Overview of Terminalia suberosa auct.
Terminalia suberosa auct. is a small tree or shrub belonging to the family Combretaceae. It is primarily found in Australia, particularly in the northern and eastern parts of the country. The plant is also known by several common names, including Corky Terminalia, White feather, and Marblewood.
Appearance of Terminalia suberosa auct.
The Corky Terminalia has a distinctive appearance. It is a small to medium-sized tree or shrub that can reach up to 20 meters in height. The bark is corky and can be up to 5 centimeters thick, giving rise to its common name. The leaves are narrow and elongated and can measure up to 20 cm long. The plant produces clusters of small, fragrant, white or cream-colored flowers that bloom in the summer. The fruit is a small, round, brownish drupe that contains a single seed.
Uses of Terminalia suberosa auct.
The Corky Terminalia has significant cultural importance in Aboriginal communities. The plant is used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including skin infections, sores, and coughs. The leaves and bark of the Corky Terminalia are rich in tannins and have been used for tanning leather. The plant's wood is also highly valued for its durability and is used for furniture making and construction.
The Corky Terminalia is also grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks, valued for its attractive bark and foliage and fragrant flowers.
Light Requirements
Terminalia suberosa auct is adapted to grow in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate direct sunlight for a few hours.
Temperature Requirements
Terminalia suberosa auct requires warm temperature throughout the year to grow. It prefers a temperature range between 20°C to 35°C, although it can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C. Extreme cold or frost can be harmful to the plant.
Soil Requirements
Terminalia suberosa auct prefers well-drained soils with a pH range between 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy soils, loamy soils, and clay soils, but it grows best in loamy soils that are rich in organic matter.
The plant doesn't tolerate water-logged soils, and overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Terminalia suberosa auct. is a drought-resistant plant that can grow in a wide range of soil types. It prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant grows well in full sun but can also thrive in partial shade. It is recommended to plant the tree during the rainy season to promote establishment and root growth.
Watering Needs
During the planting and establishment phase, Terminalia suberosa auct. requires regular watering twice a week. Once the tree is established, it can go for long periods without water. However, it is advisable to water the plant during times of prolonged drought or extreme heat.
Fertilization
Terminalia suberosa auct. does not require frequent fertilization. However, you may apply a slow-release fertilizer during the rainy season. It is advisable to use organic fertilizers to avoid over-fertilization. Excessive use of inorganic fertilizers can lead to salt build-up and damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Terminalia suberosa auct. is recommended during the early stages of growth to develop a strong and healthy framework. It is also advisable to prune any dead or diseased branches at any time of the year. However, pruning should be minimal as the plant does not tolerate heavy pruning.
Propagation Methods of Terminalia Suberosa Auct.
Terminalia suberosa auct., commonly known as “Indian Catopedis” or “Yellow-Flowered Terminalia,” is a tree species native to India and Sri Lanka. It is a deciduous tree that can grow up to a height of 20 meters and has a spreading crown with yellow flowers. Propagation of Terminalia suberosa auct. can be done through various methods.
Seed Propagation
Propagation through seeds is the primary method used to propagate Terminalia suberosa auct. Seeds are easily available from mature trees and can be collected during the flowering and fruiting seasons. The seeds are sown in beds during the rainy season at a depth of 2 to 5 cm. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. Germination usually starts within two weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted after three to six months in a polybag. Seed propagation is the most cost-effective method of propagation, and it can produce a large number of plants quickly.
Cuttage Propagation
Cuttage propagation is another method that can be used to propagate Terminalia suberosa auct. This method involves taking cuttings from hardwood of the parent tree. Cuttings should be taken during the dormant season when the tree has shed its leaves. The cuttings should be about 30 cm long and treated with IBA (Indolebutyric acid). The lower ends of the cutting are dipped in the IBA solution and planted in a rooting medium containing sand and peat or perlite. The cuttings should be kept in a shaded area to avoid direct sunlight. After two to three weeks, the cuttings will start developing roots and can be transplanted to a polybag.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another method used to propagate Terminalia suberosa auct. This method involves removing a strip of bark from the stem about 30 cm from the tip of the branch during the growing season. The exposed wood is treated with a rooting hormone, and a ball of sphagnum moss is wrapped around it and covered with a plastic sheet. The moss should be kept moist, and after about six to eight weeks, roots will develop. The new plant can then be planted in a polybag and grown until it is ready to be transplanted to its permanent location.
Overall, Terminalia suberosa auct. can be propagated through a variety of methods, including seed propagation, cuttage propagation, and air layering. A combination of these methods can be used for faster propagation and to increase the success rate of propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Terminalia suberosa auct.
Like any other plant, Terminalia suberosa auct. is vulnerable to various diseases and pests. Here are some of the common ones that might affect the plant:
Diseases
Leaf Spot: This fungal disease appears as small brown or black spots on the leaves of the plant. The spots might spread and cause the leaves to wilt and eventually die. To manage this disease, prune off the affected leaves and apply a fungicide to the remaining foliage. Avoid overwatering the plant and ensure adequate air circulation.
Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and eventually die. The plant might exhibit stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and wilting. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure adequate drainage. Remove affected plants and avoid replanting in the same area.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease appears as dark sunken spots on the leaves and stems of the plant, which might cause defoliation and plant death. To manage this disease, avoid overhead watering, prune off affected leaves and stems and apply a fungicide. You can also promote air circulation by planting the Terminalia suberosa auct. with adequate spacing.
Pests
Mites: Mites might cause yellowing, curling, and speckled leaves. They might also produce webs on the plant, which might lead to defoliation. To manage mites, you can spray the plant with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Introduce natural predators like ladybugs and predatory mites to the garden.
Caterpillars: These pests feed on the foliage of the plant, causing skeletonization. You can manage caterpillars by picking them off by hand, releasing beneficial insects like parasitic wasps and applying a natural insecticide like Bacillus thuringiensis.
Scale: These pests appear as small bumps on the plant's stem and leaves. They might cause yellowing and dropping of leaves. You can manage scale insects by wiping them off with a softbrush, releasing beneficial insects like parasitic wasps or applying horticultural oil on the plant.
By implementing these management practices, you can ensure that your Terminalia suberosa auct. remains healthy and productive.
