How to Grow Gmelina Arborea?

Gmelina arborea, also known as gmelina, gamhar, or Malay beechwood, is a fast-growing deciduous tree that is native to tropical regions of Asia. Its attractive foliage, fragrant yellow flowers, medicinal uses, and quality timber make Gmelina arborea a valuable addition to any tropical or subtropical garden. By following some key tips for site selection, planting, care, and harvesting, growing gmelina arborea can be quite straightforward.

Botanical Name: Gmelina arborea

Here are the names of Gmelina arborea in Different Indian Languages:

Hindi: गम्भारी (Gambhari)
Bengali: গামার (Gamar)
Telugu: పెగ్గుముడు (Peggumudu)
Marathi: शिवना (Shivana )
Tamil: குமாடி (Kumadi)
Urdu: گمبھاری۔ (Gambhari)
Gujarati: સાવન (Savan)
Malayalam: കുമ്പിൽ (Kumbil)
Kannada: ಶಿವಾನಿ ಗುಮಡಿ ( Shivani Gumadi)

Some of the desirable attributes that make Gmelina arborea a popular choice include its medicinal properties, its ability to thrive in poor soil conditions, and its high quality timber. The fruit and leaves of gmelina arborea have been used traditionally as Ayurvedic medicine to treat conditions like fever, diarrhea, ulcers, and hemorrhoids. The durable pale yellowish-grey wood is commonly used for furniture, tool handles, and construction. Gmelina arborea is also an important honey plant in tropical regions. With its abundant nectar, the tree’s fragrant flowers support apiculture and honey production.

When grown under optimal conditions, gmelina arborea trees can reach heights of up to 30-40 meters tall and live for over 100 years. By following the growing guidelines in this article, you’ll be prepared to add this useful multipurpose tree to your own garden and enjoy its many benefits.

Learn all about growing Murraya paniculata in India here

Gmelina Arborea Tree– Key Facts

Selecting and Preparing a Planting Site

To grow healthy gmelina arborea trees, start by choosing an appropriate planting site. This fast-growing tree thrives in warm, humid tropical and subtropical climates. It can tolerate hot temperatures but does require plenty of moisture.

Climate and Soil Requirements

Gmelina arborea grows best in areas with temperatures between 20°C to 30°C and annual rainfall of 1000-2000 mm. The tree can withstand occasional light frost but prolonged cold temperatures below 5°C may damage or kill it. It flourishes in humid conditions with 50% or higher humidity.

This tree tolerates a wide variety of soil types but prefers well-drained, moist, deep, and fertile loamy soils. Clay, sandy, acidic, compacted, or poor soils should be amended with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and nutrients. The ideal pH range is between 5.0 to 7.5.

Choosing a Sunny Location

When selecting the planting spot, choose an area that receives full sun. Gmelina arborea thrives best in sites with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient light will hinder growth.

Preparing the Soil

Prepare the planting area at least a few weeks prior to planting. Remove any existing grass, weeds, or debris. Till the top 12-18 inches of soil, working in 2-4 inches of well-composted organic matter or well-rotted manure. This will enrich the soil and improve moisture retention. Backfill the hole and water thoroughly to settle the soil.

Propagating Gmelina Arborea

Gmelina arborea can be grown from seeds or propagated from cuttings.

Propagation from Seeds

To start gmelina arborea from seed, gather ripe fruits from existing trees once they have turned yellow-orange in color. Remove the fleshy outer pulp of the fruits and extract the inner nuts. Soak the nuts for 12-24 hours prior to planting to enhance germination.

Sow the pre-soaked nuts 1-2 inches deep in seed trays or nursery beds filled with loose, well-draining potting mix. Water the seeds regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Seeds will germinate in around 7-21 days when temperatures are warm. Once seedlings have developed 4-6 leaves, transplant into individual containers.

how to germinate gmelina arborea seeds

• Gather seeds from ripe, yellow-orange fruits. Extract the nuts from the fleshy pulp.
  
• Soak the seeds in water for 12-24 hours before sowing. This helps soften the outer seed coat and initiates germination.
  
• Sow pre-soaked seeds 1-2 inches deep in seed trays or nursery beds with a loose, well-draining potting mix.
  
• Maintain warm temperatures between 20°C to 30°C for optimal germination.
  
• Keep the planting medium moist but not saturated. Water regularly to keep evenly moist.
  
• Seeds should begin to germinate within 7-21 days when properly pre-treated and sown.
  
• Once the radicle emerges, provide plenty of light. Supplemental lighting may be needed in shade.
  
