Overview of Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Lam.
Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Lam., also known as baniti in the Philippines, is a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia, specifically in countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Historically, the plant has been used for various purposes, including medicine, decoration, and spirituality.
General Appearance
The Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Lam. is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 10 meters in height. It has leathery leaves that are glossy green in color, with a width that ranges from 5 to 15 centimeters. The leaves are arranged oppositely on the stem, with a characteristic drooping habit. The plant's flowers are white, five-petaled, and fragrant, with a diameter of around 2.5 centimeters. The flowers bloom year-round.
Common Names
Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Lam. is commonly known by different names in various Southeast Asian countries. Besides the common name baniti in the Philippines, it is also known as sapuhan in Indonesia, and karas in Malaysia. The plant’s common English name is the Pandakaki-puti.
Uses
The Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Lam. has numerous uses, including medicinal, spiritual, and decorative purposes. Studies have found that the plant contains alkaloid compounds that have various pharmacological properties, making it useful for treating various ailments such as fever, hypertension, and inflammation.
In some Southeast Asian cultures, the plant's leaves and flowers are used in traditional medicine practices as a remedy for respiratory problems, headaches, stomach ailments, and even snake bites. Additionally, the plant is believed to have spiritual and supernatural properties. It is used as an offering during religious festivals, as well as a talisman for protection against evil spirits.
The plant's white flowers also make it a popular decorative plant in gardens and landscapes, with its year-round blooming period adding to its appeal.
Overall, Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Lam. is a versatile plant that plays essential roles in various aspects of Southeast Asian culture and has several practical applications that make it a valuable resource.
Light Requirements
Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Lam. usually grows well under full sun to partial shade. It thrives in bright sunlight but not in direct heat. Therefore, it is advisable to protect the plant from scorching due to excessive heat as it may lead to leaf burn and wilting. However, the plant can also tolerate moderate shade but may affect its flowering and growth rate.
Temperature Range
This plant generally requires warm temperatures to grow well. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions and can tolerate temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. Although it can withstand heat, it is prone to frost damage. The minimum temperature required for the plant's survival is 14°C. If planting is done in colder areas, it is advisable to grow the plant in a greenhouse or indoors.
Soil Requirements
Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Lam. prefers well-draining, rich loamy soils. However, it can also grow in sandy and clay soils, provided there is proper drainage. The soil pH range should be slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, i.e., pH 6.0 to 7.5. It is advisable to mix coarse sand or gravel with the planting soil to enhance drainage and aeration. The plant requires moderate watering and should not be overwatered.
Cultivation
Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Lam. prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It thrives in partial shade to full sun and grows well in warm temperatures ranging from 60 to 85°F.
The plant can be propagated using stem cuttings or seeds. Stem cuttings should be taken during the growing season and placed in a rooting hormone to increase their chances of rooting.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering during the growing season. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. In the winter, reduce watering frequency to prevent waterlogging. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
To encourage growth and blooming, fertilize Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Lam. every two to three weeks during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Avoid over-fertilization as it can lead to salt buildup in the soil and damage the roots.
Pruning
Prune the plant in the spring to remove any dead or damaged branches. Thin out the crowded or crossing branches to improve air circulation and increase light penetration. Shorten the longer stems to encourage bushier growth. Avoid pruning in the fall or winter when the plant goes dormant.
Propagation of Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Lam.
Propagation of Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Lam. can be done through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and air layering.
Propagation by Seeds
The easiest way to propagate Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Lam. is by seeds. For this method, ripe fruit needs to be collected as soon as it falls from the plant. The seeds should be washed thoroughly and then sown in a well-prepared seedbed. The seedbed should be kept moist and warm. Germination usually takes around 14 to 21 days, and after that, the seedlings can be transplanted into a pot or a larger container.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation of Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Lam. by stem cuttings is a common practice. Cuttings of approximately 10-15 cm length should be taken from a mature plant and then treated with a rooting hormone. These cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil and kept moist by spraying water on them daily. It takes around 4-6 weeks for the cuttings to root, and after that, they can be transplanted in pots.
Propagation by Air Layering
Air layering is another method to propagate Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Lam. For this, a branch of the plant is selected, and a cut is made on its bark, where the branch is still attached to the plant. A rooting hormone is applied to the cut area, which is then covered with moist moss and wrapped in a plastic bag. After 6-8 weeks, roots will develop, and the branch can be cut off and planted in a pot or another suitable place.
Disease and Pest Management for Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Lam.
Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Lam., commonly known as the Philippine jasmine, is a tropical evergreen shrub or small tree. It is a beautiful ornamental plant that is grown for its fragrant flowers and glossy leaves. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
The following are some of the common diseases that may affect Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Lam.:
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by fungi and is characterized by small, circular lesions on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove affected leaves and apply a fungicide.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves. It can be treated by applying fungicides, pruning affected parts, and improving air circulation around the plant.
- Root rot: Root rot is caused by fungi that attack the roots, causing them to decay and turn brown. To manage root rot, improve drainage by adding organic matter to the soil, and avoid overwatering the plant.
Common Pests
The following are some of the common pests that may affect Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Lam.:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to curl and turn yellow. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water or by using insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck sap from the plant, causing stippled leaves and webbing. They can be treated by spraying the plant with water, using insecticidal soap or neem oil, and improving humidity around the plant.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that produce a white, cottony substance on the plant. They can be managed by removing them manually or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regular monitoring and maintenance can help prevent disease and pest infestations in Tabernaemontana Pandacaqui Lam. Maintaining good cultural practices such as proper watering and fertilization can also reduce the risk of disease.
