Overview of Melastoma amygdalinum Desr.
Melastoma amygdalinum Desr. is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Melastomataceae. It is native to Southeast Asia, specifically found in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand. This plant species is also known by several common names including blue tongue, mata kucing, and pakak.
Physical Appearance of Melastoma amygdalinum Desr.
The plant Melastoma amygdalinum Desr. is a shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall. It has elliptical leaves that are approximately 10 – 20 cm long and 4 – 7 cm wide. The leaves are densely hairy underneath and have serrated edges. The plant produces beautiful pinkish-purple flowers that grow up to 4 cm across. The fruit of the plant is small, ovoid, and contains many small black seeds.
Uses of Melastoma amygdalinum Desr.
Melastoma amygdalinum Desr. has been used in traditional medicine in Southeast Asia for its various medicinal properties. The leaves, flowers, and roots of the plant are used to treat a variety of ailments including fever, stomach pain, and diarrhea. The plant is also used as a natural remedy for coughs and colds, as well as a treatment for wounds and skin irritation. The fruit of the plant is also eaten as a food source in some Southeast Asian countries.
Additionally, Melastoma amygdalinum Desr. is valued for its ornamental purposes. The plant's striking flowers and dark green foliage make it a popular choice for landscaping and garden décor. In some countries, the plant is grown as an ornamental hedge to provide privacy and security.
Environmental Requirements for Melastoma Amygdalinum Desr.
Melastoma Amygdalinum Desr. is a tropical plant that requires specific environmental conditions to thrive. The following are the growth conditions required for this plant:
Light Requirements
Melastoma Amygdalinum Desr. requires plenty of sunlight to grow. This plant thrives best in areas with direct sunlight, making it ideal for outdoor gardens or exposed areas. It is not recommended to grow this plant in shaded or low-light conditions, as this can result in slow growth or even plant death.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for Melastoma Amygdalinum Desr. growth is between 20°C to 30°C. This makes the plant suitable for growing in tropical regions. The plant cannot withstand frost or cold temperatures. Therefore, it is not recommended to grow this plant in areas with temperatures below 10°C.
Soil Requirements
Melastoma Amygdalinum Desr. requires well-draining soil to thrive. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Optimal soil moisture content for this plant is between 40% to 60%. It is not recommended to plant this species in waterlogged soil, as this can cause waterlogging stress that can affect plant growth.
Cultivation methods
Melastoma amygdalinum Desr. is a tropical plant that grows well in warm and humid conditions. It thrives in areas with partial to full sunlight and requires well-drained soil. It can be propagated through stem cuttings or by seed.
The plant should be placed in a location that is sheltered from strong winds to prevent damage to its delicate branches. It is also important to regularly clean the leaves of the plant to keep its foliage healthy and prevent dust accumulation.
Watering needs
The plant requires consistent moisture to thrive; therefore, it should be watered regularly. The frequency of watering depends on the surrounding temperature and humidity. During dry seasons, it may require more frequent watering. However, care should be taken not to over-water the plant.
It is best to water the plant either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid water evaporation. The soil should be kept moist but never waterlogged. Ensure that any excess water is regularly drained out of the pot to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization
Melastoma amygdalinum Desr. requires regular fertilization to maintain its growth and health. The plant benefits from a balanced fertilizer that should be applied during the growing season, which is usually between spring and summer.
Applying the fertilizer in small quantities every four weeks can help to maintain the plant's health, but care should be taken not to over-fertilize. Over-fertilization can lead to leaf burn and stunted growth.
Pruning
Regular pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and health of the plant. Pruning should be done after flowering, and it is best to cut back to above a node or bud which will encourage new growth.
The plant can quickly become unruly and overgrown, and small and weak branches can be removed using sterilized pruning shears. Regular pruning encourages the growth of fresh foliage and helps to keep the plant looking neat and tidy.
Propagation of Melastoma amygdalinum Desr.
Melastoma amygdalinum Desr., commonly known as the Native Lassiandra, is propagated through seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The Native Lassiandra produces seeds that are small and black, which can be collected from the plant's ripe fruits. After collecting, the seeds can be sown immediately or stored in a cool, dry place for later use.
To sow the seeds, first, prepare a well-draining potting mix and fill it into seed trays or pots. Then, sow the seeds on the surface of the potting mix and cover them with a thin layer of the mix. Finally, water the seeds gently, and place them in a warm, well-lit spot.
Within 2-3 weeks, the seeds will germinate, and the seedlings will emerge above the surface of the mix. Once they have developed a few leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagating the Native Lassiandra by cuttings is a quicker and easier method than seed propagation. The best time to take cuttings is in spring and summer when the plant is actively growing.
To take cuttings, select a healthy stem from the plant and cut a 6-inch section from the tip of the stem, using clean and sharp pruners. Then, remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, leaving only a few leaves at the tip.
Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder and plant it into a well-draining potting mix, making sure that the leaves do not touch the mix. Water the cutting and place it in a warm, well-lit spot, but out of direct sunlight.
Within 4-6 weeks, the cutting will develop roots, and new leaves will appear. Once the roots have grown and filled the pot or container, the cutting can be transplanted into the ground or a larger pot.
Both seed and cutting propagation methods of Melastoma amygdalinum Desr. are easy and highly successful if done appropriately.
Disease and Pest Management for Melastoma Amygdalinum Desr.
Melastoma amygdalinum Desr. is a tropical plant that is commonly grown for its ornamental and medicinal properties. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests that can damage the plant and reduce its yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect Melastoma amygdalinum Desr. and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and decay. The disease is usually caused by overwatering and poor drainage. To manage root rot, remove all infected plant parts and cut back on watering. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and has good aeration to prevent the disease from spreading. You can also use fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing brown or black spots. The disease is usually caused by high humidity and poor air circulation. To manage leaf spot, remove all infected plant parts and increase air circulation around the plant. You can also apply fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing a white powder-like substance on the leaves. The disease is usually caused by high humidity and low light. To manage powdery mildew, remove all infected plant parts and increase the amount of light that the plant receives. You can also apply fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or a steady stream of water to wash them off the plant. You can also introduce natural predators of aphids, such as ladybugs, to control their population.
Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, winged insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. To manage whiteflies, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also introduce natural predators of whiteflies, such as parasitic wasps or ladybugs, to control their population.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are small, spider-like insects that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing yellowing and falling of the leaves. To manage spider mites, you can use an insecticidal soap or acaricide to kill the mites. You can also increase humidity around the plant to prevent the mites from reproducing.
By being aware of these common diseases and pests and taking measures to manage them, you can ensure that your Melastoma amygdalinum Desr. plant remains healthy and yields a good harvest.
