Origin
Manilkara sylvestris Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a tree species native to Madagascar and found at low elevations in tropical and subtropical regions of eastern and southern Africa, as well as on the island of Mauritius.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "wild gutta-percha," "bambara rubber," and "Mauritius milkwood."
Uses
The latex, bark, and wood of Manilkara sylvestris are of great value to the communities in the areas where it is found. The plant's latex has been used as a substitute for gutta-percha and rubber, and the bark has been used to make rope and cloth. Additionally, the wood of Manilkara sylvestris is hard and durable, and has been used for construction and furniture-making. In traditional medicine, the leaves and bark have been used to treat ailments such as stomach pain and wounds.
General Appearance
Manilkara sylvestris is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 15-20 meters tall. Its trunk is straight, with a diameter of up to 60 cm. The crown is dense with a rounded or umbrella shape, and the branches are drooping. The leaves are leathery, glossy, and oblong-shaped, measuring about 5-12 cm long and 2.5-5 cm wide. The bark is grey or brown, with deep vertical fissures. The plant produces small, inconspicuous white flowers that are followed by orange or yellow berries that are about 2-4 cm in diameter and contain one or two seeds.
Growth Conditions for Manilkara sylvestris
Manilkara sylvestris Aubrév. & Pellegr., commonly known as "Makari" or "Manilkara," is a tropical tree species that typically grows in lowland rainforests. The tree is native to Africa, specifically in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon.
Light Requirements
The Manilkara sylvestris tree thrives well in full sunlight, but can tolerate partial shade. The plant requires exposure to bright, direct sunlight for at least six hours per day to grow optimally and produce abundant fruits.
Temperature Requirements
The Manilkara sylvestris tree is a tropical species that thrives in warm temperatures. It requires temperatures between 20 ºC to 29 ºC for optimal growth and development. The tree can tolerate temperatures ranging from 16 ºC to 35 ºC but does not grow well in temperatures below 16 ºC.
Soil Requirements
The Manilkara sylvestris tree prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It grows well in fertile soils that are rich in nutrients, but can also grow in poor soils. The tree can tolerate saline, sandy or gravelly soils, but it does not thrive in poorly-drained, waterlogged soils.
In summary, the Manilkara sylvestris tree requires bright sunlight, warm temperatures, and well-drained, fertile soils to grow optimally.
Cultivation of Manilkara sylvestris Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Manilkara sylvestris Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a plant that enjoys warm temperatures and grows well in full sunlight. It is best grown in well-draining soil and can be propagated from cuttings or seeds.
The plant can grow up to 25 meters tall, and in cultivation, it is important to provide enough space for the tree to grow to its full height.
Sites with sandy soils and low pH are ideal for growing Manilkara sylvestris because the plant prefers acidic soils.
It is best to plant the tree in spring or summer, and planting should be done at a depth of about twice the size of the root ball. After planting, the tree should be watered thoroughly.
Watering Needs of Manilkara sylvestris Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Manilkara sylvestris Aubrév. & Pellegr. requires moderate watering, and the soil should not be allowed to dry out completely. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot and other plant diseases.
During hot and dry weather, the plant may require more watering than usual, but it is important not to waterlog the soil. Watering should be done deeply, but infrequently.
The best way to determine if the plant needs watering is by sticking a finger into the soil to check for dryness. If the soil feels dry to the touch, it is time to water the plant.
Fertilization of Manilkara sylvestris Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Manilkara sylvestris Aubrév. & Pellegr. benefits from regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. Fertilizers with high nitrogen content should be avoided as they can lead to excessive vegetative growth.
During the first year of growth, it is best to apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer at the start of the growing season. From the second year onwards, a fertilizer with a higher phosphorous content can be applied to encourage flowering and fruiting.
Fertilizers should be applied according to the manufacturer's recommendations, and care should be taken not to overfertilize the plant, as this can lead to nutrient imbalances and other problems.
Pruning of Manilkara sylvestris Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Manilkara sylvestris Aubrév. & Pellegr. benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape and remove dead or diseased branches. Pruning can be done in spring or summer when the tree is actively growing.
Young trees should be pruned lightly to encourage branching and growth, while older trees should be pruned more heavily to remove excess growth and maintain their shape.
It is important to use proper pruning techniques to avoid damaging the tree. Pruning should be done using clean, sharp pruning tools to make clean cuts and avoid tearing the bark of the tree.
Overall, proper care and maintenance are crucial to ensure the health and vigor of Manilkara sylvestris Aubrév. & Pellegr. With proper cultivation, watering, fertilization, and pruning, this tree can provide many years of beauty and enjoyment.
Propagation of Manilkara sylvestris Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Manilkara sylvestris Aubrév. & Pellegr., also known as the "wild jack" tree, can be propagated by several methods, including seed propagation, stem cuttings, and grafting.
Seed propagation
Seeds from the Manilkara sylvestris tree can be collected during the flowering period and sown directly. It is recommended to remove the fleshy outer layer of the seed and soak the seed for 24 hours before sowing. The seeds can be sown in germination trays or directly in the potting mix. It is important to provide consistent watering and temperature for successful germination.
Stem Cuttings
Manilkara sylvestris can be propagated through stem cuttings collected from healthy and disease-free trees. Cuttings should be taken during the dormant season, and the stem should be mature and woody. The cuttings should be approximately 15-20 cm in length and should include a few nodes with leaves. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mix. Frequent misting will help to maintain a moist environment for the cuttings to develop roots.
Grafting
Grafting is a common technique used to propagate Manilkara sylvestris. It involves grafting a scion of the desired genotype onto a suitable rootstock. The rootstock is first grown from seed and allowed to grow to a certain size before grafting. The scion is collected from a known genotype and grafted onto the rootstock with a compatible cambium layer. This process should be performed during the dormant season, and it is essential to ensure the graft union is protected from drying out until the graft is successful.
Disease and Pest Management for Manilkara sylvestris Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Manilkara sylvestris Aubrév. & Pellegr., commonly known as "Caïlcédrat," is a tree native to Madagascar and often used for ornamental purposes. While this plant is generally hardy, it can be affected by a number of diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
One common disease that affects Manilkara sylvestris is powdery mildew. This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating to appear on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove any infected plant material and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Another disease that can affect Manilkara sylvestris is anthracnose. This fungal disease can cause brown or black spots to appear on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove any infected plant material and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Common Pests
One common pest that affects Manilkara sylvestris is the mealybug. These pests feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage mealybugs, it is recommended to remove any affected plant material and use a natural insecticide.
Another pest that can affect Manilkara sylvestris is the scale insect. These pests feed on the sap of the plant and can cause a yellowing of the leaves and a sticky residue on the plant. To manage scale insects, it is recommended to remove any affected plant material and use a natural insecticide.
Regularly inspecting Manilkara sylvestris for signs of disease and pests can help prevent the spread of these issues. Keeping the plant healthy through proper watering and fertilization can also help prevent disease and pest problems.
