Physical Characteristics
CEBU, Philippines - Kalumpit grows to a height of about 25 meters with a diameter of about a meter. The leaves are smooth, measuring from six to 15 centimeters, and pointed at both ends. The flowers are small, yellowish-white, and borne on slender spikes, which grow from the axis of the leaves. The fruit is about three centimeters wide, smooth, and dark red when ripe.
Distribution
Kalumpit is a very common and widely distributed species in primary forests at low altitudes from northern Luzon to southern Mindanao.
Method of Propagation
Kalumpit is propagated by seeds and grafting.
Contemporary Use
Its wood is used for light construction. The fruits are used for wine-making and medicinal purpose. Fruit is eaten raw or made into preserves.
Traditional Use
The fruit is used as eyewash in the same manner as the fruit of aroma (Acacia farnesiana). It is also used in lotions in cases of humid herpetism or eczema. The bark contains tannin and can be used in tanning or to make tannin extract.
How to plant your kalumpit seedling
Clear the area where you want to plant your seedling with unwanted weeds and debris. Make sure that a one-meter radius is kept free from other vegetation. Dig a plant hole with dimensions of at least 20 cm x 20 cm x 20 cm. Plant the seedling at proper depth. Root collar should be at level with or a little below the ground surface with the seedling oriented upward. Fill the hole with top or garden soil and press soil firmly around the base of the seedling. In plantation-making, seedlings should maintain a two-meter distance between seedlings if planted in a row of a three-meter distance from one strip to the next strip.
How to take care of your kalumpit seedling
Remove grass and other unwanted vegetation and cultivate the soil around the base of the seedling (50 cm radius) once in every quarter for two to three years. Place mulch around the base of the seedling (maintaining the 50 cm radius and using cut grass, leaves, and other suitable materials as mulch base). Prune the branches at most 50 percent of the crown depth, preferably during dry season, and ensure that when pruning, you do not injure the bark. Remove infected or infested vegetation nearby to stop plant diseases from spreading and contaminating your seedling. Monitor regularly the growth of the seedling for presence of pests and diseases.
Data about native tree species are featured by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. For comments and suggestions, e-mail Hannah.Aranas@rafi.org.ph.