Overview
Manilkara bidentata (A. DC.) Chev. ssp. surinamensis (Miq.) T.D. Pennington, also known as Surinam cherry, is a tropical tree species belonging to the Sapotaceae family. It is native to the Caribbean, Central, and South America.
Appearance
The Surinam cherry plant can grow up to 25 meters tall and has a straight, cylindrical trunk with a diameter of 60 centimeters. The leaves are dark green, leathery, and have an elliptical shape. The plant's flowers grow on dense, greenish-yellow clusters, and the fruit is a small, round, and cherry-shaped berry that ranges from yellow to dark red when mature.
Uses
The Surinam cherry fruit is highly nutritious and has many culinary uses. It can be eaten raw, cooked, or used for making jams, jellies, and juices. The bark, wood, and latex from this tree have medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as skin diseases, diarrhea, and fever. The timber from Surinam cherry tree is also used for making furniture, boat building, and for local construction projects.
Common Names
The common names for Manilkara bidentata (A. DC.) Chev. ssp. surinamensis (Miq.) T.D. Pennington include Surinam cherry, Pitanga, Brazil Cherry, Cayenne cherry, and Costa Rican cherry.
Light Requirements
Manilkara bidentata ssp. surinamensis requires full sun to partial shade to grow properly. In areas with hot climates, this plant prefers some shade to avoid excessive sun exposure.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of this plant is within 20-30°C. However, it can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 5°C and a maximum temperature of 45°C for a short period. Frequent exposure to lower temperatures can damage the growth of this plant.
Soil Requirements
Manilkara bidentata ssp. surinamensis needs well-drained soil to grow properly. It is tolerant to a variety of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils, as well as soils with high clay content. The soil pH should be in the range of 5.0 to 7.5 for optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods for Manilkara Bidentata (A. DC.) Chev. ssp. Surinamensis (Miq.) T.D. Pennington
Manilkara bidentata (A. DC.) Chev. ssp. surinamensis (Miq.) T.D. Pennington, commonly known as bulletwood tree, is a tropical evergreen tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall. It is a hardy plant that can grow in a wide range of soils but thrives in moist and well-drained soil. It is best grown in full sun to partial shade and can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
Watering Needs for Manilkara Bidentata (A. DC.) Chev. ssp. Surinamensis (Miq.) T.D. Pennington
Manilkara bidentata (A. DC.) Chev. ssp. surinamensis (Miq.) T.D. Pennington requires regular watering to thrive. It prefers moist but well-drained soil, so it is important to ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged. The tree should be watered deeply and frequently during dry periods to keep the soil consistently moist.
Fertilization of Manilkara Bidentata (A. DC.) Chev. ssp. Surinamensis (Miq.) T.D. Pennington
Manilkara bidentata (A. DC.) Chev. ssp. surinamensis (Miq.) T.D. Pennington does not require a lot of fertilization but can benefit from occasional applications of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. The fertilizer should be applied around the base of the tree and worked into the soil. However, it is important not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth and poor root development.
Pruning Manilkara Bidentata (A. DC.) Chev. ssp. Surinamensis (Miq.) T.D. Pennington
Manilkara bidentata (A. DC.) Chev. ssp. surinamensis (Miq.) T.D. Pennington may require occasional grooming to maintain a desirable shape and prevent the tree from becoming too large or overgrown. Pruning should be done during the dormant season to avoid damaging new growth and promote healthy regrowth in the following season. It is important to remove any dead or diseased branches and to thin out any overcrowded or crossing branches. However, it is important not to over-prune, as this can weaken the tree and reduce its flowering and fruiting potential.
Propagation of Manilkara bidentata ssp. surinamensis
Propagation of Manilkara bidentata ssp. surinamensis can be achieved either through seeds or vegetative methods such as cuttings and grafting.
Seeds
The seeds of Manilkara bidentata ssp. surinamensis need to be collected when they are ripe, as the viability of the seeds is short-lived. The seeds should be cleaned and soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. Planting the seeds in well-prepared soil, and regularly watering them will ensure germination.
Cuttings
Manilkara bidentata ssp. surinamensis cuttings can be taken from softwood, semi-hardwood, or hardwood parts of the plant. The cuttings should be around 10-15 cm long and have at least two nodes. The leaves should be removed from the cutting to prevent water loss. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted into a potting mix that has good drainage. Keeping the mix moist will promote rooting. The rooted cuttings can be transplanted into larger vessels after a few weeks.
Grafting
Grafting is a widely used propagation method in Manilkara bidentata ssp. surinamensis. The rootstock used for grafting should have a strong root system, while the scion should be chosen from a plant with desirable qualities. The graft union should be wrapped to prevent water loss. The grafted plant can be grown in a pot or transplanted to a permanent location after the graft union has healed.
Disease Management
Manilkara bidentata ssp. surinamensis is susceptible to various diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant. Some common diseases that may affect the plant include:
- Anthracnose - a fungal disease that causes leaf spots and cankers on stems and fruits. It can be managed by ensuring good air circulation, removing infected plant material, and applying fungicides.
- Root rot - a fungal infection that causes the roots to decay and turn brown. Overwatering and poor drainage can lead to root rot. Affected plants should be removed, and the soil should be treated with a fungicide before replanting.
- Powdery mildew - a fungal infection that causes a white powdery substance to appear on the leaves. It can be managed by improving ventilation, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicides.
Prevention is key to avoiding these diseases. Proper watering, fertilization, and pruning techniques can ensure that the plant stays healthy and is less susceptible to infection. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene practices, such as clearing dead or diseased plant material from the area, can help prevent the spread of disease.
Pest Management
In addition to diseases, Manilkara bidentata ssp. surinamensis may also be targeted by various pests such as:
- Mealybugs - small, white, cotton-like insects that can cause stunted growth and deformation of plant parts. They can be managed by physically removing them or applying insecticidal soap.
- Leafhoppers - small, green or brown insects that suck fluids from the leaves, causing yellowing and wilting. They can be managed by spraying the plant with insecticides.
- Mites - tiny insects that cause discoloration and a stippled appearance on the leaves. They can be managed by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap.
Similar to disease management, prevention is key to pest management. Regularly inspecting the plant for signs of pests, keeping the area around the plant clean, and pruning damaged or infested plant material can prevent pests from establishing themselves. Additionally, employing natural predators such as ladybugs or encouraging beneficial insects such as lacewings to inhabit the area can provide an eco-friendly and effective means of pest control.
