Overview of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb.
Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. is a deciduous tree native to India and Sri Lanka and belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is commonly called Indian Kino tree, Vijayasar, Malabar Kino, and West Indian Kino. The plant has an important place in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine system, and has been used for centuries for various medicinal purposes.
Appearance of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb.
The Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. tree can grow up to 30 meters tall and has a dark brown or grayish bark. The leaves are compound, alternate, and clustered towards the end of the branches. The flowers are orange-red in color, axillary, dense, and appear in racemes. The fruit is a flat pod that is 5–12 centimeters long, brown, and contains 1-5 seeds.
Uses of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb.
Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. has medicinal properties and has been used for the treatment of various ailments such as diabetes, wounds, diarrhea, and skin diseases. The bark of the tree contains flavonoids, tannins, and other chemical compounds that make it useful as a natural medicine.
According to Ayurvedic medicine, Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. helps in managing diabetes and related complications. The flavonoids present in the bark of the tree act as insulin sensitizers and help in reducing blood glucose levels. It also helps in reducing cholesterol and improving insulin resistance.
The bark of the tree is also used for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to treat skin diseases, wounds, and diarrhea. The astringent properties of the bark help in drying up the wounds and promoting healing. The bark is also used for making dental powders and toothpaste.
Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. is also used in the manufacturing of furniture, wooden clogs, and boats. The wood is hard, strong, and durable, making it suitable for outdoor use.
Overall, Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. is a culturally and medicinally significant plant that is utilized in a variety of ways.
Light Requirements
Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. is a medium to large-sized tree that requires bright light to grow and flourish. It is a sun-loving plant and needs direct sunlight exposure for at least six hours every day. The plant cannot tolerate heavy shade and will not grow properly in such conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a range of temperatures but grows best in warm and humid conditions. Ideally, the temperature for the Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. plant should be between 25 and 35 °C.
If the temperature drops below the optimal range, the growth of the plant will slow down. In cold weather, the plant may start shedding leaves or shedding entirely.
Soil Requirements
Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. prefers well-drained loamy soil that is rich in humus. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, anywhere between 6.0 and 7.5 pH. The tree can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy, clay, and alkaline soils, but it grows best in soils with a slightly acidic pH level.
To ensure that the plant is healthy, the soil must be kept moist. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils, so proper drainage is essential. The soil should be amended with organic matter to maintain its quality.
Cultivation Methods
Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb., commonly known as Indian Kino tree, is a species of deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. It is native to India and is commonly found in the southern parts of the country. The tree prefers a warm, humid, and subtropical climate and can be grown in a variety of soils, including sandy loam, clay loam, and alluvial soil. It is propagated through seeds or vegetative methods such as cuttings or grafting.
Watering Needs
Pterocarpus marsupium requires regular watering during the growing season to maintain proper hydration. The tree should be watered deeply, but should not be waterlogged. It is recommended to water the tree once a week, or as needed depending on the weather conditions and soil moisture levels.
Fertilization
Pterocarpus marsupium benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and development. The tree should be fertilized during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The fertilizer should be applied around the base of the tree and watered in thoroughly.
Pruning
Pterocarpus marsupium requires pruning to maintain its shape, promote proper growth, and remove any dead or damaged branches. It is recommended to prune the tree in the late winter or early spring before the new growth emerges. The tree should be pruned using clean, sharp tools and any cuts should be made at a slight angle to promote proper healing.
Propagation of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb.
Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb., commonly known as Indian Kino tree, is propagated through both sexual and asexual means. The plant is a deciduous tree that is native to India, and its bark is a valuable source of tannins.
Sexual Propagation
The plant can be propagated from seeds, which are shed in large numbers during December and January. The seeds should be collected from healthy and mature trees. After collecting the seeds, they should be soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat, which helps in faster germination. The seeds are then sown in nursery beds filled with well-drained soil and compost. The seeds should be sown 1 to 1.5 cm deep and spaced about 10 to 15 cm apart. The nursery beds should be watered regularly, and the germination starts after two weeks. The seedlings should be transplanted to individual pots or bags after six months and then to the field after one year.
Asexual Propagation
The plant can also be propagated asexually through stem cuttings, air layering, and grafting.
Stem Cuttings: Select healthy and mature branches of the mother plant, and cuttings of 20-25 cm in length should be taken, leaving 3-4 leaves at the top. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormones, and then they should be planted in nursery beds filled with well-drained soil and compost. The cuttings should be kept in a shady place and watered regularly. The rooting of cuttings takes two to three months. The rooted cuttings should be transplanted to individual pots or bags and then to the field after one year.
Air Layering: Select healthy and mature branches of the mother plant and make a ring cut of 2.5 cm on the bark, and apply rooting hormones and pack with moist moss or sawdust. Cover the pack with a polythene sheet and tie the ends tightly. The air layering should be checked after two to three months, and once the roots are developed, the air layering should be cut from the mother plant and repotted into individual pots or bags and then to the field after one year.
Grafting: Grafting is used to propagate elite clones of the plant. The stem of the selected mother plant is grafted onto the rootstock of the same plant. The grafted plants are kept in a nursery for six months and then transplanted to the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb.
Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb., also known as Indian kino or Malabar kino, is a deciduous tree species found mainly in India. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat various ailments. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and overall health.
Diseases:
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that affects P. marsupium. The disease is characterized by the appearance of brown or black spots on the leaves. The infected leaves eventually turn yellow and fall off the tree. To manage this disease, it is important to remove and destroy all infected leaves and to ensure proper air circulation and sunlight among the branches of the tree. Fungicides such as copper-based sprays can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Dieback: Dieback is a serious fungal disease that affects the branches of P. marsupium. The disease causes the branches to wilt and eventually die. To manage this disease, it is important to prune all infected branches thoroughly and to destroy them to prevent the spread of the disease. It is also important to avoid over-watering the tree and to ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Pests:
Scale insects: Scale insects are common pests that can affect P. marsupium. These insects attach themselves to the bark of the tree and suck the sap, leading to weak growth and reduced vigour. To manage this pest, it is important to regularly inspect the tree and remove any visible scales manually. Insecticidal soaps can also be used to control the infestation.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are another common pest that can affect P. marsupium. These pests can feed on the leaves and defoliate the tree, affecting its overall health. To manage this pest, it is important to remove all visible caterpillars manually and to use biological control methods such as introducing natural predators like birds or parasitoid wasps. Pesticides can also be used to control the infestation.
By following these disease and pest management practices, you can ensure the healthy growth and productivity of P. marsupium, allowing it to thrive for years to come.
