Overview
Manilkara fouilloyana Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a plant that belongs to the family Sapotaceae. The plant is also known by the common names of Chicle Plum and Fouilloy Manilkara. It originates from the tropical regions of West Africa and grows in Cameroon, Gabon, and the Congo.General Appearance
The tree of Manilkara fouilloyana Aubrév. & Pellegr. can grow up to a height of 20 to 30 meters and can reach a trunk diameter of 60 centimeters. The bark of the tree is smooth and brown in color. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and can grow up to 20 centimeters in length. The flowers of the plant are small and white, and they grow in clusters. The fruits are oval in shape and can be up to 3 centimeters long. They are green when young, turning yellow to orange when ripe. The tree produces a sticky white latex which is of commercial value.Uses
The fruit of Manilkara fouilloyana Aubrév. & Pellegr. is edible and is consumed by local people as a snack. The fruit is also used in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as hypertension, diarrhea, and stomach ache. The sticky white latex produced by the plant is used in the production of chewing gum and other sticky substances. The wood of the plant is durable and strong, and it is used in construction and furniture making. In conclusion, Manilkara fouilloyana Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a valuable plant that has several uses. Its edible fruits, medicinal properties, and commercial value make it an important plant in the regions where it grows.Growth Conditions for Manilkara fouilloyana Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Light Requirements: Manilkara fouilloyana is a tropical tree species that grows optimally under high light conditions. It thrives in partially shaded to full sunlit areas. Therefore, it should be planted in an open area where it can receive adequate sunlight for at least 6 hours of the day.
Soil Requirements: Manilkara fouilloyana prefers well-drained soils that are rich in nutrients. It is native to sandy or loamy soils of the tropical regions of Africa, and it can tolerate acidic to slightly alkaline soils. Therefore, it is recommended to plant this species in soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5.
Temperature: Manilkara fouilloyana grows best in warm and humid conditions. It requires a minimum temperature of 18°C and a maximum temperature of 30°C for optimal growth. It can also tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C or as high as 35°C, provided that the soil moisture is adequate.
Water Requirements: Adequate water supply is essential for the growth and development of Manilkara fouilloyana. The plant requires regular watering during the dry season, especially in the first two years of establishment. However, it is crucial to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot, which can be fatal to the plant.
Fertilization: Manilkara fouilloyana requires regular fertilization to nourish the soil and promote healthy growth. The application of organic matter, such as compost or decomposed manure, is recommended. Additionally, the application of a balanced NPK fertilizer at a rate of 2kg per plant per year can be beneficial.
In summary, Manilkara fouilloyana is a tropical tree species that requires high light conditions, well-drained soils, warm temperatures, adequate water supply, and regular fertilization. Provided with the right growth conditions, this plant can grow to a height of 15-20 meters, and it can serve several purposes, including timber production, ornamental purposes, and medicinal uses.
Cultivation:
The Manilkara fouilloyana Aubrév. & Pellegr. plant can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It is important to choose a spot that provides partial to full sunlight. The plant is tolerant of a wide range of soils but prefers moderately fertile, well-drained soil.
Watering Needs:
The Manilkara fouilloyana Aubrév. & Pellegr. plant requires regular watering. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. It is important to not let the soil dry out completely between waterings. During the winter months, reduce watering frequency as the plant goes through a period of dormancy.
Fertilization:
The Manilkara fouilloyana Aubrév. & Pellegr. plant should be fertilized during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. The fertilizer should be applied every two to three weeks during the spring and summer months. During the winter months, reduce fertilization frequency to once every two months.
Pruning:
Pruning the Manilkara fouilloyana Aubrév. & Pellegr. plant is not necessary, but it can help to shape and control the size of the plant. Pruning should be done in the early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged branches and prune back any overly long branches.
Propagation of Manilkara fouilloyana Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Manilkara fouilloyana Aubrév. & Pellegr., also known as Massaranduba Fouilloy, is a tropical hardwood tree native to the Amazon region of South America. The plant has several uses, including being used for construction, furniture making, and as a source of latex. Propagation of this plant can be done through several methods.
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Manilkara fouilloyana is through seeds. The seeds should be sown in a mixture of sand and compost, and kept moist. It is important to note that the seeds lose viability quickly, and should be planted within a few weeks after harvesting. The seeds will typically germinate within 4-6 weeks, and can then be transplanted to their final location.
Cutting Propagation
Manilkara fouilloyana can also be propagated through cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings of about 20 cm in length, taken from the plant during the rainy season, have been shown to root successfully. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a mixture of sand and compost. It is recommended to keep the cuttings in a humid environment until they root, which typically takes 4-6 weeks.
Layering Propagation
Layering is another propagation method that can be used for Manilkara fouilloyana. This process involves bending a low-growing branch and burying part of it in soil, leaving the tip exposed. The buried section will eventually produce roots, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted once the roots are well established.
Overall, each of these propagation methods can be successful for Manilkara fouilloyana, with seed propagation being the most common and easiest method. However, it is important to note that seed viability is short-lived, and these seeds should be planted within a few weeks after harvesting.
Disease and Pest Management for Manilkara fouilloyana Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Manilkara fouilloyana Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a tropical tree that is known for its durable and attractive wood. However, the plant is susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests that can cause damage to the tree and affect its productivity.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that affect Manilkara fouilloyana Aubrév. & Pellegr. are fungal diseases that target the tree's leaves and branches. Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes irregularly shaped necrotic lesions on the leaves and can cause defoliation and reduced growth. Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and can lead to reduced photosynthesis and stunted growth.
Pest Management
Manilkara fouilloyana Aubrév. & Pellegr. is also vulnerable to insect pests that can cause damage to the leaves and bark of the tree. The most common insect pests include scale insects, mealybugs, and leafhoppers. Scale insects and mealybugs both feed on the sap of the leaves and branches and can cause yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. Leafhoppers are a type of insect that feeds on the sap of leaves and can cause discoloration and curling of the leaves.
Management Techniques
To manage fungal diseases, it is important to maintain good cultural practices, such as pruning and thinning of the tree to improve air circulation and reduce humidity. Fungicides can also be applied to prevent and control fungal diseases. For pest management, it is important to regularly monitor the tree for pests and to take action as soon as they are detected. Insecticides can be sprayed on the tree to control insect pests, but care should be taken to ensure that beneficial insects are not harmed.
Overall, proper disease and pest management techniques can help ensure the health and productivity of Manilkara fouilloyana Aubrév. & Pellegr.
