Overview
Paraserianthes falcataria, also known as Albizia falcataria or Falcataria moluccana, is a fast-growing deciduous tree belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands, including Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines.
Common Names
The plant is known by several common names including Moluccan sau, pacific albizia, white siris, and Indonesian albizia.
General Appearance
The tree can grow up to 30 meters tall with a trunk diameter of 60 centimeters. The bark of the tree is dark brown with a rough texture. The leaves are green, feathery, and resemble fern leaves, with 2-6 pairs of pinnae, each with 5-10 pairs of leaflets. The fruit of the tree is a pod, which is flat, brown, and about 12 centimeters in length.
Uses
The Paraserianthes falcataria is widely used for reforestation and as a shade tree. It is a great source of timber and wood pulp due to its fast growth rate, light weight, and strength. Its leaves are also a good source of fodder for livestock. Additionally, the bark and leaves of the tree are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, cough, and skin infections.
Light Requirements
Paraserianthes falcataria (L.) I. Nielsen is a fast-growing plant that thrives in full sunlight. In general, it prefers exposure to direct sunlight for most of the day. Lack of sufficient sunlight may result in stunted growth, poor foliage development, and reduced overall vigor.
Temperature Requirements
Paraserianthes falcataria (L.) I. Nielsen is adapted to a wide range of temperatures, but the optimal temperature range for growth and development is between 20 and 30°C. It is relatively tolerant of high temperatures, as long as soil moisture is sufficient. Temperatures below 15°C can inhibit growth and result in leaf yellowing or leaf drop.
Soil Requirements
Paraserianthes falcataria (L.) I. Nielsen grows well in a range of well-drained soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It grows best in soil that is nutrient-rich and has a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. This species can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil, but it does not grow well in highly acidic or highly alkaline soils.
The plant prefers soil that is moist but not waterlogged. It cannot tolerate prolonged periods of soil waterlogging, which can cause root rot and other diseases. Good soil drainage and regular watering can help prevent soil waterlogging, especially during rainy seasons.
Cultivation Methods for Paraserianthes falcataria (L.) I. Nielsen
Paraserianthes falcataria grows well in a wide range of soils, including loamy, clayey, and sandy soils. However, for optimal growth, it is best to plant the tree in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter.
The recommended planting season for Paraserianthes falcataria is during the rainy season when soil moisture is high. The ideal planting distance is 2 meters by 2 meters, and the recommended planting method is direct sowing.
Watering Needs for Paraserianthes falcataria (L.) I. Nielsen
Paraserianthes falcataria requires adequate water during the establishment period. Watering should be done regularly, especially during the dry season.
The recommended irrigation schedule for Paraserianthes falcataria is once every two days, depending on the prevailing weather conditions.
Fertilization of Paraserianthes falcataria (L.) I. Nielsen
Fertilization of Paraserianthes falcataria should be done during the first year after planting. Apply nitrogenous fertilizers at a rate of 60 g per tree. During the second year, apply 120 g of fertilizer per tree, and during the third year, apply 180 g of fertilizer per tree.
To promote healthy growth, apply organic manure at a rate of 40 kg per tree annually. Mulching with green manure can also provide the necessary nutrients for the tree's growth.
Pruning of Paraserianthes falcataria (L.) I. Nielsen
Pruning of Paraserianthes falcataria should be done during the tree's early years to promote healthy growth and prevent forming multiple stems.
The recommended time to prune the tree is during the dry season. Remove any broken or damaged branches, and retain the tree's central leader to prevent it from developing multiple stems.
Remove the lower branches of the tree to promote a clear stem, which is ideal for timber production.
Propagation Methods for Paraserianthes falcataria (L.) I. Nielsen
Paraserianthes falcataria, commonly known as the Philippine albizia or Moluccan sau, is a fast-growing plant that can be propagated through different methods.
Seed Propagation
The most common way to propagate Paraserianthes falcataria is through seeds. The seeds are usually collected from mature pods, which are brown and have started to split open. After collecting the seeds, they should be dried under shade for a few days to help remove any excess moisture.
Once the seeds are dry, they can be sown in seed beds that are well-drained and have been prepared with a mixture of sand and compost. The seeds should then be covered with a thin layer of soil and watered regularly. Germination usually occurs within 7 to 10 days.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method of propagating Paraserianthes falcataria is through stem cuttings. For this method, stem cuttings that are about 15cm long and have a few leaves should be collected from a healthy and mature plant.
The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder to stimulate root growth. The cuttings should then be planted in a well-drained soil mixture, covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity and kept in partial shade until rooted.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is a method that works well for Paraserianthes falcataria, especially when a mature plant is not available for seed or stem cutting propagation. The method involves removing a ring of bark from a branch 15-20cm from the tip, covering the wound with a rooting hormone and sphagnum moss and wrapping it in plastic.
The branch is then left to grow roots, and after a few weeks, when roots have started to form, the branch can be cut and planted in a well-drained soil mixture.
These propagation methods are simple and can be done at home by gardeners or brought up extensively by nurseries to grow saplings for plantation.
Disease Management
Paraserianthes falcataria (L.) I. Nielsen is susceptible to several diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant. The most common diseases affecting the plant include:
- Fusarium Wilt: The disease is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum and is characterized by yellowing of leaves, wilting, and death of the plant. To manage Fusarium wilt, it is essential to remove and destroy infected plants and to avoid using contaminated soil for planting the seedlings.
- Anthracnose: The disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and results in the formation of sunken lesions on the leaves, stems, and pods. To control Anthracnose, it is important to remove and destroy infected parts of the plant and to apply fungicide sprays to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Brown Blight: The disease is caused by the fungus Pestalotiopsis sp. and is characterized by the formation of brown spots on the leaves, twigs, and branches. To prevent Brown Blight, it is important to remove and destroy infected plants and to avoid overwatering.
Pest Management
Several pests can attack the Paraserianthes falcataria (L.) I. Nielsen plant, causing significant damage to the plant. The most common pests that affect the plant include:
- Root-Knot Nematodes: These pests cause galls to form on the roots, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield. To manage Root-Knot Nematodes, it is important to ensure that the soil is properly drained, apply nematicide treatments, and practice crop rotation.
- Shoot Borers: These pests bore into the branches and stem of the plant, leading to wilting and death. To control Shoot Borers, it is important to prune and destroy infected branches and apply insecticide sprays to prevent further damage.
- Leaf-Eating Caterpillars: These pests feed on the leaves, leading to defoliation and reduced growth. To prevent damage caused by Leaf-Eating Caterpillars, it is important to apply insecticide sprays, introduce natural enemies such as parasitoids and predators, and practice good cultural techniques such as removing plant debris and maintaining plant health.
