Origin
Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. schweinfurthii (Engl.) J.H.Hemsl. is a tree species that belongs to the family Sapotaceae. It is native to the tropical forests of central and eastern Africa, including Cameroon, Gabon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the African Bulletwood, the Mfufu, and the Opoukin.
Uses
The African Bulletwood is a multipurpose tree and has various uses. Its timber is used in construction, joinery, and furniture due to its high durability and strength. The wood is also used in the production of musical instruments, such as drums and xylophones. In traditional medicine, the bark, leaves, and roots of the tree are used to treat various ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and respiratory problems. Additionally, the plant's gum is used as a binder in the production of foodstuffs, such as chewing gum.
Appearance
The African Bulletwood is a tall evergreen tree that can grow up to 40 meters in height. Its trunk is straight, cylindrical, and can have a diameter of up to 1 meter. The bark is grayish-brown, smooth, and has vertical fissures. The leaves are dark green, oblong, and leathery. They are arranged alternately on the branches and have conspicuous nets of veins running through them. The tree produces small white flowers that are grouped into racemes. The fruit is a fleshy berry that is yellow-orange when ripe and contains one to three seeds. The tree usually flowers from June to August, and the fruits ripen from September to November.
Growth conditions for Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. schweinfurthii (Engl.) J.H.Hemsl.
Light: Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. schweinfurthii (Engl.) J.H.Hemsl. prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate partial shade but should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
Temperature: This plant tolerates a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in temperatures between 18 and 30°C (65 and 86°F). Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can cause damage to the plant.
Soil: Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. schweinfurthii (Engl.) J.H.Hemsl. prefers well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. It thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. This plant is not tolerant of alkaline soils with a pH above 7.5.
Water: This plant prefers to be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. It requires regular watering during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During the dormant season, reduce watering but do not let the soil dry out completely.
Fertilizer: Adding fertilizer to the soil during the growing season can help promote healthy growth. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause damage to the plant.
Humidity: This plant is not particularly sensitive to humidity and can tolerate both dry and humid conditions. However, moderate to high humidity levels can promote healthy growth and help prevent pest infestations.
Pruning: Pruning can help maintain the plant's shape and promote healthy growth. Prune during the dormant season, removing any dead or damaged branches and shaping the plant as desired.
Cultivation Methods
Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. schweinfurthii (Engl.) J.H.Hemsl., commonly known as African sapote, is a slow-growing tropical tree that thrives in warm, humid climates. It is best grown in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. The tree can reach a height of up to 30 meters with a spread of up to 15 meters, and requires plenty of space to grow.
The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and is sensitive to cold temperatures, therefore, it should be planted in an area protected from strong winds and frost. African sapote can also be grown in large containers, as long as the container is at least 60cm wide and deep.
Watering Needs
African sapote requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. During the dry season, the tree may require more frequent watering, but be careful not to overwater as this can also cause damage. A layer of mulch around the base of the plant can help retain moisture in the soil.
Fertilization
Applying a balanced fertilizer once a year during the growing season can help promote healthy growth and fruit production. Use a slow-release fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 16-16-16. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can lead to excessive foliage growth with little to no fruit production.
Pruning
Pruning African sapote can help maintain the shape of the tree and promote healthy growth. It is usually done at the end of the fruiting season or during the start of the growing season. Remove any dead or diseased branches and thin out any congested areas. Pruning should be done carefully to avoid damaging the bark, which can cause sap to leak and attract pests.
Propagation of Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. schweinfurthii (Engl.) J.H.Hemsl.
Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. schweinfurthii (Engl.) J.H.Hemsl. can be propagated through several methods including seeds, cuttings, and air layering.
Propagation by seeds
Seeds are the easiest and most common method of propagating Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. schweinfurthii (Engl.) J.H.Hemsl. They can be collected from ripe fruits and should be sown immediately in well-draining soil. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 1-2 cm and watered regularly until germination. Germination can take several weeks to several months.
Propagation by cuttings
Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. schweinfurthii (Engl.) J.H.Hemsl. can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during the active growth period. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm in length and should include at least 2-3 leaves. The bottom of the cutting should be treated with a rooting hormone and then planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment until it roots.
Propagation by air layering
Air layering is another method of propagating Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. schweinfurthii (Engl.) J.H.Hemsl. This method involves creating a wound on a stem of a mature plant and then encouraging roots to grow from the wound. To air layer, a section of bark should be removed from the stem and the wound should be covered with moist sphagnum moss. The moss should be kept moist and after a few weeks, roots should start to grow from the wound. Once the roots are well-developed, the new plant can be removed and planted in its own container.
Disease Management
Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. schweinfurthii (Engl.) J.H.Hemsl. is generally resistant to diseases. However, in some cases, the plant might be affected by root rot, leaf spot, and fungal infections. Below are some management strategies to prevent and reduce the incidence of plant diseases:
- Practicing good sanitation by removing infected plant materials
- Watering the plant in moderation to prevent waterlogging and root rot
- Applying fungicides to combat fungal infections
- Removing and destroying diseased plants to prevent spreading of the disease
Pest Management
Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard subsp. schweinfurthii (Engl.) J.H.Hemsl. might be susceptible to pests such as scales, mealybugs, and whiteflies. Below are some management strategies to prevent and reduce the incidence of pests:
- Practicing good sanitation by removing plant debris and weeds
- Inspecting new plants for pests before introducing them to the environment
- Applying appropriate insecticides to control pests
- Introducing natural predators of the pests such as ladybugs and lacewings
