Trees Archives - Lautoka City Council https://www.lautokacitycouncil.com.fjtag/trees/ Known as the Sugar City. Lautoka is a Vibrant City with a strong community values. Wed, 16 Apr 2025 00:13:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://www.lautokacitycouncil.com.fj/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/cropped-logo-2-32x32.png Trees Archives - Lautoka City Council https://www.lautokacitycouncil.com.fjtag/trees/ 32 32 Morus Nigra- Black Mulberry https://www.lautokacitycouncil.com.fj/morus-nigra-black-mulberry/ Wed, 17 Jan 2024 23:34:13 +0000 https://www.lautokacitycouncil.com.fj/?p=11283 Morus Nigra is a species of flowering plant in the family Moraceae that is native to southwestern Asia. The black mulberry is known for its large number of chromosomes.

The post Morus Nigra- Black Mulberry appeared first on Lautoka City Council.

]]>

Morus Nigra is a species of flowering plant in the family Moraceae that is native to southwestern Asia. The black mulberry is known for its large number of chromosomes. it was much used in folk medicine, especially in the treatment of ringworm.

A Richly Flavoured Delight; The Black Mulberry, scientifically known as Morus nigra, is a deciduous tree that graces landscapes with its impressive stature, reaching up to 12 meters in height and 15 meters in breadth. The leaves, measuring 10–20 centimeters in length and 6–10 centimeters in breadth, add to the tree’s beauty with their downy undersides and rough upper surfaces adorned with short, stiff hairs. Notably, each cell boasts a total of 308 chromosomes, reflecting tetratetracontaploidy (44x), showcasing its unique genetic composition.

The fruit of the Black Mulberry is a compound cluster of small, dark purple drupes, nearly black when ripe, with a diameter of 2.5 centimeters. Renowned for its rich flavor, reminiscent of the red mulberry, this species stands out among its counterparts. Anthocyanins contribute to the distinct coloration of the mulberry fruit.

Cultivation and Geographic Spread

Believed to originate from mountainous regions of Mesopotamia and Persia, Black Mulberries have made their way west across Europe and east into China. Thriving in areas including Armenia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, India, Pakistan, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Israel, and Turkey, these trees have become a significant part of various cultures.

The fruit is not only edible but has been cultivated extensively for its delectable properties. In regions like Persia, it is known as “toot” or “shahtoot” (king’s mulberry), and in Arabic, it is referred to as “shajarat tukki.” Locally concentrated in Pukanec, Slovakia, where 470 black mulberry trees adorn vineyards, Europe has witnessed the successful integration of this species into its landscape.

Historical Impact and Legacy

In the 17th century, efforts were made to import Black Mulberries into Britain with the hope of supporting silkworm cultivation (Bombyx mori). While unsuccessful in that particular endeavor due to silkworms’ preference for white mulberries, the trees left a lasting legacy in the country’s gardens. Widely used in folk medicine, especially for treating ringworm, Black Mulberry holds cultural significance and continues to enchant with its unique characteristics.

The post Morus Nigra- Black Mulberry appeared first on Lautoka City Council.

]]>
A Symbol of Civic Pride: Simla Resident Donates Teak Tree to Lautoka City Council’s Botanical Garden https://www.lautokacitycouncil.com.fj/a-symbol-of-civic-pride-simla-resident-donates-teak-tree-to-lautoka-city-councils-botanical-garden/ Fri, 12 Jan 2024 03:33:06 +0000 https://www.lautokacitycouncil.com.fj/?p=11268 Mr. Henry Seeto of Simla made a visit to Lautoka City Councils Botanical Garden to handover Teak tree plant.

The post A Symbol of Civic Pride: Simla Resident Donates Teak Tree to Lautoka City Council’s Botanical Garden appeared first on Lautoka City Council.

]]>

Mr. Henry Seeto of Simla visited Lautoka City Council’s Botanical Garden to hand over the Teak tree plant.

It was very generous of Mr. Seeto who had the plant in pot since 2012 and decided that the teak be planted in the Garden.

