Origin
Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. letouzeyi (Aubrév.) Aubrév. is a species of plant that belongs to the Sapotaceae family and is native to West and Central Africa. This species can be found in countries such as Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria.
Common Names
Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. letouzeyi (Aubrév.) Aubrév. is commonly known as Mubaba, Essingue, Mbando, or Olingi. The name Mubaba comes from the Bantu language spoken in Cameroon, while the other names refer to the regions where this plant is commonly found.
Uses
Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. letouzeyi (Aubrév.) Aubrév. has several uses in traditional medicine. The bark of this plant is used to treat various illnesses such as malaria, stomach ache, and fever. The roots and leaves are used to treat dysentery, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal disorders.
This plant has also been used in the production of timber and charcoal. The wood is durable, and it is commonly used in construction and furniture making. The charcoal produced from the wood is of high quality and is used for cooking and heating.
General Appearance
Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. letouzeyi (Aubrév.) Aubrév. is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 25 meters tall. The trunk is straight, and the bark is dark brown with deep cracks. The leaves are shiny, elliptical, and up to 15 cm long. The flowers are small, white, and occur in clusters.
The fruit of this plant is a globular berry that is up to 4 cm in diameter. The fruit is green when unripe and turns yellow or orange when ripe. The fruit contains a yellow-orange pulp that is sweet and edible.
Light requirements:
Manilkara multinervis subsp. letouzeyi requires bright light but not direct sunlight. It thrives in partial shade to full sun. In its native habitat, it grows under the protection of taller trees, where it receives filtered light.
Temperature requirements:
The optimal temperature range for Manilkara multinervis subsp. letouzeyi is between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. The plant can tolerate occasional temperature drops to around 10°C, but prolonged exposure to low temperatures can harm the plant. Frost and freezing temperatures should be avoided, as it can cause severe damage to the plant.
Soil requirements:
Manilkara multinervis subsp. letouzeyi prefers well-draining, fertile soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to mildly alkaline, with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil should not be waterlogged, as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation
Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. letouzeyi (Aubrév.) Aubrév. is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid climates. It's best grown in well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. The plant prefers full sunlight but can also tolerate semi-shade, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
If you're growing the plant in a pot indoors, ensure it's placed in a bright area with enough light. You can supplement the natural light with fluorescent bulbs or grow lights if necessary.
Watering Needs
Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. letouzeyi (Aubrév.) Aubrév. requires regular watering during its growth period but can withstand some short periods of drought. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
When watering, ensure you deep-water the plant until water comes out of the ends of the drainage holes. This ensures that water reaches the plant's roots, promoting healthy growth and preventing disease.
Fertilization
Provide Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. letouzeyi (Aubrév.) Aubrév. with regular fertilization, especially during its active growth period. Use a complete fertilizer with a higher percentage of nitrogen to promote healthy leaf and stem growth.
You can also use an organic fertilizer, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to enrich the soil with essential nutrients. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions or as recommended by a horticultural specialist.
Pruning
Pruning Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. letouzeyi (Aubrév.) Aubrév. is essential to maintain its shape and size. Prune the plant after it's established and during its active growth period.
Remove any dead or diseased branches, and prune back any overgrown or out-of-place stems. You can also pinch back the tips of the stem to promote a bushier growth habit.
However, take care not to over-prune, as the plant can respond with stunted or weak growth.
Propagation of Manilkara Multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. Letouzeyi (Aubrév.) Aubrév.
Manilkara Multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. Letouzeyi (Aubrév.) Aubrév. is propagated by both sexual and asexual means. The following are the different propagation methods used for this plant:
Seed Propagation:
Seeds are the most common method of propagation for Manilkara Multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. Letouzeyi (Aubrév.) Aubrév. Collect mature seeds from the parent plant and wash them with clean water. Then soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix and cover with a thin layer of mulch. Keep the soil moist throughout the germination period. It takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks for the seeds to germinate.
Cuttings:
The cuttings propagation method involves taking a section of stem or root from a mature plant and growing it into a new plant. Cuttings can be taken from either the stem or the root of Manilkara Multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. Letouzeyi (Aubrév.) Aubrév. Plant the cuttings in well-draining soil mix and keep them moist. It takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks for the cuttings to develop roots and become established.
Air Layering:
Air layering propagates Manilkara Multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. Letouzeyi (Aubrév.) Aubrév. by encouraging roots to form on a branch that is still attached to the parent plant. Make a cut in the bark of the parent plant and wrap the cut with sphagnum moss. Cover the moss with a plastic wrap to retain moisture. After some weeks, roots start to form on the moss. Cut the branch from the parent plant once the roots have become established.
Disease Management
Manilkara multinervis is usually resilient to pest and disease infestation. However, there are a few diseases that might affect the plant. One of the common diseases is powdery mildew.
Powdery Mildew: The fungus causes a powdery white appearance on the plant's foliage, leading to leaf drop and stunted growth over time. To manage this disease, one should always keep their plants adequately spaced to allow free circulation of air. If the disease still persists, one can use fungicides such as copper-based and sulfur-based sprays.
Pest Management
Pests are also relatively uncommon in Manilkara multinervis, but it is essential to watch out for any unusual signs of pet infestation to prevent significant damage to the plant, which can lead to plant death.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are one of the common pests that attack Manilkara multinervis leaves, causing yellowing and wilting. To manage the pests, one can use an insecticidal soap solution to mitigate the infestation quickly.
Spider Mites: Another pest that can attack Manilkara multinervis is spider mites. These pests are hard to detect but can cause significant damage to the plant. Spider mites thrive in a warm and dry environment, and one approach to manage their infestation is to increase humidity levels. You can also use special spider mites' sprays to get rid of these pests.
