Origin
Mimusops lacera Baker var. newtonii Engl., commonly known as Newton's milkwood, is a species of evergreen tree in the Sapotaceae family. The tree is native to eastern and southern Africa, specifically Tanzania, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
Common names
Newton's milkwood is commonly known by various names across the regions where it grows. Its common names include Newton's green milkwood, Newton's green mahogany, green milkwood, African milkwood, and mvunja/dovya in Swahili.
Uses
Newton's milkwood has a variety of uses in African traditional medicine. Its bark, leaves, and fruits are used to treat various ailments such as stomach issues, fever, and respiratory conditions. The plant is also used in the construction of canoes and furniture due to its durable and strong wood.
General appearance
Newton's milkwood is a medium to large-sized tree that can grow up to 25 meters tall. The tree has an irregular, rounded crown and a smooth, grey-brown bark. Its leaves are glossy, elongated, and dark green. The tree produces small, white, fragrant flowers and round, orange fruits that are edible but sour-tasting.
Light Requirements
Mimusops lacera Baker var. newtonii Engl. is a slow-growing evergreen tree that thrives in full sun to partial shade. Generally, it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow optimally.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, making it adaptable to various regions. However, it prefers warm tropical to subtropical climates, with average temperatures ranging between 20 and 35 °C. The minimum temperature that the tree can survive is approximately 10 °C.
Soil Requirements
Mimusops lacera Baker var. newtonii Engl. prefers well-drained, loamy or sandy soils rich in organic matter. The optimal soil pH for growth is between 6.0 and 7.0. The tree can grow in acidic soils but might not grow as vigorously as it would prefer.
Good drainage is a critical requirement since the tree is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soils. Additionally, the soil must retain enough moisture to sustain growth. Mulching is also beneficial for the tree as it can help retain moisture and provide the tree with organic matter as it decomposes.
Cultivation Methods
Mimusops lacera Baker var. newtonii Engl. is a small tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall. It prefers a sunny or partially shaded location with well-draining soil. It can thrive in acidic, neutral, or alkaline soil but prefers a soil pH of 6.5-7.5. The plant needs protection from strong winds, so planting it in a sheltered area is advisable.
The tree propagates easily from seeds, which should be soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing. It can also be propagated from cuttings taken at the beginning of the rainy season, which should be treated with rooting hormone before planting. The plant grows slowly, and it can take up to three years to reach a height of one meter.
Watering Needs
Mimusops lacera Baker var. newtonii Engl. requires moderate watering. It needs to be watered regularly during the dry season, but the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly before being watered again. Over-watering can cause root rot, so it's essential to ensure that the soil drains well to avoid waterlogging. Watering should reduce during the rainy season as the tree can absorb enough moisture from the rainfall.
Fertilization
The tree should be fertilized annually during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer that contains equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The amount of fertilizer needed depends on the age and size of the tree. For young trees, a handful of fertilizer should be applied to the base of the tree, and it should be watered thoroughly. For mature trees, the fertilizer application should be increased to two to three handfuls spread evenly around the tree's canopy.
Pruning
Mimusops lacera Baker var. newtonii Engl. does not require heavy pruning, but regular pruning can help to shape it and maintain its size. Pruning should be done during the dry season to enable the wounds to heal faster. Dead, damaged, and diseased branches should be pruned off immediately, regardless of the season. It's best to cut these branches back to the nearest healthy branch or to the trunk. The tree should not be pruned heavily as this can induce new growth that may be susceptible to pests and diseases.
Propagation of Mimusops Lacera Baker Var. Newtonii Engl.
Mimusops lacera Baker var. newtonii Engl. plant can be propagated through several methods. These methods include:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is probably the easiest and most common method for propagating Mimusops lacera Baker var. newtonii Engl. seeds. Collect mature seeds from the plant and clean them thoroughly. Sow the seeds in a seed-starting mix and provide a suitable environment to germinate. Keep the soil moist and exposed to bright light but not direct sunlight. Germination can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a manageable size, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Cuttings Propagation
Another way to propagate Mimusops lacera Baker var. newtonii Engl. is through cuttings. Cut off a mature stem from the parent plant just below a node using a sharp, sterile knife. Strip the stem of leaves, leaving only the top leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a pot or rooting tray with moist soil and keep the soil moist. Once the cutting roots have developed, transplant it to its permanent location.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering propagation is a method that uses the parent plant's stem to produce roots. It is a simple process, and it usually yields a high success rate. Air layering involves slicing off a section of the bark on a mature stem and packing the exposed stem part with moist sphagnum moss. Then, wrap it in plastic to hold the moss in place. Make sure that there is a space where the stem is exposed to the air. Roots will soon emerge from the stem region where the bark has been removed. After about a month, remove the plastic and transfer the young plant to a pot or permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Mimusops lacera Baker var. newtonii Engl.
Mimusops lacera Baker var. newtonii Engl., commonly known as Newton's green milkwood, is a tropical African tree species that belongs to the Sapotaceae family. Like all plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause significant damage if not managed. Therefore, it is essential to understand the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Mimusops lacera Baker var. newtonii Engl. is powdery mildew, caused by fungi such as Oidium sp. and Erysiphe sp. This disease appears as a white or grayish powdery coating on leaves and stems, leading to yellowing, wilting, and premature leaf drop. To manage powdery mildew, it's recommended to prune off the infected parts and avoid overhead watering to reduce humidity levels. Fungicides such as sulfur and neem oil can also be applied as preventive measures.
Another disease that affects Mimusops lacera Baker var. newtonii Engl. is root rot, caused by soil-borne fungi such as Phytophthora and Pythium. This disease causes yellowing, wilting, and death of the plant, mainly due to poor drainage or overwatering. To prevent root rot, ensure proper drainage and avoid waterlogged soil. Adjusting soil pH and applying fungicides can also help manage root rot.
Common Pests
Mealybugs are common pests that attack Mimusops lacera Baker var. newtonii Engl., sucking the sap out of leaves and stems and causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. These pests also secrete honeydew, attracting ants and encouraging fungal growth. To manage mealybugs, prune off infested parts, and wash the plant with soapy water. Insecticidal soaps or neem oil can also be used as natural control measures.
The whitefly is another pest that affects Mimusops lacera Baker var. newtonii Engl., causing yellowing, wilting, and leaf drop. These pests feed on the undersides of leaves, causing damage to the plant's photosynthetic ability. To manage whiteflies, prune off infested parts, and spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encouraging natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can also help control whiteflies.
In conclusion, disease and pest management is crucial to ensure the healthy growth and development of Mimusops lacera Baker var. newtonii Engl. Vigilance, prevention, and early detection are essential in managing any diseases and pests effectively. By following these techniques and other recommended management practices, you can protect your plant from the damage caused by diseases and pests.
