Origin and Common Names:
Manilkara bequaertii (De Wild.) H.J.Lam is a species of tree in the family Sapotaceae. It is native to Cameroon, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo. It is commonly known as "Ogoue", "Kwila", "Mvuli", or "African cherry" in English.
Uses:
The wood of Manilkara bequaertii is highly valued for its durability, stability, and resistance to decay. It is commonly used for heavy construction, outdoor and marine applications, furniture, and veneer. The tree provides a source of timber for the local populations, and its bark and leaves have medicinal properties. The fruit of Manilkara bequaertii is edible, and the seeds can be roasted and eaten like nuts.
Appearance:
Manilkara bequaertii is a large tree that can reach up to 50 meters in height and 1 meter in diameter. It has a straight trunk with a brownish-grey bark that is smooth when young but becomes rough and flaky with age. Its leaves are dark green, glossy, and leathery, with a lanceolate shape. The tree produces small, white flowers that are followed by fleshy, orange-red berries that are about 2-3 cm in diameter. The fruit contains several large, black seeds that are dorsoventrally flattened and oblong.
Growth Conditions for Manilkara bequaertii (De Wild.) H.J.Lam
Manilkara bequaertii, also known as the African greenheart, is a slow-growing evergreen tree native to Africa. It can reach heights of up to 25 meters and has a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter. The tree is valued for its hard and durable wood, which is used in construction and furniture making.
Light Requirements
Manilkara bequaertii prefers full sun to partial shade for optimum growth and development. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can stunt its growth and reduce its overall health.
Temperature Requirements
Manilkara bequaertii grows best in warm and humid climates with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. It cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures and may suffer from damage or death if exposed to such conditions.
Soil Requirements
The African greenheart prefers deep, well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter and nutrients. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they have good drainage. The tree does not tolerate waterlogging or poorly draining soils.
Manilkara bequaertii has a moderate drought tolerance and can tolerate short periods of drought. However, it requires regular watering during dry periods to maintain its health and growth.
Cultivation methods
Manilkara bequaertii, also known as African Pearwood, is a slow-growing tree that is generally propagated through seeds. The seeds should be harvested from ripe fruits and planted in well-draining soil in a sunny area. These trees grow best in tropical and subtropical regions with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C. African Pearwood trees prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range from 5.6 to 7.5, and a moderate amount of organic matter.
Watering needs
The African Pearwood tree requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatered trees may suffer from root rot and other issues. When rainfall is inadequate, it is recommended to irrigate the tree frequently or deep soak it once per week during the growing season.
Fertilization
Proper fertilization is important for the growth of African Pearwood trees. Fertilize the tree with a balanced formula that contains all the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Fertilize the tree once per month during the growing season. Organic fertilizers like compost or manure can be applied to the soil around the tree to promote growth.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for the optimal growth and development of African Pearwood trees. Prune the tree during the dormant season to remove dead or diseased wood and to promote new growth. It is important to prune the tree to maintain its size and shape and to promote good airflow and light penetration to the center of the tree for optimal fruit production. Remove the lower branches of the tree to promote good trunk development and to protect the tree from pests and diseases.
Propagation of Manilkara bequaertii
Manilkara bequaertii is a large tree species found in West and Central Africa. It is commonly known as the Gabon or Zebrawood tree due to its distinct striped pattern in the wood. Propagation of this species can be done through various methods including seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds from Manilkara bequaertii need to be collected when they are fully ripe. The seeds that are discolored or have insect damage should be discarded. Before sowing, the seeds should be scarified to soften the hard seed coat. Scarification can be done by soaking the seeds in hot water for 24 hours or by nicking the seed coat with a knife. The seeds can be sown in a mixture of sand and compost and kept in a warm and moist environment for germination.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is possible with Manilkara bequaertii, but it is not a common method due to low rooting success. The cuttings should be taken from the semi-hardwood section of the stem and be about 10 to 15 cm long. The base of the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept in a humid environment with indirect light.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is the most common method for propagating Manilkara bequaertii as it has a high success rate. Two methods of grafting can be used - wedge grafting and side grafting. In wedge grafting, the scion and rootstock should be of the same size and joined at the same level. In side grafting, the scion should be half the size of the rootstock, and the graft union should be taped to keep it secure. The grafted plant should be kept in a humid environment until the graft union has healed.
Disease and Pest Management for Manilkara bequaertii (De Wild.) H.J.Lam
Manilkara bequaertii is a tropical evergreen tree native to Central Africa. While it is known for its valuable timber, like many other plants in its native range, it is vulnerable to diseases and pests that can damage or kill the tree.
Common Diseases
One common disease that affects Manilkara bequaertii is powdery mildew. This fungal disease manifests itself as a white or gray powder-like substance on the leaves and stems, causing them to look dusty or silvery.
To manage powdery mildew, remove any infected leaves and ensure the plant has proper air circulation and drainage to reduce humidity. A fungicide may also be applied to prevent further infection.
Another disease that can affect Manilkara bequaertii is root rot, which is caused by waterlogging in poorly drained soils. The roots become infected with fungi, leading to root decay and eventual death.
To manage root rot, avoid planting in poorly drained soils and ensure the plant is not overwatered. Fungicides can also be used to prevent further infection.
Common Pests
One common pest that attacks Manilkara bequaertii is thrips, which are small, slender insects that feed on the leaves, causing them to become distorted and discolored.
To manage thrips, remove any infected leaves and apply an insecticide. Yellow sticky traps can also be used to capture thrips.
Another pest that can damage Manilkara bequaertii is the stem borer, which burrows into the trunk and branches, causing dieback and weakening the tree.
To manage stem borers, prune and destroy infested branches and apply insecticides to prevent further infestation. Regular tree inspections can also aid in early detection and management of stem borers.
