Overview
Nectandra membranacea, also known as Membrane Nectandra, is an evergreen tree belonging to the Laurel family, Lauraceae. This tree species is indigenous to Central and South America. It naturally grows in tropical and subtropical rainforests, primarily in the Andes region, from Colombia to Peru. Nectandra membranacea is well-known for its many medicinal uses and is an essential component of traditional medicine in several South American countries.
General Appearance
Nectandra membranacea is a tall, slender, and moderately-sized tree that can grow up to 30 meters in height. The bark on the tree is dark brown and rough, and the branches are thin and spreading. The leaves are alternately arranged on the branches, and the leaves are evergreen, glossy, and oval-shaped, measuring up to 20 cm long and 10 cm wide. The flowers are small, yellowish-green, and arranged in clusters that grow up to 4 cm long. The fruits are small, black, and fleshy, containing one seed in each.
Common Names
Nectandra membranacea is known by several common names, including membranous nectandra, membranous-laurel, membranous avocado, golden leaf tree, and membrillo.
Uses
The bark, leaves, and fruits of Nectandra membranacea are used for medicinal purposes. This tree is highly valued for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties. In traditional medicine, various parts of the tree are used to treat numerous ailments, including coughs, fever, stomach aches, diarrhea, and gynecological issues. Additionally, Nectandra membranacea extracts are used in the cosmetics industry as a natural antioxidant and emollient.
Light Requirements
Nectandra membranacea generally prefers partial to full shade conditions. It grows best in locations with filtered sunlight, such as under the canopy of taller trees. Direct sunlight exposure should be avoided as it can cause leaf burn or wilt.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species grows well in tropical to subtropical climates with relatively high humidity and temperatures ranging between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Extreme temperature fluctuations should be avoided, and frost or freezing temperatures can cause significant damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Nectandra membranacea thrives in moist, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water retention capabilities to sustain the plant's moisture requirements. However, the soil should not be water-saturated or prone to waterlogging. The plant can also grow in sandy or loamy soils.
Cultivation
The Nectandra membranacea (Sw.) Griseb. plant requires a warm and humid environment to grow. It is best to place it in an area that is partially shaded, as complete exposure to sunlight may cause leaves to scorch, while too much shade can prevent the plant from developing well. It prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 - 6.5.
Watering needs
The Nectandra membranacea (Sw.) Griseb. plant prefers to be kept slightly moist and does not tolerate overwatering or underwatering. Watering once a week or when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch is usually sufficient, but this frequency may vary depending on the environment, size of the plant, and season.
Fertilization
Fertilization with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) can be done monthly during the growing season to aid in healthy growth. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months, as the plant's growth slows down during this time.
Pruning
Pruning the Nectandra membranacea (Sw.) Griseb. plant can be done to promote new growth, remove dead wood, and maintain shape. It is best to prune during the growing season. The plant responds well to pruning, so do not be afraid to trim it back.
Propagation of Nectandra membranacea
Nectandra membranacea (Sw.) Griseb. can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and air layering. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so the choice will depend on the grower's preferences and needs.
Propagation through Seeds
The easiest and most convenient way to propagate Nectandra membranacea is through seeds. The seeds are small, black, and can be found inside the fruit that develops after pollination. The fruit ripens between January and April, depending on the region, and can be collected directly from the plant.
The seeds should be sown as soon as possible, as they lose viability quickly. They can be sown in containers with seedling mix or directly in the field, depending on the desired use. The germination rate is usually high, and the seedlings grow fast under optimal conditions.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is a common method used to obtain clones of Nectandra membranacea. The cuttings can be taken from semi-mature stems during the growing season, preferably in the early morning. The cuttings should be 10 to 15 cm long and have at least two nodes.
The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in sterilized sand or perlite, keeping the humidity levels high until roots develop. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted to individual containers or directly in the field. This method allows the grower to obtain genetically identical plants with desirable traits.
Propagation through Air Layering
Air layering is a method used to propagate Nectandra membranacea when cuttings are not readily available. This method involves wounding a branch and inducing the formation of roots at the wounded site.
The selected branch should be about one year old and have a diameter of at least 1 cm. A section of bark about 5 cm wide should be removed from the branch and covered with moist peat moss or sphagnum moss. The wound should be protected from sunlight and kept moist until roots have developed, which may take several months.
Once roots have developed, the branch can be cut below the air layer and transplanted to individual containers or directly in the field.
Disease Management
Nectandra membranacea (Sw.) Griseb. is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and survival. Some common diseases that might affect this plant include:
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes circular brown spots on the leaves. It can be managed through regular pruning of affected leaves and using fungicides.
- Root rot: This is a soil-borne disease that causes the roots to rot, leading to stunted growth and wilting. To manage this disease, it is important to improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering the plant.
- Bacterial wilt: This is a bacterial disease that causes wilting and yellowing of the leaves. It can be managed by removing affected plants and using disease-free seedlings.
Pest Management
Aside from diseases, Nectandra membranacea (Sw.) Griseb. may also be affected by pests such as:
- Scale insects: These pests can cause yellowing, wilting and stunted growth of the plant. To manage them, it is important to prune affected parts and use horticultural oils.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can cause defoliation and stunted growth of the plant. They can be managed by handpicking and using biological controls such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs can cause wilting and stunted growth of the plant. They can be managed by pruning affected parts, using insecticidal soaps and introducing natural enemies like ladybugs.
