Description of Manilkara schweinfurthii (Engl.) Dubard var. chevalieri Dubard
Manilkara schweinfurthii (Engl.) Dubard var. chevalieri Dubard, also known as African Ebony, is a slow-growing tree belonging to the Sapotaceae family. It is native to the tropical regions of Africa, and can be found in countries such as Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria.
General Appearance
The tree grows up to 30 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 60 cm. The bark is dark brown, rough, and furrowed with age. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and oval-shaped, with a length of up to 6 cm. The flowers are small, inconspicuous, and greenish-white. The fruits are round or oval-shaped, with a diameter of up to 3 cm, and contain hard, black seeds.
Common Names
Manilkara schweinfurthii (Engl.) Dubard var. chevalieri Dubard is commonly known by several other names. These include African Ebony, Chevallier's Balata, D'Okoumé, Gaboon Ebony, and Ironwood.
Uses
The dense, dark heartwood of Manilkara schweinfurthii (Engl.) Dubard var. chevalieri Dubard is highly valued in the commercial industry for its durability, strength, and resistance to wear and tear. It is commonly used for making furniture, flooring, musical instruments, and decorative items. The bark and leaves of the tree are also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments such as fever, malaria, and diarrhea.
Light Requirements
Manilkara schweinfurthii var. chevalieri typically prefers high light conditions for optimal growth. It thrives in areas with direct sunlight exposure for a significant portion of the day, as long as the temperature is not too hot. However, it can tolerate some shade, as long as the shade is not too dense.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm to hot temperatures for optimal growth, with minimum temperatures above 10°C. It can grow well in tropical and subtropical regions, as long as there is adequate soil moisture for the plant to utilize. Cold temperatures, particularly frosts, can significantly damage or even kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It can tolerate soils with slightly higher or lower pH values, but it cannot survive in highly alkaline or saline soils. The ideal soil moisture content for optimal growth is between field capacity and saturation, and the plant does not tolerate water-logged soils. The addition of organic matter to the soil can help improve soil structure and moisture retention, which can be beneficial for plant growth.
Cultivation Methods
Manilkara schweinfurthii (Engl.) Dubard var. chevalieri Dubard thrives well in tropical and subtropical regions, where temperatures range between 20-30°C. This plant can grow well in both full sun and partly shaded areas. It is ideal to plant this tree in well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0-7.0. It is important to provide adequate space for this plant to grow as it can reach heights of up to 50 meters with a diameter of up to 2 meters.
Watering Needs
Manilkara schweinfurthii (Engl.) Dubard var. chevalieri Dubard requires a consistent supply of water, especially during the initial stages of growth. It is best to water the plant at least once a week. During the dry season, it is recommended to increase the frequency of watering to prevent the soil from drying out. However, this plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils, and it is essential to ensure that the soil drains properly after every watering.
Fertilization
Manilkara schweinfurthii (Engl.) Dubard var. chevalieri Dubard requires regular fertilizer applications to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. It is best to use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 16-16-16. Apply the fertilizer once every three months. Do not apply fertilizer during the dry season as it can damage the tree due to the lack of water uptake.
Pruning
Manilkara schweinfurthii (Engl.) Dubard var. chevalieri Dubard pruning is essential to maintain the proper shape and size of the tree. It is best to prune the plant during the early stages of growth to form a strong scaffold. Remove damaged or diseased branches immediately to prevent the spread of diseases. Additionally, prune the tree to allow enough sunlight to penetrate through the canopy, which improves the overall growth of the plant.
Propagation of Manilkara schweinfurthii var. chevalieri
Manilkara schweinfurthii var. chevalieri can be propagated through various methods:
Seed Propagation
The most common and traditional method of propagating this plant is through seed propagation. The seeds should be sown in a well-drained potting mix and kept moist. Upon germination, the seedlings should be allowed to acclimate for a few weeks before transplanting to their permanent location. This method is effective, but the plants can take several years to reach maturity.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is a faster method of propagating Manilkara schweinfurthii var. chevalieri. This method involves taking cuttings from the plant and rooting them in a well-drained potting mix. Cuttings should be taken during the growing season, from mature wood. Cuttings should be at least 15 cm long and should be treated with rooting hormones before planting. The cuttings should be kept in high humidity and bright, indirect light until they develop roots. They can then be transplanted to their permanent location.
Air Layering
Air layering is another effective method of propagating this plant. It involves wounding a section of the stem and wrapping it in moist sphagnum moss. Once roots have developed, the rooted section can be cut and transplanted to its permanent location.
Grafting
Grafting can also be used to propagate this plant. It involves taking a cutting from the desired cultivar and attaching it to the rootstock of a related plant. This method is often used to preserve specific cultivars or to overcome soil-borne diseases.
Disease and Pest Management for Manilkara schweinfurthii (Engl.) Dubard var. chevalieri Dubard
Manilkara schweinfurthii (Engl.) Dubard var. chevalieri Dubard, also known as African pear or bush mango, is a plant species native to tropical Africa. While it is generally a hardy plant species, it may still be impacted by various diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose, caused by a fungus, is a common disease that can affect the plant's leaves. Symptoms include dark spots on the leaves that eventually turn yellow or brown and spread to the entire leaf.
Another leaf disease is powdery mildew. It appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, and the leaves may curl and become distorted. The disease can be managed through the use of appropriate fungicides and pruning affected leaves.
Common Pests
Fruit flies are common pests that can affect African pear. The adult female fruit fly punctures the skin of the fruit and lays eggs inside. The larvae then feed on the fruit, causing it to rot. To manage fruit flies, one can use traps with attractant baits or insecticides.
Mealybugs are another pest that can affect the plant's leaves and fruit. They are small white insects that suck sap from the plant, leading to reduced growth, yellowing leaves, and stunted fruit. Mealybugs can be controlled through the use of systemic or contact insecticides.
Management Strategies
The best way to manage diseases and pests is to maintain good plant health. Ensure that the plant is watered adequately and fertilized regularly with balanced nutrients. Practice good hygiene by removing any fallen leaves, fruits, and other plant debris that may harbor disease-causing organisms or pests.
Regularly inspect the plant for any signs of disease or pest infestation. Early detection and intervention can prevent the spread of disease or damage from pests. Consider using natural methods such as companion planting or biological control agents to manage pests.
If chemical interventions are necessary, always follow the label instructions and use appropriate protective gear to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals. Consult a professional if unsure about the best approach to manage diseases or pests.