Mr. Seeto has been a senior citizen of Lautoka City and has spent more than 30 years in Simla. He appreciated the work carried by the Council in keeping the city clean and green.

In appreciation, Acting Head of Services-Rouhit Karan Singh thanked Mr. Seeto in coming up and joining council in maintaining lush environment. It’s a great display of civic pride.

Teak is a tropical hardwood tree and is known for its incredible durability and water resistance. It is commonly used for making boat building, exterior furniture, carvings etc.

The post A Symbol of Civic Pride: Simla Resident Donates Teak Tree to Lautoka City Council’s Botanical Garden appeared first on Lautoka City Council.

]]>
Manilkara Zapota- Sapodilla https://www.lautokacitycouncil.com.fj/manilkara-zapota-sapodilla/ Fri, 12 Jan 2024 00:47:46 +0000 https://www.lautokacitycouncil.com.fj/?p=11256 Manilkara Zapota plant in Lautoka Botanical Garden is commonly known as sapodilla ( chikku in Hindi) is an evergreen tree native to southern Mexico.

The post Manilkara Zapota- Sapodilla appeared first on Lautoka City Council.

]]>

Manilkara Zapota plant in Lautoka City’s Botanical Garden is commonly known as sapodilla (chikku in Hindi) is an evergreen tree native to southern Mexico. It belongs to the family Sapotaceae and kingdom to plantae. The fruit has an exceptionally sweet, malty flavor. The tree can survive only in warm, typically tropical environment.

The Sapodilla tree, known for its remarkable longevity, can thrive for up to one hundred years. Reaching heights of over 30 meters (98 feet) with a trunk diameter of 1.5 meters (5 feet), this majestic tree is a testament to nature’s grandeur. In cultivated settings, the average height ranges from 9 to 15 meters (30 to 49 feet), with a trunk diameter not exceeding 50 centimeters (20 inches).

Durable and Resilient: The Sapodilla tree exhibits remarkable wind resistance, and its bark is a source of a white, gummy latex known as chicle. The ornamental leaves, glossy and medium green, are elliptic to ovate, measuring 7–15 centimeters (3–6 inches) in length, with an entire margin.

Inconspicuous Beauty: The tree’s white, bell-like flowers with a six-lobed corolla are inconspicuous yet add to its understated beauty. An unripe fruit, with a firm outer skin, releases white chicle when picked. In contrast, a fully ripened fruit has saggy skin and retains the chicle.

Large, Delectable Fruit: The Sapodilla’s fruit is a sizable berry, ranging from 4 to 8 centimeters (2–3 inches) in diameter. Inside, its flesh exhibits hues from pale yellow to earthy brown, with a grainy texture reminiscent of a well-ripened pear. Each fruit houses one to six glossy, black seeds resembling beans.

Exquisite Flavor and Characteristics: Known for its exceptionally sweet, malty flavor, the unripe fruit is firm and contains saponin, exhibiting astringent properties akin to tannin. This characteristic can induce dryness in the mouth.

Survivor of Warm Tropical Climes: The Sapodilla tree thrives in warm, tropical environments, displaying low tolerance to drought and heat during its early years. However, it succumbs easily if temperatures drop below freezing. Typically taking five to eight years to bear fruit from germination, these trees yield twice a year, with continuous flowering throughout the year.

The Sapodilla tree is a true marvel, showcasing nature’s resilience and providing a bounty of delectable, sweet fruits.

The post Manilkara Zapota- Sapodilla appeared first on Lautoka City Council.

]]>
Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) https://www.lautokacitycouncil.com.fj/punica-granatum-pomegranate/ Mon, 20 Nov 2023 22:06:10 +0000 https://www.lautokacitycouncil.com.fj/?p=11187 The pomegranate (punica granatum) is a fruit- bearing deciduous shrub in the family Lythraceae. The fruit is typically in season in the southern hemisphere from march to may and in the northern Hemisphere from September to February. Pomegranates are used in baking, cooking, juice blends, meal garnishes, smoothies and alcoholic beverages.

