Introduction
Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. matanou (Aubrév.) Aubrév. is a plant belonging to the Sapotaceae family. It is native to the tropical regions of Western Africa, particularly in Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo. The plant has several common names, including Chewing Stick, Massango, Mfuman, and Matanou.
Appearance
Manilkara multinervis is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20m in height and 60cm in diameter. The plant has a dense and rounded crown with a long, straight trunk. The bark is smooth, pale gray, and slightly flaky, with horizontal markings and patches. The leaves are alternate, simple, and leathery, with a glossy dark green color above and a rusty brown color below. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, yellowish-white or greenish-white in color, and have a sweet fragrance. The plant produces a berry-like fruit that is yellow or orange when ripe, sweet, and edible.
Uses
Manilkara multinervis has many traditional uses. The bark and leaves are used to treat a variety of ailments such as fever, headaches, toothaches, and stomach pains. The leaves and twigs are also chewed to clean teeth and freshen breath. The fruit is edible and used for making jam, wine, and fermented beverages. The wood is hard and durable, making it suitable for building heavy structures, furniture, and tool handles. The plant is also ornamental and grown for its handsome foliage, flowers, and fruit in gardens and parks.
Light Requirements
Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. matanou (Aubrév.) Aubrév. typically grows best in areas with partial to full sun exposure. In a forest environment, it will grow under the canopy but does best with occasional open spaces where light can penetrate the canopy. In areas with too much shade, it will grow more slowly and may not thrive as well.
Temperature Requirements
This particular subspecies of Manilkara multinervis prefers warm and humid climates. It can tolerate temperatures as low as around 20°C, but growth is optimal in higher temperatures. Temperatures below freezing can be fatal to the plant. It is therefore best to grow it in tropical or subtropical zones with temperatures ranging between 20-30°C.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers deep and well-drained soils, preferably fertile with lots of organic matter. It tends to prefer soils with pH ranging between 5.5 and 7.5. While it can survive in poor soils, it will not grow as robustly as in the preferred soils. The plant is not particularly tolerant of waterlogged soil and can develop root rot under such conditions.
Cultivation Methods
Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. matanou (Aubrév.) Aubrév., commonly known as a bulletwood tree, can be grown from seeds or propagated via cutting. When growing from seeds, it is essential to soak them in warm water for 24 hours before planting in well-draining soil. The seedlings should be kept in a warm and humid environment with bright, indirect light until they can survive on their own.
Watering Needs
Bulletwood trees require consistent watering. During the growing season, they should be watered frequently enough to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. However, it is important not to let the soil dry out completely between watering sessions. During the dormant season, the irrigation should be reduced to prevent overwatering.
Fertilization
Bulletwood trees require regular fertilization to thrive. A balanced fertilizer containing equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be used monthly during the growing season. Slow-release fertilizers can also be used to provide sustained nutrients over an extended period. Fertilization should be discontinued during the dormant season.
Pruning
Bulletwood trees require minimal pruning. However, pruning should be done to remove any dead or diseased wood and to maintain the shape and size of the tree. Pruning should be done during the dormant season to avoid damaging new growth. Branches should be pruned in a way that promotes the tree's natural shape and helps to keep the tree healthy and well-structured.
Propagation of Manilkara multinervis subsp. matanou
Manilkara multinervis subsp. matanou, commonly known as Matanou or letterwood, is a slow-growing tree native to tropical Africa. It is highly valued for its beautiful and durable wood, which is widely used for furniture making, carvings, and building construction. There are several methods to propagate Manilkara multinervis subsp. matanou, including:
Seed Propagation
The most common propagation method for Manilkara multinervis subsp. matanou is by seed. The seeds should be collected from fully ripe fruits and sown immediately after collection. The sowing medium should be well-aerated and free-draining, such as a mixture of sand and peat moss. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm and watered regularly. Germination may take several weeks to several months, and the seedlings should be kept in a warm, humid environment until they are large enough to transplant.
Cuttings Propagation
Manilkara multinervis subsp. matanou can also be propagated by cuttings taken from mature trees. The cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer and should be 10-15 cm long with at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment and watered regularly. Rooting may take several months, and the cuttings should be transplanted once they have developed a good root system.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another propagation method for Manilkara multinervis subsp. matanou. This method involves making a cut in the bark of a mature tree and inserting a rooting hormone-coated branch or stem into the cut. The wound is then covered with moist sphagnum moss and wrapped in plastic to maintain high humidity. Roots will form at the cut, and once a good root system has formed, the new plant can be separated from the parent tree and planted in its own container or in the ground.
Propagation of Manilkara multinervis subsp. matanou requires patience and attention to detail. Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to provide the plants with adequate water, light, and nutrients for their successful growth and development.
Disease and Pest Management for Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. matanou (Aubrév.) Aubrév.
Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. matanou (Aubrév.) Aubrév., also known as the Matanou tree, is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests. Effective disease and pest management is essential to prevent damage to the plant and ensure its healthy growth. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Leaf Spots
Leaf spots are caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens and appear as small, round or irregularly shaped lesions on the leaves. These spots can eventually spread and cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. To manage leaf spots, remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide or bactericide according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes dark brown or black spots on the leaves and stems. It can also affect the fruit of the plant, causing it to rot. To manage anthracnose, prune infected branches, remove infected fruit, and apply a fungicide according to manufacturer's instructions.
Mites
Mites are tiny insects that can cause wilting and curling of the leaves, as well as the formation of webbing on the leaves and stems. To manage mites, apply a miticide according to the manufacturer's instructions. Additionally, increasing the humidity around the plant by misting the leaves can help control mite populations.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies and can cause extensive damage to the leaves of the Matanou tree. To manage caterpillars, manually remove them from the plant or apply a biopesticide according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause yellowing and dropping of the leaves, as well as the formation of a sticky residue on the leaves and stems. To manage scale insects, apply a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap according to the manufacturer's instructions, or remove the insects manually with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
With proper disease and pest management, the Matanou tree can thrive and remain an attractive addition to any garden or landscape.
