Overview of Planchonella aurantia (Rock) Fosberg
Planchonella aurantia, also known as orange marmalade or yellow sapote, is a tropical evergreen tree species belonging to the Sapotaceae family. This plant is native to the Pacific Islands, specifically in Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji. It grows up to 20 meters tall and around 60 cm in diameter, with wide and dense branches that form a round-shaped crown.
Appearance of Planchonella aurantia
The bark of Planchonella aurantia is grayish-brown and rough in texture, with vertical fissures that form a diamond pattern. The leaves are oblong or elliptical, shiny, and dark green. The tree's flowers are small and white, and the fruit is oval-shaped, around 5 to 8 cm in diameter, and yellow-orange when ripe.
Common Names of Planchonella aurantia
This fruit tree species has several names based on the location it is grown. In Samoa, they call it as fa'ausi, in Tonga as lau'ulu, and in Fiji as vesi, and its common names are Yellow Sapote and Orange Marmalade.
Uses of Planchonella aurantia
The fruit of Planchonella aurantia is edible and has a sweet and tangy flavor, which is commonly used in jams, jellies, relishes and desserts. Due to its taste, it is called orange marmalade, which is a kind of jam that is made from citrus fruit. The fruit also has medicinal properties that help lower high blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and prevent cancer. The wood of the tree is dense and hard, and it is also used for furniture making and building floors, walls, and boats.
Light Requirements
Planchonella aurantia requires bright, indirect light for optimal growth. It can tolerate some direct sunlight but too much can scorch the leaves. Therefore, it is recommended to place this plant near a window with a sheer curtain for filter the light.
Temperature Requirements
Planchonella aurantia is native to tropical regions and thrives in warm temperatures between 60°F to 85°F (15.6°C to 29.4°C). It cannot tolerate extreme cold or frost.
Soil Requirements
This plant prefers a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil that is slightly acidic with a pH between 5.5 to 6.5. Ideally, the soil should be a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil. It is important to allow the topsoil to dry out before watering, as over-watering can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Method for Planchonella Aurantia
Planchonella aurantia is a subtropical plant that thrives in well-draining soils with high organic matter content. The plant requires full sunlight to partial shade conditions. It would be best if you planted it in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Planting the tree during spring is recommended as it is the best time for growth initiation.
Watering Needs for Planchonella Aurantia
Planchonella aurantia has moderate water requirements, and you should be careful not to overwater or underwater the plant. It would be best to water the plant deeply once a week during dry periods, especially when it is young. You should reduce watering during winter and rainy seasons as overwatering may cause root rot. It is also best to avoid watering the plant's foliage as it can cause fungal diseases.
Fertilization for Planchonella Aurantia
Planchonella aurantia requires regular fertilization for optimal growth and a healthy root system. The plant has a slow growth rate, so nitrogen-rich fertilizers should be applied around the plant's base every three months during the growing season. Use organic fertilizers that are high in phosphorus and potassium for flowering and fruiting. Be sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully to prevent over-fertilization, which may cause root burn.
Pruning for Planchonella Aurantia
Pruning is vital for Planchonella aurantia, particularly during the early years of growth. Prune the tree to promote lateral branching, which will help develop a balanced canopy. You should remove the lower branches as the tree grows taller to create a clear trunk. You should also remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Prune during the dry season to minimize the risk of fungal infections.
Propagation Methods of Planchonella aurantia
Planchonella aurantia, commonly called "Orange Plum," can be propagated in two ways - seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Planchonella aurantia can be collected from ripe fruits in the late summer or fall seasons. The collected seeds should be washed, cleaned, and air-dried before sowing. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil that is enriched with organic manure. The ideal soil pH range for seed germination is 5.5 to 6.5. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1/4 inch and covered with a thin layer of soil.
The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. The ideal temperature for seed germination is 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The seeds will germinate in three to four weeks, and the seedlings will emerge from the soil. Once the seedlings have grown two to three leaves, they can be transplanted into individual containers. The containers should be kept in a shaded area or indoors for the first two to three months.
After three to four months, the seedlings can be transplanted outdoors into the garden or landscape. The planting hole should be twice the size of the root ball, and the soil should be enriched with organic manure. Planchonella aurantia will grow best in partial shade or filtered sunlight. The area around the seedlings should be kept weed-free, and the soil should be kept moist.
Vegetative Propagation
Planchonella aurantia can also be propagated through vegetative means such as cuttings, air layering, or grafting. However, air-layering and grafting are more commonly used for commercial propagation of Planchonella aurantia and may not be feasible for the home gardener.
Cuttings are generally taken in the summer or fall seasons. The cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth and should be four to six inches long with at least two nodes. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a well-drained soil mix. The soil mix should be kept moist, and the cutting should be kept in a shady area until roots have formed. Once roots have formed, the cutting can be transplanted into a larger container or outdoors into the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Planchonella aurantia (Rock) Fosberg
Planchonella aurantia, commonly called yellow sapote or yellow coconut, is a tropical fruit tree native to the Pacific Islands. Although it is generally resistant to pests and diseases, it is not immune to them and may sometimes suffer from various problems. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests that may affect Planchonella aurantia, along with some suggestions on how to manage them:
Diseases
Anthracnose - This fungal disease often occurs in humid or rainy weather, causing circular or irregular dark spots on leaves, stems, and fruits. The infected parts may eventually turn brown and dry out. To manage anthracnose, prune infected parts and destroy them, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides according to label instructions.
Canker - This bacterial disease may cause sunken, discolored, or cracked areas on the bark or stem, which may ooze sap or exude a foul odor. Canker can weaken or kill the tree if not treated promptly. To manage canker, prune infected parts and destroy them, avoid wounding the tree, and apply copper-based bactericides according to label instructions.
Root Rot - This fungal disease can be caused by various soil-borne pathogens that attack the roots and cause them to rot and decay. Root rot may result in stunted growth, yellowing leaves, wilting, and eventually death. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering or poor drainage, improve soil aeration, and apply fungicides according to label instructions.
Pests
Fruit Flies - These tiny insects can lay eggs in the fruit, causing it to rot and drop prematurely. Fruit flies can be managed by using traps, applying organic insecticides such as spinosad or neem oil, and harvesting the fruit early.
Leafminers - These insects tunnel into the leaves and create winding trails or blotches. Severe infestations can defoliate the tree and weaken it. Leafminers can be managed by using sticky traps, applying organic insecticides such as spinosad or pyrethrins, and pruning heavily infested leaves.
Mites - These tiny arachnids can cause yellowing, bronzing, or stippling of the leaves, and reduce the tree's vigor. Mites can be managed by using predatory insects such as ladybugs or lacewings, applying insecticidal soaps or oils, and improving humidity levels.
In conclusion, Planchonella aurantia can be a relatively easy plant to grow, but it may sometimes face challenges from diseases and pests. By being vigilant, taking preventive measures, and using integrated pest management practices, you can help your yellow sapote tree stay healthy and productive.
