Origin
Manilkara menyhartii (Engl.) H.J.Lam, also known as Balata or Massaranduba, is a species of Manilkara tree found in the tropical rainforests of South and Central America. It is native to countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, and Bolivia.
Common Names
Besides Balata, Manilkara menyhartii is also commonly known as Bulletwood, Beefwood, Cow Tree, and Mast Tree in various places where it grows.
Uses
The latex produced by the tree is commonly used as a natural chewing gum and is sometimes called “chicle” or “gutta-percha.” However, it has seen a decline in popularity due to the emergence of synthetic latex production. Additionally, the wood is used for construction, furniture-making, and even as a substitute for ebony in musical instruments. Balata has also been used in traditional medicine as a remedy for ulcers; however, these claims have not been scientifically proven.
General Appearance
Balata trees can grow up to 40 meters tall and have a trunk that can reach up to 1.5 meters in diameter. The tree's bark is greyish-brown, and the leaves are glossy and dark green. The pentagonal fruit is approximately 4 cm in diameter and contains one to six seeds, which are usually 2.5 cm long and covered with a sticky membrane.
Light Requirements
The Manilkara menyhartii plant grows well in bright, indirect sunlight. It can also tolerate partial shade, but too much shade can stunt its growth. In the wild, this plant is found in the understory of the forest, so it prefers dappled light rather than full sun.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Manilkara menyhartii is between 20°C to 30°C. It can tolerate cooler temperatures, but growth will be slowed down. Frost can severely damage or kill this plant, so it's best to keep it in warmer temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The Manilkar menyhartii plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. It prefers acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should also be kept moist, but not waterlogged. In the wild, this plant is found growing in peaty soils that are rich in organic matter.
Cultivation of Manilkara menyhartii
The Manilkara menyhartii plant prefers a warm and humid climate in its natural habitat. In cultivation, it can grow well in tropical and subtropical areas. This plant requires a well-draining soil mixture that is fertile and rich in organic matter. A soil pH ranging between 5.5 to 6.5 is optimal for the plant to grow efficiently.
Watering Needs
Manilkara menyhartii requires regular watering to thrive, especially during the summer season. The soil should be kept moist but never waterlogged, as the roots can rot and die. Watering should be reduced during the winter season to prevent overwatering, causing root rot. It is important to water the plant consistently to avoid stressing the plant.
Fertilization
Manilkara menyhartii plant requires regular fertilization to achieve optimal growth and development. Fertilization should be done during the growing season when the plant is actively growing. A balanced NPK fertilizer or a slow-release fertilizer should be used. It is important to follow manufacturer instructions on fertilizer application to avoid over-fertilization, which can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential in maintaining a healthy and vigorous Manilkara menyhartii plant. It is best to prune during the winter season when the plant is not actively growing. Pruning can help to control the plant's height and shape and promote branching. It is important to use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid injuring the plant. Pruning should be done carefully to avoid damaging the plant's trunk or main branches.
Propagation of Manilkara menyhartii
Manilkara menyhartii, also known as Locustberry or Putat, is a tree species commonly found in Southeast Asia. The plant is usually propagated through several different methods, which include:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Manilkara menyhartii is through its seeds. The seeds can be collected from the ripe fruits and then sown in soil. Before sowing the seeds, it is essential to prepare the soil by mixing sand and organic matter in it. The soil should be moistened but not entirely soaked, and the seeds should be placed about half an inch deep in the soil.
The container should be kept in a warm and partially shaded place, and the seeds should start germinating within a few weeks. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted into pots or nurseries.
Asexual Propagation
Manilkara menyhartii can also be propagated through asexual means such as grafting and budding. Grafting involves joining a piece of stem from one plant onto the rootstock of another plant, allowing them to fuse and grow together.
Budding is another asexual propagation method where a bud is taken from a healthy plant and inserted into a young seedling. The bud will eventually start growing and will replace the original seedling.
Both grafting and budding are efficient and faster methods of propagation compared to seed propagation. However, these methods require specialized equipment and skills.
Root Division
Propagating Manilkara menyhartii through root division involves splitting the root mass into smaller pieces and then planting them in soil. This method can be used to rejuvenate an older tree with an established root system.
The roots should be carefully divided with a clean, sharp tool, and each split should have a few root fibers and foliage. The new plants should be planted in moist soil and kept in a partially shaded area until they start growing.
Overall, Manilkara menyhartii can be propagated through a range of methods. Seed propagation is the most common, while asexual propagation methods such as grafting and budding are more efficient but require specialized skills. Root division is another viable method that can be used to rejuvenate older plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Manilkara menyhartii
Manilkara menyhartii, also known as Balata, is a popular timber species found in tropical regions. While it's a hardy and tolerant species, it's still susceptible to diseases and pests that can significantly impact its growth and production. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that can affect Manilkara menyhartii and how to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf Spot: Leaf spots are circular or irregularly shaped lesions that appear on the leaves. It's caused by the fungus Cercospora balatas and can cause defoliation and reduced growth. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves and stems, and apply fungicides sprayed as per manufacturer's instructions.
Root Rot: Root rot is caused by the fungus Phytophthora and can lead to the death of the plant. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and stunting of the plant. The use of well-drained soil and avoiding waterlogging, and maintaining proper soil PH is essential to manage root rot in Manilkara menyhartii trees. Fungicides can also be applied to protect healthy plants in the early stages.
Pests
Termites: Termites are wood-boring insects that can cause extensive damage to the tree. Infected branches can be cut and destroyed, and proper sanitation practices can help prevent termites infestation in the tree. Additionally, chemical treatments such as insecticides and baits can be used to manage termite infestation.
Shoot borers: Manilkara menyhartii can be affected by shoot borers, especially in the young trees. The larvae tunnel inside the young shoots, causing wilting and drying out, reducing the tree's production. To control the shoot borers, regular inspection of the trees and pruning out and destroying affected stems or shoots is important. Chemical control in the form of insecticides is also an effective way of managing shoot borer infestation.
The above methods are some of the ways to manage diseases and pests that affect Manilkara menyhartii. In addition to these, good plantation practices like proper spacing, pruning, and maintaining soil fertility are necessary to keep the trees healthy and productive.
