Description

Elaeocarpus serratus is a tropical flowering plant in the family Elaeocarpaceae. It is a medium to large tree, with white flowers. It has a disjunctive distribution, with the species occurring in Sri Lanka and southern India, and in Assam, Bangladesh, and other parts in the north of the Indian subcontinent. The fruit is commonly eaten, and people also use the plant for ornamental, religious, and folk medicinal purposes. There are historical records of the use of plants in traditional medicine.

It is a medium-sized tree that bears smooth oval green fruits about 2.5 cm long. Recommended varieties are local cultivars (round and oval fruits). It has a brown seed inside the fruit. The seed has a hard outer shell. The seeds are slow for germination and can take up to 2 years. The wood is whitish yellow.

Planting requirements

Planting season: Tropical or subtropical climates are most suitable. Specific planting seasons are not available.

Planting conditions:

Propagation	Direct seeding, budding, grafting
Planting method	Seeds from ripe fruits are cleaned and planted in a nursery, germinating in 3-9 months. Alternatively, 4-6 inch cuttings can be rooted in nurseries. Transplant into 2-3m spaced pits filled with equal parts dung/compost, topsoil, and sand. However, grafting is considered the most suitable method and the wedge grafting method is thought to be the most successful
Soil	Well-draining soil is ideal
Water	Must be watered regularly to maintain soil moisture. Do not overwater
Light	Partial sunlight in early stages of growth

Growing conditions:

Temperatures	Ideally tropical or subtropical temperatures
Soil	Well-draining soil is ideal
Water	Water regularly but do not overwater. Use soil moisture as a guide
Pruning	Essential for maintaining the tree's structure, enhancing light penetration, and improving air circulation within the canopy
Weed Control	Effective weed control is crucial, especially for young Ceylon Olive trees, as weeds compete for nutrients and water

Harvesting

8-9 years for direct seeded trees. 3-4 years for budded and grafted trees. A tree can produce between 60 to 100 kilograms of fruit every year.

Curing

Veralu does not require a curing stage.

Storage

Store fresh veralu in the refrigerator, ideally in a perforated plastic bag to allow airflow while maintaining humidity.

Protecting your plants

Pest Control

Pest type:

Leaf rollers (in young saplings)

Symptoms:

Leaves curled into trumpet shapes and secured with silken threads; edges of the leaves chewed away

Control method:

Use organic insecticides

Disease Control

Disease type:

Fungal infections (uncommon, but possible in humid tropical climates)

Symptoms:

Leaf discoloration and wilting
Yellowing leaves
Wilting due to root rot or other fungal issues (exacerbated by excessive moisture)

Management:

Ensure well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging
Apply organic fungicides if necessary
Practice crop rotation
Remove any infected plant material to reduce disease spread

Note: Mature plants are generally not very susceptible to diseases.

Sources

In addition to our General List of Sources (link), we used these specific references:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elaeocarpus_serratus

Ceylon Olive

Generic name: Ceylon Olive, Wild Olive
Sri Lankan name: Veralu (Sinhala) | Veralikkai (Tamil)
Scientific name: Elaeocarpus serratus
Plant family: Elaeocarpaceae
Edible parts: Fruit
Nutrition value: 100g of fruit contains 72 calories. The fruit is also rich in Calcium, Potassium, and vitamin C

Difficulty rating

Low country wet zone

Difficulty:

★★☆☆☆

Explanation: Ceylon Olive thrives in the wet zone due to abundant rainfall and high humidity, which align well with its natural habitat preferences.
Challenges/Adaptations:

Monitor for potential waterlogging during heavy rains.
Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
Regular pruning may be necessary to manage dense growth and improve air circulation.

Low country dry zone

Difficulty:

★★★★☆

Explanation: Ceylon Olive struggles in the dry zone due to insufficient rainfall and extended dry periods, which are contrary to its preferred growing conditions.
Challenges/Adaptations:

Implement extensive irrigation systems to meet the plant's water requirements.
Use mulching techniques to retain soil moisture.
Provide shade or establish windbreaks to protect plants from extreme heat and desiccating winds.
Consider intercropping with drought-resistant plants to create a more favorable microclimate.

Mid country

Difficulty:

★★★☆☆

Explanation: The mid country offers moderate conditions for Ceylon Olive cultivation, with generally sufficient rainfall and suitable temperatures.
Challenges/Adaptations:

Supplement irrigation during drier periods to maintain consistent soil moisture.
Amend soil in areas with poor drainage to ensure optimal growing conditions.
Monitor young saplings for leaf roller infestations and apply organic insecticides if necessary.
Implement proper spacing between trees to ensure adequate sunlight and air circulation.

Up country

Difficulty:

★★★★☆

Explanation: Ceylon Olive faces challenges in the up country due to cooler temperatures and potential frost in higher elevations, which can affect growth and fruit production.
Challenges/Adaptations:

Protect from strong winds and frost, especially for young trees.
Choose planting sites with maximum sun exposure to compensate for cooler temperatures.
Consider using grafted varieties that may be more cold-tolerant.
Be prepared for slower growth rates and potentially delayed fruiting compared to warmer zones.

Companion plants

Companion plants aid growth by attracting beneficial insects, repelling pests, and providing support. They are part of a natural pest control system, maximising space and increasing crop productivity.

Not applicable

Non-companion plants

Non-companion plants are those that negatively affect each other’s growth when planted together, often due to competition for resources or chemical interference. Avoiding these pairings helps improve plant health and yields.

Not applicable