Origin
Santalum freycinetianum Gaud. var. longifolium (Meurisse) O. Deg. is native to the French Polynesian islands, particularly Tahiti and Moorea.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as Tahitian sandalwood or 'iliahi, which is the Tahitian word for sandalwood.
Uses
The essential oil extracted from the wood of Santalum freycinetianum Gaud. var. longifolium has long been used for its aromatic properties in traditional Polynesian medicine and perfumery. It is also used in the production of high-end fragrances and cosmetics. In addition, the wood itself is highly valued for its beautiful color and texture and is used in carving and woodcraft.
General Appearance
Santalum freycinetianum Gaud. var. longifolium is a small tree that can grow up to 15 feet tall. It has a spreading crown and slender, elongated leaves that are a glossy green color. The bark is grayish-brown and fissured, and the wood is a deep, rich brown with a distinctive scent. The flowers are small and white, and the fruit is a small, round berry that turns red when ripe.
Light Requirements
Santalum freycinetianum Gaud. var. longifolium generally thrives in areas that receive high amounts of sunlight. This plant requires full sunlight or partial shade, although partial shade is necessary in extremely hot regions to minimize heat stress. When grown under shaded conditions, the tree tends to grow tall and slender, limiting its productivity.
Temperature Requirements
Santalum freycinetianum Gaud. var. longifolium usually requires warm temperatures that range from 21 to 30°C but can withstand temperatures as low as 10°C. The plant is sensitive to frost, and temperatures below this range can cause damage to its leaves and affect its overall growth. Humidity is not an issue for this plant, and it can grow under both wet and dry conditions.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers soils that are well-drained, fertile, and slightly acidic but can also grow in alkaline soils with less available moisture. The soil should have a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 and be rich in nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. Sandy loam soils or those with high organic matter content are recommended, as they enhance water retention and soil aeration, which is essential for the growth of this plant.
Cultivation Methods for Santalum Freycinetianum Gaud. Var. Longifolium (Meurisse) O. Deg.
Santalum Freycinetianum Gaud. Var. Longifolium (Meurisse) O. Deg. can be grown from seeds or cuttings. It grows well in well-drained fertile soil. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Propagation from cuttings is usually done by using semi-hardwood cuttings taken during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 10-15cm long and stripped of leaves on the bottom half. It should be treated with rooting hormone before planting in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mixture.
Watering Needs of Santalum Freycinetianum Gaud. Var. Longifolium (Meurisse) O. Deg.
Santalum Freycinetianum Gaud. Var. Longifolium (Meurisse) O. Deg. requires moderate watering. The plant should be watered when the top inch of soil has dried out. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rotting.
In the rainy season, the frequency of watering should be reduced to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization of Santalum Freycinetianum Gaud. Var. Longifolium (Meurisse) O. Deg.
The plant should be fertilized every three months with a balanced fertilizer. Slow-release fertilizers are recommended for this plant as it provides a steady supply of nutrients to the plant. The fertilizer should be applied to the soil around the base of the plant and watered well after the application.
Pruning of Santalum Freycinetianum Gaud. Var. Longifolium (Meurisse) O. Deg.
Santalum Freycinetianum Gaud. Var. Longifolium (Meurisse) O. Deg. requires minimal pruning. Pruning can be done to remove any dead or diseased branches. The plant should be pruned during the dormant season to promote healthy growth.
The pruning cut should be made close to the main stem of the plant to prevent any stubs that can be a breeding ground for diseases.
Propagation of Santalum freycinetianum Gaud. var. longifolium (Meurisse) O. Deg.
Santalum freycinetianum Gaud. var. longifolium (Meurisse) O. Deg. is commonly known as the East Maui Sandalwood and is a rare species of flowering plant in the Sandalwood family, Santalaceae. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods:
Seed Propagation
Sandalwood seeds are produced in fruit capsules that take almost a year to mature. After ripening, the capsules will open to reveal a hard seed. The seeds are usually collected from the ground under the parent plant and are best sown immediately as their viability usually deteriorates rapidly.
Generally, sandalwood seed germination rates are poor and erratic. However, a few tips can increase the chances of successfully growing plants from seeds:
- Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing
- Scarify the seed coat using sandpaper or a knife to allow water to penetrate
- Use a well-draining medium such as a mix of sand and peat-based compost
- Place the seeds in a warm spot (20-30 °C) and keep them moist
- Be patient and keep an eye on the seeds for several weeks or months as they can germinate slowly and sporadically.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is a quicker and more reliable method of propagating sandalwood, but it requires more care and attention. This method involves taking a portion of a mature plant and using it to grow a new plant. Cuttings are taken from healthy branches or shoots and planted into suitable conditions where they can grow roots before being planted in their final location.
Some tips to ensure the success of sandalwood cuttings include:
- Choose a healthy, disease-free plant as the parent plant
- Take cuttings from semi-hardwood or hardwood, about 5-10 cm in length
- Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting (or the entire cutting if it is small)
- Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone powder or honey to encourage root formation
- Place the cutting in a well-draining medium such as a mix of sand and peat-based compost
- Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a humid environment such as a plastic bag or propagator
- Be patient, as it can take several weeks or months for the cutting to root and establish.
Propagation of Santalum freycinetianum Gaud. var. longifolium (Meurisse) O. Deg. can be challenging, but with the right methods and attention, it is possible to grow new plants successfully.
Disease and Pest Management for Santalum freycinetianum Gaud. var. longifolium (Meurisse) O. Deg.
Santalum freycinetianum Gaud. var. longifolium, commonly known as Long-leaf Sandalwood, is a plant species that is found mostly in the Pacific region. Like all other plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause severe damage and ultimately lead to the plant's death. Proper disease and pest management measures must be taken to maintain its health and well-being. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect Long-leaf Sandalwood and how to manage them effectively:
Diseases
1. Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes sunken, circular lesions on leaves and stem. Initial symptoms include yellowing, wilting, and premature leaf drop. To manage Anthracnose, use fungicides that contain Mancozeb or Copper Hydroxide. Also, remove and destroy infected plant parts to prevent the spread of the disease
2. Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes rusty brown spots on leaves and twigs. Infected leaves eventually turn yellow and fall off. The use of fungicides that contain Chlorothalonil can manage Rust. Also, it is vital to remove and destroy any infected plant parts to stop the disease's spread.
Pests
1. Scale insects: These are tiny insects that suck sap from the leaves and twigs, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage Scale insects, use natural predators such as lacewings or ladybugs or apply a horticultural oil such as neem oil.
2. Mealybugs: Mealybugs also suck sap from the plant, resulting in a decline in plant growth. The use of insecticidal soap or neem oil can control Mealybugs. Additionally, introduce natural predators such as parasitic wasps, lacewings, or ladybugs to help control the pests effectively.
Regular monitoring of the plant for pests and diseases is critical to the success of any management measure. Always follow the instructions on the plant treatment labels and apply at the recommended intervals for effective disease and pest control.
