrap the moss with polythene and tightly secure it. After 3-4 weeks, the roots will appear from the cutting, and the branch can be separated from the mother plant.
These are the three most common propagation methods used for Garcinia cereoflava Engl. Choose the method best suited to your preferences and location, and start growing this plant today!
Disease and Pest Management for Garcinia cereoflava Engl.
Garcinia cereoflava Engl., commonly known as "butterfly mangosteen," is a tropical fruit tree that belongs to the Clusiaceae family. Like any other plant, it is subject to various diseases and pest attacks that can potentially diminish its yield. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: This is a fungal infection that attacks the leaves, flowers, and fruits of the plant, causing them to wilt and rot. To manage it, remove and destroy infected plant parts, improve air circulation around the tree, and apply fungicides as recommended.
Brown spot: This is a bacterial infection that causes brown lesions on the leaves and fruits of the plant. To manage it, remove and destroy infected plant parts, prune the tree regularly to promote air circulation and sunlight penetration, and apply copper-based fungicides as suggested.
Phytophthora root rot: This is a soil-borne disease that attacks the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and eventually killing the tree. To manage it, practice crop rotation, avoid excessive irrigation, and apply fungicides that contain metalaxyl as directed.
Pests
Fruit flies: These are small insects that lay their eggs on the ripening fruits of the tree, causing them to become soft and discolored. To manage them, trap the adult flies using baits or sticky traps, remove and destroy infested fruits, and practice good orchard hygiene by removing fallen fruits and debris regularly.
Scale insects: These are small, oval-shaped insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. To manage them, use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to suffocate the insects, prune and destroy heavily infested plant parts, and introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
Mites: These are tiny arachnids that suck the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to become stippled and discolored. To manage them, use a strong jet of water to dislodge them from the leaves, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil as directed, and introduce natural predators like predatory mites.
By incorporating preventive measures and promptly addressing any disease or pest problem, it is possible to manage the health of Garcinia cereoflava Engl. effectively.
