Overview of Garcinia nobilis Engl.
Garcinia nobilis Engl. is a plant species under the Clusiaceae family. It is a small shrub or tree that is native to Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea. It is known by various common names, such as variegated mangosteen, butcher's mango, wani, and noble garcinia.
Description of Garcinia nobilis Engl.
The plant grows up to 12 meters in height and has a dense crown. Its bark is grayish-brown, and its younger branches are greenish-brown. Garcinia nobilis Engl. has oblong to elliptic leaves with a length of 10 to 18 cm and a width of 4 to 8 cm. The leaves are glossy and green, with prominent veins on the undersides.
The flowers of Garcinia nobilis Engl. are solitary or in pairs, white to cream in color, and about 2 cm in diameter. The plant's fruit is a berry that is 4 to 6 cm in diameter. The ripe fruit is yellow, with an edible, fleshy pulp and one to five large seeds.
Uses of Garcinia nobilis Engl.
The fruit of Garcinia nobilis Engl. is edible and is consumed as a dessert or snack. The fruit is also used to make juice, jam, and candies. In traditional medicine, the leaves, bark, and fruit of Garcinia nobilis Engl. are used to treat various ailments, such as diarrhea, fever, and dysentery. Some studies suggest that the plant may have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
The wood of Garcinia nobilis Engl. is valuable for construction, carpentry, and carving. The plant is also grown as an ornamental tree, due to its attractive foliage and fruit.
Light Requirements
The Garcinia nobilis Engl. plant requires a moderate amount of light to grow and thrive. It is best to place the plant in an area where it can receive indirect sunlight for several hours a day. Too much direct sunlight can damage the leaves of the plant and cause them to wither.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the Garcinia nobilis plant is between 20°C and 30°C. Adequate ventilation is also essential for proper growth. It is important to avoid placing the plant in areas where the temperature fluctuates rapidly, as this can stunt growth or damage the leaves.
Soil Requirements
The Garcinia nobilis plant grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH level of around 5.5 to 6.5. It is recommended to use a soil mixture that contains peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite to ensure proper drainage and moisture retention. Overwatering can damage the roots, so it is important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Cultivation Methods
Garcinia nobilis Engl. is a tropical tree that requires a warm, humid climate to grow well. It grows best in well-draining soils with a pH range of 6 to 6.5. The tree needs partial shade, between 50% and 70%, to prevent leaf scorching.
Propagation of the tree can be done through seeds, but cutting is known to be the best method. It takes about six to eight weeks for the cuttings to root, after which they can be transplanted.
Watering Needs
To ensure optimal growth of Garcinia nobilis Engl., regular watering is necessary daily or twice a day, depending on the climate. Ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. During the dry season, watering can increase to avoid the tree from drying out.
Fertilization
Fertilizing the tree once every three months is recommended to provide the necessary nutrients for its growth. A slow-release balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 works best. The quantity depends on the tree's age and the soil's composition. Young trees require lighter applications than mature ones.
Pruning
Garcinia nobilis Engl. requires pruning to remove dead or damaged branches. It also helps in shaping the tree and stimulating new growth. Pruning is best done in winter or spring when the tree is dormant. Limit pruning to 20% of the tree's foliage to avoid damage and overpruning.
Propagation of Garcinia nobilis Engl.
Garcinia nobilis Engl. is commonly propagated using seeds, stem cuttings and grafting techniques.
Seeds
Seeds are the most common method of propagating Garcinia nobilis. The seeds are sown in a well-drained potting mix using shallow containers. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil and kept moist. Germination can take up to 6 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed a few true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger containers with a well-drained potting mix.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken during the spring and summer seasons. The cuttings should be taken from mature wood and should be around 10- 15 cm in length. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained potting mix. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment to encourage root development. Once the roots have developed, the young plants can be transplanted into larger containers.
Grafting
Grafting is a method used to propagate Garcinia nobilis by joining the desired variety to a rootstock. The rootstock must have the same or similar characteristics as the scion. With Garcinia nobilis, grafting is done using patch budding. The rootstock is cut to the desired size, and the scion, a bud taken from the desired variety, is inserted into the rootstock. The bud is then covered with grafting tape to protect it from the air and infection. The grafted plants are then kept in a humid environment to promote new growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Garcinia nobilis Engl.
Garcinia nobilis Engl., also known as Mundu, is a tropical fruit tree that is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management practices are necessary to maintain crop yield and quality.
Common Diseases
There are several fungal diseases that can affect Garcinia nobilis, including anthracnose, stem canker, and powdery mildew. Anthracnose causes blackish lesions on the fruit and leaves, which can kill young seedlings. Stem canker affects the stems and branches, leading to dieback of the infected area. Powdery mildew causes the leaves to turn pale yellow and curl up, affecting photosynthesis and reducing yield.
Management of Fungal Diseases
To manage fungal diseases, it is crucial to maintain good plant hygiene and avoid overhead irrigation. Also, prune diseased plant parts immediately and discard them far from healthy plants. Fungicide sprays containing copper or sulfur can also help in controlling fungal diseases.
Common Pests
Aphids, fruit flies, and mealybugs are some of the common pests that attack Garcinia nobilis trees. Aphids suck sap from leaves, resulting in yellowing and stunted growth. Fruit flies lay their eggs inside the fruit causing the fruit to rot. Mealybugs secrete a waxy substance that attracts ants, which protects them from natural predators.
Management of Pests
To manage pests, use sticky traps early in the season to monitor and identify the pests. Use targeted insecticides that are specific to the pest and minimize the environmental impact. Neem oil or soap sprays can also be effective against aphids and mealybugs.
Regular monitoring and preventive measures like proper hygiene, pruning, and use of resistant cultivars can help in managing diseases and pests of Garcinia nobilis. When the disease or pest attack is severe, consult a plant pathologist or an agricultural extension agent for appropriate control measures.
