Contents [hide]
Description
Sandoricum is a genus of fruit trees that belong to the Meliaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly found in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The fruit of this tree is known as santol or cotton fruit and is widely consumed in these regions. Santol has a unique taste similar to a mix of apple, peach, and pineapple, and is commonly used for desserts, jams, and candies. Aside from its culinary use, Sandoricum also has medicinal properties as it contains high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Genus | Sandoricum |
Appearance
The Sandoricum tree can grow up to 50 feet tall and has a dense canopy of shiny green leaves. Its fruit, the santol, is round and can grow up to 7 inches in diameter. Its skin is thin and fuzzy, and its flesh is white and juicy. The fruit has large seeds that are surrounded by a soft, cotton-like pulp. The seeds are not edible, but the pulp can be eaten raw, cooked, or made into juice.
Care Guide
The Sandoricum tree is easy to care for and can thrive in tropical and subtropical climates. Here are some tips on how to take care of your Sandoricum tree:
- Water: Water your Sandoricum tree regularly, especially during the dry season. Make sure the soil is well-drained to avoid waterlogging.
- Fertilization: Apply organic fertilizer every three months to promote healthy growth and fruit production.
- Soil: The Sandoricum tree prefers well-drained soil with a pH level of 5.5 to 6.5.
- Sunlight: The Sandoricum tree needs full sun exposure to produce fruit. Plant it in a spot where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Hardiness Zones: The Sandoricum tree can grow in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Sandoricum tree is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can still be affected by the following:
- Fruit Fly: Fruit flies can damage the fruit of the Sandoricum tree. Use organic insecticides to control their population.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spots and fruit rot. Remove infected plant parts and use fungicides to control its spread.
- Root Rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot. Make sure the soil is well-drained and avoid waterlogging.
Habitat
The Sandoricum tree is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly found in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It grows in tropical and subtropical climates and can be found in lowland rainforests, riverbanks, and coastal areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Sandoricum tree easy to grow?
A: Yes, the Sandoricum tree is easy to grow and can thrive in tropical and subtropical climates.
Q: How do you know when Sandoricum fruit is ripe?
A: The Sandoricum fruit is ripe when its skin turns yellow and its flesh becomes soft and juicy.
Q: Can you grow Sandoricum tree in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow Sandoricum tree in a container as long as it has enough space to grow and receive adequate sunlight and water.
Q: Is Sandoricum fruit healthy?
A: Yes, Sandoricum fruit is healthy as it contains high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants.
Related Plants
- Mango
- Guava
- Papaya
- Banana
- Pineapple
References
- “Santol.” Purdue University Center for New Crops & Plant Products. https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/CropFactSheets/santol.html
- “Sandoricum koetjape.” Plants of the World Online. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:609955-1
- “Santol Fruit: A Nutritional Powerhouse And Health Benefits.” Organic Facts. https://www.organicfacts.net/santol-fruit.html
