Overview of Schleichera Willd. Plant
Schleichera Willd., commonly known as the Ceylon oak or lac tree, is a deciduous plant species that belongs to the Sapindaceae family. The plant is native to Asia, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia, and is widely cultivated in many other tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
Physical Appearance
The tree reaches an average height of 15-20 meters. The leaves of Schleichera Willd. are unique, with a range of 15-30 cm long, pinnate, with 2-3 pairs of leaflets, with a terminal one up to 20 cm long, lanceolate. The tree develops small fragrant yellow or white flowers in panicles before bearing fruit.
The fruit of Schleichera Willd. is oval-shaped, measures 2-2.5 cm long, and is usually reddish-brown in color when ripe. Each fruit contains only one seed with a high percentage of oil content.
Uses of Schleichera Willd. Plant
The Schleichera Willd. Plant has various traditional and modern uses. In Southeast Asia, the tree is grown for the extraction of a resinous substance known as 'lac,' which is used for varnishes and dyes. The tree has been found to be a natural source of saponin, a chemical compound used in the production of detergents and shampoos. The oil extracted from the tree is used in cooking as a substitute for olive oil and is also used to create candles. The bark and leaves of the tree are used in Ayurvedic medicine for various purposes, including as a laxative, astringent, and for treating skin diseases.
The seed of the Schleichera Willd. plant contains oil that is rich in oleic acid and linoleic acid. The oil is useful for making soap, cosmetics, and hair treatments. The plant is also useful in ecological restoration as a timber plant and a soil binder. The wood of the tree is strong and durable and can be used for construction, furniture, and fuelwood.
In addition to its many practical applications, the Schleichera Willd. plant is also a popular ornamental plant in many tropical gardens worldwide owing to its beautiful, broad leaves and compact size.
Growth Conditions for Schleichera Willd.
Schleichera Willd., commonly known as the Ceylon oak, is a deciduous, slow-growing tree that is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in India and Sri Lanka. It can also be found in other tropical and subtropical regions such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. The tree can grow up to 20-30 meters tall with a straight trunk and spreading crown.
Light Requirements
The Ceylon oak tree requires full sunlight exposure to thrive. It prefers an open canopy that allows direct sunlight to reach the leaves. The tree does not tolerate shade and will not grow properly in areas where there is limited sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to plant the tree in an open area without other large trees that may create shade.
Temperature Requirements
Schleichera Willd. grows in tropical and subtropical climates with an average temperature range of 20-30°C. The tree can tolerate high temperatures but cannot withstand frost or extreme cold conditions. It is recommended to plant the tree in areas where the temperature ranges from warm to hot throughout the year.
Soil Requirements
The Ceylon oak tree can grow in a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are well-drained and nutrient-rich. However, the tree thrives best in fertile and slightly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.0-6.5. It is also important to note that the tree is susceptible to waterlogging and should not be planted in areas with poor drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Schleichera Willd., commonly known as the Kusum tree, is grown in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in Southeast Asia. The plant requires a warm climate and ample sunlight, making it highly adaptable to different soil types that are well-drained. It is typically propagated through seeds or stem cuttings and is easy to grow if the right climatic conditions are provided.
Watering Needs
Kusum tree requires a moderate amount of water to thrive, particularly during its early stages of growth. Seedlings and young plants require frequent watering, usually once or twice a week, depending on the climatic conditions. The plant will thrive in an environment with consistent moisture but is also adaptable to drought conditions once established.
Fertilization
The Kusum tree does not require frequent fertilization as it is adaptable to different soil types. However, applying a balanced fertilizer during the plant's active growth period will help enhance its growth rate and productivity. Fertilizer can be applied twice a year, during the beginning of the rainy season and at the end of the winter dry season.
Pruning
Pruning is essential in maintaining the plant's shape, size, and overall health. The Kusum tree can grow up to 30 meters in height, making it necessary to prune it regularly to prevent it from becoming too unruly. Pruning should occur in the dry season when the plant is in a state of rest, and the leaves have fallen off. It is advisable to prune only about a third of the tree's branches to minimize shock and allow the plant enough time to heal.
Propagation of Schleichera Willd. Plants
Schleichera Willd. is commonly known as the Ceylon oak, lac tree or schleichera. It is a medium to a large-sized deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters high. Propagation of Schleichera Willd. can be achieved through the following methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Schleichera Willd. can be collected and sown directly into the soil after removing the fleshy covering. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1 cm and watered regularly until germination occurs. Seed germination may take several weeks to months. The resulting seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location after they have reached a height of about 30 cm.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation of Schleichera Willd. through cuttings involves taking semi-hardwood cuttings from the mother plant during the late summer or early fall. The cuttings should be around 30 cm long and 1 cm in diameter. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped into rooting hormone powder. Afterward, it should be planted into a well-draining potting mix and covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. The cutting should be watered regularly and kept in a shaded area until roots form, which should occur in about two to three months. The cutting can then be transplanted to its permanent location.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for Schleichera Willd. plants. This method involves making a shallow cut around a branch of the mother plant and applying rooting hormone powder over the wound. A small ball of moist sphagnum moss is then wrapped around the wound, and then covered with plastic and tied off to prevent the moss from drying out. Roots will form in around 2-3 months and when visible, the rooted branch can be cut from the mother plant and planted in its permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Schleichera Willd.
Schleichera Willd., commonly known as the Chirauli Nut Tree, is a tree species native to South and Southeast Asia. Like any other plant, it is vulnerable to various diseases and pests that can significantly impact its growth and yield.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Schleichera Willd. is root rot, which is caused by fungal pathogens such as Fusarium spp. and Rhizoctonia spp. The disease usually manifests as yellowing leaves, wilting, stunted growth, and eventually, death of the plant. To manage root rot, it is crucial to ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. Also, it is essential to remove and destroy infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease to healthy plants.
Another disease that affects Schleichera Willd. is leaf spot, which is characterized by small, water-soaked lesions appearing on the leaves. The disease is caused by the fungal pathogen, Cercospora schleicherae, and can cause premature leaf drop and reduce the tree's overall vigor. To manage leaf spot, it is crucial to maintain proper sanitation practices such as removing infected leaves and avoiding overhead watering.
Common Pests
Schleichera Willd. is vulnerable to attack by various pests, which can cause significant damage to the tree. One of the most common pests is the stem borer, which can burrow into the trunk of the tree, causing wilting, stunted growth, and eventually, death. To manage stem borers, it is essential to inspect the tree regularly and remove and destroy any infested plant parts.
The mealybug is another pest that can affect Schleichera Willd. The pests feed on the plant sap, causing yellowing of the leaves, stunted growth, and eventual death. To manage mealybugs, it is crucial to maintain proper sanitation practices such as removing infected leaves and avoiding overfertilization, which can attract the pests.
Conclusion
Disease and pest management are crucial in ensuring the healthy growth and yield of Schleichera Willd. Implementing proper sanitation practices, regular inspection, and timely intervention can help mitigate the impact of diseases and pests on the plant.
