Origin
Manilkara frondosa (Hiern) H.J.Lam, commonly known as the Indian chewing gum, is a plant species that is native to India and Sri Lanka. It is a member of the Sapotaceae family, which is known for producing various types of trees and shrubs.
Common Names
Besides the Indian chewing gum, Manilkara frondosa is also known by several other names including dilly, dhub, dhupa, white star apple, and palai.
Uses
The Manilkara frondosa plant has a wide range of traditional and medicinal uses. The gum resin that oozes from the bark is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, urinary infections, and bleeding gums.
The fruit of the Manilkara frondosa plant is edible, and it can be eaten raw or cooked. The fruit is usually round and purple, and it contains a single seed. The fruit is used to make jams, jellies, and other sweet treats. The wood of the Manilkara frondosa plant is hard and durable, making it useful in making furniture and other household items.
General Appearance
The Manilkara frondosa plant is a small to medium-sized tree that can reach up to 20 meters in height. The plant has dark green leaves that are glossy and leathery. The flowers of the plant are small and yellowish-white and are usually produced in clusters. The fruit is usually round to oval and ranges in size from 2-5 cm in diameter. The bark of the plant is grayish-brown and slightly rough.
Light Requirements
Manilkara frondosa requires full sunlight for optimal growth. The plant prefers to grow in areas that receive six or more hours of direct sunlight per day. Therefore, it is important to plant it in an open area where it can receive adequate sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant does well in warm temperatures ranging from 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F). It can also tolerate temperature fluctuations, which makes it a great plant for outdoor gardens. However, extreme temperatures, either too high or too low, can inhibit the plant's growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives in well-draining, fertile soils with a pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, clay, and loamy soils. However, the soil must be deep enough to accommodate the plant's extensive root system. Regular soil moisture is also important for healthy plant growth. With proper soil preparation and regular watering, Manilkara frondosa can grow to its full potential.
Cultivation Methods
The Manilkara frondosa plant is native to the African continent and is generally grown in tropical and subtropical regions. It requires a moderate to high amount of sunlight and well-draining soil to grow properly. Preferably, the plant should be placed in an area that receives morning sunlight and shade in the afternoon.
It can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings. For seed propagation, soak the seeds in water for a few hours and then plant them in a well-draining pot. For stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from the parent plant, dip it in rooting hormone, and plant it in a well-draining pot mixture of peat and perlite. Keep the soil damp and wait for the roots to develop.
Watering Needs
The Manilkara frondosa plant requires moderate watering during the summer months. It should be watered deeply, and the soil should be allowed to dry before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure that the soil has proper drainage. During the winter months, watering can be reduced, and the soil should be allowed to dry out more between waterings.
Fertilization
Manilkara frondosa plants require regular fertilization to grow optimally. During the growing season, fertilize the plant every 2-3 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. During the winter months, reduce the frequency to once a month. Organic fertilizers can also be used but should be applied in a lower concentration than synthetic fertilizers.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for the Manilkara frondosa plant to maintain its shape and size. It is best to prune the plant during the winter months when it is dormant. Remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches with a clean, sharp pair of pruning shears. Pinch the tips of the branches to encourage bushier growth and remove any suckers that emerge from the base of the plant.
Propagation of Manilkara frondosa (Hiern) H.J.Lam
Manilkara frondosa (Hiern) H.J.Lam, also known as the East African Greenheart is a tree species that belongs to the Sapotaceae family. It is native to East Africa and is commonly found in Tanzania, Mozambique, and Kenya. Propagation is the process of reproducing or multiplying plants and Manilkara frondosa can be propagated through several methods.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method of propagating Manilkara frondosa. The seeds are collected from mature trees, cleaned, and soaked in water for 48 hours to remove any remaining pulp. The seeds are then dried and sown in a well-draining soil mixture in seed trays or pots. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 1-2 cm, covered with soil and watered regularly. Germination usually takes 2-3 weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another method of propagating Manilkara frondosa. Semi-hardwood cuttings of about 20 cm in length taken from the current season's growth should be collected from healthy and disease-free trees. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist and humid until roots start to develop in approximately 8-12 weeks. Once roots have formed, the cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Layering Propagation
Layering is a method of propagation where roots are grown on a stem while it is still attached to the parent plant. In Manilkara frondosa, layering is done by bending a low-growing branch and burying it in the soil with a small amount of soil left above the surface. The buried part of the branch will produce roots in about 3-4 months. Once the roots have formed, the branch can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted to a permanent location.
Conclusion
Manilkara frondosa (Hiern) H.J.Lam can be propagated through different methods which include seed propagation, cutting propagation, and layering propagation. Seed propagation is the most common method for propagating Manilkara frondosa. However, cuttings or layering can also be an option when seeds are not readily available.
Disease Management
Manilkara frondosa is prone to certain diseases that can cause serious damage to the plant. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by fungal infection and appears as small, dark spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves and apply fungicide.
- Anthracnose: This disease also appears as dark spots on the leaves and can cause leaf drop. To manage anthracnose, apply fungicide and remove the infected leaves.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by fungi that attack the roots and can lead to plant death. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage. If root rot has already occurred, try transplanting to a fresh soil with better drainage.
Pest Management
Manilkara frondosa is attractive to certain pests that can cause damage to the plant. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
- Mites: These tiny pests can suck the sap from the leaves and cause yellowing. To manage mites, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: These pests can eat the leaves and cause defoliation. To manage caterpillars, manually remove them and apply insecticide if necessary.
- Scale insects: These pests appear as small, waxy bumps on the leaves and stems and can cause leaf drop. To manage scale insects, scrape them off with a soft brush or cotton swab and apply insecticide if necessary.
