Origin
Helixanthera sublilacina (Sprague) Danser is a type of plant species that belongs to the Annonaceae family. It is most commonly found in the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, especially in areas such as Borneo, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by several names such as ceremai busuk, wild custard apple, and kecik-kercing among the Malays. In the Philippines, it is known as tagalupa, and in Indonesia, it is known as kecapi or kora-kora.
Uses
The fruit of Helixanthera sublilacina is edible and consumed locally. The leaves and barks of the plant have also been used in traditional medicines to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and skin infections. In addition, the plant has been found to possess several antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, making it a subject of interest in the field of pharmaceuticals.
General Appearance
Helixanthera sublilacina is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to a height of 6-20 meters. The bark of the tree is greyish-brown, and the leaves are green and shiny with a leathery texture. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, and the fruit is spherical and about 5-6 cm in diameter when ripe. The fruit is green when unripe and gradually turns yellow as it ripens.
Growth Conditions for Helixanthera sublilacina (Sprague) Danser
Light: Helixanthera sublilacina or the purple rockcress requires full to partial sunlight to grow optimally. It prefers bright light, but not excessive heat levels. Therefore, plant it in an area where it can get at least six hours of daily sunshine for optimal growth.
Temperature: The plant is resistant to cold temperatures and can survive frost. However, a consistent temperature of between 10-23°C (50-73°F) is ideal for its growth. Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations as they affect the rate of development and blooming of the plant.
Soil Requirements: Helixanthera sublilacina prefers sandy or gravel soils that allow good drainage and aeration. The pH levels of the soil should range between 6.5-7.5, and the soil type should be neutral to alkaline. If your soil is not well-drained, add some organic matter to improve it.
Water: The plant requires medium levels of watering. Water them regularly during the growing season, ensuring the soil does not dry out. Generally, watering every other day or twice a week will suffice, but the frequency may need to increase during hot, dry spells. In the winter, reduce watering or stop altogether.
Fertilizer: Helixanthera sublilacina does not require additional fertilization for optimal growth. However, applying a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 during the active growing season could help boost their overall health and promote fuller blooms.
Propagation: The plant can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or division. If you want to propagate it through cuttings, ensure you take cuttings from a healthy plant during the growing season and treat with rooting hormones before planting.
Cultivation methods for Helixanthera sublilacina
Helixanthera sublilacina is a plant that loves full sun to partial shade, and it thrives in well-draining soils. The plant requires moderate watering, and the soil should always be moist but not waterlogged. The plant grows well in containers or planted directly into the ground.
Watering Needs for Helixanthera sublilacina
Helixanthera sublilacina requires moderate watering, and the soil should always be kept moist. Inadequate moisture can cause the plant to wilt, while too much water can cause root rot. In dry weather conditions, increased watering may be necessary.
Fertilization of Helixanthera sublilacina
Helixanthera sublilacina requires fertilization every six months to keep it healthy and promote growth. A balanced fertilizer that has an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium is ideal for the plant. You can boost the soil fertility by adding organic matter occasionally.
Pruning Helixanthera sublilacina
It is recommended to pinch back new growth on Helixanthera sublilacina regularly to encourage bushier growth and maintain its shape. If some stems become too overgrown, cut them back as necessary to maintain a healthy bush. Pruning also promotes the plant's resilience and helps to prevent pest infestation.
Propagation of Helixanthera sublilacina (Sprague) Danser
Helixanthera sublilacina (Sprague) Danser, commonly known as the purple frogfruit, is a species of perennial plant that is native to Southeast Asia. It is a member of the Acanthaceae family and is known for its attractive purple flowers.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation of Helixanthera sublilacina can be done through seeds. The plant produces small, black, and shiny seeds that can be harvested once they are ripe. The seeds have a hard outer coating, so scarification or soaking in water for 24 hours can help with germination. Sow the seeds into well-draining soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist and warm until the seedlings emerge.
Propagation by Cuttings
Another way to propagate Helixanthera sublilacina is through stem cuttings. Select healthy stems and take cuttings about 7-10 cm long. Remove the lower leaves and plant the cuttings in moist soil or a rooting hormone. Place the cuttings in a shaded area and keep the soil moist until roots form. Once the roots have formed, the plants can be transferred to their desired location.
Propagation by Division
Helixanthera sublilacina can also be propagated by division. Dig up the root ball and gently separate the plant into smaller sections, making sure each section has healthy roots. Replant the divided sections and keep the soil moist until the plants become established.
Propagation of Helixanthera sublilacina can be achieved through different methods, including seed propagation, stem cutting propagation, and division. Proper care and maintenance should be provided to ensure a successful propagation process and growth of healthy plants.
Disease Management
Helixanthera sublilacina (Sprague) Danser is vulnerable to a variety of fungal diseases such as anthracnose, powdery mildew, and rust. Anthracnose is characterized by dark, sunken spots on leaves and stems that eventually cause the plant to wither. Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, while rust manifests as rusty brown patches.
To manage these diseases, it is crucial to practice good cultural habits, such as planting in well-draining soil, avoiding overhead watering, and providing proper space between plants for adequate air circulation. Infected plant parts must be removed and disposed of, and fungicidal sprays may be applied according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Pest Management
Various insects are known to attack Helixanthera sublilacina (Sprague) Danser, including spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Spider mites cause leaf yellowing and spider-web-like formations on the undersides of leaves, while aphids suck the sap from the leaves, resulting in leaf curling and stunted growth. Mealybugs secrete a sticky substance that attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold.
To manage these pests, regular scouting is recommended to detect infestations early. Infested plant parts must be removed and disposed of, and insecticidal soaps or oils may be used. Natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings may also be attracted to the garden to control pest populations.
