Overview:
Manilkara ilendensis (Engl.) H.J.Lam, also known as African Manilkara or African sapodilla, is an evergreen tree native to tropical regions of East Africa. It is a member of the family Sapotaceae which is known for its edible fruits.
Appearance:
The tree can grow up to 20 meters and has a straight trunk with a rough, dark grayish bark. The leaves are dark green and glossy, and the young branches are reddish-brown in color. The tree produces small white flowers which are followed by round or oval fruits that are brown when ripe. The fruit is about the size of a small apple and has a khaki-colored pulp that contains 2-4 large seeds.
Common Names:
The tree has a variety of common names including African sapodilla, African Manilkara, African gutta-percha, and Mnyawii in Swahili.
Uses:
The fruit of Manilkara ilendensis is edible and has a sweet, juicy, and aromatic taste. The pulp is commonly eaten fresh or used to make juice, jams, and wines. The wood of the tree is also used for various purposes such as furniture, construction, and fuel. The resin from the tree is used to make gutta-percha which is a type of rubber commonly used in dentistry.
Light Requirements
Manilkara ilendensis prefers to grow in tropical and subtropical regions with a moderate amount of light. The plant can tolerate partial shade but thrives in full sunlight.
Temperature Range
Manilkara ilendensis grows well in warm temperatures ranging from 20 °C to 30 °C. The plant can tolerate higher temperatures but requires some protection from frost. Extreme temperatures could cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils that are fertile and rich in organic matter. It has been observed to grow in sandy soils as well, but it requires a lot of water to survive. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic to slightly alkaline with a range of 6.0 to 7.5.
The root system of Manilkara ilendensis is extensive and grows deep. Therefore, the soil should be deep enough to allow the roots to spread. Additionally, the plant requires regular watering to establish, and once mature, it can survive in drought conditions.
Cultivation
Manilkara ilendensis is a slow-growing but hardy tree that thrives in warm, tropical climates. It is typically propagated from seeds, which should be planted in well-draining soil in a container or directly in the ground. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil, as they require some exposure to light to germinate.
Young Manilkara ilendensis trees prefer a partially shaded environment, which protects them from strong sunlight and wind. Once established, they are more tolerant of full sun exposure. It's important to note that these trees prefer consistently moist soil and high humidity, which can be achieved through regular watering and mulching.
Watering Needs
Regular watering is key to the health and growth of Manilkara ilendensis trees, as they require consistently moist soil. During the dry season, it's important to provide extra water to prevent the soil from drying out. However, it's equally important not to overwater, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilization
Manilkara ilendensis trees benefit from regular fertilization, particularly during the growing season. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer is recommended, as this will provide a steady supply of nutrients over time. It's important not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive growth and weak branches. Additionally, it's important to avoid fertilizing during the dry season, as this can damage the roots.
Pruning
Pruning is not typically necessary for Manilkara ilendensis trees, as they have a naturally symmetrical shape and do not require shaping or training. However, if pruning is desired, it should be done during the dry season, when the tree is not actively growing. Dead or diseased branches should be removed as soon as they are noticed, to prevent further spread of disease. It's also important to avoid pruning more than 25% of the tree's canopy in a single season, as this can stress the tree and impact its growth.
Propagation of Manilkara ilendensis (Engl.) H.J.Lam
Manilkara ilendensis (Engl.) H.J.Lam, commonly known as Mabolo or Velvet apple, is a tropical fruit-bearing tree that belongs to the Sapotaceae family. This species is native to the Philippines and is propagated mainly by seeds or vegetative methods.
Seed Propagation
The propagation of Mabolo through seeds is relatively easy and effective. The seeds are obtained from fresh fruit and then cleaned and air-dried. Before sowing the seed, it is soaked in water for 24 hours, and then sown in a well-draining soil mix. It is recommended to cover the seed with a layer of soil equal to its diameter. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Germination occurs after 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots when they have developed one or two true leaves.
Vegetative Propagation
The vegetative propagation of Mabolo is mainly done through grafting or air-layering. Grafting is the most common method used in commercial propagation.
Grafting involves taking a scion of a desired cultivar from a mature tree and attaching it to a rootstock of a related species. The rootstock must be of similar size and age as the scion to ensure a successful grafting process. Grafting is usually done during the early spring, and it is essential to match the diameter of the scion and rootstock accurately.
Air-layering involves wounding the stem, wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss, and then covering it with plastic or polyethylene. The air-layered section will produce roots within 2-3 months, and then it can be cut off and planted in a well-draining soil mix.
Both methods of vegetative propagation are successful in producing "true-to-type" plants with desirable qualities. However, they are more labor-intensive and require more skill than seed propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Manilkara ilendensis (Engl.) H.J.Lam Plants
Manilkara ilendensis (Engl.) H.J.Lam, commonly known as 'palu,' is a tropical tree that is native to Madagascar and neighboring islands. Like all plants, it is susceptible to pests and diseases that can harm its growth and survival. Understanding common diseases and pests that affect Manilkara ilendensis and their management can help maintain the health of the plant.
Common Diseases of Manilkara ilendensis (Engl.) H.J.Lam Plants
Fungal and bacterial infections are the most common diseases that affect Manilkara ilendensis plants. The following are some of the common diseases that might affect Manilkara ilendensis:
- Leaf Spot: It is a fungal infection that causes small spots on the foliage, which eventually turn into larger patches. Leaf spots do not usually cause significant damage to the plant, but if left untreated, they can weaken the plant over time. To manage leaf spots, remove the infected leaves and ensure that the plant receives the right amount of water and nutrients.
- Root Rot: It occurs due to overwatering or poorly drained soil. The fungus attacks the roots, causing them to rot and eventually leading to the death of the plant. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering and make sure that the soil is well-drained. Add soil amendments such as perlite or vermiculite to improve soil drainage.
- Anthracnose: It is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and fruits of Manilkara ilendensis plants. Symptoms include black spots on mature leaves and browning and rotting of fruits. To manage Anthracnose, prune infected branches and ensure proper air circulation around the plant. Avoid overhead watering and treat with fungicides when necessary.
Common Pests of Manilkara ilendensis (Engl.) H.J.Lam Plants
Manilkara ilendensis plants are susceptible to infestations from various pests that can suck sap, chew on leaves, and cause other types of damage. The following are common pests that might affect Manilkara ilendensis plants:
- Caterpillars: They can chew through the foliage, causing irregular holes in leaves. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand or apply biological control agents such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
- Mites: They suck sap from the leaves, causing the leaves to become yellow and dry, affecting the overall health of the plant. To manage mites, wash the leaves with soapy water or apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Mealybugs: They suck sap from the leaves and stems and secrete a sticky substance that attracts ants. To manage mealybugs, remove them by hand, wash the plant with soapy water, or use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Aphids: They suck sap from the foliage and can cause distorted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, or introduce natural enemies such as ladybugs or lacewings.
In conclusion, understanding the common diseases and pests that might affect Manilkara ilendensis plants and their management can help maintain the health and growth of the plant. It is essential to regularly monitor the plant for signs of disease or pest infestations and take timely action to prevent further damage.
