Overview of Melicocca bijuga (Jacq.) L.
Melicocca bijuga (Jacq.) L. is a plant species that belongs to the Melicocca genus and Sapindaceae family. The plant is a deciduous fruit tree that is native to the Caribbean, Central, and South America and can grow up to 30 meters tall.
Common Names
Melicocca bijuga has different common names depending on the country or region. Some of the common names for the plant include:
- Mamoncillo
- Quenepa
- Guinep
- Chenet
- Limoncillo
Appearance
The Melicocca bijuga tree has a smooth, gray bark and an open, spreading crown. The alternate, evergreen leaves of the tree are compound, with 4-8 pairs of leaflets that are oblong or elliptical in shape, with pointed tips and smooth edges. The young leaves of the tree are pink or red, but they turn green as they mature.
The fruit of the tree is a small, round or oval berry, roughly the size of a grape. The fruit has a green or yellowish skin that is thin and brittle, and a juicy, translucent white or yellowish flesh that surrounds a hard, seed-like pit. The fruit has a sweet-sour taste and is often eaten raw or made into jams, preserves, or drinks.
Uses
The fruit of the Melicocca bijuga tree is often consumed as a food source and is rich in vitamins and minerals. The fruit is also widely recognized for its medicinal properties and is used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, constipation, and fever. The bark of the tree is also used in traditional medicine to treat respiratory and digestive problems.
Aside from its uses in food and medicine, the Melicocca bijuga tree is also used as an ornamental plant in landscaping due to its attractive foliage and fruit.
Light requirements
Melicocca bijuga requires full to partial sun exposure to thrive. In its natural habitat, it grows under the canopy of other trees and receives dappled sunlight. In general, it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to produce fruits.
Temperature requirements
Melicocca bijuga is native to tropical regions and prefers warm temperatures. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C (50°F) but grows best at temperatures between 25-35°C (77-95°F).
Soil requirements
Melicocca bijuga grows well in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 5.5-7.0. It is tolerant of different soil types such as sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they have good drainage. However, it prefers fertile soils that are moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation of Melicocca bijuga
Melicocca bijuga is a tropical tree that thrives in humid, coastal areas. It needs a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, and it requires full sun exposure. Plant the tree in a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the root ball. The best time to plant is during the rainy season when the soil is moist and temperatures are warm.
Watering Needs
The tree needs regular watering during the first year of growth. After that, it can survive on rainfall alone in areas with high precipitation levels. If rainfall is lacking, water the tree once a week, providing enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of 3 inches. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Melicocca bijuga benefits from fertilization, which should be done twice a year, once at the beginning of the rainy season and again in the middle of the season. A balanced fertilizer with an equal NPK ratio is ideal. Use 1 pound of fertilizer per tree per application, and apply it to the soil around the tree's drip line.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Melicocca bijuga, but it can be done to maintain the tree's shape and to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Prune the tree during the dry season to avoid excess sap flow. Always use clean, sharp pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Melicocca bijuga (Jacq.) L.
Melicocca bijuga or Spanish lime belongs to the family Sapindaceae. It is a tropical, fruit-bearing tree that is native to the Caribbean and South America. Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. Spanish lime can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation through seeds
Seeds are the easiest way to propagate Spanish lime. The fruit of the tree contains one or two seeds that can be collected and planted. The seeds must be cleaned and put in a container of water. The seeds that sink are viable, but the ones that float should be discarded. The viable seeds are then soaked in warm water for a day or two before being planted in soil. Germination can take up to two weeks, and the seedlings may take up to five years to bear fruit.
Propagation through cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is another method for Spanish lime. Semi-hardwood cuttings are taken from the tree in June or July, when the tree is growing rapidly. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long, and the lower leaves should be removed. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in soil. The cuttings should be covered with a plastic bag to retain moisture and kept in a warm location. Rooting should occur within two months, and the plants may take up to three years to bear fruit.
Propagation through grafting
Grafting is a method of propagation in which a piece of one plant is inserted into another plant. Grafting is used to produce Spanish lime cultivars with desirable traits. Grafting can be done using various methods, but the most common is cleft grafting. In cleft grafting, a scion is cut from a desired cultivar and inserted into the rootstock of a Spanish lime seedling. The graft should be covered with grafting tape and kept in a warm location. The graft should start to grow within a few weeks, and the plant may take up to three years to bear fruit.
Disease Management
Melicocca bijuga is generally resistant to diseases. However, like most plants, it is susceptible to certain diseases. One common disease that affects the plant is root rot. This is caused by soil-borne fungi and is characterized by yellowing leaves and wilting. To manage root rot, it is advisable to avoid waterlogging the soil, plant in well-drained soil, and use fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
Another disease that may affect Melicocca bijuga is leaf spot. This disease is caused by fungi and is characterized by the appearance of small, dark spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, it is advisable to remove and destroy infected leaves, practice good sanitation, and use fungicides.
Pest Management
Like many tropical fruits, Melicocca bijuga is susceptible to pests. One common pest that affects the plant is the Caribbean fruit fly (Anastrepha suspensa). This pest lays eggs in the fruit, causing it to rot and become inedible. To manage the Caribbean fruit fly, it is advisable to use baits and traps, prune and discard infested fruits and use insecticides.
Another pest that may affect Melicocca bijuga is the mango mealybug (Drosicha mangiferae). This pest feeds on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and deformation of leaves and fruits. To manage the mango mealybug, it is advisable to use natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings, prune infested parts of the plant, and use insecticides.
Overall, disease and pest management for Melicocca bijuga involves a combination of good cultural practices such as proper sanitation, planting in well-drained soil and using resistant cultivars, as well as using chemical and biological control methods.
