Overview
Manilkara aubrevillei Sillans, commonly known as African sapote or buki, is a species of flowering plant in the family Sapotaceae. This evergreen tree is native to Western and Central Africa, particularly in Cameroon, Congo, and Gabon. It has gained popularity in other parts of the world for its edible fruit and reddish-brown timber.Appearance
African sapote is a tall, slow-growing tree that can reach up to 30 meters in height and up to 1 meter in diameter. Its crown is dense and conical, and the branches are slender and covered in a dark brown bark. The leaves are simple, dark green, glossy, and leathery, with a length of up to 15 centimeters and a width of 5 centimeters. The tree produces small, yellowish-white flowers that are followed by oval-shaped fruit that can grow up to 7 centimeters long and 4 centimeters wide.Uses
The fruit of African sapote is edible and highly valued for its sweet and juicy flesh that tastes like a combination of peach, mango, and banana. The fruit is eaten fresh or used to make jams, jellies, and juices. In addition, the tree's wood is durable, tough, and resistant to insects and decay, making it suitable for use in construction, furniture, and flooring. The bark of the tree is also used in traditional medicine to treat fever, diarrhea, and skin diseases.Conservation
Manilkara aubrevillei Sillans is currently listed as a vulnerable species due to habitat loss, deforestation, and logging. The tree is also threatened by over-harvesting of its fruit, which has led to a decline in populations in some parts of its natural range. Efforts are being made to conserve this species through reforestation, sustainably harvesting the fruit, and promoting the use of its wood as an alternative to other less sustainable timber sources.Light Conditions
Manilkara aubrevillei Sillans commonly known as "African locust bean tree" is a tree species that requires full sunlight for optimal growth. It is a tropical tree that needs at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to survive and thrive. It cannot tolerate shade or partial shade, as it requires a significant amount of light to photosynthesize and produce food.
Temperature Requirements
The African locust bean tree thrives in tropical and subtropical regions with temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 35°C (95°F). It prefers warm climates and cannot tolerate frost or cold temperatures. The tree species can grow in areas with high humidity and rainfall.
Soil Requirements
Manilkara aubrevillei Sillans can grow in a wide range of soil types. However, it prefers well-draining soils that are fertile and rich in organic matter. They can survive in both acidic and alkaline soils but perform better in neutral to slightly acidic soils with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. The tree can tolerate poor soils, but it will not produce good yields in such conditions.
Cultivation Methods
Manilkara aubrevillei Sillans is a tropical evergreen tree that thrives in warm climates with high rainfall. It is commonly found in swampy or marshy areas, but it can also tolerate well-drained soils. The plant grows best in soils that are rich in organic matter and acidic to neutral pH levels. The tree can be propagated from seeds or cuttings, but the success rate is typically higher with cuttings.
Watering Needs
The Manilkara aubrevillei Sillans tree requires regular watering, especially during the first few years of growth. The soil around the tree should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as the plant does not tolerate waterlogging. It is recommended to water the tree once or twice a week during the dry season, and reduce watering during the rainy season. A layer of mulch around the base of the tree can help retain moisture in the soil.
Fertilization
Manilkara aubrevillei Sillans responds well to regular fertilization. It is best to use a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The fertilizer should be applied every three to four months during the growing season. It is essential to avoid overfertilization, which can damage the tree's roots and foliage.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the health and shape of the Manilkara aubrevillei Sillans tree. The tree should be pruned during the dry season to avoid the spread of diseases. Dead, diseased, and crossing branches should be removed to promote new growth. It is also recommended to remove suckers that sprout from the base of the tree to prevent them from diverting nutrients from the main tree. The pruning cuts should be made at a slight angle to prevent water from accumulating on the cut surface.
Propagation of Manilkara aubrevillei Sillans
Manilkara aubrevillei Sillans, commonly known as African abebi or Gabon ebony, can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and tissue culture.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Manilkara aubrevillei Sillans should be harvested from ripe fruits, which are dark purple or black in color and fall off the tree naturally. The seeds should be cleaned, soaked in water for 24 hours, and then sown in prepared soil beds. The ideal soil mixture should be light and well-draining, with adequate organic matter content. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1-2 cm and watered thoroughly.
The germination of Manilkara aubrevillei Sillans seeds is slow and erratic, with a low success rate. It can take up to 6 months for the seeds to germinate, and some may not germinate at all. Therefore, seed propagation is not the most reliable method for this plant species.
Vegetative Propagation
Manilkara aubrevillei Sillans can be propagated vegetatively through various methods, including stem cuttings, layering, and grafting.
Stem cuttings should be taken from mature, healthy, and disease-free plants during the dormant season. The cuttings should be about 15-20 cm long and have at least 3-4 nodes. The leaves on the lower nodes should be removed, and the cuttings should be treated with rooting hormones before planting in prepared soil beds. The soil mixture should be well-draining and sterilized, and the cuttings should be planted at a depth of about 8-10 cm with regular watering for the first few weeks.
Layering is another vegetative method that involves bending a healthy stem of the plant to the ground and covering it with soil. Roots will develop at the point where the stem touches the soil, and a new plant will grow from that point. Once the new plant has a well-established root system, it can be separated from the parent plant.
Grafting involves joining a scion of the desired plant onto a rootstock of a related and compatible species. This method is more complicated and requires specialized skills and equipment, but it can produce plants with desirable characteristics.
Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is a modern method of plant propagation that involves using small plant pieces, such as nodal segments, as explants to generate multiple genetically identical plants in a sterile laboratory environment. This method allows for the mass production of disease-free plants with high genetic uniformity in a short time.
Overall, the propagation of Manilkara aubrevillei Sillans requires careful attention and skilled techniques to produce healthy and vigorous plants. Depending on the desired outcome, different methods can be employed to achieve successful propagation.
Disease and Pest Management of Manilkara aubrevillei Sillans
Manilkara aubrevillei Sillans, commonly known as the African Sapote, is a fruit-bearing tree that is highly valued for its sweet and juicy fruits. However, like all other plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause damage to the tree and reduce its fruit production. Here are some common issues that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves, fruits, and stems of the tree. It can spread rapidly during wet conditions and can lead to defoliation and reduced fruit production. To manage this disease, remove and destroy all infected plant debris, prune diseased branches, and apply fungicides according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the tree, causing them to rot and ultimately leading to the death of the plant. To avoid this disease, ensure that the soil around the tree is well-drained and avoid overwatering. If you notice signs of root rot, such as wilting leaves or a foul odor from the roots, dig up the plant and remove any infected roots before replanting.
Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves and fruits of the tree. It can reduce the plant's photosynthesis and weaken it over time. To manage this disease, improve air circulation around the plant, remove infected plant debris, and apply fungicides as per the manufacturer's recommendations.
Common Pests
Fruit Flies: These are small insects that lay their eggs in the fruit, causing it to rot and drop from the tree. To manage this pest, use fruit bagging to prevent the flies from laying eggs on the fruits, remove and destroy any dropped fruits, and apply insecticides approved for use on the plant.
Scale Insects: These are small insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the tree, sucking out its sap and causing yellowing and wilting of the plant. To manage this pest, prune and destroy heavily infested branches, introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.
Spider Mites: These are tiny insects that feed on the undersides of the leaves, causing yellowing and stunted growth of the plant. To manage this pest, increase humidity around the plant, wash the leaves with a steady stream of water, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regular monitoring of Manilkara aubrevillei Sillans for signs of diseases and pests is essential to ensure a healthy and productive tree. Early detection and timely management of these issues can prevent their spread and minimize their damage to the plant.
