Okay, we'll admit it - the tree growth habit can be pretty weird: branches grow at some interesting 90-degree angles, giving it a bit of a wild, chaotic vibe. Think Barbados Cherry bush - if you've seen that unruly spectacle! 😰
But let's focus on what really matters: the fruit. Tikal produces the best pink guava, no contest! It is disease-resistant, fast-growing, super sweet, and boasts very few seeds - huge bonus! Plus, Tikal is a reliable producer, making it perfect for beginners or anyone eager for quick, delicious results. 🌟
2. 🌳 Buy a grafted tree from a reputable nursery to ensure better fruit quality and faster fruiting.
3. 🏡 Planting site: choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Ensure there is enough space for the tree to grow, as some varieties can become quite large.
4. ⛏️ Planting: dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Mix in organic compost to enrich the soil. Place the tree in the hole, making sure the growth point is 1-2"above the soil line. Fill the hole with soil, pressing gently to remove air pockets. Water the tree thoroughly.
5. 💦 Watering: Water the tree regularly, especially during the first few weeks. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
6. Mulch: apply mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
7. Fertilize: use a balanced fertilizer formulated for fruit trees. We recommend Sunshine Boosters Mango Tango formulated specially for mango trees.
8. ✂️ Prune to shape the tree to encourage good airflow and sunlight penetration, and to improve the yield.
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9. 🕷 Pest and disease control: monitor for scale and mealybugs and treat them with systemic pesticides. Keep an eye out for fungal diseases and treat them promptly with copper spray.
10. 🥭 Harvesting: Mangoes are ready to harvest when they change color and soften slightly.
Why Rosita de Cacao is called the Funeral Tree? For how long does its fragrance last?
Funeral Tree - Quararibea funebris (Rosita de Cacao, Flor de Cacao) - Flower
Funeral Tree - Quararibea funebris (Rosita de Cacao, Flor de Cacao) - tree
Why Rosita de Cacao is called the Funeral Tree? For how long does its fragrance last?
😇 The Legendary Funeral Tree - Quararibea funebris (also called Rosita de Cacao, Flor de Cacao) got its name from the flower's extraordinary ability to retain its spicy, sweet fragrance for centuries.
😇 These flowers were used in ancient funeral ceremonies, placed in crypts to preserve their aroma for generations. Even today, dried Rosita de Cacao flowers can hold their scent for decades, a testament to their remarkable endurance.
😇 The species was at one time widespread and growing wild throughout the Oaxaca region of Mexico known for plants used in Shamanism.
😇 Cherished by the Aztecs, the Rosita de Cacao was deeply intertwined with their rituals and daily life.
😇 The flowers, known as Cacaoxochitl or "cacao flower," were blended with chocolate drinks like Tejate, a sacred, energy-rich beverage reserved for royalty and religious ceremonies. This frothy drink combined Cacaoxochitl with other ingredients like cacao, vanilla, and chili peppers to create what the Aztecs called the "drink of the gods."
😇 Legend has it that Emperor Montezuma consumed up to 50 cups of xocolatl daily, infused with Rosita de Cacao, to fuel his energy and passion.
Medicinal and Spiritual Uses
😇 The flowers of this tree were not just for flavor - they were also prized for their calming and medicinal properties. Natives used them to treat anxiety, fevers, and coughs, often mixing them with cacao for enhanced effects.
😇 Modern studies suggest the flowers contain lactone alkaloids like funebradiol, which are known for their relaxing properties and are now being investigated for potential medicinal applications.
😇 Beyond its rich history, Rosita de Cacao is an evergreen beauty with creamy white, aromatic flowers and large, leathery leaves. It's a perfect addition to any garden for those who want a piece of history, an enduring fragrance, and a touch of ancient legend.
