Overview:
Boscia viridiflava Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is a deciduous shrub belonging to the family Capparaceae. The plant is known for its aromatic leaves and beautiful white flowers, which attract various insects and birds. It is native to sub-Saharan Africa and is found growing in dry regions of countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, and Tanzania.
Common Names:
Boscia viridiflava is commonly known as African wild olive, green-flowered boscia, and mukilanyoni.
Uses:
The plant has several traditional medicinal uses such as treating fever, diarrhea, and stomach ailments. The leaves and bark of the plant have been found to have antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. The seeds of Boscia viridiflava are also used as a source of oil for cooking and lamp fuel.
Appearance:
The plant can grow up to 8 meters tall and has a rounded, spreading habit. It has a greyish-brown bark, which is smooth and flaky. The leaves are shiny, smooth, and lance-shaped, measuring about 4-12 cm in length. The plant produces small white flowers, which are about 1 cm in diameter. The fruits are spherical, greenish-yellow, and ripen to yellow or orange when mature.
Light Requirements
Boscia viridiflava Gilg & Gilg-Ben. prefers a bright and sunny location, ideally getting full exposure to sunlight. The plant requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow healthily. However, it can also tolerate partial shade, although this will affect its growth rate and flowering ability.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions and prefers a warm and humid climate. It does well in temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F). The minimum temperature range for Boscia viridiflava Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is 15°C (59°F), and it could experience frost damage at lower temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Boscia viridiflava Gilg & Gilg-Ben. grows best on well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water retention capacity. Sandy loam soil with a pH range of 6 to 7 is ideal for the plant. It can also grow in loamy or clay soils but may require additional amendment to improve drainage.
Cultivation methods
Boscia viridiflava Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is a drought-tolerant plant that grows well in well-draining, sandy or loamy soils. It prefers full sunlight exposure and temperatures ranging from 20 to 28°C.
The plant can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. For best results, sow the seeds in early spring in seedbeds and transplant them into the garden after six months, or when they are 15cm tall. Stem cuttings should be taken in early summer, dipped in rooting hormone, and placed in a prepared potting mix. Keep the soil moist until roots develop.
Watering needs
Boscia viridiflava Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is a drought-resistant plant that does not require frequent watering. However, during extended periods of dryness, water the plant, so the soil is evenly moist. Water the plant at the base to avoid getting the leaves wet, which can cause fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Boscia viridiflava Gilg & Gilg-Ben. does not require regular fertilization. However, you can add compost or organic fertilizer in spring to improve soil fertility. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can cause excessive growth, which is detrimental to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning should be limited to removing dead and diseased branches. Use sterilized pruning shears to avoid spreading diseases. Avoid significant pruning as it can cause the plant to develop multiple stems, which is not desirable. Mature plants tend to develop a pleasing natural shape, which should be left undisturbed.
Propagation of Boscia viridiflava Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
Boscia viridiflava Gilg & Gilg-Ben. can be propagated using several methods. The following are some ways:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Boscia viridiflava Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is through seed propagation. The seeds should be collected from ripe fruits and sown in the autumn or winter season. The seeds are generally small and should be sown in a seedbed, which should be well-drained and fertile. Germination takes place within 2-3 weeks after sowing, and the seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent positions after six months of growth.
Cutting Propagation
Boscia viridiflava Gilg & Gilg-Ben. can also be propagated using cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth, and they should be treated with rooting hormones before being planted. The cuttings should be planted in a well-drained and moist soil mix, and they should be kept in a shady area until roots are formed.
Air-Layering Propagation
Air-layering is another method of propagation that can be used for Boscia viridiflava Gilg & Gilg-Ben. In this method, a portion of bark is removed from a branch, and a moist medium such as sphagnum moss is wrapped around the exposed area. When roots have formed, the branch can be cut off and planted in a suitable growing medium.
Regardless of the propagation method used for Boscia viridiflava Gilg & Gilg-Ben., it is essential to ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil and is watered regularly. With proper care, the plant can establish quickly and grow into a healthy and mature specimen.
Disease and Pest Management for Boscia viridiflava Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
Boscia viridiflava Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is generally a resilient plant and relatively free from diseases and pests. However, certain environmental conditions, poor plant management, and natural factors can lead to disease and pest outbreaks in the plant. Being familiar with the common diseases and pests that attack Boscia viridiflava and implementing the right management strategies is essential in ensuring the plants stay healthy and productive.
Common Diseases that Affect Boscia viridiflava Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
Some of the common diseases that affect Boscia viridiflava Gilg & Gilg-Ben. include leaf spot, powdery mildew, root rot, and wilt.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease characterized by small, circular spots on the leaves. The disease leads to yellowing and premature shedding of leaves, affecting the plant's growth and productivity. Managing leaf spot entails removing the affected leaves, improving air circulation, and watering the plant from the base to prevent splashing of water on the leaves.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that manifests as a whitish-gray powdery layer on the leaves. The disease weakens the plants and reduces their growth and productivity. To manage powdery mildew, prune infected leaves, increase air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides.
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that occurs due to overwatering, poorly drained soils, and fungal infections. The disease affects the plant's roots, causing rotting and shedding of leaves. To manage root rot, limit watering to well-drained soils, avoid overwatering, and apply fungicides.
Wilt: Wilt is a bacterial infection that affects the plant's stems, causing them to wilt and dry up. The disease is spread through insects and contaminated soil. To manage wilt, remove and destroy infected plants, practice crop rotation, and apply insecticides.
Common Pests that Affect Boscia viridiflava Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
Common pests that attack Boscia viridiflava Gilg & Gilg-Ben. include aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs.
Aphids: Aphids are sap-sucking insects that infest the plant's stems and leaves, causing curling and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, prune affected leaves, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, and introduce natural predators such as ladybirds and lacewings.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that infest the plant's leaves, causing yellowing and wrinkling of leaves. The pests reproduce rapidly, leading to massive infestations and damage to the plant. To manage spider mites, increase humidity levels, introduce natural predators, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, and remove severely affected leaves.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that infest the plant's leaves and stems, causing wilting and stunted growth. They produce a cotton-like substance that covers the affected parts, making it easy to spot them. To manage mealybugs, prune affected parts, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, introduce natural predators, and improve air circulation.
