Overview
Pouteria passargei (Engl.) Baehni is a plant species from the Sapotaceae family. It is also known by its common names: Manderin, Melón zapote, and Zapote silvestre. This neotropical tree is endemic to the Paraguayan Chaco and the Gran Chaco areas, which cover parts of Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia.
Appearance
Pouteria passargei has a tall and slender trunk, which can reach up to 25 meters in height, and a diameter of 50 cm. The branches are thin and horizontal. The leaves are green and glossy, with an elongated oval shape, and pointed tips. The bark of the tree is reddish-brown. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, and the fruit is a large, round berry, with a diameter of up to 7 cm and a woody shell that is brown and rough.
Uses
The fruit of Pouteria passargei is edible and has a sweet and pleasant flavor, similar to that of a honeydew melon. In Paraguay, people use the fruit to make jam, ice cream, juice, and alcoholic beverages. Indigenous people use the bark as a medicinal herb to treat fever and diarrhea. The wood of Pouteria passargei is also valuable and is used for furniture, flooring, and construction.
Cultivation
Pouteria passargei grows well in hot and humid climates. It prefers well-drained soils and can adapt to sandy or clayey soils. The tree can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. It takes about five years for the tree to start bearing fruit. The fruit is harvested when it is ripe, which is indicated by the wrinkled appearance of the skin and the softness of the fruit's flesh.
Conclusion
Pouteria passargei is a valuable and versatile tree species in the Gran Chaco region. Its fruit is delicious and nutritious, its bark has medicinal properties, and its wood is highly valued. As such, it plays an essential role in the region's culture, economy, and ecology.
Light requirements
Pouteria passargei is a shade-tolerant plant that prefers partial sunlight to shade. It can grow in filtered sunlight or shaded areas, making it an ideal indoor plant for your home or office. Excessive exposure to direct sunlight can cause leaf damage or sunscald. Therefore, placing it in a location that receives indirect sunlight for several hours daily is the best option for optimal growth.
Temperature requirements
The plant thrives in temperate to warm climates with average temperatures ranging from 20-35 °C. During the winter, the plant is subject to damage when exposed to temperatures below 10 °C. To prevent the leaves from getting cold spots, it is essential to ensure a consistent temperature throughout the room with grow lights or mature plants as companions.
Soil requirements
Pouteria passargei prefers well-draining and fertile soil, which enables excellent root growth and development. A suitable potting mix should consist of organic matter such as compost, perlite, and peat moss. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5, as it is moderately tolerant of alkaline soils.
Cultivation Methods
Pouteria passargei thrives well in bright and indirect sunlight conditions, and it is important to select a location with well-draining soil. The plant can grow in almost all types of soils, but planting it in sandy loam soil or loamy soil with a pH range of 5-7 will provide the best results. You can propagate the plant through cuttings or seeds.
Watering Needs
Regular watering is necessary for Pouteria passargei, especially during its growing period. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch, and do not allow the soil to dry out completely. Overwatering can damage the plant, so ensure the soil drains out completely to prevent waterlogging in the pot. During winter, reduce the watering frequency, but ensure the soil doesn't dry out completely.
Fertilization
Feed Pouteria passargei with organic fertilizer every two to three months during the growing season. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer when repotting the plant. Alternatively, you can apply liquid fertilizer at the base of the plant every two weeks during the growing season
Pruning
Prune Pouteria passargei to maintain the desired shape and size, and to inhibit sprawling. The best time to prune the plant is at the beginning of the growing season, i.e., during spring. Remove any damaged or diseased stems, as well as those that are growing out of proportion. You can also remove some leaves to encourage airflow in the plant. Pinching new growth can help promote a bushy growth habit.
Propagation of Pouteria passargei (Engl.) Baehni
Pouteria passargei (Engl.) Baehni, also known as the Chicle tree, is a tropical evergreen tree that belongs to the Sapotaceae family. The tree is native to South America, particularly in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. This plant species is famous for its durable wood and chewing gum-like latex produced by the bark. Pouteria passargei is suitable for propagation through different methods, including:
Seed propagation
The most common propagation method for Pouteria passargei is through seeds. The seeds are viable for up to three months after harvesting. To increase germination rates, it is best to sow them fresh and store them in a damp medium until sowing. The seeds require warm temperatures ranging between 25-30°C and high humidity levels for optimal germination. Once the seedlings begin to grow, they should be transplanted into a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm, bright location.
Cuttings
Pouteria passargei can also be propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method should be done during the late spring or summer when the plant is in active growth. The cuttings should be taken from the upper part of the plant, about 10-15 cm in length, and dipped in rooting hormone before planting them in a moist, well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and bright location, and humidity levels should be maintained by covering the pot with a plastic bag until new growth appears.
Air layering
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for Pouteria passargei. This method involves removing a strip of bark from a mature branch, applying rooting hormone, and then packing the exposed area with moist sphagnum moss. The moss should be wrapped with plastic, and after a few weeks of new growth, the rooted section can be cut off and potted in a well-draining potting mix.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to maintain consistent moisture levels and warmth to encourage root growth and overall plant health.
Disease Management
The Pouteria passargei (Engl.) Baehni plant is prone to several diseases, including fungal and bacterial infections. Here are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot disease can cause small brown spots on the leaves of the plant, which can eventually merge to form larger spots. To manage this disease, ensure that the plant is well-watered and has proper drainage. Remove all dead or infected plant parts and dispose of them. You can also apply a suitable fungicide to manage the disease.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal infection that causes a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant, leading to stunted growth. To manage this disease, avoid overcrowding the plant and ensure that it gets enough sunlight and air circulation. Water from the base to avoid getting the leaves wet. You can also apply a suitable fungicide to manage the disease.
Pest Management
Pests can also infest the Pouteria passargei (Engl.) Baehni plant, leading to reduced growth and productivity. Here are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the plant, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage this pest, you can use a strong stream of water to wash them off the plant, prune and dispose of any infested plant parts, or introduce natural predators such as ladybugs to the garden.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant cells, leading to webbing on the leaves and stunted growth. To manage this pest, prune and dispose of any infested plant parts, introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or predatory mites, or apply a suitable insecticidal soap or oil to kill the spider mites.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that produce a white, powdery substance on the plant, leading to stunted growth. To manage this pest, prune and dispose of any infested plant parts, introduce natural predators such as ladybugs, or apply a suitable insecticidal soap or oil to kill the mealybugs.
