Cyphomandra casana
| Cyphomandra casana | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 9 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Evergreen Self Pollinated | |
| Height: | 7' |
| Speed: | Fast |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Cyphomandra casana (common name: casana)
Propagation: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates within 4 weeks at 15°c[K], within 2 weeks at 25°c[1]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of greenwood in a frame[2].
Cultivation: Succeeds in a sunny position in any well-drained soil[3]. Prefers a light fertile soil[3]. Dislikes drought[3]. Plants are very prone to wind damage[3]. Plants fruit best with cool temperatures in the growing season[3].
This species is probably not hardy in Britain, but like the related tree tomato it might be possible to grow it outdoors in the summer and bring it into a warmer place for the winter. Plants are probably insensitive to day-length[3].
Very fast growing, it starts to fruit within two years from seed and reaches peak production in 3 - 4 years[3]. Trees are, however, short-lived and start to degenerate after about 8 years[3]. This species could be a valuable source of gene material for qualities such as nematode resistance, root rot resistance, fragrance, flavour, colour and yield[3].
Plants have a shallow spreading root system and resent surface hoeing, they are best given a good mulch[3].
Plants usually ripe their fruit over a period of time, though pruning methods can be used to produce a peak time of fruiting[3].
The leaves have a pungent smell[3].
Plants are subject to attacks by red spider mites.
Range: S. America - Ecuador.
Habitat: Edges of rainforests in highland regions.
Edibility: Fruit - raw or cooked. Sweet and juicy, the flavour is said to be like a blend of peach and tomato[3].
Pollinators: Insects, self
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: The unripe fruit is slightly toxic.
Also Known As: C. cajanumensis.
Links
References
- ↑ Bird, Alfred. Growing from Seed Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan, 1990.
- ↑ Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 Popenoe, Hugh. Lost Crops of the Incas. National Academy Press, 1990.