Canarium Album

Description

Canarium Album, also known as the Chinese olive or kenari nut, is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. It belongs to the family Burseraceae and is commonly found in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The tree can grow up to 40 meters in height and produces edible nuts that are used in various cuisines. Canarium Album is also known for its medicinal properties, as its bark and leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Canarium Album has a straight trunk with a grayish-brown bark that is smooth when young, but becomes rough and scaly as it ages. The tree has large, pinnate leaves that are dark green in color and can grow up to 30 centimeters in length. Its flowers are small and white, and grow in clusters at the end of branches. The fruit of the tree is a drupe that is oval in shape, about 2-3 centimeters in length, and has a hard, woody shell that encloses the edible nut.

Care Guide

Water: Canarium Album prefers moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly. However, overwatering can cause root rot, so ensure that the soil is well-draining.Fertilization: The tree requires regular fertilization during its growing season, which is from spring to fall. Use a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.Soil: Canarium Album grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5.Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun, but can tolerate some shade.Hardiness Zones: Canarium Album is hardy in USDA Zones 10-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Canarium Album is susceptible to various pests and diseases. Some common pests include mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. To prevent pest infestations, regularly inspect the tree and remove any affected branches or leaves. Common diseases affecting Canarium Album include leaf spot, powdery mildew, and anthracnose. To prevent disease, ensure that the tree is grown in well-draining soil and avoid overhead watering.

Habitat

Canarium Album is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly found in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It grows in tropical rainforests and can be found at elevations up to 1,500 meters.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Canarium Album be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Canarium Album can be grown in containers, but it requires a large container and regular pruning to keep its size manageable.Q: How long does it take for Canarium Album to produce nuts?
A: Canarium Album can take up to 10 years to produce nuts.Q: Is Canarium Album drought-tolerant?
A: No, Canarium Album requires regular watering and is not drought-tolerant.Q: Can Canarium Album be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Canarium Album can be propagated from cuttings, but it is a slow process and success rates can be low.

Related Plants

• Canarium Indicum
• Canarium Strictum
• Canarium Odontophyllum

References

• “Canarium Album.” Useful Tropical Plants, www.prota4u.org/database/protav8.asp?g=pe&p=Canarium+album+Lam.
• “Canarium Album.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:127326-1.
• “Canarium Album.” World Agroforestry Centre, www.worldagroforestry.org/database/Canarium-album.