Description of Pouteria revoluta (Baker) Baehni Plant
Pouteria revoluta, also known as Madre de Cacao or Kakawate in the Philippines, is a medium-sized tree from the Sapotaceae plant family. It is native to Central and South America and has been introduced to Africa and Asia. In the Philippines, it is widely cultivated for its various uses.
General Appearance of Pouteria revoluta
The Pouteria revoluta plant can grow up to 15 meters tall, with a trunk that can reach up to 80cm in diameter. It has smooth, shiny, and oval leaves that grow up to 20cm long and 10cm wide. The plant also produces small, white flowers that are about 1cm in diameter. Its fruit is a round, green, and hairy berry that ripens to dark purple or black. The fruit is edible and has been used for food.
Uses of Pouteria revoluta
The Pouteria revoluta plant has several uses. In the Philippines, the leaves and pods of the plant are commonly used for livestock feed. The leaves are also used as shade trees and ornamental plants. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as indigestion, anemia, and fever.
The tree's wood is hard, heavy, and durable, making it ideal for construction purposes. Its bark is also used for tanning and dyeing leather, while its seeds are used to produce oil for soap-making and lighting. Additionally, the plant is an excellent nitrogen-fixing tree that can improve soil fertility and help prevent soil erosion.
The Pouteria revoluta plant is a useful and versatile tree that has been widely cultivated and utilized for hundreds of years. Its many uses make it an important plant in many parts of the world, particularly in the Philippines where it is highly valued.
Light Requirements
Pouteria revoluta requires bright, filtered light to grow and thrive. It is important to place the plant in an area that receives sufficient indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can damage the foliage and reduce the plant's overall health and growth rate. Inadequate light can cause leggy growth and leaf drop.
Temperature Requirements
For optimal growth, Pouteria revoluta requires warm temperatures ranging between 60 and 85°F (16 to 29°C). The plant should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) as this can lead to stunted growth and even death. Additionally, sudden changes in temperature can stress the plant and increase its susceptibility to diseases and pests.
Soil Requirements
Pouteria revoluta prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6. They thrive in soils that are rich in organic matter and have good water retention capabilities. A mix of potting soil, perlite, and peat moss is an excellent choice for providing the plant with the right growing medium.
Cultivation methods for Pouteria revoluta
Pouteria revoluta (Baker) Baehni is a tree that prefers warm and humid conditions. It requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant should be planted in full sun or partial shade and protected from strong winds. It is adaptable to different soil types but thrives in acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
The plant can be propagated using seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be soaked in warm water for a few hours before planting, while cuttings should be taken from the lower side branches of a mature tree and treated with rooting hormone before planting.
Watering needs for Pouteria revoluta
Pouteria revoluta requires regular watering to maintain adequate moisture in the soil. The plant should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season and less frequently during the winter months. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between watering to prevent root rot. Mulching around the base of the tree can help to retain soil moisture and reduce water loss through evaporation.
Fertilization of Pouteria revoluta
Pouteria revoluta requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth and promote fruit production. A slow-release fertilizer should be applied to the soil in the early spring and mid-summer. The fertilizer should be high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as trace elements such as zinc and iron. Organic fertilizers such as compost or manure can also be used to provide a steady supply of nutrients over time.
Pruning Pouteria revoluta
Pouteria revoluta requires regular pruning to maintain its size and shape. The plant should be pruned in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Dead or diseased branches should be removed, as well as any suckers or water sprouts. The branches should be trimmed back to a lateral branch or bud to prevent excessive regrowth. Regular pruning can help to improve fruit quality and increase overall yield.
Propagation Methods for Pouteria revoluta (Baker) Baehni
Pouteria revoluta (Baker) Baehni is commonly known as Lucuma de Chanchamayo and belongs to the family Sapotaceae. It is an evergreen tree that grows up to 15 meters tall and is native to South America. The plant produces edible fruits that are sweet and high in nutrients.
Propagation of Pouteria revoluta can be done through seeds or vegetative cuttings.
Seeds Propagation
The seeds of Pouteria revoluta are oblong, brown, and about 2 cm long. They require pre-treatment to achieve germination success. The seeds are soaked in hot water (90-95°C) for 10 minutes or until the water cools down to room temperature. After soaking, the seeds are sown in a mix of peat moss and perlite. The soil mixture should be kept moist, and the seeds should germinate within 2-3 months.
Vegetative Propagation
Pouteria revoluta can also be propagated through vegetative cuttings. The best cutting materials are semi-hardwood and hardwood stem cuttings that are 20-30 cm long and 1-2 cm in diameter. The cuttings are prepared by removing the leaves and cutting them at an angle just below a node. The cuttings are then treated with hormones to promote rooting and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings should root within 3-6 months.
In summary, the two effective propagation methods for Pouteria revoluta are seed propagation and vegetative propagation through semi-hardwood or hardwood stem cuttings. Careful attention should be given to the pre-treatment of seeds and hormone treatment of cuttings to achieve successful propagation.
Disease Management
Like all other plants, Pouteria revoluta is susceptible to various diseases that may cause severe damage if left unchecked. Here are some common diseases that might affect this plant and how to manage them:
Fungal Diseases
Fungal infections can cause leaf spots, wilting, and discoloration of plant tissues. The best approach to controlling fungal diseases is to avoid creating conditions that favor their growth. Removing infected plant parts, providing good air circulation, and practicing crop rotation are effective measures to eliminate fungal infections.
Bacterial Diseases
Bacterial infections can cause leaf blight, stem rot, and leaf spot. High humidity and excessive moisture favor bacterial growth. To manage bacterial infections, it is essential to keep the plant dry, maintain good air circulation, and use organic fertilizers that promote plant immunity. Applying a copper-based fungicide can also help control bacterial infections.
Viral Diseases
Viruses can cause stunted growth, leaf mosaic, and yellowing of leaves. Unfortunately, there are no known cures for viral infections, and infected plants should be destroyed to prevent the spread of the virus.
Pest Management
Insects and mites are the most common pests that may infest Pouteria revoluta. It is essential to identify the pest correctly to establish the most effective control measures. Here are some common pests and how to manage them:
Spider Mites
Spider mites can suck the sap from the plant, leaving it weak and vulnerable to other infections. You can control spider mites by increasing humidity around the plant, wiping the leaves with a damp cloth, pruning affected parts, and releasing beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Aphids
Aphids can curl the leaves and cause distorted growth. They also secrete honeydew, which encourages fungal growth. Controlling aphids is possible by using insecticidal soap, releasing parasitic wasps, and encouraging ladybugs and lacewings to predate on them.
Scale Insects
Scale insects can damage the leaves on the plant and cause them to turn yellow or brown. They secrete a sticky substance that can attract ants and lead to fungal growth. To control scale insects, you can scrape them off with a cloth, prune affected parts, and use insecticidal oil or neem oil.
