Introduction
Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. atacorensis A.Chev. ex Aubrév. is a plant species in the Sapotaceae family. It is native to Central and West Africa and is commonly found in Cameroon, Gabon, and the Congo Basin. The tree is known by several vernacular names including "Assamela," "Mounoko," "Berto," "Buduma," and "Manon."
Appearance
The Manilkara multinervis tree grows up to 30 meters and develops a large, slightly flattened, and broadly rounded canopy with a trunk diameter of up to 1 m. The leaves are simple, thick, leathery, and glossy. They are usually oblong to elliptical in shape, measuring 10-17 cm long and 4-8 cm wide, and have a bright green color. The tree is evergreen, and its light-colored bark is smooth.
Uses
The fruit of the Manilkara multinervis tree is edible, and the bark and leaves boast a variety of medicinal uses. The fruit is round and fleshy and measures about 3 cm in diameter. The fruit is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious food source. The bark of the tree is used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, malaria, and diarrhea. Additionally, the leaves have insecticidal properties and can be used to make insecticides.
Cultivation and Management
Manilkara multinervis grows best in tropical and sub-tropical regions with humid climates. It thrives in well-drained soils, and the tree is relatively drought-tolerant. The tree can be propagated through seeds, seedlings, or cuttings, and it responds well to pruning. The tree can provide shade, and its wood is valuable for making furniture and construction materials.
Conclusion
The Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. atacorensis A.Chev. ex Aubrév. is an economically and ecologically important tree in Central and West Africa. Known for its edible fruit, insecticidal properties, and medicinal uses, the tree has a wide range of cultural and commercial uses. The cultivation and management of Manilkara multinervis can provide valuable benefits to local communities and the environment.
Light Requirements
The Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. atacorensis A.Chev. ex Aubrév. plant prefers to grow in partial shade. As a tropical rainforest plant, it typically does not tolerate full sun exposure. When grown indoors, it requires bright, filtered light to thrive.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit can significantly harm the plant, and it cannot tolerate frost.
Soil Requirements
The Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. atacorensis A.Chev. ex Aubrév. plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. To ensure good drainage, it is recommended to mix in pumice, perlite, or coarse sand.
Cultivation Methods
Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. atacorensis A.Chev. ex Aubrév. is a slow-growing tree that thrives in tropical and subtropical regions. It prefers well-draining soils, such as sandy or clay loam soils, and can withstand acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. The tree is propagated using seeds, which should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. Seedlings should be planted in containers until they are large enough to be transplanted to their final location.
Watering Needs
Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. atacorensis A.Chev. ex Aubrév. requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. Young trees require more frequent watering as they establish their root system. Irrigation should aim to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. atacorensis A.Chev. ex Aubrév. benefits from regular fertilization to promote growth. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied every two to three months during the growing season. Organic fertilizers such as worm castings or compost can also be used.
Pruning
Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. atacorensis A.Chev. ex Aubrév. requires minimal pruning, but occasional shaping may be necessary to maintain its desired form. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring, to avoid disrupting growth. Branches that are damaged, dead, or diseased should be removed as soon as they are noticed to prevent further damage.
Propagation of Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. atacorensis A.Chev. ex Aubrév.
Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. atacorensis A.Chev. ex Aubrév. can be propagated through several methods such as seed propagation, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed propagation
Seeds of Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. atacorensis A.Chev. ex Aubrév. can be collected from mature fruits. The seed should be extracted immediately after fruit ripening. The seeds should be sown in seed trays filled with a well-draining potting mix. The trays should be kept in a warm place with high humidity. The seedlings will emerge within three to four weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots once they are large enough to handle.
Cuttings
Cuttings of Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. atacorensis A.Chev. ex Aubrév. can be taken from young shoots during the growing season. The cutting should be about 10cm long and should be taken from the tip of the shoot. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and then planted in a well-draining potting mix. The pot should be covered with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity. The cuttings should root within four to six weeks.
Grafting
Grafting is another method of propagating Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. atacorensis A.Chev. ex Aubrév. Grafting involves joining a scion of the desired plant onto a rootstock of a related plant. One of the common rootstocks used for Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. atacorensis A.Chev. ex Aubrév. is Manilkara achras (Mill.) Fosberg. The scion and the rootstock should be of similar diameter. T-budding is the most common method of grafting used for this plant. The grafted plant should be kept in a warm and humid environment until it establishes.
Disease Management
Manilkara multinervis is susceptible to several diseases that can cause damage to the plant.
Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by the fungus Cercospora spp, which appears as dark brown to gray spots on the leaves. Leaf spot occurs during wet weather conditions and can lead to defoliation. To control leaf spot, it is recommended to remove infected leaves from the plant and apply a copper-based fungicide to the plant.
Anthracnose: The fungal disease Colletotrichum gloeosporioides causes anthracnose in Manilkara multinervis. It causes the sporulation of dark-colored fungal structures on leaves and branches. The disease can lead to leaf drop and dieback. To manage anthracnose, pruning infected branches and leaves is advised. Applying a fungicide containing propiconazole helps control the disease.
Root Rot: Pythium fungus causes rootrot in Manilkara multinervis and is more prevalent in poorly drained soils. The infected plant appears yellow and sickly, and withers away slowly. The management of root rot is difficult since fungicides may not penetrate the soil that the roots inhabit. Proper soil drainage and control of excessive watering will reduce the incidence of root rot.
Pest Management
Manilkara multinervis is vulnerable to a few pests that can damage the plant's flowers, leaves, and fruit.
Mites: The spider mite Tetranychus urticae damages the plant's leaves by sucking out sap. The leaves will appear yellow and mottled, affecting overall plant growth. The management of mites includes the application of acaricides like abamectin, bifenazate, among others, in the affected area.
Mealybugs: Mealybug infestation affects the flowers and fruit of the plant by forming a cottony mass near the stems. The close growth of mealybugs can decrease fruit production and retard plant growth. The use of insecticidal soaps or horticultural oil is an effective way to manage mealybugs, both of which have a low impact on the environment.
Fruit Borers: The fruit borer Dichocrosis sp. damages Manilkara multinervis fruit by burrowing into the fruit. It reduces the fruit's market value and releases a foul odor. To control fruit borers, using a synthetic pesticide like carbaryl is effective.
