Origin
Schizolobium parahybum (Vell.) Blake, commonly known as the Brazilian firetree or guapuruvu, is a species of legume native to the tropical forests of South America. It is primarily found in the Amazon basin, but can also be found in other regions of Brazil, as well as in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
Common Names
Aside from Brazilian firetree and guapuruvu, Schizolobium parahybum is also known by various other common names depending on the region, including: huaparote, pinheiro-do-brejo, palo blanco, and sauce blanco.
Uses
The Brazilian firetree is an important tree species in South America for its various uses. Its lightweight wood is used for construction and furniture-making, and has been compared to balsa wood or cork in terms of its lightness and buoyancy. The bark of the tree has medicinal properties and is used to treat various ailments such as fever, flu, and inflammation. The tree is also used in traditional medicine for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diarrheal properties. In addition, the tree is planted as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens due to its attractive flowers and foliage.
General Appearance
The Brazilian firetree is a large, deciduous tree that can grow up to 50 meters in height and have a trunk diameter of up to 2 meters. It has a straight, cylindrical trunk with a grey-brown, scaly bark. The leaves are compound, with 8-22 pairs of leaflets that are ovate in shape and 2-4 cm long. The tree produces large, showy flowers that are white or cream-colored and pea-like in shape, measuring up to 4 cm in diameter. The flowers are followed by large, flat, woody seed pods that can measure up to 40 cm in length. The seeds are dispersed by wind and water, and the pods can often be found floating in rivers and streams.
Light requirements
Schizolobium parahybum typically grows best in areas with full sunlight exposure. While it can tolerate some shade, it is not recommended to grow it under heavy shade as it may result in stunted growth or poor development.
Temperature requirements
Schizolobium parahybum is a tropical species that prefers warm temperatures. The optimal temperature range for its growth is between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. It is best to avoid temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius as it can lead to frost damage or even death.
Soil requirements
The plant is best grown in loamy, well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water-holding capacity without retaining too much moisture as this can lead to root rot. It is also crucial to ensure proper aeration and avoid compact soil conditions.
Water requirements
Continuous and sufficient water supply is crucial for the growth and development of Schizolobium parahybum. Young plants may require frequent watering until they become established. However, once the plant is fully established, it can tolerate some periodic droughts. It's best to avoid waterlogged conditions as it can harm the plant's root system.
Cultivation Methods
Schizolobium parahybum (Vell.) Blake, commonly known as the Brazilian Firetree or Guapuruvu, is a large, fast-growing tree that is native to Brazil. It can grow up to 30 meters tall and has a spread of up to 20 meters. The tree prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. It can be propagated through seeds, but it is recommended to use vegetative propagation methods such as air-layering or grafting to ensure uniform growth.
Watering Needs
Schizolobium parahybum (Vell.) Blake requires regular watering during its early stages of growth. However, the tree is drought-tolerant once it is established and can survive extended dry periods. It is important to avoid over-watering as it can lead to root rot. The best practice is to water the tree deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilization
Schizolobium parahybum (Vell.) Blake responds well to regular fertilization. It is recommended to use a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to prevent excessive growth and promote a healthy root system. Organic fertilizers such as compost or manure are also effective in providing necessary nutrients to the tree. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and not to over-fertilize as it can lead to nutrient burn and other unwanted symptoms.
Pruning
Schizolobium parahybum (Vell.) Blake generally does not require regular pruning. However, pruning may be necessary to maintain the desired form or to remove damaged or diseased branches. It is recommended to prune the tree during the dormant season to minimize stress and encourage healthy growth. It is important to use sterile equipment to prevent the spread of disease, and to avoid removing more than 25% of the tree's canopy in a single pruning session.
Propagation of Schizolobium parahybum (Vell.) Blake
There are two common methods to propagate Schizolobium parahybum (Vell.) Blake: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is a common method used to propagate Schizolobium parahybum (Vell.) Blake. Seeds are collected from mature trees in the wild or from nursery-grown mother trees. To increase the chances of germination, seeds should be scarified before planting. Scarification can be done mechanically or chemically. Seeds can be soaked in hot water for several hours to break the seed coat or immersed in concentrated sulfuric acid for a few minutes. After scarification, seeds are rinsed and soaked in clean water for 24 hours before planting.
Seeds should be sown in seedling trays filled with well-drained soil mix. The trays should be placed in a warm and bright place, avoiding direct sunlight. Germination usually takes 10-14 days. When seedlings have three or four leaves, they can be transplanted to individual pots. Young seedlings should be grown in a shaded area for the first year to prevent sunburn.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation is another method used to propagate Schizolobium parahybum (Vell.) Blake. This method involves taking cuttings from mature trees or nursery-grown mother trees. The cuttings should be taken from the current year's growth and should be 10-15 cm long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone before planting.
The cuttings should be planted in a propagation tray filled with rooting medium, such as perlite or vermiculite. The tray should be placed in a warm and bright place, avoiding direct sunlight. The cuttings should be misted regularly. Rooting usually takes 4-6 weeks. When roots have formed, the cuttings can be transplanted to individual pots and grown in a shaded area for the first year to prevent sunburn.
Disease and Pest Management for Schizolobium parahybum (Vell.) Blake
Despite being relatively resilient, Schizolobium parahybum is still susceptible to several diseases and pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. As such, it is crucial to know the common pests and diseases that affect this plant and how to manage them effectively to keep your plant healthy.
Common Diseases
Schizolobium parahybum can be affected by various diseases, including leaf spot, root rot, and rust. Leaf spot is a condition characterized by small brownish spots that appear on the leaves and eventually turn yellow or brown, leading to defoliation. Root rot, on the other hand, causes the roots to decay due to overly damp soils, resulting in stunted growth and eventual death of the plant. Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange or yellow spots on the leaves, leading to defoliation and loss of vigor.
Management of Common Diseases
To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy the affected leaves, and ensure to avoid overhead watering. Root rot can be managed by ensuring well-drained soil and reducing watering frequency. Rust can be managed by removing and destroying the affected leaves as soon as possible. Additionally, avoid overcrowding plants, and ensure proper spacing and adequate aeration between plants to reduce the spread of fungal spores.
Common Pests
Schizolobium parahybum can also be affected by various pests, such as spider mites, scale insects, and thrips. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that suck the sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and eventual curling of the leaves. Scale insects, on the other hand, feed on the leaves' sap and excrete a sticky substance that attracts ants and promotes fungal growth. Finally, thrips cause scarring and distortion of the leaves and buds.
Management of Common Pests
Spider mites can be managed by regularly spraying the plant with a strong stream of water, as this dislodges them from the plants. Scale insects can be removed manually by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or alcohol-dipped cotton. Thrips can be managed by applying insecticidal soap, neem oil, or spinosad.
In conclusion, proper management of diseases and pests is essential in keeping your Schizolobium parahybum healthy and vibrant. By being vigilant and regularly monitoring your plant, you can nip any problem in the bud and ensure your Schizolobium parahybum thrives for years on end!
