Red milkwood
Manilkara discolorfam. Sapotaceae
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Pl. C6B0 — Manilkara discolor
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IOverview
Overview
Red milkwood (Manilkara discolor) is a tree native to Kenya, KwaZulu-Natal, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Known for its ornamental value and edibility, this tree thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate dry to moist conditions, making it adaptable to various soil types including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). It grows up to 20 meters tall and is valued for its fruit, which is edible. Its distinctive feature includes the milky sap that exudes from cuts in the bark, giving it the name "milkwood."
Quick answers
What is Red milkwood?
Red milkwood (Manilkara discolor) is a tree native to Kenya, KwaZulu-Natal, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Red milkwood thrives in full to partial sun and prefers well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought-tolerant but will benefit from moist conditions. The plant grows best in zones 10-12 and can reach a height of 20 meters. For propagation, use seeds or cuttings. Harvest the fruit for edible purposes.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
20.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Red milkwood for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance tree that can thrive in various conditions.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Red milkwood sapling and some basic gardening tools like a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant the sapling during the rainy season for better water absorption.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining, with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay soils. For containers, use a potting mix suitable for trees.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling into a prepared hole that's slightly larger than its root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the tree regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight for the first few days.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade, and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize once a year in spring with organic compost.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young branches to shape the tree and remove any dead or diseased parts as needed.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of the red milkwood (Manilkara discolor) is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. It is often consumed fresh but can also be dried for later use. Skip
Other uses:Fire startertextilesLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
6 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
6 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 6 native
Africa5 regions
native (5)KenyaMalawiMozambiqueTanzaniaZimbabwe
Broader regions
native:KwaZulu-Natal
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Sapotaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Sapotaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
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