Overview of Manisuris altissima (Poir.) Hitchc.
Manisuris altissima (Poir.) Hitchc., also known as the Mexican prune or wild plum, is a species of flowering plant in the family Annonaceae. It is native to Mexico and is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.
General Appearance of Manisuris altissima
The Mexican prune tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a trunk diameter of up to 50 cm. Its bark is dark brown and rough, and its leaves are simple, alternate, and oval-shaped. The leaves can grow up to 25 cm long and 10 cm wide, and have a glossy green color. The flowers of Manisuris altissima are small, greenish-yellow, and have a pleasant fragrance. The fruit of the Mexican prune is edible and resembles a small plum. It is green initially but turns purple when ripe, and contains several small, black seeds.
Uses of Manisuris altissima
The Mexican prune tree has several uses. Its fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or used to make jams, jellies, and juices. The leaves and bark of the tree are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as diarrhea and fever. The wood of the tree is strong and durable and is used for making furniture and construction. Additionally, the tree provides shade and helps prevent soil erosion.
Light Requirements
Manisuris altissima (Poir.) Hitchc. requires a location with bright, indirect light to grow properly. However, direct sunlight may damage the plant and impact its growth adversely. It is essential to provide shading during the hottest parts of the day to prevent damage to the plant.
Temperature Requirements
Manisuris altissima thrives well in warm temperatures. It requires an average temperature range of 18 to 27°C (64 to 81°F) to grow normally. The plant cannot tolerate freezing temperatures and should not be exposed to temperatures lower than 10°C (50°F). Additionally, it is necessary to keep the plant away from cold drafts, such as open windows or air conditioning vents.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Manisuris altissima (Poir.) Hitchc. should be moist and well-drained. The plant prefers a slightly acidic soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5, although it can tolerate a slightly more alkaline soil. The soil should have a high organic matter content as the plant requires excellent drainage, and organic matter helps to improve soil structure. Adding a layer of mulch or organic compost can help to maintain soil moisture and necessary nutrient levels for the plant to flourish optimally.
Cultivation methods
Manisuris altissima requires well-draining soil and a location that receives full to partial sunlight. It is suitable for growth in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11. Propagation can be done through seeds or cuttings.
Watering needs
Manisuris altissima prefers consistently moist soil. Water it deeply once a week or when the soil surface feels dry to the touch. However, avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
A balanced fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content should be applied in the early spring, just before the growing season starts. Additional feeding can be done once a month during the active growth period.
Pruning
Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring, before the plant starts its new growth cycle. Remove any dead or diseased branches and cut back any overgrown stems to promote bushier growth.
Propagation Methods for Manisuris altissima (Poir.) Hitchc.
Manisuris altissima (Poir.) Hitchc. is a perennial shrub found in parts of North America and that belongs to the Asteraceae family. The propagation of this plant can be done through four main methods, namely:
Seed Propagation
This method involves planting seeds obtained from fully matured plants typically in the spring when the soil temperature starts to warm up. The seedbed should be situated in an area that receives ample sunlight, and the soil must be kept constantly moist. Germination usually takes approximately 14-21 days after planting. Once the seeds have germinated, the seedlings can be transplanted into bigger pots or directly into the ground.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be utilized to propagate Manisuris altissima. This method involves cutting a stem segment and planting it in a rooting medium such as perlite or vermiculite. The cutting should be dipped in hormone rooting powder before placement into the rooting medium. The cutting should be placed in an area that receives adequate moisture and light, where it will form roots within approximately three weeks. The new plant can be transferred to the garden once roots have formed.
Division
The division method involves removing a mature plant from the ground and dividing it into smaller sections. Each of these sections should have both a stem and a root system. The divided sections can be planted directly into pots or directly in the garden, where they will start to grow and become new plants in their own right.
Layering
Layering is another propagation method for Manisuris altissima. This method is where a branch is bent to the ground and covered entirely with soil. Within weeks the plant will begin to grow roots. After around six months, the rooted layer can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted into the garden.
Disease Management
Manisuris altissima is prone to various fungal and bacterial diseases, which can damage the foliage and reduce yield. The common diseases that affect the plant include leaf spots, powdery mildew, anthracnose, and stem rot.
To manage fungal diseases, it is recommended to maintain proper plant spacing, avoid overhead irrigation, and prune diseased plant parts. Fungicides containing copper or sulfur can also be used to control fungal diseases. For bacterial diseases, crop rotation and removal of affected plants can prevent the spread of the disease. Applying bactericides that contain copper can also control bacterial diseases.
Pest Management
The plant can also be attacked by various insect pests, including thrips, mites, and scales. These pests can lead to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and giant spots on the fruit.
The use of sticky traps can help manage thrips and mites infestation, while the removal of infested plant parts can control scale insects. Insecticides that contain neem oil, pyrethrum, or spinosad can also control insect pests. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using pesticides to avoid over-application and environmental pollution.
