Overview of Picrasma Blume
Picrasma Blume, also known as the Quassia tree or Bitter Ash, is a flowering plant native to tropical regions including South and Central America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The plant belongs to the Simaroubaceae family and is known for its medicinal properties.
Common Names of Picrasma Blume
Picrasma Blume is commonly known by different names around the world. In Central and South America, it is known as "Quassia amarga" or "Cayenne Quassia," while in Africa, it is referred to as "African bitterwood." In India, the plant is known as "Kiratatikta," which means bitter herb in Sanskrit.
Usages of Picrasma Blume
Picrasma Blume is primarily known for its medicinal properties. Historically, the plant's bark and roots have been used in traditional medicine to cure various ailments such as fever, malaria, and dysentery. The plant contains the compound quassin, which is known for its anti-tumor, antimalarial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The extract from the Quassia tree is also used as a natural insecticide to control pests such as fleas, lice, and mosquitoes.
General Appearance of Picrasma Blume
The Quassia tree is a small evergreen tree or shrub that can grow up to 10 meters tall. It has a straight trunk with dark brown bark and smooth leaves. The leaves are pinnately compound, and the small, yellow flowers bloom in clusters. The tree produces small red fruits that are not edible. The plant's distinctive feature is its extremely bitter taste, which comes from the compound quassin found in the tree's bark and roots.
Growth Conditions for Picrasma Blume Plant
Picrasma Blume is a woody plant that belongs to Simaroubaceae family. It is widely used in traditional medicine and also has attractive foliage, making it an excellent option as an indoor plant for many homeowners.
Light
Picrasma Blume is a light-loving plant and requires bright, direct sunlight to grow healthy and strong. Therefore, it is recommended to place it in a spot where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, young plants should be placed in partial shade for the first few months to avoid burning of their leaves.
Temperature
Picrasma Blume grows best in a warm environment. The ideal temperature range for this plant ranges between 15 to 32°C. It can tolerate low temperatures but should not be placed in a place where the temperature falls below 10°C. Extremely high temperatures can also affect the plant's growth resulting in stunted growth and slow development.
Soil
The soil requirement of Picrasma Blume is well-draining soil. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and sand is ideal for its growth. It also thrives well in slightly acidic to neutral soil pH levels ranging between 5.5 to 6.5. The soil must be well-drained to avoid waterlogging that can result in root rot and affect its growth.
Fertilization
The plant should be fertilized regularly with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in a ratio of 10:10:10 are ideal. Over fertilization should be avoided as it can burn the roots and damage the plant.
Water
Picrasma Blume requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist, but not soggy, and watering should be reduced during the winter months. It is best to water the plant in the morning to allow excess water to evaporate. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot and cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
Regular pruning of Picrasma Blume is essential to maintain its shape and encourage bushy growth. The plant can be pruned during the growing season to remove dead or diseased branches and promote new growth. Pruning should be done carefully to avoid damaging the plant.
Pests and Diseases
Picrasma Blume is susceptible to pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Regular inspection and treatment with an insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control pest infestation. The plant is also susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot, which can be prevented by avoiding overwatering and providing adequate drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Picrasma Blume, also known as a bitter quassia, is a deciduous tree native to East Asian countries like China, Japan, and Korea. This plant prefers warm temperatures and grows well in both full sun and partial shade. It requires well-draining soil, and avoiding waterlogging in the soil is important for its growth.
The plant can be propagated using seeds or cuttings. Seedlings are usually transplanted after six months of growth, and they develop into saplings within two to three years, reaching maturity after five years.
Watering Needs
Picrasma Blume requires adequate watering to establish well, but it should not be overwatered. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can cause leaf shedding. Watering once or twice a week during the growing season is sufficient, but less frequent watering is necessary during the non-growing season.
