Overview of Serianthes nelsonii Merr.
Serianthes nelsonii Merr. is a flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family and is endemic to the Philippines. It is commonly known as bagtikan, tindalo, or Philippine Mahogany. The plant is a large evergreen tree that can grow up to 40 meters tall, with a straight trunk that can measure up to 1.5 meters in diameter. The bark is greyish-brown in color and has vertical fissures.
Appearance of Serianthes nelsonii Merr.
The leaves of Serianthes nelsonii Merr. are compound, with 5 to 8 leaflets that measure up to 20 centimeters long. The leaflets are oval-shaped and shiny, with a leathery texture. The flowers are white and fragrant, growing in panicles that can reach up to one meter long. The fruit is a pod that measures up to 40 centimeters long and contains several seeds.
Uses of Serianthes nelsonii Merr.
Serianthes nelsonii Merr. has various uses. Its wood is highly valued for its hardness, durability, and resistance to decay, making it ideal for shipbuilding, furniture, and construction. Its fruit pods are used as animal feed, while its leaves are used as a herbal medicine for treating diarrhea, dysentery, and fever. The plant is also used in reforestation projects to prevent soil erosion and create habitats for wildlife.
In Philippine mythology, the bagtikan tree is also believed to be inhabited by nature spirits and is considered sacred by some indigenous communities. It is often featured in traditional folktales and music.
Growth Conditions for Serianthes nelsonii Merr.
Serianthes nelsonii Merr. is an endangered tree species endemic to the Mariana Islands and Guam. It predominantly grows in limestone forests and prefers well-drained soil. The typical growth conditions include the following:
Light Requirements
The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight to grow healthy and vigorous. Under shade, the plant may grow taller, but its trunk may become thinner and weaker.
Temperature Requirements
Serianthes nelsonii Merr. prefers warm and humid climates. The plant typically grows in temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C. During the colder months, the plant may lose its leaves, but it should regrow once the temperature becomes warm again.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients. However, it can also grow in poor soil types such as limestone. Serianthes nelsonii Merr. tolerates soils with a pH range of 5.5–7.5. The plant requires good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
Water Requirements
The plant requires moderate to high levels of water. It prefers consistent soil moisture but can tolerate short periods of drought. Overwatering should be avoided as it can cause root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization Requirements
Serianthes nelsonii Merr. requires moderate fertilization. An annual application of balanced fertilizer with macro and micronutrients is recommended to promote healthy growth. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can cause chemical burns and tree decline.
Pruning Requirements
The tree requires occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, and only diseased, dead, or crossing branches should be removed.
Cultivation methods for Serianthes nelsonii Merr.
Serianthes nelsonii Merr. thrives best in well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The plant grows well in full sun to partial shade and prefers a warm and humid climate. Serianthes nelsonii Merr. can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. If propagating using cuttings, a rooting hormone can be used to increase the chances of successful propagation.
Watering needs for Serianthes nelsonii Merr.
Watering should be done regularly to keep the soil moist but not overly saturated. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be detrimental to the plant's health. Serianthes nelsonii Merr. should be watered more frequently during the growing season and less frequently during the dormant season.
Fertilization for Serianthes nelsonii Merr.
Serianthes nelsonii Merr. benefits from regular fertilization to promote growth and flowering. A balanced fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every four to six weeks during the growing season. Organic fertilizers, such as compost or manure, can also be used to supplement the plant's nutrient needs.
Pruning for Serianthes nelsonii Merr.
Pruning can be done to maintain the plant's shape and promote bushier growth. Pruning can be done at any time of the year but is most effective during the dormant season. Dead or damaged branches should be removed to prevent the spread of disease. The plant can be pruned to promote a single stem or a more bushy growth habit, depending on the desired outcome.
Propagation of Serianthes nelsonii Merr.
Serianthes nelsonii Merr. is a slow-growing, tropical hardwood tree that is endemic to the Philippines. It is commonly known as "bagoadlau" or "ironwood." Propagation of this species is mostly done through seeds, but cuttings and grafting are also possible.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Serianthes nelsonii Merr. are collected from mature, healthy trees. The seeds are cleaned from the fruit pulp and soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat. After soaking, the seeds are planted directly in a nursery bed or individually in containers filled with a mixture of sand, compost, and soil.
The seedlings can be transplanted to a larger container after six months or when the roots start to come out of the drainage holes. After a year of growth, the seedlings can be planted in the field.
Cutting Propagation
Cuttings from Serianthes nelsonii Merr. can be taken from mature wood, preferably from the lower portion of the tree. The ideal length of the cutting should be around 30 cm with at least four nodes. The leaves from the lower part of the cutting are removed, leaving only two or three leaves on the upper part.
The cuttings are treated with rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings should be planted in a mixture of soil and sand and watered regularly. Rooting can take up to several months.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is an effective method of propagation for Serianthes nelsonii Merr. The scion used in grafting should be taken from a mature, healthy tree and the rootstock should be from a closely related species of the same diameter.
The grafting method commonly used for this species is the side grafting technique. The scion is cut at a slant and the rootstock is cut horizontally. The scion and rootstock are then joined and wrapped with a plastic strip to hold them together. The grafted plant is then placed in a nursery bed for a few weeks until it has established.
Disease Management
The plant Serianthes nelsonii Merr. is susceptible to various diseases that can damage it. One common disease that affects the plant is Fusarium wilt. This disease is caused by a fungus that attacks the root system of the plant, depriving it of water and nutrients. It can cause leaves to turn yellow, wilt and die, and eventually, the entire plant can die.
To manage Fusarium wilt disease, it is advisable to start by removing any infected plants or plant parts. This will prevent the spread of the disease to other healthy plants. The soil in which the infected plant was growing should be removed or replaced and treated with fungicides. Crop rotation is also an effective way to control Fusarium wilt as it reduces the chances of reinfection. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid planting Serianthes nelsonii Merr. in a location previously planted with the same or another susceptible crop.
Another common disease that affects Serianthes nelsonii Merr. is powdery mildew. It is caused by a fungus that thrives in humid conditions. This disease causes a powdery white coating on leaves and stems, premature defoliation, and stunted growth. To manage powdery mildew, it is advisable to prune infected parts of the plant, promote good air circulation, and apply fungicides.
Pest Management
Serianthes nelsonii Merr. is also susceptible to pest attacks. One common pest that attacks the plant is the spider mite. Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap of plants, causing yellowing of leaves. They are usually found on the undersides of leaves. To manage spider mites, it is advisable to spray the affected plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. It is also recommended to increase humidity levels by misting the plant occasionally or using a humidifier as spider mites prefer dry conditions.
Another common pest that can attack Serianthes nelsonii Merr. is the mealybug. Mealybugs are soft, white, waxy insects that suck the sap of plants and leave behind a sticky residue. They can cause yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and even death of the plant. To manage mealybugs, it is advisable to handpick the insects or apply insecticidal soap. Additionally, it is recommended to prune infected parts of the plant, dispose of them appropriately, and treat the soil with insecticides to prevent reinfection.