Origin:
Manilkara maclaudii Pierre ex Lecomte var. membranacea Pierre ex Lecomte, commonly known as 'Langsat Bulu' or 'Lamoot', is a fruit-bearing plant species that is native to Southeast Asia. It is commonly found in Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
Common Names:
The plant is known by several names, including Langsat bulu, Lamoot, Buahluku, and Dokong.
Uses:
The fruit of Manilkara maclaudii Pierre ex Lecomte var. membranacea Pierre ex Lecomte is edible and is commonly consumed fresh or used in local desserts. The fruit is a good source of vitamins and minerals, and it is also believed to have medicinal properties. The bark and leaves of the tree are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, fever, and ulcers. The wood of the tree is also highly valued for its strength and durability, and it is used in the construction of buildings and furniture.
General Appearance:
Manilkara maclaudii Pierre ex Lecomte var. membranacea Pierre ex Lecomte is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. The leaves of the tree are dark green and glossy, and they are arranged alternately along the branches. The tree produces small, white, and fragrant flowers that are followed by round or oblong-shaped fruits that are about 2-3 cm in diameter. The fruit has a thin, yellowish-brown skin that is easily peeled away, revealing a translucent, juicy flesh that is sweet and sour in taste. Inside the fruit, there is a single, large seed that is oval-shaped and approximately 2 cm long.
Light Requirements
Manilkara maclaudii Pierre ex Lecomte var. membranacea Pierre ex Lecomte grows well in bright, indirect light or partial shade. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves, so it is best to place the plant in an area with filtered sunlight. Northern or eastern-facing windows usually provide ideal light conditions for this plant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers a warm and humid environment, with a temperature range of 18-27°C (64-81°F) being optimal. It is important to avoid exposing the plant to sudden temperature changes or drafts, as these can harm the leaves and roots. To maintain the desired temperature range, it may be necessary to use a humidifier or mist the plant regularly.
Soil Requirements
Manilkara maclaudii Pierre ex Lecomte var. membranacea Pierre ex Lecomte grows well in loose, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. It is important to ensure that the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot. Adding perlite or sand to the soil can improve drainage and prevent water retention.
Cultivation Method
The Manilkara maclaudii Pierre ex Lecomte var. membranacea is a tropical evergreen plant that requires warm temperatures and high humidity to thrive. In general, it prefers a bright location under partial shade. The plant can be grown in various types of soil, but the soil must be well-draining and rich in organic matter. Ideally, the soil pH should range between 5.5 and 7.5.
Watering Needs
Manilkara maclaudii Pierre ex Lecomte var. membranacea needs regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist—a good rule of thumb is to water it thoroughly when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch. However, the plant must not sit in water, or root rot may occur. To increase humidity around the plant, mist its leaves with water, set it in a tray of pebbles filled with water or use a humidifier.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization every three to four weeks during the growing season from spring through summer. Fertilizer should be high in nitrogen to promote vegetative growth. A balanced fertilizer is good for general use but refrain from over-fertilizing, which can lead to salt buildup in the soil, and root damage.
Pruning
When the plant reaches maturity, it can be pruned to manage its size and shape. Pruning encourages the growth of new leaves and branches, increasing the plant's beauty. Pruning of the Manilkara maclaudii Pierre ex Lecomte var. membranacea should be done after flowering, and it is advisable to use sterilized garden shears to prevent the spread of diseases. Dead, damaged, and old stems should be cut just above where they join the main stem, and thin stems removed to improve air circulation in the interior and prevent pests and diseases.
Propagation of Manilkara maclaudii Pierre ex Lecomte var. membranacea Pierre ex Lecomte
The propagation of Manilkara maclaudii Pierre ex Lecomte var. membranacea Pierre ex Lecomte can be achieved by following the below methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Manilkara maclaudii Pierre ex Lecomte var. membranacea Pierre ex Lecomte can be collected from a healthy and mature tree. The collected seeds should be cleaned, sown in seed trays filled with soil mix, and kept in a warm and humid environment for germination. Once the seeds have germinated, they can be transplanted into individual containers or directly into the field.
Cuttings Technique
Cutting propagation is also applicable to Manilkara maclaudii Pierre ex Lecomte var. membranacea Pierre ex Lecomte. The cutting material should be taken from a healthy tree and cut into 15-20 cm pieces with at least one leaf node on the stem. The leaves should be removed from the bottom half of the cuttings, and they should be planted in a rooting hormone and placed in a rooting medium to stimulate root growth. The cuttings should be maintained in high humidity and sufficient light conditions for growth. It will take 3-5 weeks for the roots to form, and then the cuttings can be transplanted into individual containers.
Air Layering Method
Air layering can also be utilized to propagate Manilkara maclaudii Pierre ex Lecomte var. membranacea Pierre ex Lecomte. The selected branch should be chosen, and a ring of bark should be cut off the branch with sterile equipment. The area is then covered with moss and kept moist. Roots will grow in the area that had the bark removed. Once the roots have developed, the area will be removed from the tree and planted in a container or directly in the field.
Disease Management
Manilkara maclaudii Pierre ex Lecomte var. membranacea Pierre ex Lecomte is generally a hardy plant and resistant to most fungal diseases. However, in high humidity and wet conditions, it can develop leaf spots caused by fungi such as Cercospora sp. or Alternaria sp. To manage these diseases, it is advisable to practice good sanitation practices, such as removing diseased leaves and debris from around the plant. Fungicides can also be used to control these fungi, but it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the safe and effective use of these chemicals.
Bacterial infections can also occur, primarily affecting the plant's stem and leaves. Symptoms of bacterial infections include brown or black spots on the leaves and soft, mushy stems. To manage bacterial infections, it is essential to remove and destroy infected plant parts immediately and avoid sprinkling water on the foliage. Copper-based fungicides can be useful in controlling bacterial infections.
Pest management
Manilkara maclaudii Pierre ex Lecomte var. membranacea Pierre ex Lecomte is susceptible to pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Spider mites and mealybugs can cause yellowing and wilting of the plant, while scale insects feed on the plant sap and can cause stunted growth. To manage these pests, natural predators such as ladybugs can be introduced, or insecticidal soaps can be used. It is essential to ensure that all parts of the plant, including the undersides of the leaves, are sprayed with the insecticidal soap solution.
Caterpillars can also be an issue and can cause damage to the foliage by chewing on the leaves. They can be controlled by manually removing them or through the use of Bacillus thuringiensis-based insecticides. It is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using insecticides to avoid harming the plant or beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies.
Regular monitoring of the plant for signs of disease and pests is essential in maintaining its health and vigor. Early detection and swift management can prevent significant damage to the plant and ensure its survival for years to come.
