Introduction to Garcinia ferrea Pierre
Garcinia ferrea Pierre, also known as gutta gamba, Kundong, or black dammar, is a plant species from the family Clusiaceae. The plant is native to Southeast Asia, including parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It is evergreen and can grow up to 40 meters tall.
Appearance of Garcinia ferrea Pierre
Garcinia ferrea Pierre produces large, glossy, and elliptical leaves that range from 15 to 25 cm in length. The bark of the tree is dark grey, deeply furrowed, and rough to the touch. The fruit of the plant is a berry that is green when young and deep orange when ripe. Each fruit contains one seed that is surrounded by a thick and fleshy layer that is edible.
Uses of Garcinia ferrea Pierre
The various parts of Garcinia ferrea Pierre have been used for a wide range of purposes. The plant is used in traditional medicine to treat fever, cough, diarrhea, and malaria. The bark, resin, and seeds of the tree contain compounds that have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Furthermore, the tree is prized for its valuable timber, which is used for furniture, construction, and carving. The fruit of the plant is also used in cooking and can be made into jams, jellies, and sauces. The resin of the tree, known as gutta-percha, is used in dentistry, electrical insulation, and golf balls.
In conclusion, Garcinia ferrea Pierre is a versatile plant species that has a wide range of uses in traditional medicine, cuisine, and industry. Its unique appearance, with its large glossy leaves, dark-grey bark, and deep orange fruit makes it an attractive addition to any landscape.Light Requirements
Garcinia ferrea Pierre requires full sunlight to partial shade for optimum growth. In its natural habitat, it grows under the canopy of other trees and can tolerate moderate shade. However, for better flowering and fruiting, it is recommended to provide it with full sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions and prefers warm temperatures. The ideal range for its growth is between 20°C to 35°C. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C and as high as 40°C for a short period.
Soil Requirements
Garcinia ferrea Pierre prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil. Avoid waterlogged soils as they can lead to root rot.
It is recommended to add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Cultivation Methods
Garcinia ferrea, also known as the "Monkey fruit tree," thrives in tropical climates with an annual rainfall of 1,000-4,000 mm. It needs well-draining soils, preferably sandy loam or red loamy soils with a pH of 6.0-7.5. The plant performs best in full sun, where it can receive at least six hours of sunlight daily.
Propagation can be done through seeds or cuttings, but it is more feasible to use seedlings from established plants for faster growth. The plant can be grown in containers but should be transplanted into the ground for optimal growth.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering, especially during the dry season, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. A mature tree can tolerate drought, but it affects productivity. Young plants should be watered frequently to establish strong root systems. Watering should be reduced during the rainy season to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Garcinia ferrea requires regular fertilization for optimal growth and fruiting. Organic manure and compost can be added to the planting holes before transplanting seedlings. The plant requires nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 12-6-6 should be applied once every three months, starting from the second year of planting.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape, control the height, and increase fruit production. It is recommended to prune during the dry season to promote new growth. Dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be removed. Young plants should be pruned to encourage bushier growth. Mature trees can be pruned to maintain an open canopy for more sunlight penetration and air circulation.
Propagation of Garcinia ferrea Pierre
Garcinia ferrea Pierre is a slow-growing plant that is often propagated from seeds or stem cuttings.
Propagation via Seed
To propagate through seeds, harvested seeds should be placed in well-draining potting soil that contains equal parts of peat moss, sand, and perlite. The seeds should be planted about an inch deep and covered with a plastic wrap to create a moist environment. The plastic wrap should be removed daily to ensure the seeds receive adequate ventilation. The soil should be kept moist until the seedlings emerge, which can usually take up to a month.
Propagation via Stem Cuttings
Stem cutting propagation is a popular method because it produces clones of the parent plant. To propagate through stem cuttings, cut a piece of branch section with a sharp, sterilized pair of scissors or pruning shears from a healthy and mature plant. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and with a few leaves and a thick stem. The leaves on the lower part of the stem should be removed, and the remaining leaves should be cut in half to reduce water loss. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder and place it in well-draining potting soil. Ensure the soil remains moist and place the pot in a warm and bright area. Root development usually takes about 6-8 weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Garcinia Ferrea Pierre
Garcinia Ferrea Pierre, commonly known as black mango, is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and fruit production. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases:
Anthracnose: This disease is caused by a fungus called Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. It affects the leaves, shoots, and fruits of the plant, causing yellowing, wilting, and premature dropping. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy the infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides.
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is caused by various fungi, including Cercospora and Phyllosticta spp. It causes brown or black lesions on the leaves, leading to defoliation. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy the infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and improve air circulation.
Powdery mildew: This disease is caused by the fungi Oidium and Erysiphe spp. It appears as a powdery white coating on the leaves, shoots, and fruits of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, spray the plant with fungicides, improve air circulation and reduce humidity.
Pests:
Mango fruit fly: This pest is a fruit fly of the family Tephritidae that attacks the fruits of the plant. It lays its eggs inside the fruit, leading to the development of maggots that feed on the pulp, causing the fruit to rot and drop prematurely. To manage mango fruit fly, use fruit bagging, apply pesticides, and remove fallen fruits from the ground.
Scale insects: Scale insects are common pests that attack the leaves, shoots, and fruits of the plant. They suck the sap from the plant, leading to wilting, stunted growth, and reduced fruit production. To manage scale insects, remove and destroy heavily infested plant parts, apply insecticides, and encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the leaves and shoots of the plant, causing curling and stunted growth. They also secrete honeydew, which attracts ants and other pests. To manage aphids, spray the plant with insecticides, encourage natural predators like ladybugs, or wash them off with a strong jet of water.
By managing these diseases and pests, you can ensure healthy growth and good fruit production of Garcinia Ferrea Pierre.
