Manilkara Hexandra Seeds Supplier

A small evergreen tree found abundantly in the forests towards the Godavari where it is associated with Satin wood. Ebony, Hardwickia binata. Buchanania angustifolia. It is only a shrub in dry area. Identified by deeply furrowed blackish grey bark and exudation of drops of milky juice. It preferes sandy loam and lime soils.

Morphology of the Fruit/Seed : Berry about 1.5 to 3 cms long, reddish yellow when ripe, ovoid or ellipsoid. Seed solitary, 1.0 to 1.5 cms long, ovoid, reddish brown and shining.

Seed Collection and Storage : The seeds are generally collected from April to June. After collection, the seeds are washed to remove the pulp and then dried. Seeds lose viability on storage for more than 6 to 8 months.

Pretreatment : Soaking in cold water for 24 hours.

Nursery Technique : The seeds are sown in polythene bags in July to August and watered. The seedlings when one or two years old may be planted out with root system intact. The species is also reported to propogate by grafting and budding.

Flowering : White or pale yellow flowers appear in November to January.