Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb.
Terminalia bellirica, also known as Bahera or Beleric myrobalan, is a deciduous tree belonging to the family Combretaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia, from India to Nepal and Bhutan, and can be found in other parts of the world, including Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Malaysia. The tree is usually found in dry forests and is easily recognizable due to its large, egg-shaped fruits and beautiful foliage.
General Appearance
The Terminalia bellirica tree grows up to 30 meters tall and has a straight, cylindrical trunk that can reach a diameter of 1 meter. The bark of the tree is smooth and greyish-brown in color. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and oblong in shape, measuring up to 20 centimeters in length and 10 centimeters in width. The tree's flowers are greenish-white and tiny, clustered in spikes that can measure up to 15 centimeters in length. The fruit is a large, ellipsoid drupe measuring up to 4 centimeters in length, 3 centimeters in width, and 6 grams in weight.
Common Uses
The fruit of Terminalia bellirica is known for its numerous medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine in Southeast Asia for centuries. The fruit contains several active compounds, including gallic acid, ellagic acid, and chebulinic acid, which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The fruit is also known to have astringent and antibacterial properties and is used in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, and other gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, the fruit is used in the treatment of respiratory disorders, such as asthma and bronchitis, and for its beneficial effects on the eyes. The wood of the tree is hard and durable and is often used in construction and furniture-making.
Conclusion
Terminalia bellirica is a versatile tree with a wide range of medicinal and commercial uses. Its fruit is known for its numerous health benefits, and the wood of the tree is highly valued for its strength and durability. The tree's beautiful foliage and large, egg-shaped fruits make it a popular ornamental plant in many parts of the world, and its status as a medicinal plant has ensured its continued importance and use in traditional medicine.
Light Requirements
Terminalia bellirica typically grows in full sun to light shade. However, it prefers more sunlight for optimal growth and fruit production.
Temperature Requirements
Terminalia bellirica is a subtropical plant and grows best in warm temperatures. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 20-35°C (68-95°F).
The plant is relatively tolerant to colder temperatures and can withstand occasional frosts, but extended exposure to freezing temperatures may cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining, fertile soils with a pH of 6-8. It can tolerate a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
It is important to note that Terminalia bellirica is susceptible to waterlogging. Therefore, it should not be planted in areas prone to flooding or poorly-draining soils.
Regular application of organic matter such as compost or manure can help improve soil fertility and ensure optimal growth of the plant.
Cultivation of Terminalia Bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb.
Terminalia bellirica is a large deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. It usually prefers sandy or loamy soils with good drainage and moderate fertility. The plant can be propagated by seeds, stem cuttings, or air layering. The best time to sow seeds is during the monsoon season.
Watering Needs of Terminalia Bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb.
The plant prefers moderate watering during its growing season, which is from spring to summer. Excessive watering can lead to waterlogging and root rot. During the winter months, the plant can tolerate dry conditions, but it is always good to keep the soil moist but not wet.
Fertilization of Terminalia Bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb.
Young plants require frequent fertilization to establish well. They can be fed with a balanced fertilizer every month during the growing season. Mature plants do not require much fertilization, but it is still good to provide them with organic fertilizers once or twice a year.
Pruning of Terminalia Bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb.
Pruning can help maintain the shape and size of the plant. Branches that are dead, damaged or diseased should be removed immediately. The best time for pruning is during late winter or early spring. This is also the time when the plant is getting ready for new growth.
Propagation of Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb.
Propagation is the process of creating or reproducing new plants from the existing plant parts. Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb., commonly known as Bahera, is a large deciduous tree that belongs to the Combretaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia and is well-known for its medicinal properties. The plant can be propagated by various methods such as seed propagation, stem cuttings, and air layering.
Seed Propagation
The most common and easiest method of propagation for Terminalia bellirica is through seeds. The seeds of Bahera are collected from the ripe fruit, which can be found on the tree during the autumn season. Once collected, the seeds are soaked in water for 12 hours before planting. The seeds are then sown in a seedbed at a depth of about 1-2 cm and covered with a thin layer of soil.
The seedbed should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, to facilitate germination. The seeds will germinate within 3-4 weeks and will take about 3-4 years to reach maturity. After that, they can be transplanted to their final growing position.
Stem Cuttings
Terminalia bellirica can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the mature wood of the tree, preferably during the spring season. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should have at least 2-3 nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower portion of the stem and dip the cut ends in rooting hormone before planting them in a well-draining potting mix.
The cuttings should be placed in a humid, warm, and bright location with indirect sunlight until rooting occurs. Once the cuttings develop roots, they can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly to the field.
Air Layering
Air layering is another method of propagation for Terminalia bellirica. This method involves creating a small wound on a mature branch of the tree and covering it with moist soil or sphagnum moss. The covered area is then wrapped with plastic to maintain the moisture level. Roots will form at the wounded area within 2-3 months.
Once the roots have developed, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted to its final location.
Disease Management
Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. is susceptible to a few diseases like leaf spot, powdery mildew, and anthracnose. It is essential to manage these diseases carefully to prevent yield loss. The following are some management techniques that can help prevent or control these diseases:
- Cultural practices: Proper cultural practices such as crop rotation, adequate spacing between plants, and removal of infected plant debris can help to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Fungicides: Fungicides containing active ingredients like mancozeb, copper oxychloride, and hexaconazole can help control diseases like powdery mildew, leaf spot, and anthracnose. Proper application techniques and adherence to dosage recommendations are essential when using fungicides.
- Biocontrol: Biocontrol agents like Bacillus subtilis, Trichoderma harzianum, and Pseudomonas fluorescens can help to prevent diseases like powdery mildew and anthracnose. These agents work by colonizing the plant surface and preventing pathogenic fungi from establishing themselves.
Pest Management
T. bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. is also vulnerable to some pests like stem borers, leaf miners, and fruit flies. These pests can cause significant yield loss if not appropriately managed. Here are some techniques for managing these pests:
- Cultural practices: Proper cultural practices like weed control, removal of infested plant debris, and regular pruning can help prevent pest infestations.
- Insecticides: Insecticides containing active ingredients like imidacloprid, chlorpyrifos, and thiamethoxam can help control pests like stem borers, leaf miners, and fruit flies. Proper application techniques and adherence to dosage recommendations are essential when using insecticides.
- Traps: Traps can be useful for catching pests like fruit flies. Yellow sticky traps coated with a sticky substance can help trap and control these pests.
