Overview
Manilkara dawei, also known as Sapodilla, is a tropical evergreen tree in the family Sapotaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia and is widely cultivated in other tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The tree produces a sweet fruit that is edible and highly prized in many cultures. Additionally, the wood of the tree is used for construction and furniture making.
Common Names
In addition to Sapodilla, Manilkara dawei is also known by a variety of other common names including:
- Chiku
- Sawo
- Naseberry
- Mespilus sapota
- Chico
- Zapote chico
Appearance
Manilkara dawei is a medium-sized tree that can reach heights of up to 30 meters. It has a dense, rounded crown and produces dark green leaves that are glossy and leathery in texture. The tree produces small, inconspicuous, white or yellow flowers that are followed by the fruit, which is round or oval in shape and typically 4-8 cm in diameter. The fruit has a rough brown skin and a juicy, sweet pulp that is similar in texture to a pear. The seeds of the fruit are large and black.
Uses
The fruit of Manilkara dawei is highly prized for its sweet flavor and is consumed fresh or processed into jams, jellies, and other desserts. The tree's wood is dense and durable, making it a popular choice for construction, furniture making, and other woodworking projects. Additionally, the bark and leaves of the tree have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments including diarrhea, dysentery, and respiratory infections.
Light Requirements
Manilkara dawei plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. It is important to protect them from intense, direct sunlight as it can damage their leaves and hinder their growth. These plants can also tolerate partial shade, but they require at least a few hours of sunlight per day to grow properly.
Temperature Requirements
Manilkara dawei grows best in a warm environment. The ideal temperature range is between 18 to 26 °C (64 to 79 °F). These plants are sensitive to cold temperatures and cannot tolerate frost. They should be protected from cold drafts and sudden drops in temperature.
Soil Requirements
Manilkara dawei requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The plant also requires good air circulation around its roots. It is best to plant them in a container with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and root rot. These plants can grow well in various soil types, including loamy clay soils, sandy soils, and red lateritic soils.
Cultivation
Manilkara dawei (Stapf) Chiov. is a tropical plant native to the African continent and grows well in the tropical and subtropical regions. It requires a warm and humid climate with an annual rainfall of at least 1000mm. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 20-30°C, making it best suited for growing in the greenhouse or indoor settings.
The plant grows well in a range of well-drained soils. However, it does best in soils that are deep, fertile, and rich in organic matter. You should avoid planting Manilkara dawei (Stapf) Chiov. in waterlogged or poorly drained soils as this can lead to root rot.
Watering
Manilkara dawei (Stapf) Chiov. requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. As a rule of thumb, water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the climate and moisture levels. In periods of drought, increase the watering frequency, and during the rainy season, reduce it to avoid waterlogging.
It is essential to ensure that the plant receives adequate water during its growth and flowering periods. If the plant is not receiving enough water, the leaves may turn brown, and the plant may become stunted in growth.
Fertilization
Manilkara dawei (Stapf) Chiov. requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth and development. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 to provide all the necessary nutrients for the plant to grow optimally.
Fertilize your plant every four to six weeks during the growing season. Reduce or stop fertilizing during the winter months when the plant is not actively growing.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential part of maintaining Manilkara dawei (Stapf) Chiov. It helps to promote healthy growth, encourages the production of more flowers, and improves the overall look of the plant.
Prune your plant annually in the early spring or just before the growing season begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to encourage the plant to put its energy into healthy growth.
Cut back any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other to avoid damage and promote even growth. Prune any long or leggy stems to promote bushy growth, and avoid over-pruning your plant, as this can lead to reduced growth and flowering.
Propagation of Manilkara dawei (Stapf) Chiov.
Manilkara dawei (Stapf) Chiov. is a tropical forest tree that belongs to the Sapotaceae family. The plant is commonly propagated by seeds or vegetative techniques like grafting and stem cuttings. Information on the best propagation methods for Manilkara dawei is important in its cultivation and management.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation of Manilkara dawei by seed is relatively easy. The seeds should be collected when they are mature and ready for harvesting. The seeds lose viability quickly; hence, they should be sown immediately after harvesting. The seeds should be scarified before sowing, to enhance germination. Scarification can be done by nicking the seed coat with a sharp blade or immersing the seeds in hot water. The seeds are sown in a good quality soil mix, and maintained in a warm and moist environment. Germination is observed after a few weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted after 6-8 weeks.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Manilkara dawei is also possible. Grafting is the preferred method for propagating the plant vegetatively. This method is usually done by joining a scion of the desired plant to a selected rootstock. The scion and rootstock must be of the same plant variety to ensure compatibility. The graft union is secured with a grafting tape or sealant, and the grafted plant is maintained in a warm and humid environment until the graft is established.
Stem cuttings can also be used for propagation, but the success rate is relatively low. The cuttings should be obtained from mature and healthy plants. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a rooting medium, and kept in a high humidity environment until roots are formed.
Disease and pest management for Manilkara dawei (Stapf) Chiov.
Manilkara dawei (Stapf) Chiov. is a tree that grows in tropical and subtropical regions. It is known to be reasonably resistant to pests and diseases. However, there are a few common diseases and pests that might affect the plant, and it is essential to manage them to keep the plant healthy and thriving. Below are some of the significant diseases and pests that affect Manilkara dawei and how to manage them.
Common diseases that affect Manilkara dawei (Stapf) Chiov.
Brown root rot: This is a fungal disease caused by Phellinus noxius, which affects the roots of Manilkara dawei. The symptoms include yellowing and wilting of leaves and stunted growth. Infected trees also have brownish or dark brown roots that are rotting. To prevent this disease, plant good quality seedlings, maintain proper soil drainage, and avoid waterlogging. To manage it after infection, prune all infected roots and apply a fungicide to the affected area.
Leaf spot: This fungal disease is caused by Phyllosticta manilkarae and affects the leaves of the Manilkara dawei tree. The symptoms include circular brown or black spots on the leaves, which can coalesce and cause defoliation. To prevent this disease, maintain good tree hygiene, avoid overhead irrigation, and remove infected leaves and twigs. To manage, use a fungicide or copper-based bactericide.
Common pests that affect Manilkara dawei (Stapf) Chiov.
Borers: There are several species of borers that can attack Manilkara dawei, including the ambrosia beetle and the shot hole borer. These insects bore into the tree trunk, causing wilting and death of branches and the tree itself. To prevent infestation, maintain good tree health, avoid drought stress, and prune dead or infested branches promptly. To manage an infestation, remove the infested branches and apply a pesticide.
Caterpillars: The most common caterpillar that attacks Manilkara dawei is the gum tree caterpillar. These caterpillars feed on the leaves, causing defoliation and stunting of growth. To prevent infestation, use physical barriers or exclude the caterpillars using a horticultural oil spray. In case of infestation, remove the caterpillars by hand or use Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Bt-k) insecticide.
Good management practices are essential in keeping Manilkara dawei (Stapf) Chiov. healthy and free from diseases and pest infestations. Regular monitoring and prompt action when necessary can help prevent severe damage and loss of the tree.