The post Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) appeared first on Lautoka City Council.

]]>

The pomegranate (punica granatum) is a fruit- bearing deciduous shrub in the family Lythraceae. The fruit is typically in season in the southern hemisphere from march to may and in the northern Hemisphere from September to February. Pomegranates are used in baking, cooking, juice blends, meal garnishes, smoothies and alcoholic beverages.

The pomegranate tree (Punica granatum) is a veritable feast for the eyes and palate, prize for its vibrant red-orange flowers and luscious, jewel-like fruit. A handsome shrub in flower and worthy of inclusion in the border

Pomegranate: Botanical Insights

  • Native: Originally native to regions of the Middle East and Central Asia, the pomegranate has been cultivated for millennia and has spread to various parts of the world, including the Americas and Europe.
  • Plant Type and Habit: Punica granatum is a deciduous or semi-evergreen small tree or large shrub with a multi-stemmed, upright, and spreading habit. It can be pruned to maintain a desired shape or allowed to grow freely.
  • Size: Typically, pomegranate trees range from 6 to 20 feet (1.8 to 6 meters) in height and 4 to 15 feet (1.2 to 4.5 meters) in spread, although dwarf varieties are available that grow to about 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall.
  • Flowers: The pomegranate produces striking, funnel-shaped, crepe paper, bright scarlet flowers, 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. They are borne singly or in clusters at the branch tips.
  • Bloom Time: Blossoms appear from late spring to early summer, with some varieties producing sporadic blooms throughout the growing season.
  • Fruit: Shining against the foliage, the flamboyant flowers are followed by spherical, reddish-brown, leathery-skinned fruits up to 4 inches across (10 cm). They can be eaten fresh or used in jams or jellies. Pomegranate is partially self-fertile, so planting two or more varieties increases the fruit set.
  • Foliage: Its numerous slender branches are clothed with lustrous, narrowly oblong, rich green leaves that emerge bronze in spring. They provide an attractive backdrop for the colorful fruit and flowers. Evergreen in warm winter areas, the foliage changes to soft yellow-green, sometimes brilliant yellow, in the fall.
  • Hardiness: Pomegranate trees are hardy in USDA zones 7-10, although they appreciate some protection from harsh winter winds in the cooler end of this range.
  • Uses: Beyond fruit production, pomegranate trees are versatile in the landscape. They can serve as specimen trees, hedge plants, or foundation plants and are great in Mediterranean-style gardens. Pomegranates can also be grown in large pots or containers, making them suitable for small spaces or colder climates where they can be brought indoors. They’re also popular choices for bonsai.
  • Wildlife: Birds are attracted to the fruit, and pollinators like bees or hummingbirds are drawn to the flowers. However, the spiny branches generally deter larger herbivores.
  • Toxicity: Pomegranate trees are generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets, although excessive consumption of the fruit’s seeds can be problematic due to their high caloric content.
  • Drought: Pomegranates are remarkably drought-tolerant once established, thanks to their deep root system. However, they do better with consistent moisture, especially when fruiting.
  • Invasiveness: Pomegranate trees are not considered invasive in most areas, although they can self-seed under the right conditions. Proper pruning can prevent unwanted spread.
  • Benefits: Beyond their ornamental value, pomegranates are celebrated for their antioxidant-rich fruit, associated with various health benefits. The fruit can be consumed fresh or used in juice, jams, and culinary dishes. The flowers and bark also have traditional medicinal uses.

The post Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) appeared first on Lautoka City Council.

]]>
Cassia Grandis- Pink Shower Tree https://www.lautokacitycouncil.com.fj/cassia-grandis-pink-shower-tree/ Mon, 20 Nov 2023 21:34:30 +0000 https://www.lautokacitycouncil.com.fj/?p=11175 Nature, in its infinite creativity, gifts us with botanical wonders that captivate the senses and add splashes of vibrant color to our surroundings.

