Overview
Diospyros discolor Willd. is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Ebenaceae family. It is commonly known as velvet apple, velvet persimmon, or mabolo. The plant is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Appearance
The velvet apple tree can grow up to 25 meters tall and has a wide-spreading canopy that can reach up to 10 meters in diameter. The tree's leaves are dark green and glossy on the upper surface, while the lower surface is rust-colored and velvety. The flowers of the plant are small and inconspicuous, while its fruit is a large, rounded berry that measures around 8-12 cm in diameter. The fruit has a rough, brownish-orange skin that covers a soft and creamy flesh that is rich in flavor.
Uses
The velvet apple is a highly valued fruit in Southeast Asia, where it is consumed both fresh and cooked. The fruit's soft and creamy flesh is used to make jams, jellies, and pies, while its skin is sometimes used in traditional medicine. The plant's wood is also prized for its durability and is used in construction, furniture, and carvings. Additionally, the plant's bark and leaves have been used in traditional medicinal practices to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, dysentery, and inflammation.
Cultivation
The velvet apple is a tropical plant that prefers warm and humid environments. It is typically grown from seed, and the tree can take up to five years to produce fruit. The plant is adaptable to a wide range of soils, but it thrives in well-draining soils that are rich in nutrients. The tree requires regular watering and should be protected from strong winds and frost. It is also susceptible to various pests and diseases, including fruit flies, scab, and anthracnose.
Growth Conditions for Diospyros discolor Willd.
Light Requirements: Diospyros discolor Willd. requires full to partial sunlight for optimum growth. This species grows well in areas with bright but indirect sunlight, especially during the early stages of growth.
Temperature Requirements: This plant prefers a warm and humid climate. The best temperature range for growth is between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. However, the plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 degrees Celsius without damage to its growth.
Soil Requirements: Diospyros discolor Willd. thrives in well-draining, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be around 5.5 to 7.5. It is important to note that this plant is sensitive to salt buildup in the soil, and excessive salt concentrations can cause damage to the plant.
Water Requirements: Diospyros discolor Willd. prefers moist soil, and it is important to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the growing season. However, it is important not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilizer Requirements: This species benefits from the addition of fertilizer during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer, with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 15-15-15, can be added every two to three weeks to promote healthy growth.
Propagation: Diospyros discolor Willd. can be propagated by seed or by stem cuttings. Seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mixture and kept in a warm, humid environment until germination. Stem cuttings should also be taken from healthy plants and planted in a well-draining soil mixture.
Cultivation of Diospyros discolor Willd.
Diospyros discolor Willd. is a small to medium-sized tropical tree that thrives in subtropical and tropical climates. The plant prefers well-draining, moist soils that are rich in organic matter. It also grows well in full sun or partial shade areas.
The planting of Diospyros discolor Willd. can be done by two methods; from seed or vegetative propagation, which involves grafting or budding onto rootstock.
Watering Needs
Diospyros discolor Willd. needs adequate water supply to grow well. When watering the tree, it is essential to ensure that the soil is moist and not waterlogged. During the dry season, proper irrigation of the plant should be a priority. The frequency of watering depends on the type of soil and the prevailing climatic condition.
Fertilization
Effective fertilization of Diospyros discolor Willd. is essential to maintain proper growth and development. The plant should receive regular fertilization either by the use of organic or inorganic fertilizers. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the primary macronutrients required by the plant for robust growth. A combination of these nutrients can be obtained from fertilizer mixtures, or the nutrients can be provided separately.
Pruning
Pruning of Diospyros discolor Willd. is essential for effective management and maximum yield of the plant. Pruning should be done to remove dead or diseased branches, limit the plant's height, and promote the growth of new branches. The best time to prune the plant is from the late winter to early spring. Gardeners should sterilize pruning equipment before use to prevent the spreading of diseases.
Propagation of Diospyros discolor Willd.
Diospyros discolor Willd., commonly known as velvet apple, is a tropical tree species in the family Ebenaceae. It can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation from seeds
The seeds of Diospyros discolor Willd. are found inside the fleshy pulp of its fruit. To propagate through seeds, the fruit should be collected when it is fully ripe and the seeds should be extracted by cutting the fruit. The seeds should be washed thoroughly and dried in the shade.
The seeds of velvet apple have a hard seed coat which should be scarified or nicked with a knife before planting. This process is called stratification and allows the seeds to imbibe water and start the germination process.
The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mixture and covered with a thin layer of vermiculite. The seeds should be watered regularly and kept in a warm and humid environment. Germination usually occurs within 3-4 weeks.
Propagation from stem cuttings
Varieties of Diospyros discolor Willd. can be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and should be around 20-30 cm long.
The bottom end of the stem cutting should be cut diagonally and dipped in a rooting hormone. The stem cutting should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept in a warm and humid environment. The soil should be kept moist. The stem cutting should start developing roots within 2-3 weeks.
Propagation through grafting
Diospyros discolor Willd. can also be propagated through grafting. This method is commonly used to propagate cultivars with superior qualities or characteristics.
The scion, which is a branch of the desired cultivar, is taken from a mature plant and grafted onto the rootstock of a seedling. The graft union is then wrapped with a grafting tape or paraffin wax to prevent desiccation. The grafted plant should be kept in a warm and humid environment until the graft union has healed.
Propagation of Diospyros discolor Willd. through seeds, stem cuttings, and grafting allows for the maintenance and preservation of genetic diversity. These propagation methods also provide an opportunity for the production of new cultivars with improved characteristics.
Disease and Pest Management for Diospyros discolor Willd.
Diospyros discolor Willd., commonly known as velvet apple or mabolo, is a beautiful tree that produces edible fruits. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to various pests and diseases. Here are some common ones and how to manage them.
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes circular lesions on the leaves, which expand and eventually coalesce. It can cause premature defoliation and reduce fruit production. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and prune the tree to improve air circulation. Fungicides may also be applied as a preventative measure.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is another fungal disease that causes brown or black lesions on leaves and fruits. The lesions may also have a yellow halo. To manage anthracnose, prune infected plant parts, remove fallen leaves and fruits from the ground, and ensure good drainage around the tree. Fungicides may also be applied as a preventive measure.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white or grayish powder-like coating on leaves, stems, and fruits. It can weaken the tree and reduce fruit quality. To manage powdery mildew, prune infected plant parts, improve air circulation around the tree, and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides may also be applied as a preventive measure.
Common Pests
Fruit Fly
Fruit flies are small insects that lay their eggs in ripe fruit, causing damage and reducing fruit quality. To manage fruit flies, pick ripe fruits regularly, dispose of infected fruits away from the tree, and use sticky traps to catch adult flies.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, oval-shaped insects that suck sap from the tree, causing yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. They produce a protective covering that makes them difficult to control. To manage scale insects, prune infected plant parts, apply horticultural oil, or use insecticidal soap.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are soft-bodied insects that also feed on plant sap. They produce a white, powdery substance on the leaves and stems, which can attract ants. To manage mealybugs, prune infected plant parts, apply horticultural oil, or use insecticidal soap.
By actively monitoring and managing pests and diseases, you can help ensure that your Diospyros discolor Willd. tree remains healthy and productive.
