Origin
Terminalia suberosa R.E.Fr. is a plant species native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It is commonly found in lowland and submontane forests, often growing on riverbanks and along streams.
Common Names
Terminalia suberosa R.E.Fr. is commonly known as the corky-fruited water tree or malasambung in the Philippines. In other parts of Southeast Asia, it is also known as tapak liman, kayu raru, and beruas.
Uses
The bark, leaves and fruits of Terminalia suberosa R.E.Fr. have been used for medicinal purposes by indigenous communities in Southeast Asia for centuries. In traditional medicine, it is believed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties and is used to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, fever, and rheumatism.
In addition to its medicinal uses, the wood of Terminalia suberosa R.E.Fr. is prized for its durability and resistance to decay, making it ideal for use in construction and furniture-making.
General Appearance
Terminalia suberosa R.E.Fr. is a large, deciduous tree that can grow up to 40 meters tall. It has a straight trunk with a diameter of up to 60 cm and a broad, spreading crown. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown, with corky lenticels. The leaves are simple, alternate, and lanceolate, with a length of 10-20 cm and a width of 2-3 cm. The flowers are small and yellowish-green, while the fruit is a globose drupe, about 2-3 cm in diameter, with a corky texture.
Growth Conditions for Terminalia suberosa R.E.Fr.
Terminalia suberosa R.E.Fr. is a medium-sized tree species found in tropical regions of Africa. It thrives in a wide range of climatic conditions, ranging from hot and dry savannas to moist tropical forests.
Light Conditions
The species prefers full sunlight for optimal growth and development. It can tolerate partial shade but performs best in open areas where it can receive direct sunlight for most of the day.
Temperature Conditions
Terminalia suberosa R.E.Fr. is well-suited to warm to hot climates. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 5°C to 40°C. However, it grows best in temperatures between 25°C and 30°C.
Soil Requirements
The species can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay soils. However, it prefers well-draining soils with good fertility. It can grow in soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5, but it performs best in soils with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5.
Terminalia suberosa R.E.Fr. is also able to grow in nutrient-poor soils. It has a deep root system that allows it to access nutrients from deep within the soil profile.
In summary, Terminalia suberosa R.E.Fr. thrives in full sunlight and warm to hot climates. It can grow and develop in a wide range of soil types, but it prefers well-draining soils with good fertility.
Cultivation methods for Terminalia suberosa R.E.Fr.
Terminalia suberosa R.E.Fr. is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It prefers warm temperatures between 20-30°C and well-draining soil. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types but grows best in well-draining, sandy loam soils with a pH of 6 to 7.5.
The plant can be grown from seeds, which should be sown in a well-prepared seedbed. Germination can be slow, taking up to 30 days. Once the seedlings reach a height of about 10 cm, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the field.
Watering needs for Terminalia suberosa R.E.Fr.
Terminalia suberosa R.E.Fr. requires regular watering during the growing season, especially in the first year of establishment. In dry conditions, it should be watered at least once a week. However, it can tolerate short periods of drought.
When watering, it is best to water deeply and infrequently, rather than shallow and frequently. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization of Terminalia suberosa R.E.Fr.
Terminalia suberosa R.E.Fr. responds well to fertilization. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the most important nutrients for growth. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 2:1:1 is ideal for young plants. Mature plants may require a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 1:1:1.
Fertilizer can be applied every two months during the growing season. However, it is important not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced fruiting.
Pruning of Terminalia suberosa R.E.Fr.
Terminalia suberosa R.E.Fr. can benefit from regular pruning to remove dead or diseased wood and to maintain a desirable shape. Pruning can also stimulate new growth and improve fruiting.
The best time to prune is during the dormant season, which is in the late fall or winter. It is important to use sharp, sterilized pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Terminalia suberosa R.E.Fr.
Terminalia suberosa R.E.Fr., commonly known as the forest cork tree, is a slow-growing tree species that is native to the tropical regions of Africa and Asia. The plant can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, cuttings or air layering.
Propagation methods
Propagation through Seeds: Terminalia suberosa can be propagated through seeds. The seeds of the plant have a very hard outer covering and need to be scarified before sowing. Scarification can be done by rubbing the seeds with sandpaper or cracking the seed coat with a sharp blade. Once the seed coat is scarified, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing them in a well-drained medium. Seedlings will emerge within two weeks.
Propagation through Cuttings: Terminalia suberosa can be propagated through hardwood cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the mature branches of the tree during the dormant season. After stripping off the leaves, the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining medium. The cuttings should be kept in a warm environment with high humidity and should be watered regularly. Roots will develop within 4-6 weeks, and the plant will be ready for transplanting after a few months.
Propagation through Air Layering: Terminalia suberosa can also be propagated through air layering. Air layering is a process in which a branch of the tree is wounded and covered with moist soil or moss. This causes the branch to produce roots, which can be severed from the parent plant and transplanted. To perform air layering, select a branch that is 1-2 years old and about the thickness of a pencil. Remove the leaves and bark from a small section of the branch and wrap it with moist soil or sphagnum moss. Cover the wrapped section with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band or string. Roots will form in about 2-3 months, and the new plant can be severed from the parent plant and transplanted.
Disease Management
Terminalia suberosa R.E.Fr. is susceptible to several diseases that could cause significant harm to the plant. Here are some of the most common diseases and ways to manage them:
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by fungi that thrive in waterlogged soil, leading to the rotting of roots. To manage root rot, it is vital to ensure that the plant's soil has adequate drainage by planting it in well-draining soil. Additionally, avoid overwatering and waterlogging the soil, as this increases the chances of root rot.
- Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that appears as brown spots on the plant's leaves and stems. To manage this disease, it is essential to prune and remove diseased leaves and stems, which helps to prevent the spread of the fungus. Additionally, use fungicides to control the disease in severe cases.
- Leaf Spot: This disease is characterized by the appearance of small white or brown spots on the plant's leaves. To manage leaf spot, it is vital to prune and remove affected leaves and stems and avoid overcrowding the plant, which reduces the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Terminalia suberosa R.E.Fr. is also susceptible to several pests that could damage or kill the plant if not managed effectively. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
- Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that suck plant sap, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soaps or neem oil, which help to deter the insects and control their spread on the plant.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are hard to detect pests that suck plant sap and lead to the formation of webbing on the plant's leaves. To manage spider mites, introduce predatory mites that feed on the spider mites or regularly mist the plant's leaves to deter the pests.
- Scale Insects: Scale insects appear as small white or brown bumps on the plant's stems and leaves, sucking plant sap and causing yellowing and wilting. To manage scale insects, use insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils, which help to control the pests' spread and smother them.
