Overview
Terminalia thomasii Engl. & Diels, commonly known as Indian laurel, bhairoban, and arjuna, is a deciduous tree species belonging to the Combretaceae family. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and found in tropical and subtropical regions of India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The tree has significant cultural, nutritional, and medicinal values and is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various ailments.Appearance
Terminalia thomasii is a moderate-sized tree with a height of 20-25 meters. The tree's bark is grayish-white in color, smooth, and peels off in large flakes. The leaves of the tree are large, simple, lanceolate, and alternate in arrangement. The leaves have a leathery texture and a glossy, dark green color. The tree produces small yellowish-white flowers, which appear in axillary spikes.Uses
Terminalia thomasii has several uses in medicine, cultural, and nutritional practices. The tree's bark, leaves, and fruits have significant medicinal properties and have been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, asthma, and high blood pressure. The bark of the tree has astringent properties and is used to stop bleeding and heal wounds. The leaves of the tree are used in the treatment of asthma, cough, and fever. The tree produces fruits that are edible and used to make jams, jellies, and pickles. The wood of the tree is strong, and the tree is grown commercially for timber, fuel, and furniture. In the cultural practices of India, the leaves of Terminalia thomasii are used to make floral garlands, which are worn during ceremonies and festivals. The tree is also considered sacred and is planted around temples and other religious sites.Conclusion
Terminalia thomasii is a valuable plant species that has a significant impact on the cultural, medicinal, and nutritional practices of the Indian subcontinent. The tree's bark, leaves, and fruits have significant medicinal value, and the tree is grown commercially for timber and fuel. The tree is also considered sacred and is involved in religious practices. The plant's widespread use underscores its value to the communities that depend on it.Typical Growth Conditions for Terminalia thomasii Engl. & Diels
Terminalia thomasii Engl. & Diels, commonly known as Indian laurel, is a native tree species in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. It is a hardy tree that can withstand adverse climatic conditions and requires minimal maintenance, making it an excellent choice for afforestation and reforestation.
Light Requirements
Terminalia thomasii requires abundant sunlight to thrive. The tree can grow in full sun to partial shade. However, trees grown under shade tend to have reduced growth compared to those grown in full sunlight. So, it is recommended to plant Terminalia thomasii in areas with high sunlight exposure for the best results.
Temperature Requirements
Terminalia thomasii is a subtropical tree that can tolerate temperature extremes. The tree can grow in hot and dry regions that experience temperatures up to 40 °C and in cooler regions with temperatures as low as 5 °C. However, the tree grows best in warm and humid climates where the annual temperature ranges between 20 and 30 °C.
Soil Requirements
Terminalia thomasii grows well in various types of soils. The tree can tolerate soil with moderate to high salinity and pH levels ranging from 5.5 to 8.0. However, the best soil for healthy growth and maximum yield of Terminalia thomasii is deep, well-drained, and fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. Additionally, the tree can also withstand periodic flooding and drought conditions.
In summary, Terminalia thomasii is a versatile tree species that requires abundant sunlight, warm temperatures, and a well-drained and fertile soil to thrive. It is an excellent choice for afforestation, reforestation, and agroforestry projects due to its hardiness, ability to tolerate adverse conditions, and low maintenance requirements.
Cultivation
Terminalia thomasii, commonly known as Indian laurel, is a subtropical to a tropical tree that grows in the Himalayan region. It grows well in a variety of soils, from sandy and loamy to clay, and prefers well-draining soils.
The plant can be propagated from seeds or vegetative cuttings. Seeds should be sown during the rainy season in a well-draining potting mix, preferably with cow manure. Vegetative propagation can be done using semi-hardwood cuttings, taken during the summer season.
Container-grown plants grow well in a mixture of garden soil and organic amendments like cow manure. These plants need to be repotted when the roots fill the pot. Outdoor plants need regular watering and soil amendments to maintain soil fertility.