The post Cassia Grandis- Pink Shower Tree appeared first on Lautoka City Council.

]]>

Cassia Grandis commonly known as Pink Shower tree is a Flowering plant in the family Fabaceae and native to neotropics. The species is distributed from southern Mexico. It grows in forests and open fields at lower elevation and is known to be planted as an ornamental.

Features:

  • Botanical Elegance: Explore the enchanting beauty of Cassia Grandis, also known as the Pink Shower Tree, with its gracefully spreading canopy and compound leaves that add a touch of botanical elegance to any landscape.

  • Vibrant Pink Blossoms: Witness nature’s vibrant display as the Pink Shower Tree bursts into a profusion of stunning pink blossoms during its blooming season, transforming the surroundings into a visual feast.

  • Deciduous Splendor: Appreciate the seasonal changes of Cassia Grandis as it undergoes a deciduous phase, shedding its leaves and revealing the intricate structure of the tree before the bloom.

  • Fragrance in the Air: Experience the subtle, sweet fragrance that permeates the air when the Pink Shower Tree is in full bloom, creating an immersive and sensory-rich environment.

  • Cultural Significance: Discover the cultural symbolism and significance attached to the Pink Shower Tree in various traditions, adding depth and meaning to its presence in gardens and public spaces.

  • Seasonal Bloom Calendar: Stay informed about the blooming seasons of Cassia Grandis with a dedicated calendar, allowing enthusiasts to plan visits or events to coincide with the tree’s spectacular displays.

  • Photography Opportunities: Capture the essence of Cassia Grandis through photography, as the tree provides a picturesque backdrop for both close-up shots of individual blossoms and wide-angle views of fully bloomed trees.

  • Caring for Your Pink Shower Tree: Find essential care tips and guidelines to ensure the health and longevity of your Cassia Grandis, including sunlight requirements, soil preferences, and recommended pruning practices.

  • Landscaping Ideas: Explore creative landscaping ideas that incorporate the Pink Shower Tree, suggesting ways to enhance outdoor spaces with the tree’s natural beauty and vibrant color palette.

  • Seasonal Changes and Life Cycle: Gain insights into the seasonal changes and life cycle of Cassia Grandis, from the emergence of new leaves to the mesmerizing transformation during blooming periods.

  • Symbolism of Pink Blooms: Delve into the symbolic meaning associated with the Pink Shower Tree’s blossoms, uncovering the cultural and emotional significance that adds depth to its visual appeal.

  • Environmental Impact: Learn about the positive environmental impact of Cassia Grandis, as its presence contributes to a healthy ecosystem and promotes biodiversity in the surrounding areas.

In conclusion, the Cassia Grandis, or Pink Shower Tree, stands as a testament to nature’s artistry. Its blooming spectacle and cultural significance make it a cherished presence in landscapes around the world. As we embrace the beauty of this magnificent tree, let it serve as a reminder of the fleeting yet profound moments that nature graciously offers us.

The post Cassia Grandis- Pink Shower Tree appeared first on Lautoka City Council.

]]>
Annona Muricata – Soursop https://www.lautokacitycouncil.com.fj/annona-muricata-soursop/ Wed, 01 Nov 2023 00:07:14 +0000 https://www.lautokacitycouncil.com.fj/?p=11022 Annona muricata is a species of the genus Annona of the custard apple tree family of Annonaceae. The fruit is usually called soursop (salifa in Fiji) due to its slightly acidic taste when ripe. Soursop is widely promoted as an alternative cancer treatment but there is no reliable medical evidence it is effective for treating cancer or any disease.

The post Annona Muricata – Soursop appeared first on Lautoka City Council.

]]>

Annona muricata is a species of the genus Annona of the custard apple tree family of Annonaceae.  The fruit is usually called soursop (salifa in Fiji) due to its slightly acidic taste when ripe. Soursop is widely promoted as an alternative cancer treatment but there is no reliable medical evidence it is effective for treating cancer or any disease.

