Overview
Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard var. poissonii Dubard is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Sapotaceae family. It is native to West Africa and is commonly found in countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ghana.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as African Pear, Bush Pear, and Gabonese Pear. In Cameroon, it is called Akeke and Anemu in Nigeria.
Appearance
The African Pear is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to a height of 25-30 meters. It has a straight bole and a dense, rounded crown, and its leaves are glossy, dark green, and oblong-shaped. The tree produces small, white or cream flowers that bloom in clusters. Its fruit is globose, slightly flattened, and ranges from 2-4cm in diameter. The fruit skin is purple-brown, and it contains one or two large seeds.
Uses
The African Pear tree has several commercial, medicinal, and nutritional uses. The wood is hard, durable, and termite-resistant, making it suitable for construction, furniture-making, and carving. The sap of the tree is used as a caulking material for boat-building. The fruit is edible and has a sweet, juicy pulp that is rich in vitamins A, C, and B-complex. It is used for making jams, jellies, and beverages. The bark of the tree is used to treat fever, diarrhea, and dysentery, and the seeds are used for making vegetable oil.
Light Requirements
Manilkara multinervis var. poissonii Dubard typically grows in partially shaded environments. It can tolerate full sun exposure, but too much direct sunlight can lead to leaf burn. In general, it requires about 4 hours of direct sunlight and 4 hours of shade per day to grow optimally.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures and requires a minimum of 15°C to survive. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 25°C to 30°C. If the temperature drops below 10°C or exceeds 35°C, the plant growth may stifle, and it may even die. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a suitable temperature range for the plant's healthy growth.
Soil Requirements
Manilkara multinervis var. poissonii Dubard prefers well-draining soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. Rich and loamy soil with good moisture retention characteristics is ideal for the plant to grow and establish quickly. However, the plant is not very tolerant of waterlogged soils. Therefore, it is essential to provide drainage to ensure that the water does not accumulate around the roots.
Cultivation
Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard var. poissonii Dubard is best grown in a warm and humid environment. It can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or air layering. Plant in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers partial shade and protection from strong winds.
Watering Needs
During its active growth period, the plant needs regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. However, it is important not to let the roots sit in water, which can cause root rot. Cut back on watering in the dormant season to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
The plant benefits from monthly feeding with a balanced fertilizer during its growing season. Use a slow-release granular fertilizer or liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Avoid fertilizing in the dormant season.
Pruning
Prune Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard var. poissonii Dubard to promote a bushy and compact shape. Trim away any dead or damaged branches, and remove any fast-growing shoots that detract from the plant's overall shape. Prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Propagation of Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard var. poissonii Dubard
Propagation refers to the process of multiplying plants through the creation of new individuals from a variety of sources such as seeds, cuttings, and grafts. Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard var. poissonii Dubard is a slow-growing evergreen tree that belongs to the Sapotaceae family. This plant is native to tropical Africa and is commonly found in the Congo Basin, Gabon, and Cameroon.
Propagation methods
The most common methods used to propagate Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard var. poissonii Dubard are through the use of seeds and cuttings.
Seeds
Propagation through seeds involves the collection of mature seeds from the plant. Once the seeds are collected, they are placed in a mixture of soil and sand and kept in a moist environment. The seeds typically germinate within 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to a larger pot or a suitable planting site.
Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is a common method used for Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard var. poissonii Dubard. Cuttings are taken from the plant and propagated in a mixture of sand and soil. These cuttings are then covered with a plastic bag to retain moisture and kept in an area with bright, indirect light. Once the cuttings develop roots, they can be transplanted to a larger pot or a suitable planting site.
Overall, both seed and cutting propagation methods can be successful with proper care and environmental conditions.
Disease Management
The Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard var. poissonii Dubard is susceptible to fungal diseases like leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot. Leaf spot appears as small, brownish spots on the leaves, which then enlarge and merge, causing the leaves to yellow and fall. Powdery mildew makes a white, powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. Root rot causes stunted growth, leaf yellowing, and plant death.
To manage these fungal diseases, remove and destroy infected plant parts as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease. Avoid overhead watering, and instead irrigate at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry. Apply a fungicide containing copper or sulfur to protect healthy plant parts.
Viral diseases can also affect the plant, and there is no cure once a plant is infected. Symptoms include mosaic patterns, yellowing, and stunted growth. To avoid viral infections, use virus-free planting material, practice good hygiene to avoid spreading the virus between plants, and control insect vectors that can spread viruses.
Pest Management
The Manilkara multinervis (Baker) Dubard var. poissonii Dubard is vulnerable to insect pests like mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. Mealybugs look like white, cottony masses on stems and leaves and suck sap from the plant, leading to yellowing, stunted growth, and death. Scale insects appear as small, brown bumps on leaves and stems, and can cause leaf drop and shoot dieback. Spider mites are tiny pests that suck sap from leaves and cause yellowing, stippling, and webbing on the underside of leaves.
To manage these insect pests, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil to treat the plants. These treatments can be repeated every 7-14 days until the pests are gone. Alternatively, use natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory mites to control pest populations. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can attract pests.
