Contents
Description
Cerbera Manghas, commonly known as the sea mango or pong-pong, is a tropical plant native to the Indian Ocean region. It belongs to the family Apocynaceae and is well-known for its beautiful white flowers and toxic properties. The plant can grow up to 8 meters tall and has a broad, spreading crown. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, with a leathery texture. Cerbera Manghas produces small, round fruits that resemble mangoes. However, these fruits are highly toxic and should not be consumed.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Cerbera |
Appearance
Cerbera Manghas is a large, evergreen tree with a broad, spreading crown. Its bark is gray and smooth, and its leaves are dark green and glossy, with a leathery texture. The plant produces beautiful white flowers with a sweet fragrance. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and have five petals. The fruit of Cerbera Manghas is small, round, and green when unripe, turning yellow or orange when ripe. However, the fruit is highly toxic and should not be consumed.
Care Guide
Cerbera Manghas requires moderate care to grow healthy and beautiful. Here are some tips to care for this plant:
Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Soil: Cerbera Manghas prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a mixture of peat moss, sand, and loam to create a suitable growing medium.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. Place it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: Cerbera Manghas is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cerbera Manghas is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:
Pests: Scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites can infest the plant, causing yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. Treat the plant with a suitable insecticide to control these pests.
Diseases: Cerbera Manghas is prone to fungal diseases, such as leaf spot and root rot. These diseases can cause wilting of leaves and eventual death of the plant. Remove infected plant parts and treat the plant with a suitable fungicide to control these diseases.
Habitat
Cerbera Manghas is native to the Indian Ocean region, including India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. The plant prefers coastal areas and can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. Cerbera Manghas is commonly found near beaches and mangrove swamps.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cerbera Manghas toxic?
A: Yes, Cerbera Manghas is highly toxic, especially its fruit. The fruit contains a potent cardiac glycoside that can cause death if ingested.
Q: How big can Cerbera Manghas grow?
A: Cerbera Manghas can grow up to 8 meters tall and has a broad, spreading crown.
Q: What is the best soil mix for Cerbera Manghas?
A: Cerbera Manghas prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a mixture of peat moss, sand, and loam to create a suitable growing medium.
Q: How often should I fertilize Cerbera Manghas?
A: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Related Plants
Here are some plants related to Cerbera Manghas:
- Cerbera Odollam
- Thevetia Peruviana
- Nerium Oleander
- Adenium Obesum
References
- “Cerbera manghas.” Floridata. Accessed July 20, 2021. https://floridata.com/plant/768.
- “Cerbera manghas.” Plantz Africa. Accessed July 20, 2021. http://pza.sanbi.org/cerbera-manghas.
- “Cerbera manghas.” World Agroforestry. Accessed July 20, 2021. https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb2/AFTPDFS/Cerbera_manghas.pdf.