Soursop (also called graviolaguyabano, and in Latin America, guanábana) is the fruit of Annona muricata, a broadleaf, flowering, evergreen tree. It is native to the tropical regions of the Americas and the Caribbean and is widely propagated. It is in the same genus, Annona, as cherimoya and is in the Annonaceae family.

The soursop is adapted to areas of high humidity and relatively warm winters; temperatures below 5 °C (41 °F) will cause damage to leaves and small branches, and temperatures below 3 °C (37 °F) can be fatal. The fruit becomes dry and is no longer good for concentrate.

With an aroma similar to pineapple, the flavor of the fruit has been described as a combination of strawberries and apple with sour citrus flavor notes, contrasting with an underlying thick creamy texture reminiscent of banana.

Soursop is widely promoted (sometimes as “graviola”) as an alternative cancer treatment, but there is no reliable medical evidence that it is effective for treating cancer or any disease.

Source: Wikipedia

The post Annona Muricata – Soursop appeared first on Lautoka City Council.

]]>
Annona Squamosa- Sugar Apple https://www.lautokacitycouncil.com.fj/annona-squamosa-sugar-apple/ Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:31:46 +0000 https://www.lautokacitycouncil.com.fj/?p=10956 Annona squamosa is a small, well branched tree or shrub from the family Annonaceae that bears edible fruits called sugar-apples or sweetsops (ramphal in Hindi). Annona squamosal is native to the tropical Americas and west indies, but the exact origin is unknown.

The post Annona Squamosa- Sugar Apple appeared first on Lautoka City Council.

]]>

Annona squamosa is a small, well-branched tree or shrub from the family Annonaceae that bears edible fruits called sugar-apples or sweetsops. It tolerates a tropical lowland climate better than its relatives Annona reticulata and Annona cherimola (whose fruits often share the same name) helping make it the most widely cultivated of these species. Annona squamosa is a small, semi-(or late) deciduous, much-branched shrub or small tree 3 to 8 metres (10 to 26 feet) tall similar to soursop (Annona muricata).

The fruit of A. squamosa (sugar-apple) has sweet whitish pulp, and is popular in tropical markets.

Branches with light brown bark and visible leaf scars; inner bark light yellow and slightly bitter; twigs become brown with light brown dots (lenticels – small, oval, rounded spots upon the stem or branch of a plant, from which the underlying tissues may protrude or roots may issue).

Thin, simple, alternate leaves occur singly, 5 to 17 centimetres (2 to 6+34 inches) long and 2 to 6 cm (34 to 2+38 in) wide; rounded at the base and pointed at the tip (oblong-lanceolate). They are pale green on both surfaces and mostly hairless with slight hairs on the underside when young. The sides sometimes are slightly unequal and the leaf edges are without teeth, inconspicuously hairy when young.

The leaf stalks are 0.4 to 2.2 cm (18 to 78 in) long, green, and sparsely pubescent.

Sugar Apple has high potential for home gardens in the hot humid lowlands of the tropics and subtropics. Sugar Apple tolerates light frosts but its fruits ripen poorly in cold weather climates. This species has been successfully introduced into Southern Florida, for example, but it does not thrive in California’s cooler climate. It can be propagated successfully from seed though Sugar Apple is often grafted by shield budding or inarching onto a seedling Sugar Apple or Bullock’s Heart (Annona reticulata) rootstock. Sugar Apple is tolerant of a wide range of soil salinity conditions but it does not tolerate water-logged soils. The trees are drought-tolerant and normally exhibit good growth in coarse-textured, even rocky, soils. Humid atmospheric conditions promote pollination. Plantations in arid regions sometimes use close tree spacing (approximately 3 m X 3 m) to maintain high humidity among the trees during pollination. Germination, normally requiring 30 days or more, is promoted by soaking seeds for 3 to 4 days or by seed scarification. The best seeds for planting are those sown one week after the fruits have been harvested. Seedlings normally bear fruit in 3-4 growing seasons. The addition of manure or fertilizer will promote fruit set and high yields.

