Licania Alba
Contents
Description
Licania Alba, also known as Borneo mahogany or mata-mata, is a large evergreen tree that belongs to the Chrysobalanaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. This species can grow up to a height of 30 meters and has a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter. The bark of Licania Alba is grayish-brown and has a rough texture. Its leaves are glossy, leathery, and elliptical in shape. The tree produces small, white flowers that turn into fleshy, red fruits. The fruit is edible and is often used in local cuisine.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Chrysobalanaceae |
| Genus | Licania |
Appearance
Licania Alba is a large, evergreen tree with a conical crown. Its bark is grayish-brown and has a rough texture. The tree has glossy, leathery, and elliptical leaves that are dark green in color. The leaves measure around 7-15 centimeters in length and 3-6 centimeters in width. The tree produces small, white flowers that turn into fleshy, red fruits. The fruit is edible and has a slightly sour taste.
Care Guide
Water
Licania Alba requires regular watering, especially during the hot and dry season. It is important to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Fertilize Licania Alba with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. This will help promote healthy growth and flowering. Be careful not to over-fertilize as this can lead to nutrient burn and other plant problems.
Soil
Licania Alba prefers well-draining, fertile soil. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH level of around 6.0-6.5. If the soil is too alkaline, the tree may experience nutrient deficiencies and other problems.
Sunlight
Licania Alba thrives in full sunlight but can also tolerate partial shade. Ensure that the tree is not exposed to strong winds as this can damage the leaves and branches.
Hardiness Zones
Licania Alba can grow in USDA hardiness zones 10-11. It is not tolerant of frost and may suffer damage if exposed to temperatures below 30°F (-1°C).
Common Pests & Diseases
Licania Alba is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including scale insects, mealybugs, spider mites, and leaf spot. These can be treated with insecticides and fungicides, respectively. Regular inspection and maintenance can help prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
Habitat
Licania Alba is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It grows in tropical rainforests and is often found near rivers and other bodies of water. The tree provides habitat and food for various animals, including birds, bats, and monkeys.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Licania Alba a fast-growing tree?
A: Yes, Licania Alba is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of up to 30 meters within a few years.
Q: Can Licania Alba be grown in a container?
A: Licania Alba is not suitable for container growing as it requires a lot of space and can grow up to a height of 30 meters.
Q: Can Licania Alba be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Licania Alba can be propagated from cuttings. However, it is important to ensure that the cuttings are taken from healthy and disease-free trees.
Q: Is Licania Alba an endangered species?
A: Licania Alba is not currently listed as an endangered species. However, its habitat is being threatened by deforestation and other human activities.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that belong to the Chrysobalanaceae family:
- Licania platypus
- Licania michauxii
- Couepia bracteosa
- Couepia grandiflora
- Couepia paraensis
References
- “Licania Alba.” Floridata. Accessed 7 April 2021. https://floridata.com/plant/548.
- “Licania Alba.” World Agroforestry Centre. Accessed 7 April 2021. https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/AFTPDFS/Licania_alba.pdf.
- “Licania Alba.” Useful Tropical Plants. Accessed 7 April 2021. https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Licania+alba.
