Overview: Parmentiera alata (Kunth) Miers
Parmentiera alata, also known as the Winged Candlestick Tree, is a species of flowering plant in the Bignoniaceae family. It is native to Mexico and Central America, where it can be found in the tropical forests. The plant has various uses and benefits and is often grown as an ornamental plant.
General Appearance
Parmentiera alata is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall. It has a thin and straight trunk with a grayish-brown bark that becomes rough with age. The tree has compound leaves that are bright green and arranged alternately on its stems. The leaves are made up of 5-7 leaflets that are ovate in shape with serrated edges. The tree produces fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that are yellow-green in color and about 5 cm long. The fruit of the tree is cylindrical in shape, about 15 cm long, and has winged projections that give the tree its common name.
Common Names
Parmentiera alata is known by different common names, including Winged Candlestick Tree, Cuachilote, Coyolillo, Cachumba, and Guatemala Sweet.
Uses
Parmentiera alata has a wide range of uses and benefits as a plant. The fruits of the tree are edible, and the seeds can be roasted and ground into a powder that is used to make a hot beverage or a chocolate substitute. The bark of the tree is used by the indigenous people of Central America to treat skin diseases, while the leaves have anti-inflammatory properties and are used to treat arthritis and rheumatism. The tree is also used ornamentally as an attractive and unique landscaping plant, and its fragrant flowers and colorful fruit make it popular among gardeners and horticulturists.
Light Requirements
Parmentiera alata is a plant that thrives in full sun or partial shade. It needs a minimum of six hours of sunlight daily to grow and develop properly. The plant requires bright and direct light to flower and bear fruit.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers a warm and humid climate. It grows well in areas with temperatures between 18 to 28°C. Parmentiera alata can tolerate mild frost but is not cold-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Parmentiera alata grows best in well-drained soils that are fertile and rich in organic matter. It prefers soils with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. Additionally, the plant can grow in sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as the soil is well-drained. It is important to note that the plant does not tolerate stagnant water, so the soil should not be waterlogged.
Cultivation
Parmentiera alata, commonly known as the balsam apple, is a shrub native to Central America. It grows best in tropical climates and can also be grown indoors in temperate regions. The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. It can tolerate full sun but does well in partial shade.
Watering Needs
The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can cause the leaves to wilt.
Fertilization
The plant benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season (fall and winter).
Pruning
Pruning Parmentiera alata is not mandatory, but it can help maintain the plant's shape and promote healthy growth. Prune in early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. You can also prune back the plant to control its size and shape.
Propagation of Parmentiera alata
Parmentiera alata, also known as the Balsam Apple, can be propagated through several methods. The most common techniques include seed propagation, stem cuttings, and air-layering. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the success of the method depends on various factors such as environmental conditions, age of the plant, and time of year.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most natural way to reproduce Parmentiera alata. The seeds are collected from ripe fruits, washed and dried to remove any mucilage. The seeds are then sown in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist under partial shade. Germination typically occurs within 2-4 weeks, and the seedlings are transplanted into individual pots after the second set of leaves appear. However, seed propagation can take longer to establish and may take up to five years to reach maturity.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are taken from mature plants during the growing season. Softwood cuttings taken in spring are preferred, but hardwood cuttings taken in winter can also be successful. Cuttings should be 6-8 inches long with at least two sets of leaves. The lower leaves are stripped, and the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to promote root development. The cuttings are planted in well-draining soil, kept moist, and placed under partial shade. Rooting can take 4-6 weeks, and once rooted, the new plant can be transplanted into individual pots.
Air-layering
Air-layering is a propagation method that involves creating a wound on the stem of the plant and stimulating new roots to develop from that wound. This is typically done in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. A section of the stem is selected, and a strip of bark is removed from the stem, leaving a ring of exposed tissue. The exposed area is then covered with moist sphagnum moss and wrapped in plastic. After roots have formed, the rooted section is removed from the parent plant and planted in well-draining soil.
Disease Management for Parmentiera alata
Parmentiera alata is prone to various diseases that can lead to reduced growth, yield, and even death of the plant. The following are some common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots, twig blight, and fruit rot. To manage the disease, remove the infected plant parts and destroy them. Use fungicides as directed by the manufacturer.
- Root Rot: This is a disease caused by fungi that attack the roots, leading to reduced growth and wilting. To manage the disease, avoid overwatering the plant, ensure proper drainage, and remove infected plant parts.
- Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as white powdery spots on the leaves. To manage the disease, improve air circulation, avoid overcrowding, and use fungicides as directed by the manufacturer.
Pest Management for Parmentiera alata
Parmentiera alata is also prone to pest attacks that can reduce plant growth and yield. The following are some common pests that might affect the plant:
- Spider Mites: These are tiny pests that suck sap from the leaves, leading to reduced growth. To manage the pests, use miticides as directed by the manufacturer, avoid over-fertilizing, and improve air circulation.
- Mealybugs: These are small, white, fuzzy pests that suck sap from the plant, leading to yellowing of leaves and reduced growth. To manage the pests, use insecticidal soap as directed by the manufacturer, prune the infected parts, and improve air circulation.
- Scale Insects: These pests appear as brown bumps on the plant, causing reduced growth and wilting. To manage the pests, use insecticides as directed by the manufacturer, remove and destroy the infected plant parts, and improve air circulation.
