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Description
Diospyros Discolor is a small evergreen tree, also known as Velvet Apple or Mabolo, native to the Philippines. It belongs to the family Ebenaceae, which includes around 500 species of trees and shrubs. The plant grows up to 10-12 meters tall and has a dense, rounded crown. It produces edible fruit that tastes like caramel.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ebenales |
| Family | Ebenaceae |
| Genus | Diospyros |
| Species | Diospyros Discolor |
Appearance
The Diospyros Discolor tree has a smooth, grayish-brown bark and glossy, dark-green leaves that are elliptical in shape and measure up to 10cm long. The flowers are small, inconspicuous, and greenish-yellow in color. The fruit is round or oblong, measuring up to 10cm in diameter, and has a hairy, brownish-red skin. The flesh is orange-brown and soft, with a sweet flavor similar to caramel.
Care Guide
Diospyros Discolor grows best in well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It prefers a warm and humid climate and is hardy in USDA zones 10-12. Water the plant regularly, especially during the growing season, and fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months. Prune the tree in late winter or early spring to remove dead or diseased branches and to maintain its shape.
Common Pests & Diseases
Diospyros Discolor is susceptible to fungal diseases like anthracnose and powdery mildew, which can cause leaf spots, defoliation, and fruit rot. Pests like aphids, scales, and mealybugs can also infest the plant and cause damage. To prevent these problems, avoid overhead watering, provide good air circulation, and apply fungicides and insecticides as needed.
Habitat
Diospyros Discolor is native to the Philippines and can be found growing in tropical and subtropical forests, lowlands, and hills. It is also cultivated as an ornamental tree and for its edible fruit in other parts of Southeast Asia, India, and Africa.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Diospyros Discolor a fast-growing plant?
A: No, it is a slow-growing tree that can take several years to reach maturity.
Q: Can Diospyros Discolor be grown in a container?
A: Yes, it can be grown in a large container as long as it receives enough sunlight and is watered and fertilized regularly.
Q: How often should I prune my Diospyros Discolor tree?
A: Prune the tree once a year in late winter or early spring to remove dead or diseased branches and to maintain its shape.
Q: How do I propagate Diospyros Discolor?
A: The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination. Cuttings should be taken from young, healthy shoots and rooted in a rooting hormone and well-draining soil.
Related Plants
- Diospyros Kaki
- Diospyros Virginiana
- Diospyros Celebica
References
- “Diospyros Discolor”. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 2021-07-22.
- “Mabolo”. Purdue University. Retrieved 2021-07-22.
- “Diospyros Discolor”. The Plant List. Retrieved 2021-07-22.
