Description
Manilkara hexandra is a native tree to much of the Indian subcontinent. Manilkara hexandra is a slow-growing but fairly large evergreen species. It grows in tropical and temperate forests. The tree typically attains some 12 to 25 metres tall and one to three metres in trunk circumference. The bark is grayish and rough.
The wood is hard, durable, and heavy; the density is variously reported as ranging from about 0.83 to 1.08 tonnes per cubic metre, partly depending on the degree of drying. It is used for heavy structural work, gate posts, and big beams. but also is used for turning and carpentry in spite of the difficulties of working with such dense wood.
It is used as rootstock for Manilkara zapota, and its own fruit is edible.
Germination Guide
🌍 Indian subcontinent (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka) and Indo-China (Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam)
Moderate
Manilkara hexandra, commonly known as Khirni, is a slow-growing, commercially and medicinally important evergreen tree native to the Indian subcontinent and Indo-China regions. The species exhibits poor seed germination due to a hard seed coat, but pre-sowing treatments with gibberellic acid and other chemical regulators significantly improve germination rates and seedling vigor. Seeds typically germinate within 25-35 days when given appropriate pre-treatment and sown in well-prepared soil.
Germination
Germination time
Expect germination in
25 – 35 days
Temperature
Min 10°C
Ideal 25°C
Max 38°C
Substrate moisture
💧 Medium
Sowing depth
Lightly covered
Seed Pre-treatment
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💧
Soaking — 36 hours
Soak seeds in distilled water, GA3 (100-300 ppm), thiourea (1-2%), or potassium nitrate (1-2%) for 36 hours. Alternatively, soak in warm water for 3-5 days, changing water daily
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🔨
Mechanical scarification
Mechanical scarification is recommended as an alternative method to improve seed coat permeability
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📋
Additional notes
GA3 at 100 ppm resulted in high germination percentage, germination index, and peak value. GA3 at 200-300 ppm showed highest mean daily germination, vigor, and germination energy. KNO3 2% resulted in earliest seedling emergence. Cow dung slurry and cow urine also effective
Substrate & Container
Recommended substrate
solo com matéria orgânica
Recommended container
polyethylene bags
Growing Tips
Use fresh seeds for better germination rates. Pre-treatment with GA3 (100-300 ppm) is highly recommended to overcome seed dormancy. For best results, sow in June-July in well-draining loamy or sandy soil enriched with organic matter. Seeds should be lightly covered and kept at moderate moisture. Transplant seedlings into polyethylene bags to avoid root damage. Provide partial shade during initial growth and ensure regular watering but avoid waterlogging. The tree tolerates temperatures from 10-38°C and drought conditions, making it suitable for tropical and semi-arid regions
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