Source: Wekipedia

The post Annona Squamosa- Sugar Apple appeared first on Lautoka City Council.

]]>
Averrhoa Carambola- Carambola https://www.lautokacitycouncil.com.fj/averrhoa-carambola-carambola/ Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:02:57 +0000 https://www.lautokacitycouncil.com.fj/?p=10944 Carambola, also known as star fruit, is a species of tree in the family Oxalidaceae native to tropical southeast Asia, where it is cultivated since ancient times. The fruit is used in traditional Asian medical to treat Chickenpox, intestinal parasites, headaches and other illnesses.

The post Averrhoa Carambola- Carambola appeared first on Lautoka City Council.

]]>

Carambola, also known as star fruit, is a species of tree in the family Oxalidaceae native to tropical southeast Asia, where it is cultivated since ancient times. The fruit is used in traditional Asian medical to treat Chickenpox, intestinal parasites, headaches and other illnesses.

It has several common names, including carambolastar fruit and five-corner. It is a small tree or shrub that grows 5 to 12 m (16 to 39 ft) tall, with rose to red-purple flowers. The flowers are small and bell-shaped, with five petals that have whitish edges. The flowers are often produced year round under tropical conditions. The tree is cultivated in tropical and semitropical regions for its edible fruits.

The species in the genus Averrhoa along with the species in genus Sarcotheca are the only woody, tree-like plants belonging to the Oxalis family Oxalidaceae. The Oxalis family has nearly 900 species; most are herbaceous perennials or annuals native from tropical and semitropical locations, although a number also grow in other parts of the world. Averrhoa has sometimes been placed in the family Averrhoaceae. Averrhoa carambola is one of two species in the genus Averrhoa, both have edible fruit; the other species A. bilimbi, which is sometimes called the bilimbi or the cucumber tree, is limited to tropical regions. The fruits of A. bilimbi are too sour to be eaten raw, while the sweet forms of A. carambola are eaten raw. The fruits of A. bilimbi and the sour forms—which have high oxalic acid content—of A. carambola are pickled and made into jelly, jam, and juice.

Averrhoa carambola is a small, slow-growing evergreen tree with a short-trunk or a shrub. The branches are drooping and the wood is white and turns reddish. It has a bushy shape with many branches producing a broad, rounded crown. The compound leaves are soft, medium-green, they are spirally arranged around the branches in an alternate fashion. The pinnate leaves have a single terminal leaflet and 5 to 11 nearly opposite leaflets, each leaf is 15–20 cm long, and the 3.8–9 cm long leaflets are ovate or ovate-oblong in shape. The top sides of the leaves are smooth and the undersides are finely hairy and whitish. The leaflets are reactive to light and tend to fold together at night, they are also sensitive to abrupt shock and when shaken tend to close up also. The lilac or purple-streaked, downy, flowers are produced in the axils of leaves at the end of twigs. The flowers are arranged in small clusters on the ends of the branches or sometimes on the larger stems and trunk, each cluster is attached to the tree with red stalks. The bell-shaped, perfect flowers, are produced in loose panicles that are much-branched with pedicellate flowers; each flower is around 6 mm wide, with 5 petals that have recurved ends. The fruits are showy with an oblong shape: they are longitudinally 5- to 6-angled and 6.35–15 cm long and up to 9 cm wide. The fruits have a thin, waxy skin that is orange-yellow colored. The juicy fruits are yellow inside when ripe and have a crisp texture and when cut in cross-section are star-shaped. The fruits have an oxalic acid odor, which varies between plants from strong to mild, the taste also varies from very sour to mildly sweetish. Each fruit may have up to twelve 6–12.5 mm long seeds, which are flat, thin and brown. Some cultivated forms produce fruits with no seeds.

 

Source: Wikipedia

The post Averrhoa Carambola- Carambola appeared first on Lautoka City Council.

