Overview of Lansium Correa
Lansium Correa is a tropical tree type that's well-known for its edible fruit, also called the Duku fruit. The tree typically grows in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The tree is commonly found in tropical rainforests and can grow up to 30 meters tall. The Lansium Correa tree is best known for its nutritious fruit, which resembles small grape clusters and has a sweet yet sour flavor.
Common Names for Lansium Correa
Lansium Correa is known by various common names, depending on the region. Some of the commonly used names include Langsat, Lanzones, Duku, and Longkong. In Malaysia, it's also referred to as Dokong or Langseh, while in the Philippines, it's called Buahan.
Uses of Lansium Correa
Lansium Correa is predominantly grown for its fruit, which is a significant part of the local diets of Southeast Asians. The fruit is rich in nutrients, such as vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants, and carbohydrates. In traditional medicine, the leaves of the tree are also used to treat various ailments, such as fever, diarrhea, and dysentery.
General Appearance of Lansium Correa
Lansium Correa is a long-living, evergreen tree, which means that it retains its leaves throughout the year. The tree can grow up to 30 meters tall, with a straight trunk, and a thick rounded crown that spreads out broadly. The leaves are oval-shaped, pale-green, glossy, and have a leathery texture. The fruit of the Lansium Correa tree is roughly the size of a small grape cluster, and it has a brownish-yellow skin that is easy to peel. The fruit's flesh is translucent and segmented, with a sweet yet sour taste that's often compared to lychee or grapefruit.
Light
Lansium Correa plants require at least six hours of direct sunlight every day for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but excessive shade can slow down its growth rate and lead to weak stems and foliage. Exposure to direct sunlight boosts the plant's ability to photosynthesize and produce healthy leaves and fruits.
Temperature
Lansium Correa plants thrive in warm and humid environments. The optimal temperature range for Lansium Correa is between 68°F to 86°F. Temperatures below 65°F can adversely affect the plant's growth and cause leaf and fruit drop. Extreme heat above 90°F can cause heat stress, which can lead to sunburn and premature fruit ripening.
Soil conditions
Lansium Correa plants grow well in well-drained, fertile soils with pH levels of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant requires soil that is rich in organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to provide essential nutrients. Poor drainage can cause root rot while waterlogging can drown the roots leading to stunted growth and death of the plant. Soil moisture should be kept consistent by watering the plant regularly.
Cultivation Methods of Lansium Correa
Lansium Correa, commonly known as Langsat, is a tropical evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. It thrives in warm and humid climates, and it is native to Southeast Asia. The plant can be propagated through seeds or grafting. When propagating using seeds, they should be soaked in water for about three days prior to planting. The planting should be done in a well-draining soil from where the seedlings will sprout.
After germination, the seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots or to permanent sites in the field. The spacing between the plants should be about 10 meters apart to allow for growth and branching.
Watering Needs
Being a tropical plant, Lansium Correa requires adequate watering, mainly during dry spells. The water requirement is high during fruiting season. The plant prefers a well-draining soil, and waterlogging should be avoided.
It is best to water the plant in the mornings and evenings, especially in hot weather. Young plants will require more frequent watering compared to mature plants. During dry spells, the plant may shed leaves to conserve water, and this is a natural adaptation mechanism.
Fertilization
The Langsat tree responds well to regular fertilization. It is recommended to fertilize the plant at least three times a year - during the start of the rainy season, mid-season, and after fruiting. A balanced NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) fertilizer should be used, and the amount applied depends on the age of the plant.
Fertilizers can be applied as basal dressing, a topdressing around the plant canopy or injected into the soil underneath the canopy. It is critical to avoid the use of excessive nitrogen-rich fertilizers as this may lead to vegetative growth at the expense of fruiting.
Pruning
Pruning the Lansium Correa is necessary to shape the tree, remove dead, diseased, or broken branches, as well as promote flowering and fruiting. The best time to prune the plant is during the dormant season. However, light pruning can be done throughout the year.
It is recommended to prune the trees a few months after planting to promote the growth of a robust structure. Pruning should only be done using sterilized pruning tools, and the cuts should be made at an angle. After pruning, any debris or leaves should be removed from the tree's base to avoid pest and disease buildup.
Propagation of Lansium Correa
Lansium Correa, also known as Langsat, is a popular fruit tree in Southeast Asia. It is mainly propagated by seed, but other propagation methods are also possible.
Seed Propagation
The most common way to propagate Lansium Correa is through seeds. The seeds are taken from mature fruits and planted directly into the soil. It is best to plant them immediately after they are removed from the fruit, as they lose viability quickly. The seeds should be planted about an inch deep in well-draining soil, and they will germinate in about two weeks. It takes about three to four years for the tree to bear fruit.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another propagation method for Lansium Correa. The process involves creating a small wound on a branch and applying rooting hormone to the area. The wounded area is then covered with sphagnum moss or another suitable medium and kept moist. After a few weeks, roots will form, and the branch can be cut from the parent plant and planted into a pot or directly into the ground. Air layering is a useful technique when you want to propagate a specific branch that has desirable traits.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is a propagation method used to combine the desirable traits of two different plants. The rootstock is selected for its strong and vigorous root system, while the scion is chosen for its desirable fruit characteristics. The two are joined by making a diagonal cut on each, then putting the cut surfaces together and wrapping them tightly with grafting tape or another suitable material. Grafting needs more skill and technique than seed propagation or air layering.
By using any of these propagation methods, you can quickly and efficiently propagate Lansium Correa plants and enjoy their delicious fruit in just a few years.
Disease Management for Lansium Correa
The plant Lansium Correa can be vulnerable to various diseases, and as such, it is important to take necessary precautions to ensure the plant is healthy. Here are some of the common diseases that can affect Lansium Correa.
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that can manifest as small, dark spots on leaves. If left untreated, it can cause defoliation, stunted growth, and a decrease in fruit yield. To manage the disease, you can use copper-based fungicides, prune off any affected leaves and stems and ensure that the plant has proper drainage.
- Root Rot: Overwatering or poor drainage can cause root rot, which can lead to leaf drop and death of the plant. To manage the disease, ensure that the plant has proper drainage, avoid overwatering and use fungicides that contain Mancozeb.
- Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal infection that can cause a white, powdery substance on the leaves. To manage the disease, you can prune off infected parts of the plant, increase air circulation around the plant and use a fungicide that contains potassium bicarbonate.
Pest Management for Lansium Correa
Lansium Correa can also be susceptible to various pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Here are some common pests that can attack Lansium Correa and how to manage them.
- Fruit Fly: These pests lay eggs on fruit, and the larvae feed inside the fruit. To manage fruit flies, you can remove infected fruit, use insect traps and baits, and practice good garden sanitation.
- Scale Insects: These pests are small, and they can typically appear as white or tan specks on the leaves. To manage the pests, you can use insecticidal soaps, prune off affected leaves and stems, and use horticultural oils to smother the pests.
- Leaf Miner: Leaf miners can cause significant damage to leaves, making them look distorted and discolored. To manage the pests, you can remove affected leaves, use a product containing Bacillus thuringiensis, or release beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings to eat the larvae.
