Introduction
Semecarpus anacardium L. f. is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. It is also commonly known by other names such as the marking nut tree, oriental cashew tree, and Bhilawa. The plant is indigenous to India and is mainly found in the central and southern parts of the country.
General Appearance
The plant is a medium-sized deciduous tree that can reach up to 15 meters in height. It has a straight trunk that is covered in rough, gray bark. The leaves are glossy and oval-shaped, with a pointed tip and a wavy margin. The flowers are small and yellow-green in color and grow in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a drupe that is ovoid in shape and resembles a small apple. When ripe, the fruit becomes yellow or red and has a hard, smooth shell. Inside, the fruit contains a single kidney-shaped seed known as the marking nut.
Uses
The marking nut of Semecarpus anacardium has both medicinal and industrial uses. In traditional Indian medicine, the nut is used to treat rheumatism, paralysis, and skin diseases. It is also used as an astringent and as a diuretic. In the industrial sector, the nut is used to make oil, varnish, and insecticides. The tree is also commonly used for its wood, which is hard and durable, making it ideal for construction and furniture-making.
Besides its useful qualities, Semecarpus anacardium also has certain dangers associated with it. The outer layer of the marking nut contains a toxic oil that can cause severe skin irritations and blistering. The smoke from burning the wood or nut can also cause irritation in the eyes and lungs.
Conclusion
Semecarpus anacardium is a unique plant species that has both useful and potentially dangerous qualities. Its medicinal and industrial uses make it an important plant in India, but precautions must be taken when handling its toxic parts. Its distinct appearance and cultural significance make it an interesting plant for further study and appreciation.
Light requirements
Semecarpus anacardium L. f. prefers to grow in areas that receive full to partial sunlight. It can tolerate some shade but may produce fewer fruits in such conditions. For optimal growth, the plant should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature requirements
The plant grows well in warm to hot temperatures. It prefers a tropical to subtropical climate with an average temperature range of 20°C to 35°C. The plant is sensitive to frost and cannot survive in cold temperatures below 10°C.
Soil requirements
The plant grows well in well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate a range of soil textures, from sandy to clayey soils, as long as the soil is well-draining. The plant can also tolerate soils with low fertility, but it responds well to nutrient-rich soils.
Cultivation of Semecarpus anacardium L. f.
Semecarpus anacardium L. f. is a tropical tree that requires warm and humid conditions for proper growth. Therefore, it is essential to choose a suitable location for planting the tree.
The tree prefers soil that is well-drained, loamy, and rich in organic matter. It is advisable to prepare the soil before planting by adding compost, manure, or other organic matter.
The tree can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. However, it is recommended to propagate through seeds as cuttings may not root easily.
Watering needs of Semecarpus anacardium L. f.
Since Semecarpus anacardium L. f. is a tropical tree, it requires regular watering to thrive. The tree should be watered twice a week in the dry season and once a week during the rainy season.
The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can affect the growth and development of the tree. Therefore, it is essential to ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization of Semecarpus anacardium L. f.
Semecarpus anacardium L. f. requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and development. It is recommended to apply a balanced fertilizer, containing equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, every three months.
Organic fertilizers such as compost or manure can also be used. However, it is essential to ensure that the fertilizers are well-composted to prevent burning the roots of the tree.
Pruning of Semecarpus anacardium L. f.
Pruning of Semecarpus anacardium L. f. is essential to shape the tree and promote healthy growth. Pruning should be carried out during the dry season to minimize the risk of infection.
Dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be removed to prevent the spread of infections. Additionally, low-lying branches should be pruned to facilitate harvesting and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the tree.
The tree can also be pruned to maintain a manageable size, promote ventilation, and reduce shading.
Propagation of Semecarpus anacardium L. f.
Semecarpus anacardium L. f., also known as the marking nut or bhilawa tree, can be propagated through seeds or vegetative means.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of Semecarpus anacardium L. f. are collected from the ripe fruit. The collected seeds must be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting to help remove any natural germination inhibitors present on the seed coat. The seeds can be planted directly into soil or in a seedling tray.
It is essential to provide a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 2 cm and watered daily to provide the required moisture for germination.
Seed germination is slow and may take up to four weeks. Once the seedlings have emerged, they should be thinned to ensure that there is enough space between plants for them to grow to their maximum potential.
Propagation through Vegetative Means
Semecarpus anacardium L. f. can also be propagated through vegetative means, specifically through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy stems during the dormant season. The cuttings should be 15-20 cm in length with at least two nodes.
The leaves on the bottom of the cutting should be removed, and the cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings can be directly placed in a well-draining soil mix or first rooted in a rooting tray before planting into soil.
Keep the soil moist and provide partial shade to the cuttings to prevent excessive water loss. After a few weeks, the roots should be established, and the cuttings can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the field.
Both seed and vegetative propagation methods can be used to produce a large number of Semecarpus anacardium L. f. plants for cultivation or planting in a home garden.
Disease Management
Semecarpus anacardium L. f. is susceptible to various diseases that can severely impact the plant's growth and yield. Some of the common diseases that affect Semecarpus anacardium L. f. are:
- Leaf spot - caused by fungi
- Root and stem rot - caused by fungi
- Bacterial canker - caused by bacteria
The disease management strategy for Semecarpus anacardium L. f. should focus on preventive measures such as:
- Planting disease-resistant varieties
- Practicing good cultural practices like proper spacing, crop rotation, and pruning to promote good air circulation and sunlight exposure to reduce humidity and prevent fungal growth
- Regular monitoring of the plant for any signs of infection and quick removal and disposal of any infected plant part to prevent the spread of the disease
- Application of appropriate fungicides or bactericides to control and prevent disease spread
Pest Management
Semecarpus anacardium L. f. is also prone to some pests that can cause damage to the plant. The common pests that may affect the plant are:
- Fruit borer - Helicoverpa armigera
- Shoot and capsule borer - Dichocrosis sp.
- Aphids - Aphis sp.
Pest management can be done through various techniques such as:
- Regular monitoring of the plant for any signs of pest infestation to take prompt action to limit damage
- Use of pheromone traps to attract and trap male insects to reduce the population
- Use of biological control agents like predatory insects, nematodes, and parasites to reduce pest population
- Application of appropriate insecticides or pesticides to manage and prevent pest spread
