Origin
Boscia foetida Schinz subsp. rehmanniana (Pestal.) Toelken belongs to the Capparaceae family, and it is native to South Africa, particularly in the arid regions. It is commonly found in Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe as well.
Common Names
Boscia foetida Schinz subsp. rehmanniana (Pestal.) Toelken is commonly known as the 'stink-bush' because of its unpleasant odor. It is also called the Boscia tree, shepherd's tree, and wild willow.
Uses
The Boscia tree has a lot of medicinal uses attributed to it. The bark, leaves, and roots are used to make traditional medicine that is used to treat a range of ailments from headaches, toothaches, colds, to fevers. The root of the tree is believed to possess aphrodisiac qualities.
Furthermore, the leaves of Boscia foetida Schinz subsp. rehmanniana (Pestal.) Toelken are eaten as a vegetable in some African countries. The tree's wood is durable and is often used for construction and fuelwood.
General Appearance
The Boscia tree is a small evergreen tree that grows up to 6 meters high. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and have a leathery texture. The tree's flowers are small and have a pale greenish-yellow color. The fruit of the tree is a berry, and it is edible. The tree has a thick, grey-brown bark that peels off in small flakes. It has a unique odor that is not pleasant.
Boscia foetida Schinz subsp. rehmanniana (Pestal.) Toelken is a tough plant that can withstand harsh conditions, including drought. It grows well in sandy soils and rocky areas.
Light Requirements
Boscia foetida Schinz subsp. rehmanniana requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. Insufficient light may lead to stunted growth, poor foliage development, and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species is adapted to grow in warm and dry environments and can withstand high temperatures of up to 45 degrees Celsius. However, it cannot survive in extremely cold temperatures and can suffer severe damage if exposed to frost. The optimum temperature range for this plant is 20-30 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
Boscia foetida Schinz subsp. rehmanniana requires well-drained soils with a pH ranging between 6.5 and 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and fertile with good drainage properties. It can grow in various soil types, including sandy, clayey, and loamy soils. However, it cannot tolerate waterlogged soils since these can lead to root rot and ultimately death.
Cultivation Methods
Boscia foetida Schinz subsp. rehmanniana (Pestal.) Toelken is a woody shrub and can be grown from seed or cuttings. It prefers well-drained, sandy soil and does best in areas with a warm, subtropical climate. The plant needs full sun exposure for at least six hours a day and can tolerate some shade.
The shrub can grow up to three meters in height and two meters in width, making it an ideal choice for hedgerows. It is relatively easy to grow and can be propagated by collecting seeds from mature plants or by taking cuttings during the dormant period.
Watering Needs
Boscia foetida Schinz subsp. rehmanniana (Pestal.) Toelken requires moderate watering during the growing season. The plant should be watered regularly but not overwatered, as excessive moisture can cause root rot. The frequency of watering will depend on the climate and soil type, but a general rule of thumb is to water the soil to a depth of 15-20cm.
In areas with high rainfall, it is essential to ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging. During periods of drought, the shrub may need more water, especially when it is young and establishing roots.
Fertilization
The plant does not require a lot of fertilization, but it will benefit from an application of compost or organic fertilizer once a year. This will improve soil fertility and provide the necessary nutrients for the plant's growth and development. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers should be avoided, as they can cause excessive growth and reduce the plant's overall health and vigor.
It is also important to ensure that the soil pH is optimal for the plant. The shrub prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.5-7.0.
Pruning
Boscia foetida Schinz subsp. rehmanniana (Pestal.) Toelken benefits from regular pruning, which promotes healthy growth and helps to keep the plant at a manageable size. Pruning should be carried out during the dormant period, which is typically in late winter or early spring.
The plant can be pruned to shape or to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Any crossing or rubbing branches should also be removed, as these can create wounds that allow pests and diseases to enter.
When pruning, it is important to use sharp and clean pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant. The cuts should be made at a 45-degree angle just above a dormant bud or lateral branch.
Propagation of Boscia foetida Schinz subsp. rehmanniana (Pestal.) Toelken
Boscia foetida Schinz subsp. rehmanniana (Pestal.) Toelken can be propagated both by seed and cuttings.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is the most common method for Boscia foetida Schinz subsp. rehmanniana (Pestal.) Toelken.
Seeds are collected from ripe fruits, which are typically harvested between March and June. The seeds are then extracted from the fruit and dried in the shade for a few days.
After drying, the seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place until ready to plant. They should be soaked in water for 24-48 hours prior to sowing to improve germination rates.
Seeds can be sowed directly in the ground or in pots filled with well-draining soil. They should be planted at a depth of approximately 1-2 cm and watered regularly until they germinate.
Propagation by Cuttings
Boscia foetida Schinz subsp. rehmanniana (Pestal.) Toelken can also be propagated by cuttings.
Softwood cuttings can be taken in the spring from young, healthy shoots. The cuttings should be approximately 10-20 cm in length and taken from the tips of the branches.
The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone to promote root growth.
The cuttings can then be planted in a well-draining soil mix in a pot or tray. They should be watered regularly and kept in a warm, humid environment until they have rooted and can be planted in their permanent location.
Disease Management
Boscia foetida Schinz subsp. rehmanniana (Pestal.) Toelken is a hardy and resilient plant, but it is not immune to diseases. Here are some common diseases that may affect the plant and how to manage them:
Fungal Diseases
The most common fungal diseases that affect Boscia foetida Schinz subsp. rehmanniana are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and root rot. Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery film on the leaves, while leaf spot causes dark spots on the leaves, which eventually turn yellow, and root rot causes the roots to rot and the plant to wilt.
To manage fungal diseases, prune away affected leaves, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and use a fungicide to control the spread of the disease. Good sanitation practices also help prevent fungal diseases. Dispose of any diseased foliage and avoid wetting the leaves when watering.
Bacterial Diseases
The most common bacterial disease that affects Boscia foetida Schinz subsp. rehmanniana is crown gall. Crown gall is a bacterial disease that causes the formation of large, swollen growths on the stems and roots of the plant.
To manage crown gall, remove infected plants and destroy them immediately, as there is no cure for this disease. Avoid planting new plants in the same area where infected plants were removed, as the disease can persist in the soil.
Pest Management
Boscia foetida Schinz subsp. rehmanniana is also susceptible to pest attacks. The most common pests that may attack this plant are:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant and produce a sticky substance (honeydew) that attracts other insects and promotes the growth of sooty mold. Look for curling leaves and distorted growth, which are signs of aphid infestation.
To manage aphids, use a strong jet of water to wash them off the plant, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, white insects that look like cotton and cluster on the stems and leaves of the plant. Mealybug infestation causes yellowing of the leaves and stunts the growth of the plant.
To manage mealybugs, use a cotton swab or a brush dipped in rubbing alcohol to manually remove them from the plant. Alternatively, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population.
Regularly inspecting and monitoring Boscia foetida Schinz subsp. rehmanniana can help detect disease and pest infestations early, leading to prompt treatment and management.