]]>
JackFruit – Artocarpus Heterophyllus (Uto Ni Idia) https://www.lautokacitycouncil.com.fj/jackfruit-artocarpus-heterophyllus-uto-ni-idia/ Sun, 29 Oct 2023 23:41:45 +0000 https://www.lautokacitycouncil.com.fj/?p=10933 The jackfruit, Artocarpus heterophyllus is a fruiting plant in the family of Moraceae, native to India and Malayan. The fruit consist of fibrous , whitish core. Ripe jackfruit is naturally sweet with subtle pineapple or banana like flavor when eaten.

The post JackFruit – Artocarpus Heterophyllus (Uto Ni Idia) appeared first on Lautoka City Council.

]]>

The jackfruit, Artocarpus heterophyllus is a fruiting plant in the family of Moraceae, native to India and Malayan. The fruit consist of fibrous , whitish core. Ripe jackfruit is naturally sweet with subtle pineapple or banana like flavor when eaten.

AJack fruit was first found in rain forests of India but farmers now grow in many parts of the world, including Thailand, Australia, Africa, etc. The outer layer of the fruit is green, yellow, etc. The fruit smells off like raw onions when it is ripe, the pulp inside the fruit tastes far better. There are two types of jackfruit, one is small and pulpy and the other one is not so sweet and has a crispy crunchy flesh. Jackfruit is full of vitamin A and vitamin C, riboflavin, calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, etc. It contains minerals, fiber, protein, and it contains no fats and bad cholesterol. It contains carotenoids which give yellow color to the fruit, and are high in vitamin A. Jackfruit is rich in antioxidants that prevents cell damage in your body. The pulp is rich in disease fighting properties whereas the seeds may contain even more.

Jackfruit is high in fiber, which makes you feel fuller for longer resulting in healthy bowel movements.

The word jackfruit comes from Portuguese jaca, which in turn is derived from the Malayalam language term chakka (ചക്ക), when the Portuguese arrived in India at Kozhikode (Calicut) on the Malabar Coast (Kerala) in 1499. Later the Malayalam name ചക്ക (chakka) was recorded by Hendrik van Rheede (1678–1703) in the Hortus Malabaricus, vol. iii in Latin. Henry Yule translated the book in Jordanus Catalani’s (fl. 1321–1330) Mirabilia descripta: the wonders of the East. This term is in turn derived from the Proto-Dravidian root kā(y) (“fruit, vegetable”).

The common English name “jackfruit” was used by physician and naturalist Garcia de Orta in his 1563 book Colóquios dos simples e drogas da India. Centuries later, botanist Ralph Randles Stewart suggested it was named after William Jack (1795–1822), a Scottish botanist who worked for the East India Company in Bengal, Sumatra, and Malaya.

Nangka is another name used in Philippine English borrowing from Tagalog related to nangkà in Cebuano and in Malay, both from the same Austronesian language family.

Source: Wikipedia

The post JackFruit – Artocarpus Heterophyllus (Uto Ni Idia) appeared first on Lautoka City Council.

]]>
Mangifera Indica- Mango https://www.lautokacitycouncil.com.fj/mangifera-indica-mango/ Tue, 17 Oct 2023 03:17:39 +0000 https://www.lautokacitycouncil.com.fj/?p=10891 Mangifera Indica, commonly known as Mango, is a species of flowering plant in the family Anacardiaceae. It is a large fruit tree, capable to a height of 30 meters (100 feet). It is a large green tree, valued mainly for its fruits, both green and ripe.

The post Mangifera Indica- Mango appeared first on Lautoka City Council.

]]>

Mangifera Indica, commonly known as Mango, is a species of flowering plant in the family Anacardiaceae. It is a large fruit tree, capable to a height of 30 meters (100 feet). It is a large green tree, valued mainly for its fruits, both green and ripe.

It is a large green tree, valued mainly for its fruits, both green and ripe. Approximately 500 varieties have been reported in India. It can grow up to 15–30 metres (50–100 feet) tall with a similar crown width and a trunk circumference of more than 3.7 m (12 ft). The leaves are simple, shiny and dark green.

