Origin
Mastichodendron foetidissimum (Jacq.) H.J. Lam, known commonly as the "stinking mastwood," is a plant species that belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. It is native to South and Central America, specifically found in Colombia, Panama, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.
Common Names
The plant has several common names in the regions where it is found, including "Mara-mara," "Cartero," "Cachari," and "Stinking Toe."
Uses
The bark of Mastichodendron foetidissimum has a long history of use by indigenous populations in South and Central America, who employ it for numerous medicinal purposes. It is used to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, rheumatism, fever, and dental pain.
The plant has other uses as well; the wood is utilized for making furniture and construction material. Additionally, the bark and wood are used in traditional medicine to treat wounds, snakebites, and skin rashes. The fruit of the plant is edible and is used in the making of juice or as a snack.
General Appearance
The tree grows up to 20-30 meters tall. The bark is dark, rough, and scaly, and with a pungent odor. The leaves are dark green, leathery, and shiny on top, composed of seven to eleven leaflets. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, producing a fruit that’s long and pod-like. When ripe, the fruit splits open to reveal a powdery, edible pulp that surrounds a single seed.
All parts of the Mastichodendron foetidissimum plant have a strong, unpleasant odor, which is also the reason for some of its common names, such as "Stinking Mastwood" and "Stinking Toe.'
Light Requirements
Mastichodendron foetidissimum is a drought-tolerant plant that requires plenty of sunlight to thrive. It prefers to grow in full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade for a few hours each day. If the plant doesn't receive enough sunlight, it may grow slowly or stop growing altogether.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical regions and prefers warm temperatures. It can grow in temperatures ranging from 20 to 35°C. However, Mastichodendron foetidissimum can also tolerate cooler temperatures as low as 10°C during the winter months. Temperatures below 10°C may damage or kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
Mastichodendron foetidissimum prefers well-draining soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It doesn't grow well in heavy soils that retain too much water, which can lead to root rot. The plant can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils, but it prefers soils with a good amount of organic matter. The addition of compost or other organic materials can improve soil structure and nutrient content.
Cultivation
Mastichodendron foetidissimum (Jacq.) H.J. Lam, commonly known as the stinking toe or West Indian almond, is a tropical evergreen tree that grows best in warm and humid conditions. It is native to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and South America.
The tree prefers well-draining soil and requires a lot of sunlight to grow. The best time to plant the tree is during the early spring when the soil is not too wet from the rainy season. It is recommended to plant the tree in a location that is protected from strong winds as this can damage the tree.
Watering Needs
Mastichodendron foetidissimum requires consistent watering, and the soil should not be allowed to become completely dry. However, the tree is also sensitive to overwatering, which can lead to root rot diseases. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the soil moisture levels carefully.
The tree needs more water during the hot summer months and less during the cooler winter months. It is recommended to water the tree deeply once or twice a week, depending on the soil and weather conditions.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and fruit production, Mastichodendron foetidissimum requires regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10, or a slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for fruit trees.
It is recommended to fertilize the tree three times a year, during the early spring, late spring, and early summer. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months when the tree is dormant.
Pruning
Mastichodendron foetidissimum requires minimal pruning, mainly to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Prune the tree during the late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
Remove any suckers or shoots that may arise from the base of the tree or the trunk, as they can compete with the main tree for nutrients and water.
It is also recommended to thin out the interior branches of the tree to improve airflow and sunlight penetration. This will help prevent disease and increase fruit production.
Propagation of Mastichodendron foetidissimum
Mastichodendron foetidissimum, also known as Guao or Hippobosca longipennis, is a tree species that belongs to the family Sapotaceae. This plant species is native to Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. Propagation of Mastichodendron foetidissimum can be achieved through various methods, including seed propagation, stem cuttings, and grafting.
Seed propagation
The seeds of Mastichodendron foetidissimum should be collected from ripe fruits that have fallen to the ground. These seeds should be cleaned and sown in well-drained soil. The best time to sow the seeds is during the early rainy season. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1 cm in the soil. The seedlings will emerge after about 3 to 4 weeks of sowing.
Stem cuttings
Mastichodendron foetidissimum can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken from mature trees during the rainy season. The cuttings should be about 20-25 cm long with 2-3 nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone. The cuttings should be planted in a well-drained soil mixture of sand and peat moss and placed in a shaded area. After about 3 to 4 weeks, roots will develop, and the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots.
Grafting
Grafting is another method used to propagate Mastichodendron foetidissimum. This method involves taking a scion from a mature tree of desired characteristics and grafting it onto a rootstock of the same species. The scion should be taken from a tree that is around 3 to 4 years old. The rootstock should be about the same diameter as the scion. The graft should be made during the rainy season, and the plants should be kept in a shaded area for about 2 to 3 weeks for recovery. After this period, the grafted seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots.
Disease and Pest Management for Mastichodendron foetidissimum
Mastichodendron foetidissimum, commonly known as the guao tree, is a tropical plant that can be affected by various pests and diseases. Proper disease and pest management techniques can help to maintain the health of the plant and prevent damage.
Common Pests
Some common pests that can affect Mastichodendron foetidissimum include:
- Scale insects
- Mealybugs
- Caterpillars
- Spider mites
- Ants
- Leaf-cutter bees
To manage these pests, regular inspection of the plant is recommended. Infestations can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil, which are effective natural insecticides. For severe infestations, professional pest control may be necessary.
Common Diseases
Mastichodendron foetidissimum can also be susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases, such as:
- Leaf spots
- Root rot
- Powdery mildew
- Canker
Prevention is key in managing diseases, so proper cultural practices, such as good drainage, proper irrigation, and avoiding overhead watering can help to prevent diseases. If the plant is already infected, fungicides may be necessary to manage the disease. It is recommended to consult with a professional plant pathologist or horticulturist to determine the appropriate fungicide for a particular disease.
Conclusion
Disease and pest management are critical to maintaining the health of Mastichodendron foetidissimum. Regular inspection and proper cultural practices can help prevent infestations and infections. If pest or disease problems arise, it is important to take prompt action to prevent further damage to the plant.
