Overview
Stelechocarpus (Blume) Hook. & Thomson, also known as the velvet apple or Mabolo, is a tropical fruiting tree native to Southeast Asia. The plant belongs to the family Sapotaceae and its scientific name is derived from the Greek words "stele" meaning pillar, and "karpos" meaning fruit.Appearance
Stelechocarpus grows up to 25-30 meters in height and has a spreading canopy which can stretch up to 10-12 meters. The leaves are glossy, green, and oval-shaped. The fruits of the tree are round and large, with a velvety skin that ranges from dark brown to maroon in color. The flesh of the fruit is creamy and sweet, with a texture that is similar to that of a pear.Common Names
The plant has a variety of common names including velvet apple, butter fruit, kamagong, and Mabolo. In Malaysia and Indonesia, it is known as "buah mentega" and "buah tunjuk langit," respectively.Uses
The fruit of Stelechocarpus is primarily consumed as a food item, either raw or as an ingredient in desserts and other dishes. The tree also has a variety of traditional medicinal uses, including the treatment of coughs, sore throat, and fever. Additionally, the bark of the tree is used to make a dark dye that is used in traditional textile production. In conclusion, Stelechocarpus is a tropical fruit tree known for its large, round fruit that has a velvety skin and sweet, creamy flesh. The plant is widely used as a food item and has a variety of traditional medicinal uses. The tree's bark is also used to make a dark dye that is used in traditional textile production.Light Requirements
Stelechocarpus plants require bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth. It is best to place them near a window that receives light but is shaded by a sheer curtain or blinds to diffuse the light. Direct sunlight can harm the leaves and cause them to wilt or burn.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Stelechocarpus plants is between 18°C to 30°C. They can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures in the range of 15°C to 18°C, but below that, they may start to suffer from cold damage. On the other hand, temperatures above 30°C can cause the leaves to dry out, and the plant may wilt. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a stable temperature for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
Stelechocarpus plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal for this plant. The pH level of the soil should be in the slightly acidic to neutral range of 6.0 to 7.5. It is also essential to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged, as Stelechocarpus plants do not like sitting in soggy soil.
Cultivation of Stelechocarpus (Blume) Hook. & Thomson
Stelechocarpus (Blume) Hook. & Thomson is a tropical plant that thrives in high humidity and warm temperatures. It requires well-draining soil and a spot with partial shade to full sun exposure.
The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings, but it is best to sow seeds in a pot or container to transplant later. It is recommended to use a mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand for proper drainage.
Watering Needs
Stelechocarpus (Blume) Hook. & Thomson requires consistent watering to keep the soil moist. Water the plant deeply once a week, but make sure the soil is not waterlogged. In the summer or during hot weather, it may require more frequent watering, while in the winter, watering may be reduced.
Fertilization
During the growing season, Stelechocarpus (Blume) Hook. & Thomson requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended. Fertilize every two weeks, but reduce to once a month during the winter.
Pruning
Stelechocarpus (Blume) Hook. & Thomson can be pruned for shape and to remove damaged or diseased branches. Prune in the early spring or after flowering by cutting back up to one-third of the plant's size. Pruning promotes new growth and helps keep the plant dense and bushy. Disinfect pruning shears before and after use to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Stelechocarpus (Blume) Hook. & Thomson
Stelechocarpus (Blume) Hook. & Thomson is a plant that can be propagated through various methods. Some of the popular propagation methods of this plant include:
Seed Propagation
Propagation through seeds is one of the easiest ways to grow Stelechocarpus (Blume) Hook. & Thomson. The seeds should be sown on well-drained soil and should be kept moist until they germinate. The ideal temperature for seed germination is around 25-30 degrees Celsius.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation through cuttings is another viable option. The cuttings should be taken from the parent plant during the growing season. They should then be dipped in rooting hormone powder and placed in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept moist at all times until they root.
Air Layering
Air layering is another method that can be used to propagate Stelechocarpus (Blume) Hook. & Thomson. The process involves making a small cut on a stem of the parent plant and covering it with moist sphagnum moss or peat moss. The moss should be kept moist until roots develop. Once the roots are established, the new plant can be separated from the parent and planted in a new pot.
DIVISION Propagation
Propagation through division involves separating the parent plant into smaller sections with roots. This is usually done during the dormant season. The smaller sections can then be potted in well-draining soil until they establish roots and start growing.
Disease and Pest Management for Stelechocarpus (Blume) Hook. & Thomson
Stelechocarpus (Blume) Hook. & Thomson is a beautiful plant that adds elegance to any garden or landscape. However, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can damage it and cause it to wither. Therefore, it is important to know how to manage these problems effectively to keep your plant healthy and thriving.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases affecting Stelechocarpus (Blume) Hook. & Thomson is fungal leaf spots. This disease manifests as circular, brown or black spots on the leaves, and it can spread quickly if not treated. Another disease that affects the plant is powdery mildew. This is a fungal disease that causes a white, powdery substance to cover the leaves and other parts of the plant.
Pest Management
Stelechocarpus (Blume) Hook. & Thomson is also susceptible to pest attacks, which can affect its growth and cause it to wither. One of the pests common to this plant is mealybugs. These pests are tiny, white insects that produce a waxy cotton-like substance on the plant's leaves and stems. They suck the sap out of the plant, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves.
Another pest that affects Stelechocarpus (Blume) Hook. & Thomson is scale insects. These pests are usually easy to spot as they appear as brown bumps on the plant's stem and leaves. They suck sap from the plant, causing yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. If left unmanaged, they can cause the plant to die.
Management Strategies
It is important to manage these diseases and pests to keep your Stelechocarpus (Blume) Hook. & Thomson healthy. One management strategy is to prune affected leaves and branches and dispose of them far from the plant to prevent the spread of the disease. Clean pruning tools before use to avoid introducing pathogens into healthy tissues.
To control mealybugs and scale insects, wipe the affected parts of the plant with a soft damp cloth or cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol. Repeat the procedure every few days until the pests are all gone. For severe infestations, use a suitable insecticide to manage the pests effectively. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using insecticides.
Regularly monitor your plant for signs of diseases and pests. By detecting the problem early, you can effectively manage it before it spreads and damages the entire plant. Remember to keep your Stelechocarpus (Blume) Hook. & Thomson well-watered, adequately fertilized, and in the ideal growing conditions to promote good health and growth.
