Bulletwood (Manilkara bidentata, Rev. Bot. Appl. Agric. Trop. 12: 270 (1932))

Family: Sapotaceae

Author: (A.DC.) A.Chev.

Bibliography: Rev. Bot. Appl. Agric. Trop. 12: 270 (1932)

Year: 1932

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Manilkara

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. America

Description

The Bulletwood tree, scientifically known as Manilkara bidentata, is a significant species belonging to the Sapotaceae family. Native to tropical America, this majestic tree is known for its hardiness and dense, durable wood, which has earned it the common name “Bulletwood,” alluding to its toughness.

First described by the renowned botanist A.DC. and later categorized by A.Chev., the Bulletwood tree was meticulously detailed in the botanical literature “Rev. Bot. Appl. Agric. Trop.” in 1932. This authoritative documentation laid the groundwork for understanding the ecological and practical importance of Manilkara bidentata.

Recognized for its impressive stature, the Bulletwood tree typically thrives in the lush, humid environments of tropical America, where it plays an essential role in both the natural ecosystem and local economies. The tree’s wood, characterized by its extreme hardness and resistance to wear, is highly prized in woodworking and construction industries. This makes it a valuable resource for creating durable furniture, flooring, and even tool handles.

Moreover, the Bulletwood tree also offers various ecological benefits. It provides habitat and food for numerous wildlife species, contributing to biodiversity. With its robust root system, the tree helps prevent soil erosion and maintains soil health, thus supporting sustainable land management practices.

In addition to its practical uses, the Bulletwood tree has cultural significance in many tropical American societies. Traditionally, parts of the tree have been used in indigenous medicine, showcasing the species’ versatility and importance beyond its timber value.

Understanding the full potential of Manilkara bidentata necessitates further study and conservation efforts, as this resilient tree continues to be a crucial component of tropical American landscapes. By appreciating and preserving the Bulletwood tree, we honor its myriad contributions to both nature and human welfare.

Common Names

Swe: balata
Eng: bulletwood
En: Bulletwood
Sv: Balata

Synonyms

• Mimusops bidentata (A.DC.)

Distribution

• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Giacomo Sellan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 21, 2022 by Giacomo Sellan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2021 by Lisa Moreno (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 14, 2021 by Lisa Moreno (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2003 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 4, 2020 by Minelly sandro (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 3, 2013 by J.-L. Smock (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 3, 2013 by J.-L. Smock (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 3, 2013 by J.-L. Smock (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 3, 2013 by J.-L. Smock (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 3, 2013 by J.-L. Smock (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 8, 2013 by Jean-François Molino (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 3, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 3, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 3, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2013 by R. Tournebize (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2885366)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1032531-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Manilkara bidentata (A.DC.) A.Chev.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Single Stem

Growth habit>: Tree

Growth rate>: Slow

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.8

Ph minimum: 4.6