Description of Synnotia bicolor (Thunb.) Sweet
Synnotia bicolor (Thunb.) Sweet, commonly known as the "White Ironwood" or "Kayu Gaharu Putih" in Malay, is a medium-sized tree belonging to the family Icacinaceae. The tree is native to Southeast Asia, particularly found in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, and can often be found growing in lowland to hill rainforests.
General Appearance
The tree generally reaches a height of up to 40 meters with a diameter of 60 cm, with a straight and cylindrical trunk. The bark of the tree is greyish-brown and relatively smooth. The leaves of the tree are simple, alternate, and elliptical-shaped with a length of 7-25cm and a width of 2-10cm. The tree produces small yellow-green flowers that are fringed with white edges. The fruits of the tree are small and black when ripe.
Uses
Synnotia bicolor is a useful tree species as many parts of the tree can be used for different purposes. The tree's wood is hard, heavy, and durable, making it ideal for construction such as building bridges, house frames, flooring, and furniture. The bark of the tree is used to make traditional medicine, where it is believed to have antipyretic, antidote, and antidiabetic properties. The leaves and stem of the tree are also reported to have medicinal properties and are used to treat various ailments. In addition, the tree produces a resin known as Gaharu that can be used in perfumes and traditional medicines.
Light Requirements
Synnotia bicolor requires bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth. Exposure to direct sunlight may damage the plant's leaves. Therefore, it is best to place the plant in a location where it can receive adequate light without being exposed to direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to regions with a warm and humid climate. Therefore, it thrives in temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). However, it can tolerate temperature fluctuations between 10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°F) for short periods of time.
Soil Requirements
The Synnotia bicolor plant prefers moist, well-draining soil. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant's roots are sensitive, so it is important to avoid waterlogging the soil. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand can provide a suitable growing medium for the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Synnotia bicolor (Thunb.) Sweet is a subtropical, slow-growing plant that thrives well in partial shade or full sunlight. It prefers a well-drained, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings.
If propagating from seeds, they should be soaked in water for a few hours before planting in a seed tray. Ensure that the tray is filled with the right soil mixture, and the seeds are not buried too deep. Cover with a transparent plastic bag to maintain humidity levels. After germination, the seedlings can be transplanted to larger pots or directly into the garden.
For stem cutting propagation, cut a healthy and mature stem from the plant and treat the cut end with rooting hormone powder. Plant the stem cutting in a container with the right soil mixture and cover it with a clear bag to maintain humidity. After a few weeks, the roots should start growing, and the plant can be moved to a more permanent location.
Watering Needs
Synnotia bicolor (Thunb.) Sweet prefers moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week and ensure that the soil drains well. One should never let the soil dry out entirely, as this may lead to leaf shedding.
Fertilization
To enhance growth and vigor, one should fertilize Synnotia bicolor (Thunb.) Sweet during the growing season (spring and summer). Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer once a month and water it in. Alternatively, one can use a liquid fertilizer that is high in potassium and apply it every two weeks during the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Synnotia bicolor (Thunb.) Sweet, but it can improve the plant's appearance and health. Remove any yellowing, diseased, or damaged leaves as soon as possible. Regular trimming of the branches can help maintain the plant's shape and control its size. One can prune the plant at any time of the year except during the dormant season.
Propagation of Synnotia bicolor (Thunb.) Sweet
Synnotia bicolor (Thunb.) Sweet is a beautiful shrub with attractive purple or pink flowers. It is easy to propagate and can be done by several methods. Following are the most common propagation methods:
Seed Propagation
The propagation of Synnotia bicolor (Thunb.) Sweet through seeds is a straightforward process. Sow the ripe seeds in commercial seed starting mix during the early spring season. To ensure proper germination, keep the soil moist and cover it with clear polythene. Place the container in a warm place that receives indirect sunlight. The seeds usually germinate within 3-4 weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation through cuttings is another effective method for S. bicolor. Take 3-4 inch stem cuttings from the plant during the early spring season. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip it in rooting hormone powder. Insert the cutting into a pot filled with potting mix and keep it moist. Cover the pot with clear polythene and place it in a warm, bright place. The cutting will start producing roots in a few weeks.
Division Propagation
Division propagation can be done during the early spring season when the plant is actively growing. Take a sharp spade and dig up the plant from its root ball. Divide the plant into several smaller clumps using a sharp knife. Plant the divided clumps in new planting holes and keep the soil moist. The new S. bicolor plants will start growing in a few weeks.
Propagation of S. bicolor is a simple process that can be done using any of the above mentioned methods. With proper care and maintenance, the newly propagated plants will grow into beautiful shrubs.
Disease and Pest Management for Synnotia bicolor (Thunb.) Sweet
Synnotia bicolor (Thunb.) Sweet is a popular ornamental plant known for its beautiful, yellow flowers and dark green foliage. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its health and growth. It is crucial to identify and manage these problems effectively to keep the plant healthy and thriving.
Common Diseases:
Bacterial blight: This disease is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris and leads to the appearance of water-soaked spots on leaves and flowers. These spots eventually turn brown and can kill the affected tissues. Managing bacterial blight involves removing infected plant parts and using copper-based bactericides.
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is caused by fungi like Cercospora and Alternaria. The disease manifests as small, brown spots on leaves and can lead to premature defoliation. Fungicides containing copper, sulfur, or chlorothalonil can help manage leaf spot in Synnotia bicolor.
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that appears as yellow-orange or reddish-brown spots on leaves and stems. Fungicides containing triadimefon or myclobutanil can be effective in managing rust in Synnotia bicolor.
Common Pests:
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that feed on plant sap and can cause stunted growth and deformation of leaves and flowers. To control aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encouraging the presence of natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings can also help.
Spider mites: These tiny mites feed on the plant's sap and can cause yellowing and drying of leaves. Spraying the plant with a strong stream of water can help dislodge the mites. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be effective in managing spider mites in Synnotia bicolor.
Scale insects: Scale insects appear as small, raised bumps on stems and leaves and can cause yellowing and wilting of affected tissues. To manage scale insects, you can use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Pruning and removing the most severely affected plant parts can also help reduce the infestation.
By identifying and managing common diseases and pests, you can ensure that your Synnotia bicolor (Thunb.) Sweet remains healthy and beautiful. Regular monitoring and proper cultural practices, such as avoiding overhead watering, can help prevent many problems from occurring in the first place.