Watering Needs
Terminalia thomasii plants require regular watering during the growing season, i.e., summer and monsoon months. During the cooler months, reduce watering and let the soil dry out slightly between watering. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Potted plants need more frequent watering than outdoor plants, and the soil needs to be kept moist. Outdoor plants can be watered deeply, once a week, unless the soil is sandy and dries out quickly.
Fertilization
Terminalia thomasii requires regular fertilization to maintain its growth rate and vigor. Fertilize the plant with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. Use a high nitrogen fertilizer in the first year of planting to encourage growth.
Organic amendments like cow manure or compost can also be added to the soil. Top-dress the soil with these amendments and water thoroughly to allow the nutrients to reach the roots. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to weak growth and disease susceptibility.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for Terminalia thomasii, but it can be done to maintain its shape. Prune the plant during the dormant season, i.e., winter, to remove any dead or diseased branches. It can also help control the size of the plant.
The plant can be pruned to maintain a single stem or trained as a multi-stemmed shrub or tree. Remove any suckers at the base of the plant to encourage upward growth. Avoid heavy pruning, as it can stress the plant and affect its growth.
Propagation of Terminalia thomasii Engl. & Diels
Terminalia thomasii, also known as Indian laurel, is a large deciduous tree that is native to parts of Asia and Africa. This tree species can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Seed Propagation
One common method of propagating Terminalia thomasii is through seed propagation. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or they can be started indoors and transplanted once they have germinated. The ideal time to sow the seeds is in the spring or early summer.
Before planting the seeds, they should be soaked in water for 24 hours and then air-dried. This will help to break the seed dormancy and improve the germination rate. The seeds should be planted in well-draining soil and covered with a thin layer of soil (about 1 cm).
The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the seedlings should be protected from direct sunlight until they have established themselves. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of 10-15 cm, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Vegetative Propagation
Terminalia thomasii can also be propagated through vegetative methods, such as stem cuttings and layering.
Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature trees and should be at least 15-20 cm in length. The cuttings should be taken in the fall or winter, when the tree is dormant. The bottom end of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and then planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The soil should be kept moist and the cutting should be protected from direct sunlight.
Layering is another method of vegetative propagation. This involves burying a low branch of the parent tree and allowing it to develop roots. Once the roots have developed, the branch can be cut from the parent tree and transplanted to its permanent location.
Both of these methods can be successful with Terminalia thomasii, but they may take longer than propagation by seed.
Disease and Pest Management for Terminalia thomasii Engl. & Diels
Terminalia thomasii is a deciduous tree species commonly found in southern and central India. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Canker: Canker is a fungal disease that can occur on Terminalia thomasii. Symptoms of canker include sunken or swollen areas on the bark, which may lead to the death of the branches. To manage canker disease, prune the infected parts and apply a fungicide to prevent further spread.
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is another fungal disease that can affect Terminalia thomasii. Yellow or brown spots appear on the leaves, causing them to defoliate. To manage leaf spot disease, remove the infected leaves and apply a fungicide to the remaining foliage.
Root rot: Root rot is a disease that can cause the roots of Terminalia thomasii to decay, leading to the death of the tree. Symptoms include yellowing of leaves and premature defoliation of the tree. To prevent root rot, avoid over-watering and ensure adequate drainage, especially during the monsoon season.
Pests
Termites: Termites are a common pest that can affect Terminalia thomasii. They feed on the bark and create galleries, which can weaken the tree. To manage termite infestation, remove the infected parts, and apply pesticides to the remaining tree.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are sap-sucking insects that can cause discoloration and defoliation of Terminalia thomasii. To manage a mealybug infestation, remove the infected parts and apply insecticides such as neem oil or soap solution to the remaining tree.
Leaf-eating caterpillars: Leaf-eating caterpillars can cause substantial damage to Terminalia thomasii. They feed on the leaves, causing severe defoliation, which weakens the tree. To manage caterpillar infestation, remove the infected parts and apply insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis to the remaining tree.
Overall, preventing and managing diseases and pests on Terminalia thomasii is essential to ensure the growth and survival of this valuable tree species.
