Description of Sideroxylon inerme L. subsp. diospyroides (Baker) J.H.Hemsl.
Sideroxylon inerme L. subsp. diospyroides (Baker) J.H.Hemsl. is a species of flowering plant in the family Sapotaceae. It is commonly known as 'Wild Dilly,' 'Native Olive' or 'Kauila' in Hawaii. The plant has a widespread distribution across tropical and subtropical coasts around the world, including East Africa, Madagascar, Australia, New Caledonia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia, and the West Indies.
Appearance of Sideroxylon inerme L. subsp. diospyroides (Baker) J.H.Hemsl.
Sideroxylon inerme L. subsp. diospyroides (Baker) J.H.Hemsl. is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree or shrub that grows up to 15 meters tall. The plant has a dense and bushy growth habit with a rounded or irregular crown. Its bark is grey-brown and relatively smooth, with small lenticels. The leaves are simple, leathery, dark green, and glossy, about 5-10 cm long, and arranged alternately on the stem. The tree bears small, white or cream-colored flowers that bloom around the year, followed by fleshy, round, or oval-shaped fruits that turn from green to yellow or orange when ripe. The fruits contain one or two flattened seeds, which are dispersed by birds and other animals.
Uses of Sideroxylon inerme L. subsp. diospyroides (Baker) J.H.Hemsl.
Sideroxylon inerme L. subsp. diospyroides (Baker) J.H.Hemsl. has several traditional and modern uses. In Hawaii, the plant has cultural and historical importance, where its wood was used to make canoes, surfboards, and other artifacts. The tree is prized for its durable, hard and heavy wood that is resistant to rot, insects, and weather. In some cultures, the plant is valued for its medicinal properties, where the bark, leaves, and fruits are used as remedies for coughs, fever, diarrhea, wounds, and infections. The fruit is edible and often consumed raw or cooked, while the seed oil is used in cosmetics and soap making. Additionally, the plant is widely grown as an ornamental tree in parks, gardens, and public areas, owing to its attractive foliage, flowers, and fruits.
Light Requirements
Sideroxylon inerme L. subsp. diospyroides requires full sunlight for proper growth and development. It can tolerate some shade, but the plant will not thrive in shaded areas. Therefore, it is recommended to plant it in areas that receive direct sunlight for most of the day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can grow in a variety of temperature conditions. It can tolerate frost and high humidity, but it grows best in warm to hot temperatures. It can also tolerate drought conditions but requires regular watering during prolonged dry periods.
Soil Requirements
Sideroxylon inerme L. subsp. diospyroides grows best in well-drained soils with good fertility. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. However, the plant will not tolerate waterlogged soils and will suffer from root rot if planted in such soils. Therefore, it is recommended to plant it in well-drained soils with good organic matter content.
Cultivation methods
Sideroxylon inerme L. subsp. diospyroides (Baker) J.H.Hemsl. is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in a variety of soils. It prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 5 to 8. This plant is propagated by seeds or cuttings. For best results, propagate the plant during the spring or summer months. It is also recommended to plant them in an area with full sun exposure.
Watering needs
This plant is drought-resistant and does not require frequent watering. Water the plant deeply, but infrequently, to help develop a deep root system. Allow the soil to dry out between watering, but do not let the soil dry completely. During the summer months, it is recommended to water the plant every two weeks.
Fertilization
Fertilization is not necessary for this plant. However, if you want to boost growth and flowering, apply a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year during the active growing season. Make sure to follow the instructions on the package to avoid using too much fertilizer, which can harm the plant.
Pruning
Pruning should be done during the late winter or early spring months when the plant is dormant. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Prune any crossing or rubbing branches to maintain the plant's shape and increase air circulation. Avoid extensive pruning, as this can damage the plant and reduce flowering.
Propagation of Sideroxylon inerme L. subsp. diospyroides (Baker) J.H.Hemsl.
Sideroxylon inerme L. subsp. diospyroides (Baker) J.H.Hemsl. can be propagated by several methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and cutting propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the simplest and most common method used to propagate Sideroxylon inerme L. subsp. diospyroides (Baker) J.H.Hemsl. The seeds should be collected from mature fruits, as they begin to turn brown and fall off the plant. The seeds should be cleaned, soaked in water for 24 hours, and then sown in a suitable potting mix. The pot should be kept moist and placed in a warm, bright location until germination occurs.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is also possible with Sideroxylon inerme L. subsp. diospyroides (Baker) J.H.Hemsl. The plant can be propagated through suckers, which are shoots that emerge from the base of the plant. These can be carefully removed and planted in a suitable potting mix. The newly planted suckers should be kept moist and placed in a warm, bright location until they develop roots and begin to grow on their own.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation of Sideroxylon inerme L. subsp. diospyroides (Baker) J.H.Hemsl. is also possible. Cuttings of the plant can be taken from an existing plant and planted in a suitable potting mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and placed in a warm, bright location until they develop roots and begin to grow on their own.
Disease Management
Sideroxylon inerme L. subsp. diospyroides (Baker) J.H.Hemsl. is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Leaf spot: This disease is characterized by circular or irregular spots on the leaves. It is caused by several fungi and can be controlled by removing infected leaves and spraying with a fungicide.
- Anthracnose: This disease affects the leaves, stems, and fruits, causing them to develop dark lesions. It is caused by several fungi and can be controlled by removing infected plant parts and spraying with a fungicide.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by several fungi, and it affects the roots, causing them to rot and decay. It can be controlled by ensuring good soil drainage and avoiding overwatering.
To manage these diseases, it is essential to take preventive measures such as maintaining proper plant hygiene, avoiding overhead watering, and providing adequate nutrition to the plants.
Pest Management
The common pests that might affect Sideroxylon inerme L. subsp. diospyroides (Baker) J.H.Hemsl. are:
- Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and deform. They can be controlled by spraying with an insecticide or soapy water.
- Spider mites: These tiny mites feed on the leaves and form webbing around the plant. They can be controlled by spraying with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: These larvae feed on the leaves and can cause extensive damage. They can be controlled by manually removing them or spraying with a biological insecticide.
To manage these pests, it is advisable to encourage natural enemies such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. It is also important to regularly inspect the plants for any signs of infestation and take prompt action to control them.
