Velvet apple (Diospyros discolor)

Also known as: Mabolo tree, Kamagong

The velvet apple (Diospyros blancoi), also known as mabolo, is a tropical tree indigenous to the Philippines. Its fruit resembles an apple but is covered in a peach-like fuzz and has a flavor and aroma similar to a peach. The tree is also noted for its dark, dense wood, which is highly valued for its strength and durability. This wood is commonly used in crafting elegant furniture, various martial arts tools, and musical instruments.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Velvet apple

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

15 m to 30 m

Spread

8-10 meters

Leaf Color

Green Silver

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

White

Quickly Identify Velvet apple

Identify Diospyros discolor by its distinct velvety fruit skin, dark green leaves that are glossy on the upper side and pale underneath, and the presence of a short, thick trunk.

Scientific Classification of Velvet apple

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Ericales

Family

Ebony

Genus

Diospyros

Species

Velvet apple

Planting and Growing of Velvet apple

Care Difficulty

Hard

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

68-86℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Velvet apple?

For Diospyros discolor, the amount of water should be enough to soak the root system thoroughly but without causing stagnant water. This typically means about 1000 milliliters per session. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, ensuring proper drainage to maintain balance.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Velvet apple? ›

What should I do if my Velvet apple is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Velvet apple? ›

How to save an overwatered Velvet apple? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Velvet apple?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours

Diospyros discolor performs best under partial to full sun conditions, benefitting from approximately 4 to 6 hours of light. Ideal lighting contributes to robust growth and healthy leaf coloration.

What is the ideal lighting condition for Diospyros discolor? ›

How can I provide ideal lighting for Diospyros discolor? ›

What are the benefits of providing ideal lighting conditions? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Velvet apple?

Ideal Temperature: 68 ~ 86℉

Diospyros discolor thrives best in a warm climate, with ideal temperatures ranging between 68 to 86°F. This range ensures optimal photosynthesis and metabolism, facilitating robust growth and fruit production. Ensuring temperatures within this range can prevent stress and promote healthy foliage and flowering.

What Soil is Best for Velvet apple?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Diospyros discolor, commonly known as Velvet Apple, thrives in well-drained soil that prevents waterlogging. This requirement ensures the roots have access to oxygen and reduces the risk of fungal diseases, fostering healthier growth. A nutrient-rich soil is essential for the Velvet Apple to produce luscious fruit. Rich soils provide essential minerals and nutrients that promote robust development, thereby enhancing fruit quality. This plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. Such a pH range optimizes nutrient uptake and overall plant health, ensuring vigorous growth and productivity.

How to Fertilize Velvet apple?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Diospyros discolor, it is important to apply a balanced fertilizer at a rate of about 5g per square meter. Young plants may require slightly less. Always dissolve thoroughly in water to avoid root burn for liquid applications.

How to Prune Velvet apple?

Pruning Time: Spring, Autumn, Winter

Start by removing any dead or diseased branches using sharp pruning shears. Make sure to cut at a 45-degree angle just above a bud or branch junction. Trim any crossing branches to promote airflow and reduce the risk of disease. It's important to keep the tree's shape symmetrical to ensure even growth. Aim to shape the crown by selectively pruning branches to create a balanced canopy. This encourages sunlight exposure to all parts of the tree, enhancing photosynthesis and fruit production. Regularly shape the crown to minimize excessive growth that could lead to breakage or uneven weight distribution. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Velvet apple plant?

Propagate Time: Early spring,Spring

Collect mature seeds from ripe fruits and clean them thoroughly. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to promote faster germination. Ensure you use fresh seeds for higher germination rates.

Select healthy rootstock and scion. Cut both pieces with a grafting knife at a matching angle. Secure them together with grafting tape, ensuring the cambium layers align for a successful union.

Fill seedling trays with seed-starting mix and plant seeds about 1 cm deep. Water gently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Keep the trays in a warm, sunny location to encourage sprouting.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Velvet apple plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Repot your Diospyros discolor when the roots start coming out of the bottom, indicating the pot is too small. Also, if the growth slows down significantly or the soil dries out quickly, these are clear signs that repotting is necessary.

Select a pot that's 2-3 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Ensure it has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. A larger pot gives roots room to expand and promotes healthy growth.

Use a well-draining potting mix, rich in organic matter to retain some moisture but prevent water stagnation. This balances drainage and moisture, supporting the plant's unique needs while encouraging root health.