Origin
Macrolobium graciliflorum Harms is a tropical tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family and is native to southeastern Brazil.
Common Names
Macrolobium graciliflorum Harms is commonly known as "oco-do-sapo" in Brazil, which translates to "toad coconut" due to its large and round fruit. It is also known as "Brazilian fern tree" in English.
Uses
The seeds of Macrolobium graciliflorum Harms are edible and can be consumed either raw or cooked. The tree also has medicinal properties and is used by indigenous people to treat fever, flu, and infectious diseases. The wood is hard and durable and is used for construction, furniture making, and tool handles.
General Appearance
Macrolobium graciliflorum Harms is a tree that can grow up to 20 meters in height with a wide and dense canopy. The bark is grayish and rough, and the leaves are compound and pinnate, with 7-11 pairs of leaflets. The flowers are small and white or yellowish, and the fruit is a large and round capsule that contains 2-6 seeds. The seeds are black, shiny, and kidney-shaped.
Light Requirements
Macrolobium graciliflorum Harms is a plant that thrives in a partially shaded to shaded environment. It prefers an environment that receives indirect light or dappled shade. Direct sunlight can cause damage to its leaves and hinder its growth. Therefore, it is best to place the plant in an area where it receives bright, filtered light.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires a warm and humid environment to grow properly. It does not tolerate cold temperatures below 60°F and needs to be kept away from drafty windows and doors. Macrolobium graciliflorum Harms prefers a temperature range between 70 and 80°F. Any temperatures outside this range can have an adverse effect on the plant’s growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining, sandy soil that is rich in organic matter. Its roots need adequate air circulation to grow properly, making soil drainage an essential aspect of its growth. The soil should have a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 because the acidity of the soil is crucial for the plant’s absorption of necessary nutrients. The plant can also benefit from occasional fertilization with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Cultivation methods for Macrolobium graciliflorum Harms
Macrolobium graciliflorum Harms, commonly known as the narrow-flowered macrolobium, is a tropical tree that requires specific conditions for its optimal growth and development. Here are some cultivation methods to follow:
- Planting location: The tree thrives in well-drained soils with high levels of organic matter and a neutral pH. The location should also offer partial to full sunlight exposure.
- Planting method: Plant the macrolobium seeds 2-3 cm deep in the soil, ensuring the soil is thoroughly moistened. Water regularly to maintain soil moisture, but avoid over-watering, which can lead to root rot or fungal diseases.
- Propagation: Macrolobium graciliflorum can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. During propagation, the cutting or seed should be kept in a moist environment until roots or shoots develop.
Watering needs of Macrolobium graciliflorum Harms
Macrolobium graciliflorum Harms requires regular watering, especially during the initial growth stages. Here are some watering tips:
- Water frequency: Water the trees once or twice a week, depending on the climate and moisture levels in the soil. During dry seasons, the tree may require more frequent watering.
- Water quantity: Use enough water to saturate the soil, ensuring that the water reaches the root area. Avoid watering the leaves, which can lead to fungal diseases.
- Timing: Water the tree early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce water loss through evaporation.
Fertilization of Macrolobium graciliflorum Harms
Appropriate fertilization is necessary to enhance the growth and development of Macrolobium graciliflorum Harms. Here are some fertilization tips:
- Fertilizer type: Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for the best results.
- Fertilizer schedule: Apply the fertilizer every two months during the growing season. Adjust the frequency based on the tree's growth and soil quality.
- Fertilizer quantity: Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to nutritional imbalances or root burn.
Pruning of Macrolobium graciliflorum Harms
Pruning helps to keep the tree healthy, improve its shape, and encourage optimal growth and flowering. Here are some pruning tips:
- Timing: Prune the tree during the dormant season or after the flowering period to minimize damage and maximize regrowth.
- Tools: Use sharp pruning shears or loppers to make clean cuts, and disinfect the tools to avoid spreading diseases.
- Cutting method: Cut off any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Also, cut back the overgrown or misshapen branches to encourage new growth.
Propagation of Macrolobium Graciliflorum Harms
Propagation of Macrolobium graciliflorum Harms can be done through different methods including seed propagation, cuttings, and grafting. Each propagation method has its own requirements and challenges.
Seed Propagation
Propagation by seed requires the collection of matured seeds from the mother plant. These seeds should be sown immediately in a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter.
Before planting, the seeds should be soaked in water overnight to soften the coat for faster germination. Sowing can then be done on germination trays or seedbeds at a depth of 1-2 cm. The tray or bed should be placed in a warm and humid greenhouse environment with temperatures of between 25-30°C to encourage germination.
Germination of seeds occurs within 7-14 days. After germination, seedlings should bear two leaves and be thinned out to one seedling per cell or between 10-15 cm apart in the seedbed.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation of Macrolobium graciliflorum Harms by cuttings requires healthy cuttings of 10-15 cm long with at least 3 nodes. The cuttings should be taken from semi-hard wood during the growing season when the plant is actively growing.
Before planting, the basal leaves should be removed to avoid moisture loss. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a rooting medium like perlite, vermiculite, or sand. The cuttings should be watered and placed in a humid environment with a temperature range of 25-30°C to encourage root growth.
Rooting of cuttings will occur within 2-3 weeks. They should then be transplanted into pots or a well-prepared bed once they develop roots. Care should be taken to avoid root damage when transplanting.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting involves joining a plant cutting (scion) to another plant (rootstock) to create a new plant. This propagation method is ideal for Macrolobium graciliflorum Harms because of its slow growth rate and susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Grafting is done during the growing season when the plants are actively growing. The scion should be taken from a healthy mother plant with desirable traits and should be of the same diameter as the rootstock. The rootstock should be taken from a hardy plant resistant to pests and diseases.
The scion is grafted onto the rootstock using appropriate techniques like whip grafting or cleft grafting. The grafted plant should then be covered with a plastic bag and secured tightly with tape to encourage root growth. Once rooting occurs, the plastic bag should be removed, and the plant should be transplanted into the growing medium, either in pots or a well-prepared bed.
Disease and Pest Management for Macrolobium graciliflorum Harms
Macrolobium graciliflorum Harms, commonly known as "mucuna," is a leguminous plant that is susceptible to several pests and diseases. In order to ensure a healthy yield, it is essential to take measures to prevent and manage these issues.
Pests
One of the most common pests that affect mucuna is the pod borer. This pest feeds on the flowers and pods of the plant, leading to reduced yields and even pod rot. To manage this pest, it is important to regularly inspect the plants and remove any infected pods. Insecticides can also be used, but care should be taken to use them as a last resort and to follow all safety precautions.
The bean beetle is another pest that can affect mucuna. These beetles feed on the leaves and pods of the plant, causing reduced yields and stunted growth. To manage this pest, it is important to regularly inspect the plants and remove any infected parts. Natural predators of the bean beetle, such as ladybugs and lacewings, can also be introduced to the garden as a natural control.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affects mucuna is powdery mildew. This disease appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant and can lead to reduced yields and stunted growth. To prevent this disease, it is important to ensure that the plants have adequate air circulation and that they are not overcrowded. Fungicides can also be used to manage powdery mildew, but care should be taken to use them as a last resort and to follow all safety precautions.
Fusarium wilt is another disease that can affect mucuna. This disease causes wilting and yellowing of the leaves, eventually leading to death of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to ensure that the plants are grown in well-drained soil and that they are not overwatered. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the disease to healthy plants.
By following these pest and disease management strategies, growers can ensure a healthy yield of Macrolobium graciliflorum Harms. Regular inspection and prompt action are crucial to preventing the spread of pests and diseases.
