Origin
Melicope macropus (Hbd.) T.G. Hartley & B.C. Stone, also known as Fijian medicinal orange, belongs to the Rutaceae family and is widely distributed in the South Pacific islands. It is native to Fiji, where it is commonly found in lowland to upland rainforests, along streams, and on rocky slopes.
Common Names
Melicope macropus has several common names in different regions. In Fiji, it is known as "tavola," "tavoli ni vavalangi," or "vavalangi," while in Tonga, it is called "toli." Other common names include Fijian medicinal orange, wild lime, and Pacific lime.
Uses
Traditionally, various parts of Melicope macropus have been used for medicinal purposes in Fiji and Tonga. The leaves, bark, and roots are believed to possess anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antispasmodic properties, and are used to treat various ailments such as headaches, stomachaches, wounds, and skin infections. The fruit is also edible and is used as a souring agent in some Pacific Island cuisines.
General Appearance
Melicope macropus is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 8 meters tall. Its trunk is straight and slender, and its branches are drooping and often form a dense canopy. The leaves are glossy, dark green, and pinnately compound, with 5-11 leaflets that are oblong to obovate in shape. The flowers are small, white or cream-colored, and are arranged in terminal or axillary clusters. The fruit is a small, round or oval-shaped capsule that turns from green to brown when ripe, and contains several small seeds.
Growth Conditions for Melicope Macropus
Melicope macropus, commonly known as the large-leaved alani, is a tropical tree that primarily grows in wet forests from sea level up to 600 meters in elevation. It is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and is often found in watercourses, ravines, and moist forest slopes in high rainfall areas. Here are the growth conditions that are best suited for Melicope macropus:
Light
Melicope macropus thrives in partial shade to full sun conditions, and it can tolerate moderate shade when it is young. Extreme sunlight can lead to leaf scorching, while too much shading may cause leaf drop and stunt growth. Therefore, it is essential to plant the tree in an area where it can receive the right amount of light it needs for optimal growth and development.
Temperature
Melicope macropus requires warm or tropical temperatures to grow well. It can tolerate minimum temperatures as low as 15°C (59°F) and maximum temperatures up to 38°C (100°F). Temperatures below 15°C can lead to slow growth, while temperatures higher than 38°C can cause wilting and leaf drop. Therefore, it is essential to plant the tree in an area where the temperature stays within its tolerance range.
Soil Requirements
Melicope macropus prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH between 6.0 to 6.5. It does not do well in heavy clay soils that do not drain well, and soils that are too sandy tend to dry out too quickly and do not retain moisture. It is, therefore, essential to choose a site that has well-drained soil and to amend the soil with organic matter to improve it if necessary. Regular watering is also important to ensure that the soil remains moist, but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
The Melicope macropus thrives best in a warm, humid, and semi-shaded environment, making it an ideal indoor plant. It can adapt to various types of soils, but it prefers soil that drains well. For best results, plant Melicope macropus in a pot with a loamy mix with some sand or perlite, which enhances drainage.
Watering Needs
The Melicope macropus requires moderate watering to thrive. Allow the soil to dry slightly before watering and pour out any excess water after watering the plant. Since the plant enjoys high humidity, consider misting the leaves occasionally or placing a tray of pebbles and water beneath the pot to increase humidity levels.
Fertilization
The Melicope macropus requires monthly fertilization during the growing season, i.e., from spring to fall. You can use slow-release fertilizer granules or water-soluble fertilizer mixed with watering. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, or ask your local garden center professional for the best fertilizer recommendations.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the Melicope macropus's shape, especially if you want it to grow into a bush or tree-like shape. You can pinch off new growth in the spring or early summer to encourage bushier growth. Prune off dead, damaged, or diseased branches as soon as you spot them to prevent further damage. Make clean cuts with sterilized pruning shears to avoid infecting the plant.
Propagation of Melicope macropus
Melicope macropus, also known as Hbd., is a flowering plant that is native to Hawaii. It is a relatively easy plant to propagate, and can be propagated from both seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
To propagate Melicope macropus from seeds, the first step is to collect the seeds. This can be done by harvesting the fruit when it is ripe, and then removing the seeds from the fruit. The seeds should be washed and dried before planting.
Once the seeds are ready, they can be planted in a pot or directly in the ground. For best results, plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist but not wet. Germination typically occurs within 4-6 weeks.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation of Melicope macropus can also be done using stem cuttings. To do this, take a cutting from a healthy, mature plant. The cutting should be approximately 6 inches long and have 2-3 leaves on it.
The cutting should then be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist while the cutting establishes roots, which typically takes 4-6 weeks. Once the cutting has rooted and is actively growing, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Melicope Macropus
Melicope macropus, also known as the Alani, is a plant species that is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, certain issues may arise that require specific management techniques.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect the Alani is Powdery Mildew, a fungal disease that forms a powdery substance on the leaves. It can cause leaf drop and stunt growth if left untreated. To manage Powdery Mildew, remove the affected leaves and ensure adequate air circulation around the plant. Additionally, avoid overhead irrigation, and use a fungicide treatment if necessary.
Another disease that can affect the Alani is Phytophthora Root Rot, caused by a water mold. This disease causes root rot that makes the plant susceptible to other pathogens and leads to yellowing leaves and wilting. To prevent Phytophthora Root Rot, ensure adequate drainage and avoid overwatering. Fungicide treatments can also help manage the disease.
Common Pests
The Alani is generally not susceptible to pests, but certain insects can still pose a threat. One of the most common pests is the Mealybug, which feeds on the sap and leaves a sticky residue that attracts other pests. To manage Mealybugs, physically remove them from the plant using water or a soft brush or use insecticidal soap to control the infestation.
An additional pest that can affect the Alani is the Spider Mite. It feeds on the plant's sap and causes yellow spots on the leaves. Use appropriate insecticides or natural predators, such as ladybugs or predatory mites, to manage Spider Mite infestations.
Conclusion
While the Alani is generally pest and disease resistant, it is essential to monitor the plant for potential issues and take appropriate measures to manage them promptly.
