Overview of Monelasmum Excelsum Tiegh.
Monelasmum excelsum Tiegh. is a plant species that belongs to the family Melastomataceae, commonly known as the ‘Red-fruited melastome’. It is a rare, evergreen shrub or small tree, native to the Ecuadorian Andes and occurs in forests along with a variety of bromeliads, orchids, and ferns.
General Appearance
The tree can grow up to a height of 5-12m with a width of 5m, but often shorter in cultivation. The leaves are elliptic, 10-18 cm long, and 5-10 cm wide, slightly glossy on the upper surface, and with many conspicuous small veins on the lower surface. The inflorescence is an elongated panicle, bearing deep rose-pink flowers. The flowers have a distinctive fragrance, resembling that of grape soda. The fruit is a bright red, fleshy, edible berry, containing several tiny seeds.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as ‘Red-fruited melastome’, ‘Gumby Gumby’, ‘Andean Wax Myrtle’, ‘Myrtle tree’, and ‘Chiscalito’. It earned the name ‘Gumby Gumby’ for its resilient, flexible branches that can be bent but will not break.
Uses
Monelasmum excelsum Tiegh. has many medicinal uses, including treating digestive issues, respiratory problems, and arthritis relief. The leaves and bark are also used in traditional medicine as a poultice to heal wounds and skin infections. The berries are used to make jams and jelly. In addition to medicinal properties, it is also valued for its ornamental qualities and is grown as an attractive garden plant due to its showy flowers and red berries.
In conclusion, Monelasmum excelsum Tiegh. is a rare and attractive plant that is valued for its medicinal and ornamental qualities. Its deep pink flowers, red berries, and distinctive grape soda fragrance make it a popular choice for gardeners and herbalists alike.
Light Requirements
The Monelasmum excelsum Tiegh. plant is known to grow best in areas with direct sunlight for a minimum of 6 hours a day. Without adequate light, this plant cannot perform photosynthesis, a vital process in its growth and development. It can, however, tolerate partial shade. This plant is ideal for outdoor growing because it requires natural sunlight from the sun at full strength.
Temperature Requirements
The Monelasmum excelsum Tiegh. plant thrives in warm temperatures with a minimum requirement of 18°C (65°F) and a maximum threshold of 30°C (86°F). Temperatures outside this range can affect the plant's metabolism and its overall growth, leading to the wilting of leaves or stunted growth. However, this plant can adapt to cooler temperatures, but growth will be slower than normal.
Soil Requirements
The Monelasmum excelsum Tiegh. plant grows best in rich, well-draining soil types such as sandy loam, clay loam, or loamy soils. The soil should also be slightly acidic with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. These soil types provide the necessary nutrients and water retention levels required for optimal growth and development. The plant also has a shallow root system; therefore, the soil should be loose enough to allow for air circulation in the soil. Lastly, this plant is suitable for potted plant cultivation and used in both indoor and outdoor gardening.
Cultivation
Monelasmum excelsum Tiegh. is a plant that is native to Madagascar and is commonly known as the Malagasy Tree Fern. The plant is not difficult to cultivate and grows well in areas with humid conditions and a moderate amount of bright indirect light. The Malagasy Tree Fern requires well-draining soil that is also rich in organic matter and should be planted in containers that offer good drainage.
Watering Needs
The Malagasy Tree Fern is a plant that thrives in moist conditions. It should be watered regularly to maintain the soil's humidity level. The frequency of watering should be dependent on factors such as the prevailing climatic conditions and the type of soil in which it is planted. It is important to note that overwatering can lead to root rot and is harmful to the plant. Therefore, it is important to use watering practices that ensure the plant is sufficiently hydrated without compromising its health.
Fertilization
The Malagasy Tree Fern requires a moderate amount of fertilization to maintain healthy growth. The plant should be fertilized bi-weekly using organic fertilizers that are rich in nitrogen and potassium. The fertilization process should be done during the growing seasons to enhance the foliage growth. It is important to avoid using fertilizers that are too strong as they can cause salt build-up in the soil, which can harm the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential practice that ensures the Malagasy Tree Fern grows properly and maintains its aesthetic appeal. The plant should be pruned bi-annually to remove any dead fronds and keep the plant looking neat and tidy. It is also important to prune any unwanted growth to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to diseases and stunted growth. When pruning the Malagasy Tree Fern, it is important to use gardening tools that are sharp, clean, and sterilized to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Monelasmum Excelsum Tiegh.
Monelasmum excelsum Tiegh., commonly known as the Pacific Island Pine, is a species of coniferous tree that is native to the Pacific Islands. The propagation of this species is typically done through seedlings, cuttings, and grafting.
Seedlings
Propagating Monelasmum excelsum Tiegh. through seedlings requires collecting mature cones during the fall season. The cones should be left in a dry and cool place until they open up. Once they open, the seeds can be collected and stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry place.
To start seedlings, the seeds should be sown in a well-draining potting mix and covered lightly with soil. The seeds should be kept moist with frequent watering and placed in a warm area with indirect sunlight. Germination typically occurs within four to six weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to larger containers once they develop their first true leaves.
Cuttings
Monelasmum excelsum Tiegh. can also be propagated through softwood cuttings taken during the summer months. Cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth and should be about four to six inches long.
The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in a well-draining potting mix. They should be kept in a warm, humid environment and misted regularly. Rooting should occur within four to six weeks, and the cuttings can be transplanted to larger containers once they have developed roots.
Grafting
Grafting Monelasmum excelsum Tiegh. is typically done onto seedling rootstocks to produce a desired cultivar. The rootstock should be a healthy seedling that is about two years old.
The scionwood for grafting should be taken during the winter months when the tree is dormant. It should be about the same diameter as the rootstock and should have several buds. The graft should be performed using the cleft grafting method, and the tree should be kept moist and protected from direct sunlight until the graft has fully healed.
Overall, Monelasmum excelsum Tiegh. can be propagated through seedlings, cuttings, and grafting. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of propagation method will depend on the goals of the grower.
Disease Management
Monelasmum excelsum Tiegh. is susceptible to various fungal, viral, and bacterial diseases, which can weaken or kill the plant. Common diseases that might affect the plant include:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark, sunken lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruits, eventually leading to defoliation and fruit drop. To manage anthracnose, prune and dispose of infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply copper-based fungicides.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease creates a white-gray powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers, affecting photosynthesis and plant growth. To manage powdery mildew, improve air circulation around the plant, remove infected plant parts, and apply sulfur-based fungicides.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes circular or angular spots on the leaves, turning brown or black with a yellow halo. To manage leaf spot, remove infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply copper-based fungicides.
Pest Management
Monelasmum excelsum Tiegh. is also vulnerable to various pests, such as insects, mites, and nematodes, which can cause direct damage to the plant or transmit diseases. Common pests that might affect the plant include:
- Scale insects: These insects suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. To manage scale insects, prune and dispose of heavily infested plant parts, apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, or introduce predatory insects.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests suck sap from the leaves, creating a yellow-mottled appearance and webbing on the plant surfaces. To manage spider mites, improve air humidity around the plant, wash the leaves with water, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce predatory mites.
- Root-knot nematodes: These soil-dwelling pests infect the roots, causing galls, stunted growth, and nutrient deficiency. To manage root-knot nematodes, rotate crops, use sterile planting soil, apply nematode-resistant cultivars, or use biocontrol agents.
