Origin
Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. cuspidata (Wall. ex G.Don) A.Chev. is a plant species that is native to the Eastern Himalayas, specifically in Bhutan, Northeast India, and Southeast Tibet.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Bhutan Olive and Indian Holly Olive. It is also referred to as the "Sangay Shamu" in Bhutan.
Uses
The fruit of the Bhutan Olive is commonly used as a food source. The fruit is small and round, with a diameter of about 1-1.5 cm and turns black when ripe. It is commonly used in pickles and sauces in the areas where it is grown. The tree is also used for ornamental purposes in gardens and landscaping due to its attractive small flowers and shiny leaves. The plant has been used in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes, including the treatment of skin diseases and as an antipyretic.
General Appearance
The Bhutan Olive tree can grow up to 15 meters tall. It has a rounded crown and a grayish-brown trunk that is slightly flaky. The plant has shiny, evergreen leaves that are elliptical in shape and have a pointed tip. The leaves are characterized by a golden-colored midrib and veins, which give the plant its name "chrysophylla," meaning "golden-leaved." The small, white flowers of the plant grow in clusters and have a sweet fragrance. The fruit of the tree is small and round, with a diameter of about 1-1.5 cm, and turns black when ripe.
Light Requirements
Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. cuspidata requires full to partial sunlight to grow successfully. It can tolerate some shade but needs enough light for photosynthesis. It grows best in areas with ample sunlight, receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. cuspidata growth is between 20°C to 25°C. It can also tolerate temperatures up to 35°C and down to 5°C. The tree prefers a mild temperature, and sudden temperature changes can damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. cuspidata prefers fertile, well-drained soil. The pH level of the soil should be neutral or slightly acidic, ranging from 6.5 to 7. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, but requires soil that is rich in organic matter, such as humus. Proper drainage is critical, and it can't tolerate waterlogged soil.
Cultivation Methods
Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. cuspidata (Wall. ex G.Don) A.Chev. is a slow-growing plant that thrives in warm, temperate regions. It is recommended to plant this tree in well-draining soil that has good water retention properties. The plant prefers areas that receive adequate sunlight and shade during different times of the day. Young plants may need some protection from direct sunlight, so a shade cloth can be used to cover them.Watering Needs
This plant is drought-tolerant but needs regular watering until it is established. After it has established, the watering frequency can be reduced to once a week or when the topsoil feels dry to touch. It is important to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged as it may lead to root rot.Fertilization
Fertilization is important for Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. cuspidata (Wall. ex G.Don) A.Chev. during the growing season. The best time to fertilize is during the spring season when the plant starts to develop new growth. A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 mix, can be applied once every three to four months. Alternatively, a slow-release fertilizer can be used to avoid over-fertilization which can be harmful to the plant.Pruning
Pruning Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. cuspidata (Wall. ex G.Don) A.Chev. is essential to maintain its shape, and promote healthy growth. The best time to prune is during the dormant season, which is in winter. Dead or diseased branches should be removed as soon as possible, while other branches can be pruned to maintain the desired shape. It is recommended to avoid over pruning, as it may negatively affect the plant's growth and overall health.Propagation of Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. cuspidata
Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. cuspidata (Wall. ex G.Don) A.Chev. can be propagated through several methods:
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation involves taking stem cuttings from the plant and rooting them in a suitable rooting medium. Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants with semi-hardwood stems, which are not too soft or too woody.
The best time to take cuttings is during the plant's active growing season, in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm in length and should have at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, leaving only a few leaves at the top of the cutting.
Once the cuttings have been taken, they should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a suitable rooting medium, such as perlite or vermiculite. They should be kept in a warm, humid environment and watered regularly. After a few weeks, the cuttings should develop roots and can be transplanted into pots or directly into the ground.
Seed propagation
Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. cuspidata can also be propagated from seed. The seeds should be collected from ripe fruits and cleaned of any pulp or debris. The seeds should then be soaked in water for several hours to soften the seed coat, promoting germination.
The seeds can then be planted in a suitable seed starting mix and kept in a warm, humid environment. Once the seeds have germinated and developed their first set of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Grafting
Another propagation method for Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. cuspidata is grafting. This involves joining a cutting or seedling from the desired plant onto a rootstock of a related plant, such as Olea europaea. Grafting is often used to propagate varieties that are difficult to root from cuttings or are very slow to grow from seed.
Grafting should be done during the plant's growing season, typically in late spring or early summer. The rootstock should be chosen for its strong root system and disease resistance, while the cutting or seedling should be chosen for its desirable characteristics, such as fruit quality or ornamental value.
Disease and Pest Management for Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. cuspidata (Wall. ex G.Don) A.Chev.
Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. cuspidata, commonly known as the Himalayan olive, is a species of small tree native to The Himalayas. The plant is relatively hardy, but it can still be prone to certain pests and diseases that can affect its growth and health. In this section, we will discuss common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that might affect Olea chrysophylla is anthracnose. The disease is usually caused by fungi that thrive in wet and warm conditions. Symptoms of anthracnose include leaf spots, distorted shoots, and twig dieback. To manage the disease, it is essential to avoid overhead watering, improve air circulation around the plant, and prune any infected shoots.
Bacterial leaf spot is another disease that can affect Olea chrysophylla. It is characterized by the appearance of small, dark brown spots on the leaves. The spots can coalesce and cause defoliation. To manage the disease, ensure proper sanitation by removing any infected leaves and debris, avoid overhead watering, and use copper-based fungicides.
Common Pests
Olea chrysophylla is relatively pest-resistant, but it can still be affected by certain insects. One of the pests that might attack the plant is the olive fruit fly. It feeds on the fruit, causing damage and dropping premature fruit. A good way to manage the pest is to use yellow sticky traps to trap the adult flies, grow trap plants around the area, and use insecticides.
Another pest that might affect Olea chrysophylla is the olive scale. It is characterized by small, circular, and raised bumps on the leaves and twigs. The scale can cause leaf yellowing and dieback. To manage the pest, use horticultural oils to smother the scales, handpick larger scales, and introduce beneficial predators.
In conclusion, proper disease, and pest management is essential in ensuring the health and longevity of Olea chrysophylla. By implementing the suggested management practices, the plant can thrive and produce healthy and abundant fruits.
