Origin and Common Names
Manilkara matanou Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a species of tree belonging to the family Sapotaceae. It is native to the tropical rainforests of Central Africa, specifically in Cameroon, Gabon, the Republic of Congo, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The tree is commonly known as Matanou, Maténou, or Ebène noir.General Appearance
Manilkara matanou is a tall, evergreen tree that can reach up to 50 meters in height. Its trunk is straight and cylindrical, measuring up to 2 meters in diameter. The bark is dark brown to black and rough to the touch. The tree has a dense crown of glossy, leathery leaves that are oval in shape. The leaves are dark green in color, measuring up to 10 cm in length and 3 cm in width.Uses
Manilkara matanou is renowned for its hard, durable, and high-quality wood, which is sometimes referred to as African ebony. The wood is black, with occasional brown streaks, and has a fine, uniform texture, making it highly sought after for use in furniture making, carving, and musical instruments. The wood is also used to make walking sticks, gunstocks, and other decorative items. Apart from its wood, Manilkara matanou is also used for medicinal purposes by local communities. The bark and leaves are used to treat a variety of ailments such as malaria, dysentery, and fever. Additionally, the tree's fruit is edible and is consumed by humans and animals. In conclusion, Manilkara matanou is a valuable and versatile tree species that provides both economic and medicinal benefits. Its hard, durable wood and glossy leaves make it an attractive addition to any landscape, while its medicinal properties make it an important resource for traditional healers.Light Requirements
Manilkara matanou Aubrév. & Pellegr. requires full sun to partial shade. In its native rainforest habitat, it grows in the understory beneath taller trees. In cultivation, it can be grown in open areas with plenty of sunlight or in partially shaded areas.
Temperature Requirements
Manilkara matanou Aubrév. & Pellegr. is native to tropical Africa and therefore requires warm temperatures to thrive. It prefers temperatures between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) and cannot tolerate frost. If grown in cooler environments, it may need to be brought indoors during the winter months or protected from the cold.
Soil Requirements
Manilkara matanou Aubrév. & Pellegr. prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil. It can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it is important that the soil does not become waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. Fertilizer can be applied to the soil during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
Cultivation of Manilkara Matanou Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Manilkara Matanou Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a tropical tree that is predominantly found in West and Central Africa. To cultivate this plant successfully, you need to ensure that it is grown in the appropriate soil and climatic conditions. It grows best in well-drained soils in hot and humid conditions, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C.
The planting should be done during the rainy season; the ideal planting time is between May and July. Before planting, clear the planting site of weeds and debris. You can then make holes of about 50cm deep and 50cm wide in preparation for the seedlings.
Watering Needs
Regular watering is essential for the growth of Manilkara Matanou Aubrév. & Pellegr. During the first year, the plant requires frequent watering. Water the seedlings two to three times a week. When the plant is mature, you can water it once a week.
To ensure optimal growth, ensure that the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases, which can damage the plant, and ultimately lead to the loss of the crop.
Fertilization
Manilkara Matanou Aubrév. & Pellegr. requires regular fertilization to thrive. The first fertilization should be done three months after planting. Apply 200g of 2:3:2 NPK fertilizer around the base of each seedling, then hoe lightly to incorporate into the soil.
The next fertilization should be done nine months later, using the same fertilizer. After the second fertilization, apply 400g of NPK fertilizer annually around each plant. Apply the fertilizer just before the start of the rainy season when the tree has new fruit.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to ensure that Manilkara Matanou Aubrév. & Pellegr. remains healthy and productive. Prune the plant during the dry season, after the fruit harvest.
Remove all the dead, damaged, and diseased branches. Cut off suckers that emerge from the base of the plant. Trim the branches back lightly to encourage the development of new growth. Avoid heavy pruning, as it may stress the plant, thereby affecting its productivity.
Propagation of Manilkara matanou Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Manilkara matanou, also known as Gabon or Matana milk tree, is a fruit-bearing tree native to the rainforests of central and West Africa. The tree can grow up to 30 meters tall and produces orange-sized fruit with edible pulp. Propagation of Manilkara matanou can be done through several methods, including seed propagation, cutting, and grafting.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and easiest method to propagate Manilkara matanou. Fresh seeds from ripe fruits germinate well and produce seedlings with high uniformity. Seeds should be extracted from fresh, ripe fruits and sown immediately to prevent drying out. The seeds should be sown in prepared soil mixed with sand or nurseries using polybags filled with a mixture of soil, sand, and manure.
The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2-3 cm and watered regularly. Germination will occur within 3-4 weeks at temperatures of 25-30°C. After germination, the seedlings should be transferred to individual polybags and placed in the shade for about two months. Seedlings can be transplanted to the field after they develop four leaves or grow to a height of 20 cm.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation is another effective method to propagate Manilkara matanou. This method is suitable for trees that have already produced fruit and is often used for vegetative propagation. Cuttings should be taken from lateral branches that are less than one year old and are about 15-20 cm long.
The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormones and planted in a mixture of sand and soil. The mixture should be compacted around the cutting, and the soil should be kept moist. After 30-40 days of planting, the cuttings will develop roots and can be transplanted to polybags or the field. However, the success rate of cutting propagation is lower than that of seed propagation.
Grafting propagation
Grafting propagation is a useful method to propagate Manilkara matanou when seeds or cuttings are not available or not suitable for the chosen variety. This method involves joining a cutting or seedling of the desired variety onto an established rootstock of a different variety.
The rootstocks used for grafting propagation must have extensive root systems, be disease-free, and be compatible with the desired variety. Grafting should be done when both the rootstock and the desired variety are in the active growth phase. The cuttings or seedlings should be cut at an angle and then joined together, and the graft union should be covered with a grafting tape or wax.
The grafted seedlings should be transplanted to the shade for at least two months and should be checked regularly for signs of incompatibility. The success rate of grafting propagation depends on the skill level of the person performing the graft and the compatibility of the rootstock and the desired variety.
Pest and Disease Management for Manilkara matanou Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Manilkara matanou Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a tropical flowering plant that is generally not affected by pests and diseases. However, under certain environmental conditions, the plant can be prone to infestations from pests and diseases. Here are some common pests and diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Pests
Aphids: These are small green or black insects that usually colonize on the underside of leaves and feed on the sap of the plant. To control aphids, spray the infected plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil. It may also help to introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to the area.
Spider mites: These are tiny pests that can cover the leaves with fine webbing and cause significant damage to the plant. To control spider mites, wash the leaves regularly with water or apply insecticidal soap. Predatory mites can also help control spider mite populations.
Diseases
Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease where small brown spots appear on the leaves. Infected leaves may yellow and eventually fall off. To manage leaf spot, remove the infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide. Good air circulation and proper watering can also help prevent the spread of the disease.
Root rot: This is a common disease caused by waterlogged soil and can lead to the death of the plant. To prevent root rot, ensure proper drainage in the soil and avoid overwatering. Infected plants should be removed and discarded to prevent further spread.
It is important to regularly inspect Manilkara matanou Aubrév. & Pellegr. for any signs of pests and diseases. Early detection and treatment can significantly reduce the damage and prevent further spread. Maintaining proper soil drainage, watering, and air circulation can also help prevent the infestation of pests and diseases.
