Overview:
Macaranga apicifera Beille is a medium-sized tree belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The plant is known for its unique form of mutualism with ants, which reside within the hollow stems of the plant.
Common Names:
Macaranga apicifera Beille is known by several common names in the regions where it is found. In Indonesia, it is called "Keranji," while in Malaysia, it is known as "Terap Janggus." The plant is also commonly referred to as "Jumping Ant-tree" or "Stinging Tree."
Appearance:
The Macaranga apicifera Beille tree can grow up to 20 meters tall with a trunk diameter that ranges from 30-40 cm. The leaves of the plant are dark green and can grow up to 25 cm in length. The tree's flowers are small and greenish-yellow, and its fruit is a small fleshy capsule that contains numerous tiny seeds.
Uses:
Macaranga apicifera Beille has several uses, mainly in traditional medicine and in local cuisine. The leaves and bark of the plant have medicinal properties, with the bark containing alkaloids that can provide pain relief. In Malaysia, the plant's fruit is used to make a traditional dish called "Pecal Janggus," which is essentially a salad made from boiled vegetables and served with a spicy peanut sauce.
Growth Conditions for Macaranga apicifera Beille
Light: Macaranga apicifera Beille is known to thrive in bright, indirect sunlight or partial shade. It can also survive in full sun, but it prefers to be shielded from the scorching heat of the sun. In its natural habitat, it grows in the understory of taller trees, which provides ample shade for it to thrive in.
Temperature: Macaranga apicifera Beille is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures to grow. It requires a minimum temperature of 15°C (59°F) to survive. In the daytime, the optimal temperature range for growth is between 24°C and 30°C (75°F to 86°F). At night, the temperature should not drop below 18°C (64°F).
Soil: Macaranga apicifera Beille prefers soil that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. The ideal pH range for the soil is between pH 6.0 and pH 7.5. It is also important to note that this plant is intolerant of waterlogging, so the soil should not be allowed to become waterlogged.
Water: Macaranga apicifera Beille requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It can tolerate short periods of drought, but it should not be exposed to prolonged periods of dryness. The plant's water requirements should be adjusted based on the temperature and humidity of the environment it is growing in.
Cultivation
Macaranga apicifera Beille, commonly known as the terap tree or bitter tree, is indigenous to southeast Asia and tropical northern Australia. It is ideal for planting in areas with fertile soil and adequate sunlight exposure. The best planting time is during the rainy season when the soil is moist. The plant is suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.
Watering Needs
The plant should be watered regularly to maintain soil moisture and prevent water-stress. The frequency of watering should be reduced during the winter months to match the slower growth rate. Over-watering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Macaranga apicifera Beille requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy foliage and promote growth. A balanced fertilizer with sufficient amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium can be used. Fertilization should be done once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) and suspended during the dormant phase (fall and winter).
Pruning
Regular pruning is essential to promote air circulation, maintain shape, and remove any dead or diseased parts of the plant. Pruning should be done during the dormant phase (fall and winter). Over-pruning should be avoided as it can lead to stunted growth.
Propagation of Macaranga apicifera Beille
Macaranga apicifera Beille can be propagated through various methods. The plant is commonly propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and air layering.
Propagation through seeds
Seeds of Macaranga apicifera Beille can be collected from mature fruit capsules and sown in nursery beds filled with well-draining soil. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 3-4 mm and kept moist until germination, which usually occurs within 1-2 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of around 10-15 cm, they can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Macaranga apicifera Beille can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy plants with no signs of disease or pests. The cuttings should be around 15-20 cm long and 0.5-1 cm in diameter with at least three nodes. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. They should be watered regularly and kept in a humid environment until roots develop, which usually takes around 3-4 weeks. Once the roots have developed, the cuttings can be transplanted to a permanent location.
Propagation through air layering
Air layering is another method of propagating Macaranga apicifera Beille. This method involves making a small cut or wound on a healthy stem of the plant and then covering it with soil or moss, which is wrapped in plastic or polythene. Roots will develop at the point of injury. After they have developed fully, the stem is cut below the rooted portion and the new plant is planted in well-draining soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Macaranga apicifera Beille
Macaranga apicifera Beille is a beautiful and unique plant that requires special care to remain healthy and disease-free. Just like any other plant, Macaranga apicifera Beille may be affected by certain pests and diseases that could result in its deterioration and eventual death. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases that might affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Pests
1. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that tend to cluster on the undersides of leaves and around the bases of stems. They suck the sap out of the plant, thus weakening it over time. To manage this pest, you can wipe the affected parts with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or apply insecticidal soap safely formulated for plants.
2. Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that cause leaf yellowing, stunted growth, and webs on the plants. You can kill spider mites by spraying the plant thoroughly with water, regularly removing weeds from the area, and applying a good insecticidal soap.
Diseases
1. Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes the leaves of the plant to wilt and turn brown or yellow. You can manage anthracnose by avoiding overhead watering, removing the infected parts of the plant, and applying a fungicide according to the instructions given.
2. Root rot: Root rot is a disease that is caused by fungi. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing and drooping leaves, stunted growth, and plant dieback. To manage root rot, you should avoid over-watering, improve soil drainage in the plant's environment, and apply a fungicide according to the instructions given.
3. Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes leaf yellowing, brown spots on leaves, and sudden drop of leaves. To manage leaf spot, you should avoid overcrowding the plant, improve air circulation, remove the infected parts and dispose of them, and apply a fungicide according to the instructions provided.
In case of persistent and severe pest and disease problems, seeking the advice of a professional gardener or horticulturist would be very helpful. By following these management tips, you can ensure that your Macaranga apicifera Beille remains healthy and thrives well in its environment.
