Overview
Garcinia hanburyi Hook. f. is a species of tropical plant in the family Clusiaceae. It is also known as the Hanbury Garcinia or the False Mangosteen. It is native to Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Thailand, and is commonly found in lowland and hill forests.
Appearance
Garcinia hanburyi Hook. f. is a medium-sized tree that can reach up to 20 meters tall. The bark is grey or brown and rough. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and oval-shaped, with a pointed tip. The flowers are small, white or cream-colored, and bloom in clusters of 2-4. The fruit is a round or oblong berry, about the size of a small orange, with an orange to red color when ripe. It contains numerous seeds and a yellow, resinous substance.
Uses
The resinous substance, known as gamboge, is the main product of commercial interest derived from Garcinia hanburyi Hook. f. Gamboge is widely used in traditional medicine as a purgative, as well as for treating various skin diseases, such as psoriasis and eczema. Gamboge is also used as a yellow pigment in paints and dyes, and as a colorant in food and cosmetics.
The fruit of Garcinia hanburyi Hook. f. is not commonly consumed due to its sour taste and bitter aftertaste. However, in some Southeast Asian cultures, it is used as a condiment or flavoring agent in various dishes, especially fish and seafood preparations.
The wood of Garcinia hanburyi Hook. f. is hard and durable, making it suitable for construction and furniture-making.
Growth Conditions for Garcinia hanburyi Hook. f.
Garcinia hanburyi Hook. f. is a tropical plant that grows well in warm and humid conditions. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, but it thrives best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter.
Light requirements
Garcinia hanburyi Hook. f. prefers full sunlight exposure to partial shade. Therefore, it is best planted in an area where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight every day.
Temperature requirements
This plant prefers warm and humid conditions with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 32°C. It is important to note that the plant cannot tolerate frost and temperatures below 10°C.
Soil requirements
Garcinia hanburyi Hook. f. is a versatile plant that can grow in different soil types. However, it prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter, and regular addition of compost or manure will be beneficial for optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods
Garcinia hanburyi Hook. f., also known as the Hanbury's garcinia, is cultivated in tropical regions. It thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5. The plant requires partial shade to grow and cannot survive in frost-prone areas.
The plant is propagated through seeds, which are soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. The seedlings should be transplanted when they are around 10-12 inches tall.
Watering Needs
Garcinia hanburyi requires consistent soil moisture to grow. Watering should be done regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering may vary depending on the weather conditions and the soil type, but generally, it should be done twice a week.
During the dry season, the plant may require more frequent watering. However, care should be taken not to overwater as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and fruit production. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be used.
Fertilizers should be applied three times a year – at the beginning of the growing season, during the flowering period, and after the fruit has been harvested.
Pruning
Pruning helps to promote better air circulation and sunlight penetration, leading to improved fruit quality and yield. Pruning should be done during the dormant season – after fruiting – and before the onset of the next growing season.
Dead, damaged or diseased wood should be removed from the plant. Any weak branches should also be pruned to reduce the risk of breakage. The plant can be shaped into a desired form, but care should be taken not to prune too much as this can affect the plant's growth and yield.
Propagation of Garcinia hanburyi Hook. f.
Garcinia hanburyi Hook. f., also known as the Garcinia tree or the Hanbury's Garcinia, is a slow-growing, evergreen tree with a pyramidal shape, native to Southeast Asia. Propagation of this plant can be done by several methods:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Garcinia hanburyi can be done by planting seeds. The seeds of Garcinia hanburyi should be collected when they are ripe and fleshy, and the outer flesh should be removed before sowing. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil mixed with compost, and kept moist, warm, and in a partially shaded area. Germination will typically occur within 2-3 weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation can also be done by taking cuttings from established Garcinia hanburyi trees. A 15-20 cm long stem cutting with a diameter of 0.5-1 cm should be taken from a healthy parent plant. The bottom end of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder and planted in well-draining soil mixed with compost. The cutting should be kept moist, warm, and in a partially shaded area. Rooting should occur within 2-3 months.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another method of propagating Garcinia hanburyi, and it is mostly used for commercial cultivation. The rootstock used for grafting should be selected carefully. The scions of the desired cultivar should be budded onto a compatible rootstock, and the plant should be kept warm and moist until the grafts have taken. The grafted plant should be grown under partial shade for at least three months to allow the graft to fully heal.
Regardless of the method used for propagation of Garcinia hanburyi Hook. f., it is essential to maintain adequate moisture and nutrition levels until the plant is fully established. It is also important to keep the plant protected from pests and diseases.
Disease and Pest Management of Garcinia hanburyi Hook. f.
Garcinia hanburyi Hook. f., also known as the Hanbury's garcinia or gamboge tree, is a tropical evergreen plant that belongs to the Clusiaceae family. It is grown for its resin, which is extracted from the trunk, and is used in various food products, as well as in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and art industries. Adequate disease and pest management is essential for the healthy development of the plant and to prevent yield losses.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that affect Garcinia hanburyi Hook. f. are fungal and bacterial infections. The following are some of the common diseases:
- Leaf spot: Leaf spots are caused by the fungus Cercospora hanburyi. They appear as small, circular to irregular spots on the leaves, and can lead to defoliation if the infection is severe. To manage this disease, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and fungicides can be applied to prevent the spread of the infection.
- Anthracnose: Anthracnose is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gleosporioides. It causes dark, sunken lesions on the leaves, twigs, and fruits, which can lead to defoliation and fruit rot. Fungicides and good sanitation practices can help to manage this disease.
- Dieback: Dieback is caused by the fungus Phomopsis spp. It causes the tips of the branches to die, and can lead to the death of the entire plant. To manage this disease, infected branches should be pruned and destroyed, and fungicides can be applied to prevent the spread of the infection.
Common Pests
Garcinia hanburyi Hook. f. is also susceptible to attack by various pests. The following are some of the common pests:
- Mites: Mites are small, sap-sucking pests that can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. They can be managed by using chemical insecticides or by releasing predatory mites.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can cause defoliation and damage to the fruits. They can be controlled by handpicking, or by using chemical insecticides.
- Scale insects: Scale insects are small, immobile pests that can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. They can be managed by using insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils.
Regular monitoring and early detection of diseases and pests can help to prevent their spread and minimize damage to the plant. Good cultural practices, such as proper irrigation and fertilization, can also help to maintain the health of the plant and prevent stress, which can make the plant more susceptible to diseases and pests.
