Origin
Libidibia coriaria (Jacq.) Schlecht., also known as Divi-divi, is a plant species belonging to the family Fabaceae that is native to the Caribbean, Central and South America. It is widely distributed throughout the Neotropics, from Mexico to Brazil and has been introduced to other regions like Africa and Asia.
Common Names
Libidibia coriaria has multiple common names, including Divi-divi, Carob, Caa-cu, Cascalote, Guaracaro, Nacascol, and Pega-Pega. The name "Divi-divi" was derived from the Aruban language, meaning "thorny bush."
Uses
Libidibia coriaria is a versatile tree species with numerous traditional and commercial uses. The wood is used for making furniture, tool handles, and fishing boats, while the bark and leaves are rich in tannins, making them useful in leather production. The seeds of Divi-divi are widely used as a folk remedy for liver diseases, diarrhea, and diabetes. They are also used in the production of alcoholic beverages such as rum and bitters and as a coffee substitute. The pods contain a sweet pulp that is edible and consumed by humans and animals. The plant is also used as a shade tree and in the restoration of degraded ecosystems.
General Appearance
Libidibia coriaria is a thorny, small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 14 meters tall. The trunk is usually crooked, with a short and irregular crown. The branches are thin and have small, alternate, and stipulate leaves. The inflorescence is a spike-like raceme with small and pale greenish-yellow flowers that develop into elongated, twisted, and flattened pods. The pods are light brown, wavy, and contain numerous small, flat, and dark brown seeds.
Light Requirements
Libidibia coriaria (Jacq.) Schlecht. thrives in locations with bright to partial sunlight. Direct sunlight or extended exposure to intense light can cause damage to its leaves and stems. When grown indoors, it should be placed near a sunny window that receives filtered or dappled sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Libidibia coriaria (Jacq.) Schlecht. prefers warm and humid climates. It grows well in temperatures that range from 50°F to 90°F (10°C to 32°C), with an ideal temperature range of 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C). Sustained exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can be harmful to this plant.
Soil Requirements
Libidibia coriaria (Jacq.) Schlecht. requires nutrient-rich, well-draining soil to flourish. It grows best in soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be loose, airy, and rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand is an excellent growing medium. It is also essential to ensure that the soil is well-draining to avoid root rot.
Cultivation
Libidibia coriaria is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It can tolerate some shade, but full sun exposure is ideal for optimal growth. It can be grown in various soil types, but a well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5 is best.
The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds can be collected from the pods when they are fully mature and dried. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting them in a potting mix. Cuttings can be taken from the young, woody branches and placed in water or soil until they are rooted.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is essential for the healthy growth of Libidibia coriaria. Water the plant regularly, but do not overwater it as this can cause root rot. The frequency of watering should be reduced during the winter months when the plant is dormant. It is best to water the plant in the morning or early afternoon to allow the roots to absorb the water before the cooler nighttime temperatures arrive.
Fertilization
Libidibia coriaria can benefit from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. Use a balanced fertilizer containing equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer every two to three months during the growing season. Avoid overfertilizing, which can lead to stunted growth or burning of the leaves.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for the healthy growth of Libidibia coriaria, but it can be useful in controlling its shape and size. The best time to prune is in the early spring before new growth emerges. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Pinch back the tips of the branches to encourage bushy growth. Cut back any branches that are growing too close to each other to improve air circulation.
Propagation Methods for Libidibia coriaria
Libidibia coriaria, commonly known as tannin or divi-divi tree, is a fast-growing plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and South America. Propagation of this plant can be done by several methods, including:
Seed Propagation
The tannin tree produces a high number of seeds, which can be collected and used for propagation. The seeds should be soaked in warm water for 24 hours before planting to soften the hard outer shell. After soaking, the seeds can be planted in pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. The pots should be kept in a warm and humid place until the seeds germinate.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation involves using a piece of the stem or root of the plant to create a new plant. The cutting should be taken from a healthy part of the plant and should be at least 6 inches long. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and then planted in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. The pot should be kept in a warm and humid place until roots start to form.
Air Layering
Air layering is a propagation method that involves creating a new plant while the stem is still attached to the parent plant. To do this, a section of the stem is selected, and a ring of bark is removed from the stem. The cut area is then covered with moist sphagnum moss and wrapped in plastic. Roots will form in the moss, and once they are established, the stem can be cut off from the parent plant and planted in a pot.
Overall, Libidibia coriaria is an easy-to-grow plant that can be propagated by seed, cutting, or air layering. Proper care and attention must be given to ensure the success of the propagation method chosen.
Disease Management
Libidibia coriaria is susceptible to various diseases, such as:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes circular, water-soaked lesions on leaves, stems, and pods, which turn brownish later on. To manage anthracnose, it is crucial to remove and destroy infected plant debris, avoid overhead irrigation that splashes water on foliage, and apply fungicides that contain copper or sulfur.
- Phoma blight: This fungal disease leads to the development of black, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, and pods, causing defoliation and yield loss. To manage Phoma blight, it is crucial to practice crop rotation, remove and destroy infected plant debris, and apply fungicides that contain azoxystrobin or pyraclostrobin.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease manifests as a white, powdery growth on the upper surface of leaves, causing leaf curling and premature defoliation. To manage powdery mildew, it is crucial to maintain good air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead irrigation, and apply fungicides that contain potassium bicarbonate or neem oil.
Pest Management
Libidibia coriaria is also susceptible to various pests, such as:
- Spider mites: These tiny arachnids feed on plant sap, causing yellowing and stippling of leaves. To manage spider mites, it is crucial to maintain high humidity around the plant, avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides that kill beneficial insects, and apply miticides that contain abamectin or spiromesifen.
- Caterpillars: These larvae of moths and butterflies feed on leaves, pods, and flowers, causing irregular holes and defoliation. To manage caterpillars, it is crucial to handpick and destroy them, release beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps or Bacillus thuringiensis that kill caterpillars selectively, and apply insecticides that contain spinosad or indoxacarb.
- Pod borers: These larvae of moths bore into pods, causing discoloration and premature dropping. To manage pod borers, it is crucial to remove and destroy infested pods, apply insecticides that contain fipronil or thiamethoxam before flowering, and practice crop rotation to reduce the population of overwintering larvae.
