Origin
Calophyllum brasiliense auct. non Camb. is a flowering plant that belongs to the Clusiaceae family. It is native to South America, particularly Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Brazilian Beauty-leaf, Santa Maria, Guanandi, or Jacareúba.
Uses
Calophyllum brasiliense auct. non Camb. has a variety of uses. Its bark and leaves contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it useful in traditional medicine for treating ailments like rheumatism, headaches, and fever. The plant's oil is also used in cosmetics and skincare products due to its hydrating and healing properties. The timber of Calophyllum brasiliense auct. non Camb. is hard, durable, and resistant to decay, and is therefore used in the construction of boats, furniture, and flooring.
General Appearance
Calophyllum brasiliense auct. non Camb. is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. It has a straight, cylindrical trunk with a grey-brown bark that is smooth when young but becomes rough with age. The leaves are dark green and leathery with a glossy surface. They are arranged alternately along the branches and are ovate to oblong in shape, measuring around 8-20 cm long and 4-10 cm wide. The plant produces small, fragrant white flowers with five petals that bloom between December and April. The fruits are round, brown, and woody capsules that contain one or two large seeds.
Growth Conditions of Calophyllum brasiliense
Calophyllum brasiliense, commonly known as the Brazilian beauty leaf, is a tropical evergreen tree native to South America. This tree is known to thrive in warm, humid and well-drained environments.
Light Requirements
Calophyllum brasiliense requires full sun to partial shade. However, it thrives best in partially shaded areas. Growing this plant in full sun can lead to excessive leaf scorching and water loss which can hamper its growth.
Temperature Requirements
The Brazilian beauty leaf grows well in warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. Extreme temperatures are not ideal for this tree. Temperatures above 35°C and below 10°C can impede its growth.
Soil Requirements
Calophyllum brasiliense prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.4 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water retention capacity. These trees are also known to thrive in sandy shallow soils that are naturally rich in nutrients. Additionally, these trees do not tolerate waterlogged soils.
When grown in the right conditions, Calophyllum brasiliense can grow up to 15 meters in height and six meters wide. It can be planted as a solitary specimen, or in small groups in a well-manicured landscape. It is also recommended to ensure proper pruning to control its growth and to promote healthy and vigorous foliage.
Cultivation Methods
Calophyllum brasiliense auct. non Camb. plant can be propagated through its seeds. However, propagation through cuttings is the easiest way to produce new plants. It is best to propagate during late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Make sure the potting soil is loose and well-draining. Place the cuttings in a pot that is filled with moist soil. Maintain a consistent soil temperature of about 25-30°C and keep the soil continuously moist until the cutting roots.
The Calophyllum brasiliense plant prefers a humid climate with plenty of rainfall. It thrives in full sun or partial shade but needs protection from strong winds.
Watering Needs
Calophyllum brasiliense auct. non Camb. plant requires regular watering to keep its soil moist. Water the plant thoroughly during dry periods, making sure to avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. Ensure that the plant is misted regularly to mimic humidity, which the plant loves.
Fertilization
The Calophyllum brasiliense plant requires regular fertilization during the growing season. Apply a balanced fertilizer once every two weeks to provide essential nutrients. It is best to use a slow-release fertilizer to avoid over-fertilizing, which can harm the plant.
Pruning
Prune the Calophyllum brasiliense plant to maintain its shape and size. Pruning should be done during the plant's dormant season, which is during early spring. Remove any dead or damaged branches, along with any growth that is obstructing the plant's shape. When pruning, ensure that you use clean and sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Calophyllum brasiliense
Calophyllum brasiliense auct. non Camb., commonly known as "Guiana chestnut", "Brazilian chestnut", or "Santa Maria tree", is a tropical evergreen plant native to South America. The tree can grow up to 30 meters tall and has glossy, leathery leaves and white or pink flowers that bloom from May to September. Propagation of Calophyllum brasiliense can be done through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the most common way to propagate Calophyllum brasiliense. These seeds are large and round, and should be collected from ripe fruits. The seeds should be removed from the fruit and cleaned thoroughly before planting.
When planting Calophyllum brasiliense seeds, it is important to create an environment that mimics the plant's natural habitat. The seeds should be planted in a deep pot with soil that has good drainage. They should be planted at a depth of 1-2 centimeters, and the soil should be kept moist. Germination can take up to six months.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another common way to reproduce Calophyllum brasiliense. Cuttings should be taken from mature branches of the tree, and they should be 10-15 centimeters in length. The leaves should be removed from the lower half of the cutting, and the base of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted.
The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist. The cuttings may take several weeks to develop roots, but once they establish themselves, they can be replanted in a larger pot or in the ground.
Grafting
Grafting is a method of propagation that is commonly used for Calophyllum brasiliense. This technique involves joining a scion (a cutting from a desired plant) to a rootstock (a plant with a strong root system). This is done through a process called grafting, where the two plants are physically attached to each other.
When grafting, it is important to select a rootstock that is compatible with the scion, as well as a scion from a plant with desirable traits. The two plants should be grafted together and placed in a humid environment until the graft has taken hold.
Propagation of Calophyllum brasiliense can be done successfully through various methods, but care should be taken to ensure that the plant is grown in a suitable environment with proper care and maintenance.
Disease Management for Calophyllum brasiliense
Calophyllum brasiliense is generally a hardy and disease-resistant plant. However, it is susceptible to a few diseases under certain conditions.
The most common disease that affects Calophyllum brasiliense is leaf spot. This is characterized by the appearance of small, circular, grayish-brown spots on the leaves. The disease spreads rapidly in wet and humid weather conditions. To manage leaf spot, remove the infected leaves and destroy them to prevent the spread of the disease. Avoid watering the plant from above and try to keep the leaves dry at all times. Fungicides can also be used to control the infection if necessary.
Canker is another disease that affects Calophyllum brasiliense. It is characterized by the appearance of brown, sunken lesions on the stem. The disease can lead to the death of the plant if not managed early. The best way to manage canker is to prune the infected branches and destroy them to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides can also be used to control the infection if necessary.
Pest Management for Calophyllum brasiliense
Calophyllum brasiliense is also susceptible to attack by pests. The most common pests that affect this plant are mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites.
Mealybugs are small, white, cotton-like insects that feed on plant sap. They can cause stunted growth, leaf yellowing, and premature leaf drop. To manage mealybugs, use a strong stream of water to physically dislodge them from the plant. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.
Scale insects are small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the plant and suck sap. They are usually found on the underside of leaves and on stems. They secrete a sticky substance that attracts ants and causes the leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. To manage scale insects, remove them from the plant using a soft-bristled brush or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used to control the infestation.
Spider mites are tiny, reddish-brown insects that live on the underside of leaves and spin a fine webbing over the plant. They suck sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and drop off. To manage spider mites, use a strong stream of water to wash them off the plant. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be used to control the infestation.
