Origin
Nephelium mutabile Blume, also known as lumra or black/red false fruit, is a tropical fruit-bearing tree that belongs to the soapberry family Sapindaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia, specifically in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Common Names
Aside from lumra or black/red false fruit, Nephelium mutabile Blume is known by other common names such as kedondong dalam, binjai, and belunu. In the Philippines, it is called alig. The plant's common name refers to the fact that its fruit is often mistaken for a lychee fruit, which is of the same family but is a different species.
Uses
The fruit of Nephelium mutabile Blume is edible and is often consumed fresh. The flesh of the fruit is juicy, sweet, and slightly sour, with a flavor that has been described as a cross between a lychee and a grape. The fruit is also used to make jams, pickles, and various desserts. Aside from its culinary uses, the tree's bark contains tannin, which is used in the production of ink and leather dyes.
General Appearance
Nephelium mutabile Blume is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 25 meters high. The tree's leaves are pinnate, with 7-19 leaflets that are oblong and pointed, and can reach up to 10 centimeters long. The tree's flowers are small and white, and are arranged in clusters or panicles. The fruit of the tree is round, with a diameter of 3-5 centimeters, and has a hard, woody shell that is covered with short spines. The fruit's flesh is white, translucent, and has a kernel in the center.
Light Requirements
Nephelium mutabile Blume is a tropical tree species that grows well in bright light conditions. The plant requires at least 6 hours of full sunlight exposure to grow healthily. To protect the plant from direct sun rays, it's advisable to place it in places with partial shade, especially during the hot season. Lack of enough light results in the stunted growth of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The best temperature range for Nephelium mutabile Blume is between 60°F and 80°F (15°C-27°C). These temperatures allow the plant to grow optimally and produce healthy fruits. Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or above 90°F (32°C) can affect the plant's growth and lower yields. If you live in colder regions, it's best to grow the plants in a greenhouse or indoors to regulate temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Nephelium mutabile Blume thrives in well-draining soils, rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be slightly acidic, between 5.5 and 6.5, to ensure optimal growth. It's essential to prepare the soil adequately before planting and add suitable fertilizers to boost the nutrient levels. If the soil is poorly drained, consider planting the tree on a raised bed to avoid waterlogging, which can result in root rot.
Cultivation of Nephelium mutabile Blume
Nephelium mutabile Blume, commonly known as "Pulasan," is a tropical fruit tree native to Southeast Asia. It belongs to the same family as the popular "lychee" fruit. If you plan to cultivate this tree, it is essential to ensure that you reside in a region with a tropical climate. This plant thrives well in warm and humid environments with sufficient rainfall and well-draining soil.
You can grow the Nephelium mutabile Blume tree from seed or seedling. However, starting from seed may be challenging since the seeds have a short lifespan. Moreover, the seedlings take about four to five years to mature and bear fruits. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase seedlings from certified nurserymen to save time.
Watering Needs
Water is crucial in the growth and development of the Pulasan plant. The tree requires enough water to support the growth of its canopy and produce fruits. It is recommended to water the plant regularly, especially during periods of drought. The amount of water required depends on the weather and the age of the plant. Newly transplanted and young plants may need more water compared to the mature ones.
Fertilization
Nephelium mutabile Blume requires regular fertilization to thrive and produce higher yields. The appropriate fertilizers for this plant are high in potassium and nitrogen. Nitrogen enhances the growth of the plant, and potassium is essential for the production of fruits, especially during the flowering stage.
You can apply the fertilizer three times a year, preferably before the flowering period. One way to apply the fertilizer is by scattering it around the base of the tree and lightly mixing it with the soil. It is essential to follow the recommended application rates to avoid overfertilization that could damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential practice that helps in promoting the growth and development of Nephelium mutabile Blume. It involves removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches to improve the quality and quantity of the fruits. It is advisable to prune the plant after every harvest season.
When pruning, use sharp and sterile tools to prevent infections. You can also trim the branches that exceed the desired height of the tree to maintain its shape and size. Avoid excessive pruning since it can reduce the yield of the next season.
Propagation of Nephelium mutabile Blume
Nephelium mutabile Blume, also known as the pulasan, is a tropical fruit tree that is native to Southeast Asia. It is a popular fruit crop due to its sweet and juicy pulps. The reproduction of pulasan can be achieved by seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Propagation by Seed
The most common method of propagating pulasan is by seed. The seeds of Nephelium mutabile Blume are viable for up to 2 weeks after extraction from the fruit. To propagate through seed, follow these steps:
- Select ripe and healthy pulasan fruits for seed extraction.
- Remove the seeds from the fruit pulp and wash them thoroughly with clean water.
- Sow the seeds immediately in a potting mix of loam, sand, and organic matter.
- Water the potting mix regularly and keep it moist until the seedlings emerge in about 2-3 weeks.
- Transplant the seedlings to individual pots when they reach a height of 5-6 cm.
- Continue watering and fertilizing the seedlings until they are ready for planting in the field.
Propagation by Vegetative Means
Propagation by vegetative means is normally done only for the selected cultivars. The vegetative propagation of pulasan can be achieved through:
- Air layering: This method involves wounding a branch, applying rooting hormone and covering it with peat moss or plastic wrap till roots develop.
- Budding: This method involves joining a bud from the desired cultivar, onto a seedling of the same or closely related species.
- Grafting: This method involves joining a scion from the desired cultivar onto a seedling of the same or closely related species.
Propagation by vegetative means is a more reliable and faster method for maintaining the desirable characters than seedling propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Nephelium Mutabile Blume
Nephelium mutabile Blume, commonly known as the "pulasan" fruit tree, is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are some of the most common issues and how to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the fruit, leaves, and twigs of the pulasan tree, causing dark spots and lesions. The disease can spread rapidly during rainy weather. To manage this disease, prune infected twigs and remove infected fruits. Apply fungicide to protect healthy fruits and prevent further spreading.
Phytophthora root rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi and it affects the roots of the tree, causing wilting, leaf drop, stem rot, and even tree death. The disease can be managed by avoiding waterlogging or overwatering in the growing area, planting in well-draining soil, and avoiding root damage during cultivation. Apply fungicide to mitigate the disease, but prevention is the most effective measure.
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is caused by fungi and it affects the leaves of the tree, causing spots and holes. The disease can spread quickly during wet weather. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves from the tree and clean the area. Apply fungicide to protect healthy leaves, and avoid overhead irrigation to reduce moisture on leaves.
Pests
Fruit flies: Fruit flies are the most common pest that affects the pulasan fruit tree. These insects feed on the fruit, causing premature fruit drop and reducing yield. To manage fruit flies, cover the fruit with protective bags or nets. Remove and dispose of infested fruits and clean the area regularly. You can also use pheromone traps to attract and trap the adult fruit flies.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, soft insects that feed on the sap of the tree, causing yellowing and wilting of leaves and shoots. To manage mealybugs, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, which can suffocate and repel the insects. Prune infected twigs and dispose of them, or use a high-pressure jet of water to wash off the insects.
Mites: Mites are tiny spider-like pests that feed on the leaves, causing yellowing and defoliation. To manage mites, use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, which can suffocate and repel the insects. Prune infected twigs and dispose of them, or use a high-pressure jet of water to wash off the insects.
In conclusion, disease and pest management are crucial for the health and productivity of the pulasan fruit tree. Proper cultural practices, regular monitoring, and timely intervention can help prevent and manage most issues. Consult with local experts and follow the recommended guidelines for optimal results.