Red-yellow flowers appear at the end of winter, and also at the beginning of spring. Both male and female flowers are borne on same tree. Climatic conditions have a significant influence on the time of flowering. In South Asia, flowering starts in December in the south, in January in Bihar and Bengal, in February in eastern Uttar Pradesh, and in February–March in northern India. The duration of flowering is 20–25 days for the Dasheri variety, while panicle emergence occurs in early December and flower opening is completed by February. The Neelum variety produces two crops a year in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, but it flowers only once in North Indian conditions.

The mango is an irregular, egg-shaped fruit which is a fleshy drupe. Mangos are typically 8–12 centimetres (3–5 inches) long and greenish yellow in color. The fruits can be round, oval, heart, or kidney shaped. Mango fruits are green when they are unripe. The interior flesh is bright orange and soft with a large, flat pit in the middle.

Mangos are mature in April and May. Raw mangos can be used in the making of pickles and chutneys. Ripe mangos are a popular fruit throughout the world. The skin and pulp account for 85% of the mango’s weight, and the remaining 15% comes from the stone (seed).

Growth Form

A medium to large sized tree with a dense, rounded crown with rather distinctive drooping elliptic to lanceolate leaves. It is still relatively common in parks, open spaces and community gardens in Singapore.

Foliage

The leaves are simple, deep green, up to 30cm long and 7 cm wide, oblong-elliptic to lanceolate in shape, with entire and slightly undulate margins. The midrib is yellow and quite visible, and the leaves also tend to droop downwards slightly. Young flushes are coppery red to bronze in colour.

Flowers

Individual flowers are tiny, yellow to pinkish white, but borne on large, showy panicles with red peduncles, and are considered fragrant. Uneven flowering within the same tree has been reported in some cultivated varieties (or cultivars) of mango including the ‘Sensation’ cultivar (Oosthuyse & Jacobs 1996, Reece et al. 1946, Lin & Chen 1981). It is uncertain why uneven flowering occurs. Oosthuyse & Jacobs (1997) found that flowering can be synchronized in ‘Sensation’ trees by pruning the inflorescences. It is possible that the inflorescence may produce hormones that signal other parts of the tree not to flower. Removing the inflorescence may eliminate the source of inhibitory signals, allowing all parts of the tree to flower. Uneven flowering is a beneficial trait in terms of promoting survival of the mango species and results in flowers being available for a longer period of time thus increasing the likelihood of successful pollination. It also prevents unfavourable weather conditions from destroying the entire crop, because dry weather is required for optimal fruit production.

Fruits

The most famous part of this tree, the fruit is a large drupe, up to 20cm long, ovoid-oblong in shape, with green, yellow or red skin often slightly glaucous. It hangs from the branches on long stalks. The flesh when ripe is yellow, juicy and very fragrant. They are relished by humans and animals, including bats, birds, monkeys etc.

Associated Fauna

Long-tailed Parakeet, Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Black-naped Oriole, Yellow-vented Bulbul are observed to feed on the fruit.

Cultivation

Requires full sun, rich, well-drained soil, and moderate watering. Requires fertilizing with high potassium and phosphate fertilizers if good fruiting is desired. Propagation is by seeds, grafting or budding.

Ethnobotanical Uses

Edible Plant Parts (Edible Fruits)
Food (Herb and Spice;Fruit & Vegetable)
Medicinal ( The fruit rind(peel) is consider as tonic. The leaves produce a cooling effect and are used to treated fever and colds. The charred leaves are applied to warts to remove them. The bark increase the flow of urine and is also used to stop bleeding. The seeds are used to treat colds, coughs, diarrhoea and excessive bleeding during menstruation. The resin is used for skin diseases and to treat syphilis.)
Cultural / Religious ( Heritage Tree : There are 4 individuals of Mangifera indica listed as Heritage Trees in Singapore. To find out more about these trees, please visit the Heritage Tree Register.)

The post Mangifera Indica- Mango appeared first on Lautoka City Council.

]]>