Overview:
Memecylon occultum Jacq.-Fél. is a rare species of plant that is endemic to the island of Mauritius. It is a member of the Melastomataceae family and is known for its striking appearance and potential medicinal properties. The plant is commonly referred to as the "Mauritius blue velvet" or "satinwood" and is highly prized by horticulturists due to its unique characteristics
General Appearance:
Memecylon occultum Jacq.-Fél. is a small to medium-sized tree that can reach heights of up to 30 feet. It has a distinctive trunk that is covered in a smooth gray bark with vertical striations. The leaves are elongated, lance-shaped, and are a vibrant green color. The plant produces small pink flowers that grow in clusters and develop into blue berry-like fruits that are approximately 1 cm in diameter. The plant's foliage has a unique velvety texture, which gives it the common name "Mauritius blue velvet."
Uses:
The plant's fruit is known to have high levels of antioxidants and has been used for medicinal purposes in traditional Mauritian medicine. The leaves can also be used to make a tea, which is believed to help with a variety of ailments, including digestive disorders and respiratory infections. Additionally, the plant is commonly grown as a decorative species due to its unique appearance and velvety texture. In some cases, the wood from the tree is used for furniture and other decorative purposes.
Growth Conditions of Memecylon Occultum Jacq.-Fél.
Memecylon occultum Jacq.-Fél., commonly known as "Makiling memecylon", is a shrub or small tree that is native to the Philippines. This plant species thrives well in tropical and subtropical climates with abundant rainfall and high humidity. In its natural habitat, it usually grows as an understory plant in lowland and montane rainforests.
Light Requirements
Makiling memecylon thrives in locations with partial shade or dappled sunlight. It can tolerate full sun but only if the soil is consistently moist. It is recommended to grow it in a location that receives shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent heat stress.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Makiling memecylon is between 21°C to 28°C. It can tolerate higher temperatures but only if the soil moisture is carefully maintained. Frost is not tolerated by this plant and can be fatal, which is why it is primarily grown in warm climates.
Soil Requirements
Makiling memecylon grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers a soil pH between 5 to 6.5 and can tolerate mildly acidic to neutral soil. It is recommended to add compost or organic matter to the soil before planting to improve its overall texture and nutrient content. Additionally, the soil must be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged, to ensure the optimal growth of this species.
In summary, Makiling memecylon grows best in locations that receive partial shade or dappled sunlight, with consistently moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and a pH range between 5 to 6.5. It thrives in tropical to subtropical climates, with an ideal temperature range between 21°C to 28°C.
Cultivation Methods:
Memecylon occultum Jacq.-Fél., commonly known as 'gal gal' is a tropical evergreen shrub that is native to the Caribbean. It is easy to cultivate and can thrive both indoors and outdoors in a variety of soil conditions.
The plant loves a warm and humid climate, but it can also grow in cooler temperatures, provided it is sheltered from the wind and direct sunlight. It grows well in sandy or loamy soil that is well-draining and rich in organic matter.
The best time to plant this species is in the early spring. Prepare the soil by adding compost, peat moss, or aged manure to promote soil fertility and nutrient availability. Alternatively, you can grow the plant in a container with well-draining soil and provide it with adequate moisture and nutrients.
Watering Needs:
The watering needs of Memecylon occultum Jacq.-Fél. depend on the growing conditions. However, as a general rule, it prefers consistently moist soil that is not overly wet or waterlogged, or too dry. During the growing season, water the plant once a week or more frequently if the soil appears to dry up.
During the winter season, reduce the frequency of watering to prevent water stagnation and root rot. It is advisable to water the plant in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid waterlogging of the soil and minimize water loss due to evaporation.
Fertilization:
To promote healthy growth and flowering, you can feed Memecylon occultum Jacq.-Fél. with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks or as recommended by the manufacturer. When applying fertilizer, avoid direct contact with the leaves, stems, and roots of the plant as it can cause fertilizer burn.
You can also apply organic fertilizers such as compost, aged manure, or bone meal to improve soil fertility and enhance the nutrient availability. Apply the organic fertilizer to the top layer of the soil and water it afterward to ensure that the nutrients are absorbed by the plant roots.
Pruning:
To maintain the shape and size of Memecylon occultum Jacq.-Fél., you can prune it regularly during the growing season. The best time to prune is in the early spring before new growth appears.
Use clean and sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts at a 45-degree angle. Remove the dead, damaged, or diseased branches first, then trim back the overgrown or leggy branches to promote branching and enhance flowering.
You can also remove the lower foliage to improve air circulation and prevent pest and disease infestations. Avoid pruning too much as it can weaken the plant and reduce its vigor and flowering ability.
Propagation of Memecylon occultum Jacq.-Fél.
The most suitable propagation method for Memecylon occultum Jacq.-Fél is by using fresh seeds. The following steps should be followed to propagate this plant successfully:
Seed collecting
The collection of ripe seeds should be done carefully, before the capsule ruptures, so as not to lose the seeds. The seeds should be collected when the capsule turns brownish-yellow.
Seed treatment
The collected seeds should be cleaned to remove any pulp or debris, and then should be placed in a container with water to check for floating ability. The seeds that float should be discarded. The remaining seeds should be air-dried and stored in a cool, dry place until sowing time.
Sowing
The sowing of the Memecylon occultum Jacq.-Fél requires a well-prepared seedbed. The soil should be fertile, well-draining, and free from weeds and pests. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 0.5 to 1 cm and covered with a thin layer of soil. The seedbed should be kept moist by watering regularly but not excessively.
Germination
The seeds of Memecylon occultum Jacq.-Fél germinate within three to four weeks after sowing. The germination rate can be improved by soaking the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing. After germination, the seedlings should be gently transplanted into individual containers filled with a suitable potting mix.
Cuttings
Although possible, propagation of Memecylon occultum Jacq.-Fél by cuttings is not recommended due to the plant's slow growth rate and difficulty in rooting. However, if desired, semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken in the summer and treated with a rooting hormone before being planted in a sandy soil mix and kept under high humidity.
Disease Management
Memecylon occultum Jacq.-Fél. can be susceptible to a variety of diseases, including leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot. To manage these diseases, it's important to keep the plant healthy and prevent stress. One way to keep the plant healthy is to ensure it is properly watered and not overwatered or underwatered. Additionally, avoid getting water on the leaves as much as possible and keep the surrounding area clean and free of fallen leaves and debris. If you notice signs of disease, remove infected leaves and dispose of them properly. You may also need to apply a fungicide to prevent the spread of disease.
Pest Management
Memecylon occultum Jacq.-Fél. may also be susceptible to pest infestations, including spider mites and scale insects. To manage these pests, it's best to first identify which pest is present, as some may require different treatment methods. If you notice signs of an infestation, such as tiny webbing or scale insects on the leaves, you may need to apply an insecticide. However, be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully and only use products that are safe for the plant and the environment. In addition to spraying, you may also want to consider introducing natural predators or using other natural pest management methods such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.
