Kattilanthi - Muntingia calabura

Description and Uses

Muntingia calabura (Kattilanthi) is a tropical tree from Mexico. It is mainly grown for its fuel crops (n/a shelflife), but also apiculture, conservation, fruit, fuel, medicinal, and timber can be produced. The crop is harvested by hand picking. It starts flowering after 2 - 3 years. The first yield will be 400 berries per year but in its top season there will be a yield of 500 kg fuel/tree after 15 yrs. The "flower", and "fruit" are edible. Medical uses include; "anti-bacterial", "anti-inflammatory", and "antiseptic". The flower contains - n/a - (n/a - n/a). There is no oil extracted from this tree. Regarding firewood production the tree`s growing speed is fast, its energetic value is 4600 ckal/kg and the wood`s drying speed is medium; it might be grown for firewood, see firewood rating in the rating bar. After 14 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Muntingia calabura has a lifespan of 30 years.

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Environmental limitations

It is fast growing and tolerates not less light than full sun. Muntingia calabura has a shallow root-system and forms symbiotic relations with Glomus intraradices fungi (endo-mycorrhiza). It is not able to fix nitrogen. The tree`s flower-morphology is andromonoecious and is pollinated by bees. Muntingia calabura is evergreen and a bit allelopathic and has no thorns.

Muntingia calabura thrives in an altitude of 0 to 1000 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 2°C and optimally between 20 - 38°C. The optimal rainfall is 1900 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 800 - 2200 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 5.0 - 7.8 in a soil texture of loam. To salt it is intolerant to wind a bit tolerant and to fire a bit tolerant.

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Pests and Diseases

and diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are orthodox and can be stored for 1 months. There are approximative 3750 seeds/kg. The seeds can be propagated as followed: (1) Store harvested seeds dry at room temperature, (2) Soak the seeds overnight in warm water before sowing., (3) press the seeds twice its size in the soil soil.

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