Introduction to Pterocarpus Marsupium
Pterocarpus marsupium, commonly known as Vijaysar or Indian Kino Tree, is a medium to large deciduous tree native to India. It is known for its medicinal properties and is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine. The tree is called ‘vijaysar‘ in Hindi and ‘pitasara‘ in Sanskrit. Other common names include Malabar kino tree, bijasar tree, and Bijasal tree.
The Pterocarpus marsupium tree can grow up to 30 meters tall with a trunk diameter of 100 cm. It has a light grey bark which exfoliates in woody scales. The leaves are compound with 5-7 leaflets which are broad, elliptical and slightly rounded at the base. The flowers are yellow, turning orange-red upon wilting and are arranged in panicles. The fruit is a pod with 1-2 seeds.
Pterocarpus marsupium is valued for its hard, heavy and durable wood as well as for its medicinal properties. The heartwood is deep red in color with darker streaks. The bark and wood extracts contain flavonoids and other compounds that make it useful in treating diabetes. The kino gum obtained from the tree also has medicinal value.
This article covers everything you need to know about successfully growing Pterocarpus marsupium in India – from propagation, ideal growing conditions, planting, care, harvesting, and its uses and benefits.
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Growing Conditions for Pterocarpus Marsupium
Pterocarpus marsupium thrives in the following growing conditions:
Climate and Temperature
Pterocarpus marsupium is native to tropical and subtropical climates. It grows well in warm to hot conditions with temperatures between 20°C to 35°C being ideal. It can tolerate mild frost but excessive cold is detrimental.
It flourishes in areas with long summers and moderate rainfall. High humidity levels are preferred for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
Pterocarpus marsupium grows well in deep, fertile, well-drained soils. Sandy loam, clay loam and red laterite soils with a pH between 5.0 to 7.5 are ideal. Stagnant water can lead to fungal diseases in the roots.
The soil should be rich in organic matter like compost or manure. Avoid planting in heavy clay or waterlogged soils.
Sunlight Needs
Pterocarpus marsupium needs full sun for optimum growth. It requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Partial shade may be tolerated but insufficient sunlight can affect flowering and fruit production.
Southern or south-western sun exposure is best. Shelter from strong winds helps prevent moisture loss and damage to branches.
Propagating Pterocarpus Marsupium
Pterocarpus marsupium can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most preferred method. The seeds have a hard seed coat that needs scarification for germination. Follow these steps for growing from seeds:
- Collect mature, healthy seeds from ripe pods after they split open. Discard any insect-damaged seeds.
- Soak the seeds in hot water for 12-24 hours. Gently rub the seed coat against sandpaper or nick it with a knife. This scarification helps break seed dormancy.
- Fill seed trays with a sandy potting mix. Sow the pretreated seeds about 1 cm deep.
- Keep the seed trays moist by watering regularly. Germination occurs in 10-25 days.
- Once the seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, transplant them into larger pots or bags.
- When the plants are about 1 foot tall with a well-developed root system, they can be planted in the ground.
Propagation by Cuttings
Pterocarpus marsupium can also be propagated by stem cuttings:
- Take 15-20 cm long semi-hardwood cuttings from healthy branches during monsoon season.
- Remove the leaves from the lower half and trim the cut end. Apply rooting hormone powder.
- Plant the cuttings in moist potting mix in seed trays, leaving 2-3 buds above the soil.
- Place in indirect sunlight and maintain high humidity by covering with plastic.
- Roots form in 4-8 weeks. Transplant the rooted cuttings when they are about 1 foot tall.
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Planting Pterocarpus Marsupium
Proper planting techniques are vital for the survival and growth of Pterocarpus marsupium:
When to Plant
In India, Pterocarpus marsupium is planted during the monsoon season, from June to August. This period provides the moisture, temperature and humidity ideal for establishment.
Avoid planting in winter or summer when extreme cold or heat can damage new plants.
Preparing the Site
Choose a site with full sun exposure, fertile soil and good drainage. Dig pits 60 cm wide x 60 cm deep, spaced 10 meters apart.
Incorporate aged manure or compost into the soil. Refill the pits, creating a raised mound to prevent waterlogging.
Planting Process
- Carefully remove the plant from the container, keeping the root ball intact.
- Place the plant in the center of the pit. Ensure the previous soil line matches the new ground level.
- Fill the pit with the excavated soil, pressing gently to remove air pockets.
- Water thoroughly to settle the soil. Allow water to soak in and drain.