The plant should be watered at the base to avoid splashing water on the foliage, which can lead to the development of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Picrasma Blume requires regular fertilization to attain optimal growth. A balanced fertilizer with equal proportions of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium is suitable for this plant. Fertilizing should occur during the growing season, and the application should be as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Compost can be used as a natural fertilizer in place of synthetic fertilizers. It supplies the plant with necessary nutrients while retaining water in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Pruning
Pruning Picrasma Blume is necessary to remove the dead or diseased branches and encourage new growth. It also helps maintain the desired shape and size, and increase air circulation to avoid fungal infections.
The ideal time to prune is during the dormant season to minimize stress on the tree, but minor pruning can occur throughout the year. All pruning cuts must be clean and made at an angle to minimize soil accumulation, which can be a breeding ground for pests and diseases.
Propagation of Picrasma Blume
Picrasma Blume, commonly known as winged euonymus, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the family of Staff-tree family. This plant is native to East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. They prefer well-drained soil, and the plant can grow to a maximum height of 15 feet.
Propagation Methods
The Picrasma Blume plant can be propagated through seeds and cuttings. However, in nurseries, it is preferred to propagate it with cuttings. Here are the two methods of propagation:
1. Propagation through seeds
The seeds of Picrasma Blume are oval and a little larger than the size of a sesame seed. They can be propagated during late fall or early spring when the temperature of the soil is around 70°F. Here are the steps for seed propagation:
- Moisten the soil before sowing the seeds.
- Afterward, place the seeds on the soil surface and press them gently.
- Water regularly, keeping the soil moist until germination. The seeds will typically germinate within three to four weeks.
- Once the plants are four inches tall, you can transplant them into the outdoors or larger pots.
2. Propagation through cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is a common method for Picrasma Blume plants. Here are the steps for cuttings propagation:
- Collect branches that are young and do not have any diseases.
- From the stem, cut a 6-inch long section of the branch.
- Remove the bottom leaves and any flowers or buds from the cutting.
- Dip the cuttings into rooting hormone powder and place it in well-draining soil.
- Water immediately, and regularly afterwards.
- Once the root system is established, transplant the new plants outdoors or larger pots.
Propagation of Picrasma Blume through cuttings is relatively quick, and the new plants will be ready in a few months. The plants propagated through cuttings will be very similar to the parent plant in terms of height, flower and leaf quality.
Disease and Pest Management for Picrasma Blume
Picrasma Blume, also known as the winged elm, is a deciduous tree that can be found in various regions of the world, including East Asia, Australia, and North America. Like all plants, the winged elm is susceptible to pests and diseases that can have a significant impact on its growth and survival.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Picrasma Blume is Dutch elm disease, which is caused by a fungus that blocks water transport in the tree. The symptoms of Dutch elm disease include yellowing and wilting of leaves, and eventual death of the tree. To manage Dutch elm disease, it is essential to prevent infection by removing dead and infected branches, applying fungicides, and sterilizing pruning tools.
Another common disease that can affect winged elm is bacterial leaf spot, which is caused by a bacterium that infects the leaves and stems of the tree, causing brown or black spots. To manage bacterial leaf spot, removing infected plant tissues and promoting good air circulation are important. Additionally, spraying with copper-based fungicides can prevent bacterial leaf spot from spreading.
Common Pests
Scales are a common pest that can infest Picrasma Blume, feeding on sap and causing yellowing, wilting, and eventual death of the tree. To manage scales, using horticultural oil or insecticidal soap can be effective in killing large numbers of scales. Additionally, introducing natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can help control scale populations.
Aphids are another common pest that can feed on the leaves and shoots of the winged elm, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. To manage aphids, introducing natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can be an effective way to control populations. Additionally, using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can kill aphids without harming beneficial insects.
Prevention
The best way to manage pests and diseases in Picrasma Blume is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. This can be achieved by maintaining good plant health through regular fertilization and watering, proper pruning, and providing adequate light and air circulation. Additionally, inspecting the tree regularly for signs of pests and diseases can allow for early intervention and management before the problem becomes severe.
Overall, disease and pest management are essential for the health and longevity of Picrasma Blume. By following proper prevention and management techniques, gardeners can enjoy the beauty and benefits of this plant for many years to come.
