Overview
Rheedia smeathmannii Planch. & Triana is a lesser-known, evergreen tree species that belongs to the Clusiaceae family. This plant is also called "Marmelo do Cerrado" or "Siputá" in Portuguese and is native to the Cerrado biome in Brazil.
Appearance
The Rheedia smeathmannii Planch. & Triana plant can grow up to 10 meters tall, with a straight trunk measuring around 30 centimeters in diameter. The bark of this plant is a grayish-brown color and has a scaly texture. The leaves of the plant are leathery and glossy, typically measuring around 5-10cm long and 3-7cm wide. The tree also bears small, round fruits that measure roughly 2-4cm in diameter and are green initially before ripening into a yellow/orange color, containing a juicy and aromatic pulp.
Uses
The fruits of Rheedia smeathmannii Planch. & Triana are edible and are often consumed fresh or used in making jelly and liquors. The pulp of the fruit is also used traditionally to treat respiratory affections, diarrhea, and fever. The bark of the tree is also used to make a decoction used for treating wound infections and scabies. Due to the high-quality timber produced by the tree, it is also a valuable wood source.
Light Requirements
Rheedia smeathmannii Planch. & Triana prefers a partially shaded environment. It is sensitive to direct sunlight, which may cause sunburn and lead to stunting of growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow well within a temperature range of 20 to 30°C. It requires warm temperatures, as sudden drops in temperature may damage or stunt growth. The plant cannot tolerate frost or extended periods of cold weather.
Soil Requirements
Rheedia smeathmannii Planch. & Triana thrives in well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.1 to 7.2. It needs sufficient organic matter content for optimal growth. Poorly drained soils or those with high salinity levels may adversely affect the plant's growth.
Cultivation Methods
Rheedia smeathmannii Planch. & Triana is a tropical fruit plant that requires warm and humid temperatures for growth. It is best cultivated in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. Seeds should be planted in a well-draining mix with the top of the seed just visible. The stem cutting should be taken from a healthy and mature plant and should be planted in a mixture of peat moss and vermiculite or perlite. The cutting should be kept moist to aid in root formation.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering to ensure proper growth and fruit production. Water the plants once a week or whenever the soil feels dry to the touch. Adequate drainage should be ensured to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and fruit production. Fertilize the plant every two to three months with a balanced fertilizer high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Organic fertilizers may also be used. Avoid over-fertilizing as it may lead to leaf burn and stunted growth.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the Rheedia smeathmannii Planch. & Triana plant, but it can help to shape the plant and promote better fruit production. Prune the plant in the dry season to avoid damage to new growth. Prune any dead or diseased branches and cut back any branches that are growing too close to each other.
Propagation of Rheedia smeathmannii Planch. & Triana
Rheedia smeathmannii Planch. & Triana, also known as “Bacupari” or “Bakupari,” is a tropical fruit tree that grows up to 20 meters tall. It is native to the Amazon basin in South America and is commonly found in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. The tree produces fruits that are spherical, oblate, or ellipsoid in shape, with a thin, smooth, and delicate skin. The fruits are eaten fresh or used to make juices, jams, and liqueurs.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Rheedia smeathmannii Planch. & Triana can be achieved through seeds. The seeds are extracted from fresh fruit, washed in water, and sown immediately. It is recommended to sow the seeds in a mixture of sand and organic matter, which provides good aeration, drainage, and nutrients. The depth of sowing should be three times the diameter of the seed. The pots or trays with the seeds should be placed in a warm and humid place, with temperatures around 25 to 30°C and with regular watering to keep the soil moist. Germination occurs after 20 to 60 days, depending on the temperature and humidity conditions. The seedlings should be transplanted to larger containers when they reach a height of 5 to 10 cm and have developed two or three leaves.
Asexual Propagation
Rheedia smeathmannii Planch. & Triana can also be propagated asexually through various techniques, such as grafting, budding, and air-layering. Grafting and budding require a rootstock, which can be a related species of Rheedia or a native tree that is compatible with the scion. The scion must be selected from a healthy and vigorous mother plant, and it can be a tip, a terminal bud, or a lateral branch. The grafting or budding operation must be performed during the active growth season, when the cambium layer of the rootstock is well-developed and the scion is in a vegetative state. The success rate of grafting and budding can vary depending on the species and the technique, but it can reach up to 90% in certain cases.
Air-layering is another asexual propagation method that involves inducing roots to grow from a stem or a branch while it is still attached to the mother plant. The stem or branch is wounded and treated with a rooting hormone, and then it is wrapped with a moist substrate, such as sphagnum moss or coconut fiber. The wrapping is covered with plastic film to maintain high humidity, and it is tied at both ends. The roots usually form within 4 to 8 weeks, and then the rooted portion can be cut off and potted separately as a new plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Rheedia Smeathmannii Planch. & Triana
Rheedia smeathmannii Planch. & Triana is a beautiful tropical plant that requires proper care and management to thrive. Like most plants, it is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant if not promptly treated. Below are some common diseases and pests that might affect the Rheedia smeathmannii plant, and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Canker: This is a bacterial disease that attacks the branches of the Rheedia smeathmannii plant, causing them to wilt and die. The best way to manage canker is by pruning the affected branches and disinfecting the pruning tools properly to prevent the spread of the bacteria.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes black or brown spots on the leaves and fruits of the Rheedia smeathmannii plant. The best way to manage anthracnose is by applying fungicides to the plant. Also, avoid overhead watering and remove infected plant debris to prevent the spread of the disease.
Root Rot: Root rot is a disease caused by overly moist soil or poor drainage, leading to the decay of the roots of the Rheedia smeathmannii. To manage root rot, ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. Also, treat the plant with a fungicide.
Common Pests
Scale: Scale is a common pest that affects the Rheedia smeathmannii plant by sucking sap from the leaves and stems, leading to their yellowing and dropping. To manage scale infestation, scrape off the scales with a blunt tool or use a systemic insecticide.
Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that suck sap from the tender parts of the plant, leading to stunted growth and deformation in the leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a jet of water to knock them off and use insecticidal soap.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are white insects that suck sap from the plant, leading to the wilting of leaves. To manage mealybug infestation, prune the affected parts of the plant and apply a mixture of water and soap. You can also use insecticides like neem oil to control the infestation.
Managing pests and diseases in the Rheedia smeathmannii plant requires a combination of several practices, including proper plant care, regular inspection, and prompt treatment. By adopting these practices, you can keep your Rheedia smeathmannii healthy and thriving.
