Overview of Manilkara discolor
Manilkara discolor, also known as Massaranduba or Brazilian Redwood, is a tree species that belongs to the family Sapotaceae. The tree is native to South and Central America and can grow up to a height of 45 meters.
Appearance of Manilkara discolor
The tree has a straight trunk and a conical crown with dense foliage consisting of dark green, glossy, and leathery leaves. The tree produces small, fragrant white flowers that develop into cherry-sized, round fruits that have a sweet and flavorful pulp.
Common Uses of Manilkara discolor
The wood of Manilkara discolor is highly prized for its durability and resistance to decay, making it an ideal choice for construction purposes. The wood is also used for making furniture, flooring, and decking. The sap of the tree is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including diarrhea and fever. The fruit pulp is used to make jams, jellies, and other sweet treats.
In the landscaping industry, the tree is grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive, dense foliage and its ability to grow in a variety of soil types.
Light Requirements
Manilkara discolor prefers to grow in areas with partially shaded to fully shaded conditions. The plant can tolerate low light conditions but cannot grow in direct sunlight. It is best to plant these trees in locations where they can receive filtered light, such as under taller trees or in areas with a lot of shade.
Temperature Range
The growth and survival of Manilkara discolor are influenced by temperature. This plant prefers tropical to subtropical climate with a temperature range of 20 to 30°C. The minimum temperature for the survival of the tree is 5°C, while the maximum temperature is 38°C. Temperatures below or above this range can affect the growth and development of the tree.
Soil Requirements
Manilkara discolor can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil should be well-drained for the plant to grow optimally. The tree can also tolerate acidic to slightly alkaline soil conditions with a pH range of 4.5 to 7.5. Additionally, the tree requires soil rich in organic matter and nutrients to survive and thrive.
Cultivation Methods
Manilkara discolor (Sond.) J.H.Hemsl. is a tropical tree that requires a warm and humid climate to grow. The plant thrives well in well-draining soils that have a good amount of organic matter. It requires full to partial sunlight exposure to grow well. The plant can be propagated using seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Watering Needs
Established Manilkara discolor requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. During the dry season, the plant may require a little bit more watering. However, care should be taken not to overwater. To ensure proper drainage, the plant should be grown in well-draining soils.
Fertilization
Manilkara discolor is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization to grow well. During the growing season, the plant should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every two to three weeks. The fertilizer should be applied at the base of the tree, taking care not to get it on the leaves or stem.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the tree's shape and promote flowering. Young Manilkara discolor plants should be pruned to encourage branching, with future pruning intended to control overcrowding. Pruning should be done during the dormant season. Care should be taken to avoid over-pruning as this can weaken the tree, leaving it vulnerable to pests and diseases.
Propagation of Manilkara discolor (Sond.) J.H.Hemsl.
Manilkara discolor, also known as Red Milkwood or Mimusops discolor, is commonly propagated through seeds and cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Manilkara discolor are large and typically germinate easily. To propagate Manilkara discolor through seeds, collect the fully matured fruit with seeds straight from the tree. Carefully remove the flesh and wash the seeds to remove any excess pulp and dry them in a shady area. Plant the seeds in well-draining soil, burying them no deeper than 1 inch below the surface and in an area with high humidity and filtered light. The seedlings usually emerge within 3-4 weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Manilkara discolor can also be propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings taken from healthy mother plants. Select healthy cuttings that are approximately 15-20 cm in length and 0.5 - 1.5 cm in diameter. Remove any leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and treat the cutting with rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in well-draining soil and create the optimal environment with high humidity and filtered light. It typically takes about 4-6 weeks for roots to develop, and the cutting can then be slowly acclimatized to the outdoors.
Disease and Pest Management for Manilkara discolor Plant
Manilkara discolor is a tropical evergreen tree that is commonly known as Cow Tree, Red Milkwood, or Red Manilkara. This tree is native to South America and is popular for the edible sweet fruit that it produces. However, like all other plants, Manilkara discolor is prone to diseases and pest infestations. Therefore, it is important to know and implement effective disease and pest management practices to maintain healthy plants.
Common Diseases that Affect Manilkara discolor
Several diseases can affect the health of the Manilkara discolor plant. These diseases include:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots, premature defoliation, and stem cankers. It can be controlled by pruning infected plant parts, avoiding overhead watering, and applying copper-based fungicides.
- Leaf spots: These are caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens that infect leaf tissues. The symptoms include circular or irregular spots on leaves, and in severe cases, defoliation occurs. To control leaf spots, it is recommended to prune infected plant parts, apply fungicides and maintain good plant hygiene.
- Root rot: It is caused by soil-borne pathogens that attack the roots of the plant, leading to stunting, yellowing, and wilting of the plants. It can be prevented by avoiding overwatering, improving soil drainage, and applying fungicides.
Common Pests that Affect Manilkara discolor
Several pests can harm the health of Manilkara discolor, such as:
- Scale insects: These insects suck the sap from the leaves and cause leaf yellowing and curling. They can be controlled by removing infected plant parts and applying horticultural oils or pesticides.
- Mealybugs: These insects are soft-bodied, and they also suck sap from plant tissues. They secrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold. They can be managed by using insecticidal soaps or oils.
- Borers: These insects tunnel into the inner parts of the plant, causing extensive damage. They can be controlled by pruning infected plant parts, using insecticidal sprays or sticky traps.
It is recommended to maintain good plant hygiene, including regular watering, proper fertilization, and pruning infected plant parts. To prevent the spread of disease in Manilkara discolor plants, it is advisable to purchase disease-free plants and propagate them using disease-free materials.
