Overview - Tapura fischeri Engl. var. pubescens Verdc. & Torre
Tapura fischeri Engl. var. pubescens Verdc. & Torre is a flowering plant belonging to the family Dipterocarpaceae. The plant is commonly known as 'amarillo', 'biriba' or 'white mahogany'. It has a wide distribution range across South America, including Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia.
Description
The plant Tapura fischeri Engl. var. pubescens Verdc. & Torre grows up to 30 meters in height and has a straight trunk that can reach up to 150 cm in diameter. The bark is grey or brown with small cracks, and the wood is white or yellowish and has a pleasant odor. The leaves are alternate, simple, and oval-shaped, with a length of up to 25cm and a width of up to 15 cm. The upper leaf surface is dark green, while the lower surface is lighter. The flowers are small, white, and are arranged in large panicles up to 50 cm long. The fruit is a woody capsule with one seed inside, which is wind-dispersed.
Uses
The Tapura fischeri Engl. var. pubescens Verdc. & Torre has various uses in traditional medicine and as a timber tree. The bark and leaves of the plant have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and are used in the treatment of aches, arthritis, and fever. The wood is strong, durable and used for flooring, furniture, and construction purposes. The tree is also used for reforestation programs, and its cultivation provides habitats for various animal and insect species.
Growth conditions for Tapura fischeri Engl. var. pubescens Verdc. & Torre
Light: Tapura fischeri var. pubescens is a plant that thrives under direct sunlight. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight exposure daily to grow well. The plant tends to lean towards the light source hence it needs to be rotated regularly to ensure proper growth and development.
Temperature: This variety of Tapura fischeri prefers warm and moderate temperatures that range between 20-30°C. It cannot withstand frost or extreme heat and therefore should be planted in areas with a moderate climate. To ensure optimal growth, the plant should be shielded from cold winds and exposed to adequate heat and humidity levels.
Soil: The soil type for Tapura fischeri var. pubescens affects its growth and development. The plant prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter such as humus. It requires slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of between 6.0 to 7.0. The soil must be moist and well-draining to facilitate healthy root growth and prevent fungal infections.
Fertilizers: The fertility status of the soil should be kept optimal through regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 3-1-2 is recommended. The frequency of fertilization should be based on the growth stage of the plant. During the growing phase, the plant should be fertilized every two weeks, while it should be fertilized once every month during the dormant phase.
Water: Tapura fischeri var. pubescens requires adequate water to thrive. Overwatering or underwatering may result in stunted growth or yellow leaves. The soil should be kept moist to the touch, but not too wet or too dry. It is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week, depending on the ambient humidity level.
Propagation: The plant can be propagated through seedlings or stem cuttings. The stem cuttings should be taken during the growing season, and the leaves should be stripped off before rooting. The plant takes approximately two to three weeks to root, and it should be kept in a warm and humid area until the roots develop.
Cultivation Methods
Tapura fischeri Engl. var. pubescens Verdc. & Torre grows well in partial shade environments, so it is recommended to plant it in areas that receive between 50-70% of sunlight. It is essential to have fertile soil that drains well. If the soil is too damp, the plant may suffer from root rot. It is also important to protect the plant from strong winds and frost, as they can damage it.
Watering Needs
In general, the Tapura fischeri Engl. var. pubescens Verdc. & Torre requires regular watering, but it is vital not to over-water it. The amount of water needed depends on various factors, such as the humidity, temperature, and soil. It is best to water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch. During the summer months, it may need to be watered more frequently.
Fertilization
The Tapura fischeri Engl. var. pubescens Verdc. & Torre responds well to fertilizers that are high in nitrogen and phosphorous. A slow-release fertilizer should be applied to the soil during the growing season. It is recommended to do this every four to six weeks. Be sure not to apply too much fertilizer, as this can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
Regular pruning is essential to keep the Tapura fischeri Engl. var. pubescens Verdc. & Torre healthy and well-shaped. It is recommended to prune it during late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. You should remove any dead or diseased branches and remove any damaged or crossing branches. Pruning helps to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Propagation of Tapura fischeri Engl. var. pubescens Verdc. & Torre
Tapura fischeri Engl. var. pubescens Verdc. & Torre can be propagated using both sexual and asexual methods. The following are the different methods of propagating the plant:
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Tapura fischeri Engl. var. pubescens Verdc. & Torre is through seed propagation. Collect the seeds from mature fruits and plant them in well-draining soil mixed with organic matter such as compost or leaf mold. The ideal time to sow seeds is during the rainy season. The seeds usually germinate within two to three weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots after about six months.
Cuttings Propagation
Tapura fischeri Engl. var. pubescens Verdc. & Torre can also be propagated through cuttings. Take stem cuttings, about 10-15 centimeters long and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil consistently moist and in a warm, humid location. The cuttings will root after a few weeks, and they can be transplanted to individual pots.
Air Layering Propagation
Another method of asexual propagation is air layering. Select a healthy branch and make a cut underneath it, then wrap the cut area in moist sphagnum moss and wrap it with plastic to create a humid environment. Once the roots develop, cut the branch below the rooted area and plant it in a pot containing well-draining soil. The new plant will develop its root system in the pot and can be transplanted to a larger container after a few months.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is a technique used to combine the desired characteristics of two separate plants. In Tapura fischeri Engl. var. pubescens Verdc. & Torre, the rootstock is usually a closely related species that has a vigorous root system, while the scion is a selected plant that has desired characteristics such as higher yields or unique fruit characteristics. The two parts are joined together, and the grafted plant is then grown in a pot or directly planted in the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Tapura fischeri Engl. var. pubescens Verdc. & Torre
Tapura fischeri Engl. var. pubescens Verdc. & Torre, commonly known as the Monkey Apple, is a tropical tree native to Africa. While the plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases, there are several issues that can affect its growth and yield. Proper disease and pest management can help prevent or reduce the damage caused by these issues.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases affecting Tapura fischeri is powdery mildew. This fungus typically appears as a white powdery substance on the plant's leaves, shoots, and flowers. It can reduce photosynthesis and stunt growth, leading to reduced yields.
To manage powdery mildew, it's important to keep the plant clean and reduce humidity around the foliage. Apply a fungicide to the affected areas, and remove any severely infected leaves or shoots. Avoid overcrowding and consider planting resistant varieties of the plant.
Anthracnose is another disease that can affect Monkey Apple trees. Symptoms include dark, sunken spots on the plant's leaves, stems, and fruits. The disease can cause defoliation and reduced fruit quality.
Manage anthracnose by removing and destroying infected plant parts. Ensure that the plant has adequate airflow and avoid overhead watering, which can spread the fungus. Use copper-based fungicides to prevent or control the disease.
Common Pests
The most common pests that can affect Tapura fischeri are caterpillars, scales, and mealybugs. Caterpillars can damage the plant's leaves and fruit, while scales and mealybugs feed on the plant's sap and weaken the foliage.
Managing pests on Monkey Apple trees involves regular inspection and early detection. Prune and dispose of infested plant parts, and use natural predators like ladybugs to control insects. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to minimize damage from pests.
Another common pest that affects Tapura fischeri is the African citrus psyllid, which transmits the Citrus Greening disease. The disease causes yellowing and wilting of the plant's leaves and can kill it in severe cases.
The best way to manage this pest is by using insecticides that target adult and juvenile psyllids. Use clean planting materials and ensure that the plant is healthy and well-nourished to reduce its susceptibility to the disease.
By following these disease and pest management practices, you can help ensure that your Tapura fischeri Engl. var. pubescens Verdc. & Torre plant stays healthy and productive.
