Overview of Psilocarya corymbiformis Benth.
Psilocarya corymbiformis Benth. is a flowering tree from the family Meliaceae, native to Myanmar, Malaysia, and Thailand. It is known by several common names, including Burmese Rosewood, Padauk Myaing, and Siamese Rosewood. The tree is also considered as an endangered species due to habitat destruction and overharvesting for timber.
General appearance
Psilocarya corymbiformis Benth. grows up to 15-20m tall and has a diameter of 40-60cm. The bark is grey-brown, smooth, and shallowly fissured. The tree has a straight trunk, branching out into a dense, rounded canopy with a mix of compound and simple leaves.
The leaves are pinnately compound, measuring about 12-35 cm long, with 6-13 leaflets that are 5-10cm long and 3-4 cm wide. The leaflet's upper surface is glossy and dark green, while the lower surface is pale and hairy. The tree produces small, fragrant, white flowers that bloom during the summer months, forming a corymbose inflorescence at the ends of the branches.
Uses
Psilocarya corymbiformis Benth. is primarily used for its hardwood, which is widely favored for making high-quality furniture, cabinetry, and decorative veneers. The wood of this tree is very durable, with a good luster and an attractive reddish color. It is also used to make musical instruments such as drums or xylophones, and as a construction material for flooring and shipbuilding.
In traditional medicine, different parts of the plant are used to treat various ailments, including fever, rheumatism, skin diseases, and intestinal disorders.
The tree also plays an essential role in landscape design, where its elegant shape, attractive foliage, and fragrant flowers make it a popular choice for urban and suburban green spaces.
Aside from its benefits, the demand for its wood puts the species under ecological pressure, making it a threatened species today. Efforts are being made to save the species through the provision of sustainable wood, and in situ conservation programs, among others.
Light Requirements
Psilocarya corymbiformis Benth. require moderate to high light levels to thrive. It is best to place the plant in an area that receives around 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Too little light may result in stunted growth and reduced flowering, while too much sunlight may lead to leaf scorch.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Psilocarya corymbiformis Benth. is between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). Temperatures below 55°F (13°C) can harm the plant and temperatures above 85°F (29°C) can lead to leaf drop or wilting. Additionally, avoid placing the plant near cold drafts or in extremely hot or dry environments.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Psilocarya corymbiformis Benth. should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand is ideal for providing the plant with adequate drainage while retaining enough moisture. The soil pH level should be within the neutral to slightly acidic range.
Cultivation Methods for Psilocarya corymbiformis Benth.
Psilocarya corymbiformis Benth. can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and kept moist until they germinate. The stem cuttings should be about 15 cm long and inserted into a moist, well-draining medium until they root. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6 to 7.5.
Watering Needs of Psilocarya corymbiformis Benth.
These plants require moist soil but not waterlogged soil, so it is recommended to let the soil dry out slightly before watering. The soil surface should be touched to determine if it is dry before watering again. In hot summer months, watering should be increased to prevent the soil from drying out, but care should be taken to avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
Fertilization for Psilocarya corymbiformis Benth.
A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 should be applied in the growing season, from spring through summer. This plant is relatively low-maintenance and does not require heavy fertilization. Too much fertilizer can cause foliage burning and stunted growth.
Pruning Psilocarya corymbiformis Benth.
Pruning is recommended to remove dead or damaged branches, which can negatively affect the plant's overall health. Any dead or diseased branches should be promptly pruned to prevent further damage. This plant should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Regular pruning can help maintain plant shape and promote bushier growth.
Propagation of Psilocarya corymbiformis Benth
Psilocarya corymbiformis Benth. can be propagated through the following methods:
Seed propagation
Seeds can be collected from the plant when they turn brown and dry. The collected seeds can then be sown in seedbeds filled with nutrient-rich soil and covered with a thin layer of sand. Water the seedbed regularly and keep it moist. Germination usually takes place within 2 to 3 weeks.
Vegetative propagation
Psilocarya corymbiformis Benth. can also be propagated vegetatively through cutting or division. Stem cuttings can be taken from a mature, healthy plant and planted in a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil mixture. The cuttings should be kept moist and placed in a bright, but not direct, sunlight. Rooting usually takes place within 3 to 4 weeks. Division is also a feasible method for propagating P. corymbiformis, and it’s usually done by cutting the root into sections and allowing each section to grow into an individual plant.
Propagation by both seed and vegetative means is a great way to propagate Psilocarya corymbiformis Benth and expand the population of this unique plant.
Disease Management
Psilocarya corymbiformis Benth. is susceptible to various diseases that may damage or kill the plant if not managed properly.
One of the most common diseases that affect this plant is stem and root rot, which is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To manage this disease, it is important to reduce watering frequency and improve soil drainage. The use of fungicides may also help to control the spread of the disease.
Leaf spot is another disease that affects Psilocarya corymbiformis Benth. This disease can be caused by a variety of fungi and bacteria. To manage leaf spot, it is important to remove and destroy infected leaves and to improve air circulation around the plant. Fungicides may also be used to control the disease.
Viral infections are also a concern for Psilocarya corymbiformis Benth. These infections cannot be cured, so it is important to prevent them by using disease-free planting material and avoiding contact with infected plants. Removing and destroying infected plants may also help to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Psilocarya corymbiformis Benth. can also be affected by various pests that may cause damage to the plant.
Mealybugs and scale insects are common pests that may infest this plant. These insects feed on the sap of the plant and may cause stunted growth or yellowing leaves. To manage these pests, it is important to physically remove them from the plant or use insecticides. Natural predators, such as ladybugs, may also help to control the population of these pests.
Spider mites are another pest that may infest Psilocarya corymbiformis Benth. These pests are very small and difficult to see, but they can cause significant damage to the plant if left untreated. To manage spider mites, it is important to improve air circulation around the plant and to avoid overwatering. Insecticidal soap or neem oil may also be used to control the population of these pests.
Caterpillars and other chewing insects may also infest this plant and cause damage to the leaves. To manage these pests, it is important to physically remove them from the plant and to use insecticides if necessary.
