Mabolo
Diospyros blancoi
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Description
Mabolo, or Diospyros blancoi, is a tropical tree native to the Philippines, renowned for its dense, hard wood and unique edible fruit. The tree can reach heights of up to 30 meters and features dark, glossy leaves and velvety-skinned fruit. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, Mabolo serves as a mid-canopy layer in food forests, providing shade and improving soil structure through leaf litter. It supports biodiversity by offering habitat and food for wildlife. Traditionally, Mabolo wood, known as Kamagong, is highly valued for its durability and is used in crafting furniture and tools, supporting sustainable livelihoods. The fruit, despite its strong odor, is consumed fresh and can be used in local desserts and preserves, contributing to food security and local food systems. Mabolo can be integrated into agroforestry systems to enhance ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration and erosion control.
Growing Details
Mabolo trees thrive in tropical climates with well-drained, loamy soil rich in organic matter. Prior to planting, incorporate compost to enhance soil fertility. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as lemongrass can deter pests and enhance the growing environment. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot. Harvest fruit when it is fully ripe, typically when the skin softens. Store harvested fruit in a cool, dry place to extend shelf life.
Tags
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Fire Wood
Building Wood
Windbreak
Erosion Preventing
Visual Appeal
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Diospyros blancoi</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to the Philippines
applicable geo region: Southeast Asia
language used: en
Flowering:
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Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(3/5)
edible uses: The fruit of Mabolo is edible and can be eaten fresh or used in desserts and preserves. It has a creamy texture and a mild, sweet flavor. The fruit is typically harvested when fully ripe, as it develops a softer texture and richer taste. It is a good source of dietary fiber and vitamins.
Medicinal Rating:
(2/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, various parts of the Mabolo tree have been used in folk medicine, including the leaves and bark for treating coughs and skin conditions. However, scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited. The fruit is also believed to have antioxidant properties.
health concerns: The fruit has a strong odor that some people may find unpleasant, but it is not harmful. It is advisable to consume the fruit in moderation due to its high fiber content, which may cause digestive discomfort if eaten in large quantities.
other uses: The wood of Mabolo is highly valued for its hardness and is used in furniture and construction. The tree can also be used as a windbreak or for erosion control. Its dense canopy provides excellent shade, making it suitable for agroforestry systems.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Diospyros blancoi
common names: Velvet apple; Kamagong; Butter fruit
family: Ebenaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Diospyros
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.0 m
spacing: 0.0 m
growing difficulty: Medium
Deciduous / Evergreen:
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Deep
frost tender: High
hardness:
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(10/10)
first harvest: 5 years
life span: 0 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Slow
max height: 30.0 m
max width: 0.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Mabolo trees thrive in tropical climates with well-drained, loamy soil rich in organic matter. Prior to planting, incorporate compost to enhance soil fertility. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as lemongrass can deter pests and enhance the growing environment. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot. Harvest fruit when it is fully ripe, typically when the skin softens. Store harvested fruit in a cool, dry place to extend shelf life.
Potential Disturbances: Mabolo trees can be susceptible to scale insects and borers. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control pest populations naturally. Planting marigolds nearby can help repel nematodes. Neem oil and garlic sprays are effective organic solutions for pest management.
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