Overview
Manilkara lacera, also known as the Indian Mastic Tree, is a species of plant in the family Sapotaceae. It is native to India but can also be found in other parts of Southeast Asia, such as Myanmar and Thailand. The plant is respected for its medicinal, economic, and ecological values and is used in traditional medicine, forestry, and horticulture.
Appearance
The Indian Mastic Tree is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 25 meters tall. It has a dark grey bark that is flaky and scaly. The leaves are simple, alternate, lanceolate, and glossy green in color. The flowers are small and yellowish, and the fruit is a two to three-centimeter-diameter berry that contains one to four seeds that are about 1.5 cm long.
Common Names
The plant has several common names, including Indian Mastic Tree, Dhuna, Dhava, Karunka, and Saperu.
Uses
The Indian Mastic Tree has a variety of uses. Its sap is used for making chewing gum, and a resin extracted from the bark is used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating diarrhea, dysentery, and skin diseases. The fruit is consumed locally and is known for its high nutritional value. The timber is used for building houses and making furniture, boats, and musical instruments. The plant's ecological importance lies in its ability to retain moisture and reduce soil erosion.
Light Requirements
Manilkara lacera is a tropical tree that grows well under full sun exposure or light shade. It can tolerate slight shadows but performs better in bright light. Direct sunlight exposure is ideal, but the tree could suffer from leaf scorching.
Temperature Requirements
Being a tropical plant, Manilkara lacera prefers warm temperatures ranging between 20°C to 35°C. It cannot withstand frost and should be grown in areas with a minimum temperature of 12°C. The plant can survive in a high humid climate but can also tolerate low humidity levels for a short period.
Soil Requirements
Manilkara lacera grows well in well-draining soils that are slightly acidic but can also tolerate neutral to slightly alkaline soils. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water-holding capacity. Heavy clay soils are not ideal as they retain water for long periods, leading to root rot. The tree can tolerate salt in the soil, making it ideal for coastal plantations.
Cultivation Methods for Manilkara lacera (Baker) Dubard
Manilkara lacera (Baker) Dubard, commonly known as Cocky apple, is a tropical evergreen tree that prefers warm, humid conditions. To propagate this tree, seeds should be planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be slightly acidic and rich in organic matter. Cocky apple trees prefer full sun, but they can also be grown in partial shade.
Watering Needs for Manilkara lacera (Baker) Dubard
Manilkara lacera (Baker) Dubard requires regular watering in the early stages of growth. Once established, the tree can tolerate short periods of drought. During dry periods, it is recommended to give the tree deep, infrequent watering to encourage deeper root growth. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it is advisable to let the soil dry out between watering sessions.
Fertilization for Manilkara lacera (Baker) Dubard
The Cocky apple tree responds well to fertilizers. It can be fertilized twice a year: in spring and fall. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 is suitable for this tree. Most importantly, the fertilizer should contain micronutrients like iron, manganese, and copper, which are vital for the plant's overall growth and development.
Pruning for Manilkara lacera (Baker) Dubard
Cocky apple trees benefit from annual pruning to maintain their shape and size. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, usually in late winter. Dead and diseased branches should be removed, along with any crowded or crossing branches. Young trees require more extensive pruning to develop strong, healthy branching systems.
Propagation of Manilkara lacera (Baker) Dubard
Manilkara lacera (Baker) Dubard, commonly known as the Indian bullet wood or sapota, is a moderately easy plant to propagate. The propagation method mainly used is through seeds, but propagation via cuttings is also possible.
Propagation via Seeds
The plant's seeds are mainly obtained from ripe fruits collected from the parent tree. The fruits should be collected when they start to get soft and begin to split open naturally. The seeds should be cleaned and left to dry for a few days. The seeds should be planted in well-drained soil, and the depth of sowing should be about three times the size of the seeds. The soil should be kept moist, and it is essential to protect the plant from direct sunlight, as the plant prefers a shaded environment. Germination occurs within 3-4 weeks, and the seedlings should be transplanted after a few months of growth.
Propagation via Cuttings
Propagation via cuttings involves taking a 6-8 inch cutting from a mature and healthy tree. The leaves at the bottom of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be directly planted in a well-drained soil mixture of sand, peat moss, and perlite. The soil should be kept moist but not watered excessively. The plant should be kept in a slightly shaded or indirect bright light. After several weeks, new growth will emerge from the top of the cutting. Once the cutting has reached a height of 6 inches, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Manilkara lacera (Baker) Dubard
Manilkara lacera (Baker) Dubard, commonly known as Monkey Jack, is a tropical evergreen tree that belongs to the family Sapotaceae. It is native to India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand. This plant species is grown for its fruit, which is sweet and edible, and its wood, which is used for furniture. However, like any other plant, Monkey Jack is vulnerable to various diseases and pests that can hinder its growth and productivity. Effective disease and pest management are crucial to ensure the health and vitality of Manilkara lacera.
Common Diseases of Manilkara lacera
Multiple diseases can affect Manilkara lacera, leading to devastating effects on its yield and quality. Some of these diseases include:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease affects the leaves, flowers, and fruits of the plant, causing black spots and lesions. The infected leaves may fall prematurely, reducing the plant's photosynthetic capacity. The best way to manage Anthracnose is through the use of fungicides.
- Leaf spot: This is another fungal disease that manifests as dark brown to black spots on the leaves. It can cause defoliation, leading to reduced yield. Proper sanitation and the use of fungicides can help control leaf spot.
- Phytophthora root rot: This soil-borne disease is caused by Phytophthora fungus and can result in wilting, root decay, and death of the plant. The best way to manage this disease is by improving drainage and avoiding overwatering the plant.
Common Pests of Manilkara lacera
Pests are also a significant challenge to Manilkara lacera cultivation. Some of the common pests that can impact this plant include:
- Fruit fly: The fruit fly lays eggs on the surface of the fruit, leading to the development of maggots that bore into the fruit, affecting its quality. To manage the fruit flies, farmers can use pheromone traps or insecticides.
- Mealybugs: These insects feed on the sap of the tree, leading to wilting and stunted growth. They also produce a sticky substance which facilitates the development of sooty mold. The best way to manage mealybugs is by pruning and removing infested parts and applying insecticides.
- Scale insects: They are small, immobile insects that attach themselves to the bark of the plant. Scale insects feed on the sap, causing yellowing of leaves, wilting, and even death of the plant. Management of scale insects involves pruning, removing infested parts, and applying insecticides.
Effective disease and pest management for Manilkara lacera involves a combination of cultural, physical, and chemical control methods. Regular inspection and early detection of diseases and pests can help minimize their impact on the plant. Farmers can also choose resistant varieties of Manilkara lacera to reduce the risk of pest and disease infestation.