- Apply a thick mulch layer around each pit to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Stake taller plants for support against winds.
Caring for Pterocarpus Marsupium
With the right care, Pterocarpus marsupium will thrive:
Watering
- Young plants need regular watering for the first 2 years until well established.
- Water 2-3 times per week during dry periods, applying 15-20 liters per plant.
- Reduce frequency once established, but water thoroughly in droughts.
- Avoid overwatering which causes root rot. Allow soil to partially dry out between waterings.
Fertilizing
- Apply organic fertilizer like compost or manure every 3-4 months.
- Fertilize before and after flowering to stimulate growth and fruit production.
- Balanced 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer can also be used at the recommended dosage.
Pruning
- Prune in early spring to remove dead, diseased or crossing branches.
- Selective pruning improves the tree shape and opens the canopy to light penetration.
- Avoid heavy pruning which can impact flowering and fruiting.
Pest and Disease Control
- Major pests include stem borer, leaf miner, leaf folder and fruit borer insects. Spray neem oil or pyrethrins.
- Diseases include leaf spot, powdery mildew, rust and root rot. Improve air circulation and quickly remove diseased plant parts.
- Maintain tree health with proper care to prevent most problems.
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Harvesting Pterocarpus Marsupium
Harvest the bark when the tree reaches maturity:
Identifying Maturity
- Pterocarpus marsupium starts yielding bark at 8-10 years old. Optimal harvesting age is 20-30 years.
- Mature trees have smoother, whitish bark compared to rough, fissured bark when young.
- Harvester’s skill is required to identify maturity and harvest bark sustainably. Do not harvest from young trees.
Harvesting the Bark
- Harvest bark from April to June when sap levels are higher.
- Remove bark from branches or stems 20-30 cm thick using an axe. Take only lateral sections, not encircling the trunk.
- Harvested bark should be 15-20 cm long pieces. Air dry for 2-3 days before use.
- Limit harvesting to 1/4th of the canopy per season for sustainable yields annually.
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Uses and Benefits of Pterocarpus Marsupium
Pterocarpus marsupium has many medicinal uses and the wood has commercial applications:
Medicinal Uses
- The bark and heartwood contain flavonoids like marsupin, pterosupin and liquiritigenin which have anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties.
- Pterocarpus marsupium extracts help manage diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity, reducing blood glucose levels and regenerating pancreatic beta cells.
- The kino gum resin from the tree is used to treat bleeding gums, pyorrhea, tooth decay and skin infections.
- Traditional Ayurvedic medicine utilizes various parts of the vijaysar tree for medicinal preparations and treatments.
Wood Uses
- The hard, durable and weather-resistant wood is used for furniture, agricultural implements, wheels, posts, and construction.
- The wood is termite-resistant and beautiful when polished, featuring streaks and a rich red-brown color.
- Good quality vijaysar wood sells at high prices due to declining natural supply of old-growth trees.
Conclusion
The medicinal vijaysar tree is an integral part of India’s botanical heritage and Ayurvedic medicine system. With its immense health benefits and commercial wood value, it is important to cultivate Pterocarpus marsupium trees sustainably. This guide covers the basics of how to successfully propagate, plant and care for this species to reap its rewards for generations to come. Adhering to responsible harvesting practices will also ensure its continued availability as a natural therapeutic remedy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for Pterocarpus marsupium to grow fully?
Pterocarpus marsupium is a slow growing tree. It can take around 20-25 years to reach its full height of 30 meters and diameter of 100 cm or more. However, it starts flowering and fruiting within 8-10 years.
What types of soil are not suitable for Pterocarpus marsupium?
Pterocarpus marsupium does not grow well in sandy or waterlogged soils. Heavy clay soils and soils with poor drainage should also be avoided.
Is propagation from seeds better or cuttings?
Propagation from seeds is generally preferred as it better preserves the genetic diversity. Cutting-grown plants may lack taproot formation. However, cuttings provide uniformity and are useful when seeds are unavailable.
Can Pterocarpus marsupium survive drought periods?
Mature Pterocarpus marsupium trees can withstand drought but lack of water affects growth and health. Young plants require regular irrigation for establishment. Water stress makes them more vulnerable to pests and diseases.
What are the most common pests and diseases?
Major insect pests are stem borer, leaf miner, leaf folder and fruit borer. Important diseases are leaf spot, powdery mildew, rust and root rot. Maintaining overall tree health is key to preventing infestations.