Origin and Common Names
Manilkara lososiana Kenfack & Ewango is a plant species that belongs to the family Sapotaceae. It is native to Gabon, specifically in the La Lope-Makokou area of the country. The plant is also commonly known as "Makokou".
Uses
The Manilkara lososiana plant is highly valued for its medicinal properties, particularly in traditional African medicine. The bark of the tree is used to treat various ailments, including malaria, typhoid fever, and dysentery. It is also believed to have aphrodisiac properties and is used to increase libido.
In addition to its medicinal uses, the wood of Manilkara lososiana is highly prized for its strength, durability, and attractive appearance. It is commonly used in the construction of buildings, bridges, and furniture.
General Appearance
The Manilkara lososiana plant is a tree species that can grow up to 25 meters in height. It has dark green leaves that are leathery and glossy. The flowers of the plant are small and greenish-yellow. The fruit of the tree is a round or oval-shaped berry that ranges from yellow to reddish-brown in color when ripe. Inside the fruit is a large seed that is edible and has a sweet, juicy pulp.
The bark of the Manilkara lososiana tree is smooth and grayish-brown in color. It is often used in traditional medicine and is known for its bitter taste.
Light Requirements
The Manilkara lososiana plant thrives in a partially shaded environment, making it an excellent candidate for under-canopy planting. It needs ample light to photosynthesize, but too much direct sunlight may cause leaf scorch or even death. Therefore, gardeners must protect the plant from scorching rays by planting it in a location with gentle, filtered light.
Temperature Requirements
Manilkara lososiana is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures year-round to grow. Temperatures should not dip below 60°F (16°C) during the night, and daytime temperatures should be between 75°F and 85°F (24°C and 30°C). Keep the plant out of extreme temperatures, which can stunt its growth and cause its leaves to drop off.
Soil Requirements
The Manilkara lososiana plant thrives in moist, well-draining soil. It prefers soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5, and it can grow in a wide variety of soil types. However, the soil must be rich in nutrients, so adding compost or fertilizer can significantly enhance the plant's growth. The plant also prefers soils that retain moisture, but not excessively wet soils that can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
The Manilkara lososiana Kenfack & Ewango requires warm temperatures between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The species grows well in a well-draining soil mix with a slightly acidic pH range between 6.0 to 6.5. Due to its sensitivity to harsh direct sunlight, the plant thrives under filtered sunlight or partial shade. Potting the species should be done at intervals, using a pot with sufficient drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Needs
The species prefers moist soils, and as such, should be regularly watered. It is often recommended to perform deep watering once the top inch of the soil dries out. Watering must be done carefully to prevent waterlogging, as this can cause root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilization of the species should be done once every three months, using a balanced and slow-release fertilizer. The application rate should be as recommended by the manufacturer. The species is somewhat sensitive to high-nitrogen fertilizers, and as such, these should be avoided.
Pruning
The Manilkara lososiana Kenfack & Ewango requires minimal pruning to shape the plant, encourage bushier growth, and remove any dead leaves or stems. Pruning is best done in the early spring using sterilized pruning shears, followed immediately by application of a fungicide to prevent infection by plant pathogens.
Propagation Methods for Manilkara lososiana Kenfack & Ewango
Manilkara lososiana Kenfack & Ewango, also known as the Gabon ebony tree, is a rare and valuable tree species native to Gabon, Cameroon, and the Congo. Due to its high commercial value, the species is threatened by overexploitation, and propagation has become a major conservation strategy for protecting the species.
There are several methods for propagating Manilkara lososiana Kenfack & Ewango, including:
1. Seed Propagation
Manilkara lososiana Kenfack & Ewango can be propagated by seeds. The seeds are collected from mature trees and sown in a well-draining soil mixture. An ideal mixture for the seeds should be loose and well aerated, with good water-holding capacity. The seeds should be planted at a depth of about 1 cm and kept moist throughout the germination period. It takes about 2-4 weeks for the seeds to germinate, and after germination, the seedlings should be transplanted to a larger container or directly to the field.
2. Grafting
Grafting is another propagation method for Manilkara lososiana Kenfack & Ewango. In grafting, a scion from a desired tree is joined to a rootstock of another tree. The scion used in grafting should be taken from a healthy mature tree with desirable characteristics. The rootstock should be a healthy seedling of the same species. The graft union should be protected from drying out by covering it with a grafting tape or wax. The grafted plants should be kept in a humid environment to facilitate root development and growth.
3. Vegetative Propagation
Manilkara lososiana Kenfack & Ewango can also be propagated vegetatively using cuttings or layering. In stem cutting, a section of stem is taken from a healthy tree and planted in a rooting hormone. The cutting should be kept in a humid environment to enable root growth. In layering, a branch of a mature tree is bent and buried in the soil with the tip of the branch left exposed. Roots develop from the buried portion, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant after a period.
Disease Management
Manilkara lososiana is susceptible to various diseases, including powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on leaves and stems. Root rot, on the other hand, is a condition caused by fungal and bacterial pathogens that attack the plant's roots. Leaf spot is a bacterial disease that appears as small black spots on the leaves.
To manage these diseases, it is essential to practice good cultural practices, including regular watering, proper sanitation, and good air circulation to minimize humidity. Additionally, the use of fungicides and bactericides can help control these diseases. Systemic fungicides are particularly useful in controlling root rot, while protectant fungicides are ideal for powdery mildew and leaf spot control.
Pest Management
Manilkara lososiana is also susceptible to various pests, including mites, mealybugs, and thrips. These pests feed on the plant's leaves and stems, causing significant damage. Mites, for instance, cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off, while thrips cause silvering of the leaves.
To manage these pests, it is essential to regularly inspect the plants for signs of infestation. The use of insecticides and acaricides can help control these pests. Systemic insecticides are particularly useful in controlling thrips, while contact insecticides like neem oil can control mites and mealybugs.
In conclusion, practicing good cultural practices, regularly inspecting the plants, and the use of appropriate fungicides and insecticides can help control diseases and pests in Manilkara lososiana.
