Manilkara bidentata
TAXONOMY
FamilySapotaceae
GenusManilkara
Zone10
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Manilkara bidentata, commonly known as bulletwood or balata, is a tropical tree native to the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America. It belongs to the Sapotaceae family and is known for its hard, durable wood and edible fruit. The tree thrives in wet tropical climates and can grow up to 30 meters tall.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Bulletwood
Manilkara bidentata var. cruegeri
Mimusops balata
Mimusops balata var. sieberi
Mimusops bidentata
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterVery Wet
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (8 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity80%
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Manilkara bidentata requires bright, direct sunlight and thrives in warm, humid conditions. It prefers consistently wet soil and should be watered regularly to maintain moisture. The tree grows best in moderate to high temperatures and high humidity levels.Soil
The tree prefers loamy soil that is rich in organic matter and well-draining. It can tolerate a range of soil pH levels but thrives best in slightly acidic to neutral soil. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilize the tree during the growing season to support its growth and fruit production. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and frequency.Repotting
Repot young trees every 2-3 years to provide fresh soil and adequate space for root growth. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and ensure it has good drainage. Carefully remove the tree from its current pot, place it in the new pot, and fill with fresh soil.Propagation
Manilkara bidentata can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. For seed propagation, plant seeds in a well-draining soil mix and keep them moist. For cuttings, take semi-hardwood cuttings and root them in a moist, well-draining medium. Propagate during the growing season for best results.Pruning
Prune the tree to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased branches. Pruning can be done during the dormant season or after the fruiting period. Use clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts and avoid damaging the tree.Toxicity
Manilkara bidentata is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, as with any plant, it is advisable to keep it out of reach of pets and children to prevent accidental ingestion of any plant parts.Additional
Manilkara bidentata is valued for its hard, durable wood, which is used in construction and furniture making. The tree also produces a latex called balata, which has been used as a natural rubber substitute. The fruit is edible and can be consumed fresh or used in various culinary applications.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
