Overview of Manilkara mabokeënsis Aubrév.
Manilkara mabokeënsis Aubrév. or Maboke is a flowering plant that belongs to the Sapotaceae family. It is native to the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa.
Common names
The plant is commonly known as Maboke, in reference to its scientific name. It is also known as African locust.
Uses
The plant is valued for its timber, which is used for constructing buildings and furniture. It also has medicinal properties and is used to treat various ailments such as fever, dysentery, and coughs.
The fruit of the Maboke tree is edible and contains a high amount of vitamin C. It is commonly used in making jams and jellies.
General appearance
The Maboke tree is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 35 meters tall. The leaves are shiny and tough, measuring 10-20cm in length and 5-8cm in breadth. The tree produces small, white, star-shaped flowers that are arranged in clusters. The fruit of the tree is small and round, with a diameter of about 1-2cm, and is green when unripe and orange when ripe. The bark of the tree is grey-brown and rough.
Growth Conditions for Manilkara mabokeënsis Aubrév.
Manilkara mabokeënsis Aubrév. is a tropical plant native to Africa, specifically Gabon and Congo. This slow-growing tree thrives in warm and humid climates and requires specific growth conditions to flourish.
Light Requirements
The Manilkara mabokeënsis Aubrév. plant prefers partially shaded conditions and can't tolerate direct sunlight for prolonged periods. Dappled shade from taller trees or partial shade from structures like buildings or fences can provide ideal growing conditions for this plant.
Temperature Requirements
The Manilkara mabokeënsis Aubrév. plant is well-suited to warm, tropical climates and cannot tolerate colder temperatures. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 23°C (73.4°F) and 30°C (86°F), with minimum temperatures of 13°C (55.4°F) to 15°C (59°F).
Soil Requirements
The Manilkara mabokeënsis Aubrév. plant grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral with a pH range between 5.5 to 7.5. Sandy and loamy soils are ideal for this plant, and it does not grow well in heavy clay soils.
The plant's shallow roots require consistent and regular moisture, making well-draining soils essential. Additionally, it doesn't tolerate waterlogging, which could cause root rot and affect plant growth.
Cultivation of Manilkara mabokeënsis Aubrév.
Manilkara mabokeënsis Aubrév. is a tropical plant that is ideal for cultivation in hot, humid climates. If you plan on growing this plant, ensure that it receives enough sunlight and adequate drainage to help it grow well.
If you're growing it indoors, keep it in a warm, humid environment, and ensure that it gets enough light. The plant is sensitive to frost and cannot tolerate temperatures below 13°C or 55°F. It’s important to note that the plant is not suitable for regions with low humidity.
Watering Needs of Manilkara mabokeënsis Aubrév.
Manilkara mabokeënsis Aubrév. needs to be watered regularly. However, overwatering is harmful to the plant as it causes root rot. Ensure that you water the plant only when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
The amount of water the plant needs depends on factors such as the size of the plant and its soil type. Ensure that the soil drains well so that roots don't become waterlogged.
Fertilization of Manilkara mabokeënsis Aubrév.
Manilkara mabokeënsis Aubrév. requires regular fertilization during its growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10:10:10 or 14:14:14 to promote leaf growth and ensure that the plant has enough nutrients.
You can also add organic matter to the soil to boost soil fertility. However, ensure that you don't over-fertilize the plant as it can lead to salt buildup and damage the roots.
Pruning Manilkara mabokeënsis Aubrév.
Pruning Manilkara mabokeënsis Aubrév. is necessary to keep it in shape and promote growth. The best time to prune the plant is during the spring and early summer when its growth is most vigorous.
Remove weak and diseased branches as well as those that cross or rub against each other. You can also remove up to one-third of the plant's height to encourage new growth. Use clean and sharp pruning shears to prevent damaging the plant's bark.
Propagation of Manilkara mabokeënsis Aubrév.
The Manilkara mabokeënsis Aubrév. can be propagated through the following methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the easiest way to propagate the Manilkara mabokeënsis Aubrév. The plant produces yellow or red fruit with a sweet, edible pulp. The seeds are dispersed within the fruit flesh and can be sown directly in pots or seed trays. It is important to remove the outer layer of fleshy pulp before sowing.
Ensure that the seeds are sown in quality, well-draining soil, and kept moist. The seeds typically germinate within 2 - 3 weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Manilkara mabokeënsis Aubrév. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from semi-mature wood at the beginning of the rainy season. The cuttings should be 10 -15 cm long and ideally have three nodes. It is important to use a sharp, sterile knife to avoid damaging the cutting or introducing disease.
The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormones and planted in well-draining soil. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and to keep the cuttings in a protected, shaded environment. Roots typically form within 2 - 3 months.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is a propagation method that involves joining two different plants to form one. For Manilkara mabokeënsis Aubrév., grafting can be done using the scion from a mature plant and the rootstock of a closely related species. This method allows for the propagation of plants with identical characteristics as the mother plant.
The scion is typically taken during the dormant season and the rootstock during the growing season. The two are joined together using a grafting procedure and kept in a moist environment until the graft union is observed.
Disease and Pest Management for Manilkara mabokeënsis Aubrév.
Manilkara mabokeënsis Aubrév., also known as Maboke tree, is a tree species that is mainly found in tropical rainforests. This plant species may suffer from various types of diseases and pests, which can cause significant damage if not managed properly. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and some ways to manage them:
Common Diseases:
Fungal Disease: Fungal diseases such as leaf spots, cankers, and powdery mildew are common problems that may affect the Maboke tree. These diseases can cause discoloration, wilting, and leaf drop. To manage fungal diseases, use fungicides, prune the infected parts, and maintain good hygiene and care for the plant.
Bacterial Disease: Bacterial diseases, particularly stem and root rot, are caused by bacteria that infiltrate the plant system through wounds or injuries. Signs of bacterial diseases include wilting, stunted growth, and yellowing of leaves. To prevent bacterial diseases, maintain good hygiene, avoid overwatering, and prune infected parts immediately.
Common Pests:
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck plant sap, causing yellowing, wilting, and deformation of leaves. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, or prune the infested parts.
Spider Mites: Spider mites feed on plant sap, causing yellowing and small bites on the surface of leaves. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or introduce beneficial insects like predatory mites.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are larvae of moths or butterflies that feed on leaves, causing visible holes and damage. To manage caterpillars, use insecticides, prune infested parts, or use physical barriers like nets or covers to prevent the pests’ entry.
Overall, proper maintenance, good sanitation practices, and integrated pest management strategies are essential in managing diseases and pests for Manilkara mabokeënsis Aubrév.