• Thin seedlings to the strongest 1-2 per pot or cell once 2-4 leaves have developed.
  
• Transplant into larger containers when roots fill the starter pots. Harden off before planting outside.
  
• Take care not to disturb the taproot when transplanting for the best seedling development.

Vegetative Propagation

Gmelina arborea can also be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken from healthy trees. Take 15-20 cm long cuttings, ideally from the previous season’s growth. Trim off the leaves from the lower two-thirds of each cutting. Dip the bottom end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth.

Plant the treated cuttings in pots or trays filled with equal parts sand, perlite and peat moss. Keep the propagating medium moist until roots form. Once rooted, the young cuttings can be transplanted into their permanent growing sites.

Planting Gmelina arborea

When to Plant Gmelina arborea

In tropical zones, gmelina arborea can be planted any time of year as long as irrigation is provided during dry periods. It’s best to plant during the wet season to reduce watering requirements. Avoid planting during the hottest and driest times of year.

Container-grown nursery stock or propagated seedlings should be planted as soon as they are 12-18 inches tall. Bare root plants should be planted during the dormant season.

Planting Seeds or Seedlings

If planting seeds directly in the ground, sow 2-3 seeds spaced every 2-3 meters in each hole and thin to the best seedling. For transplants, dig holes the same depth as the root ball and 2-3 times as wide. Carefully remove young trees from containers without disturbing the roots. Place into the planting hole and backfill with native soil, watering thoroughly after planting.

Plant Spacing

Leave enough space between each young gmelina tree to allow for future growth. Space seedlings or transplants at least 4-6 meters apart in rows spaced 4-6 meters apart. Wider spacing of 10 meters may be needed between mature trees.

Caring for Young Gmelina Arborea Plants

Caring for gmelina arborea properly during the first couple years after planting will ensure strong tree growth. Monitor and attend to watering, weeding, fertilizing, pruning, and pest management during this critical establishment phase.

Watering

Supplement with irrigation during dry periods to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Drought stress can severely inhibit growth of young plants. Flood irrigation is suitable but drip irrigation or watering basins around each tree work well too.

Weeding

Keep the area around young gmelina trees free of weeds which compete for water and nutrients. Apply 2-4 inches of organic mulch around trees to suppress weeds.

Fertilizing

Apply a balanced organic fertilizer or compost around seedlings every 2-3 months during the growing season. This encourages strong root and foliage growth. Avoid over-fertilizing which can damage plants.

Pruning

Prune only to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches on young trees. Limit pruning to avoid stressing plants.

Pest and Disease Control

Gmelina arborea is prone to some pests like leaf miner, scales, borers, and leaf eaters. Diseases such as leaf spots, die back, and powdery mildew sometimes occur. Maintaining tree health and vigor is the best preventative measure. Remove and destroy affected plant parts. Organic pesticides may be applied if infestations persist.

gmelina arborea uses

Here are some of the main uses of Gmelina arborea:

Medicinal Uses

• The fruits, leaves, seeds, roots, and bark have medicinal properties and are used in various Ayurvedic medicines.
• Fruit pulp is used to treat diarrhea, fever, and ulcer. Seeds can be used to treat hemorrhoids.
• Leaves and roots are used as an antidote for snake venom. Bark has analgesic and antipyretic properties.
  

Lumber

• The soft, lightweight wood is used for furniture, cabinets, tool handles, oars, sports equipment, toys, carvings, construction, and plywood.
  

Pulpwood

• Gmelina arborea provides excellent raw material for pulp, paper, fiberboard, and particle board. It gives high pulp yield.
  

Fuelwood

• The wood burns well and provides good fuelwood and charcoal. It has moderate calorific value.
  

Fodder/Bee Forage

• The tender shoots and leaves serve as fodder for cattle. Its nectar-rich flowers provide excellent foraging for bees.
  

Soil Improvement

• The tree helps rehabilitate degraded land. Leaf litter enhances soil fertility. Nitrogen fixation abilities enrich soil.
  

Ornamental Landscaping

• Gmelina arborea is planted along roadsides, gardens, and avenues for its colorful flowers and graceful shape.

Caring for Mature Gmelina Arborea Trees

Once gmelina arborea trees are well-established, just a bit of occasional care and maintenance is needed.

Fertilizing Mature Gmelina Arborea Trees

Apply NPK fertilizer or aged compost/manure annually at the start of monsoon season. Spread organic matter in a 1 to 1.5 meter wide ring around the canopy’s drip line. Mix in a handful per square meter of dolomite lime to maintain optimal soil pH.

Top dress with wood ash every few months for potash, phosphorus, and other nutrients. Mulch well to improve water retention and protect shallow roots.

Pruning and Training Mature Gmelina Arborea Trees

Prune annually to regulate height, remove damaged branches, and thin dense growth for good air circulation. Make clean cuts at branch collars without leaving stubs. Sanitize tools with bleach solution between trees to avoid spreading diseases.

Coppicing is an extreme pruning method used to renew gmelina trees. Cut back older trees to 30 cm above ground during winter dormancy to trigger stump sprouts. Manage subsequent regrowth through coppice rotation.

Pest and Disease Management

Gmelina trees are remarkably resilient but sometimes troubled by foliar fungal diseases and larval leaf miners in excessive heat or humidity. Promote airflow through proper spacing and prune out crossed branches. Remove and safely dispose of infected plant debris. Spray neem oil or sulfur fungicide as a preventive measure during susceptible seasons.

Termites occasionally attack healthy gmelina wood. Apply a perimeter treatment of imidacloprid or fipronil around the root zone if infestation is noticed. Avoid fertilizing and irrigating excessively as that invites more pest problems.

Harvesting Gmelina Arborea

When Fruits are Ready for Harvest

Gmelina trees begin to produce fruits after 4-6 years. The oval drupes ripen during summer to autumn. Harvest gmelina fruits when they turn from green to yellow or orange in color. Ripe fruits will detach easily from branches when gently twisted.

Harvesting Techniques

Collect ripe fruits by carefully hand-picking or shaking branches over tarpaulin, fruits directly from branches. Spread a tarp below trees and gently shake branches to dislodge mature fruits. Separate seeds mechanically for propagation or natural distribution.

Collect fruits by handpicking or shaking branches over a tarpaulin. Separate seeds mechanically for propagation or natural distribution. Store cleaned, dried seeds in breathable containers at cool room temperature for future sowing. Take care not to damage trees during harvesting.

Yields

Flowers appear by February before new leaves emerge and fruits form by April. Mature trees reach full bearing capacity by age 10. A mature gmelina arborea tree can yield up to 90 kilograms of fruits annually. Productivity peaks between 15 to 20 years of age. Fruiting occurs once a year during February to May.

Storing and Processing Fruits

Fresh gmelina fruits have a short shelf life of 1-3 days. Pulp can be eaten raw or processed into juices or jams. Seeds are dried, roasted, and used for Ayurvedic medicine. Fruits can also be dried whole.

toxicity of Gmelina arborea

• Overall, Gmelina arborea is considered to have low toxicity when used appropriately. However, certain parts of the tree may cause adverse effects when consumed in excess.
  
• The fruit pulp is considered edible and safe to eat. However, the seeds/nuts contain alkaloids like melinonine and gmelinol that can cause nausea, headache, and dilated pupils if eaten in large quantities.
  
• The bark and leaves also contain some alkaloids that are toxic. Consuming bark or leaf decoctions excessively is not recommended, as it may cause vomiting, dizziness, and low blood pressure.
  
• Contact with the sap from Gmelina trees may irritate the skin and mucous membranes for some people. The sawdust can also trigger asthma in sensitized individuals. Wearing protective gear is advised when processing the wood.
  
• While Gmelina has some traditional medicinal uses, intake should be limited to small doses of carefully prepared remedies. Pregnant women are advised to avoid consuming bark and leaf products due to uterine stimulant effects.
  
• Moderate timber usage is considered safe, but Gmelina sawdust and wood dust should not be inhaled in large quantities. Proper ventilation controls are needed in woodworking shops.
  
• Overall toxicity is low in small doses, but ingestion of seeds/bark in excess or contact with sap/dust in large exposures may cause adverse reactions in some individuals. Caution and moderation are advised when using this plant.

Conclusion

Key Takeaways

• Prefers hot, humid climate with well-drained, fertile soil
• Fast growing and pest/disease resistant
• Grows from seeds or cuttings
• Produces timber, fodder, medicine, paper pulp
• Starts fruiting in 4 to 6 years
• Very suitable for agroforestry systems

Growing the multi-purpose gmelina arborea tree provides an abundance of benefits for tropical gardeners. Following the tips in this guide will help ensure success with this useful, low-maintenance tree. Site selection, propagation, planting, care, and harvesting are all important considerations when adding gmelina arborea to the garden. The effort pays off with a fast-growing tree that provides edible fruits, traditional medicine, high quality wood, and excellent honey production. Any tropical gardener would be wise to make room for gmelina arborea.