Origin
Boscia xylophylla Gilg is a plant species that belongs to the family of Capparaceae. This plant species is native to the African continent and is commonly found in arid regions such as Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, and Kenya.
Common Names
Boscia xylophylla Gilg is commonly known as the African wild olive or desert date tree. In Ethiopia, it is known as "Buksa" in Amharic, while in Somalia, it is referred to as "Geed lagataan" in Somali.
Uses
The African wild olive tree has various uses. The locals use the plant's leaves to make a herbal tea that helps with fever, stomach pain, and coughs. The tree's fruit is edible and is used to produce juices and jams. The tree's wood is used to make furniture, fuel, and even musical instruments. Additionally, the tree is known to have excellent soil conservation properties, making it useful in reforestation and erosion control efforts.
General Appearance
The African wild olive tree is a small to medium-sized tree that can reach up to 15 meters in height. The tree has a single or multiple trunks, and its bark is rough and grayish-brown. The leaves grow in clusters at the tips of the branches, and their shape is oblong or elliptic, with a leathery texture. The tree's white or greenish flowers bloom from December to February, and its fruits, which appear in early summer, are round and turn from green to orange-brown when ripe.
Light Requirements
Boscia xylophylla Gilg requires plenty of direct sunlight to grow correctly. You should plant it in an area with open sunlight. Not receiving enough sunlight could cause the plant to wilt and die earlier than expected.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in hot and dry conditions, mostly in arid and semi-arid regions. It can tolerate high temperatures of up to 40°C but may suffer under extreme cold environments. Ideal temperatures for its growth range between 20°C to 35°C.
Soil Requirements
Boscia xylophylla Gilg prospers in well-draining soils with low fertility. The soil should be free of rocks and have a sandy texture. Clay soils are not ideal for the plant as they tend to store a lot of moisture, which may lead to root rot. Soil pH should range between 6.0-8.5.
Cultivation of Boscia xylophylla Gilg
Boscia xylophylla Gilg, also known as African wild custard apple, is a small tree that requires full sun for proper growth. It can be grown in a variety of soils but prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soil. Before planting, the soil should be prepared by adding compost, sand, and organic matter to improve fertility and drainage.
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Boscia xylophylla Gilg is 20-35°C. It is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive in arid and semi-arid regions, but some irrigation is necessary to improve its growth rate.
Watering Needs
Although Boscia xylophylla Gilg is a drought-tolerant plant, it still requires regular watering. During the growing season, water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. It is essential to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
In the winter season, reduce the frequency of watering, especially if the weather is cold and humid. It is advisable to check the soil before watering to ensure it is dry to a depth of at least two inches.
Fertilization
Boscia xylophylla Gilg benefits from regular fertilizer applications to support its growth and development. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season, from late winter to early autumn. The fertilizer should be high in phosphorus and potassium, as these elements promote flower and fruit development.
Avoid overfertilization, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowers and fruits. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizer.
Pruning
Pruning Boscia xylophylla Gilg is necessary to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. It is best to prune the plant during the dormant season, i.e., late winter or early spring, before the onset of the growing season.
The pruning should be done selectively, removing dead, diseased, or damaged branches. It is also advisable to remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Pruning should be done using clean and sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant and spreading diseases.
Regular pruning not only improves the appearance of the plant but also ensures proper air circulation and sunlight penetration, reducing the risk of diseases.
Propagation of Boscia xylophylla Gilg
Boscia xylophylla Gilg is a hardy shrub that thrives in arid and semi-arid regions of Africa. It is commonly known as the African wild olive and is highly valued for its medicinal properties.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Boscia xylophylla Gilg can be done by seeds. Seeds should be allowed to dry for a few weeks before sowing. This improves their germination rate. Seeds are generally sown in spring or early summer. It is best to sow them directly in the ground, as Boscia xylophylla Gilg has deep taproots and does not transplant well. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and watered regularly. Germination can take up to 6 weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Boscia xylophylla Gilg can also be propagated by cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings are taken in summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from new growth that is still green but has started to harden. Cuttings should be 10-15cm long and should be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting. Cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil and kept moist until roots have formed. This can take up to 6 weeks.
Suckers Propagation
Boscia xylophylla Gilg can propagate itself through suckers. These are shoots that emerge from the base of the plant. These suckers can be gently removed and replanted in well-draining soil. They should be watered regularly until established.
Disease and Pest Management of Boscia xylophylla Gilg
Boscia xylophylla Gilg, commonly known as the sausage tree, is a drought-resistant and hardy tree that grows best in arid regions. However, even with its hardiness, the tree is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can significantly impact its health and yield.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases affecting Boscia xylophylla Gilg is Fusarium wilt. The fungal disease infects the tree's vascular tissue, causing wilting, yellowing of leaves, and eventual death of the plant. Root rot is another disease attributed to overwatering and poor drainage, causing brown and mushy roots that eventually lead to the death of the tree. Anthracnose is also a prevalent disease affecting the tree's fruits, causing dark sunken spots on the fruit's surface that may lead to its premature falling.
Disease Management
Management of the diseases affecting Boscia xylophylla Gilg involves various methods, including cultural practices, biological, and chemical control. Sanitation practices, such as removing the affected plant parts, can prevent the spread of the fungal spores from a single infected tree to the rest. Regular pruning can also improve air circulation, reducing humidity, and creating a conducive environment for healthy growth. For chemical control, the use of fungicides like copper, chlorothalonil, and carbendazim can help control the spread of diseases.
Common Pests
The common pests affecting Boscia xylophylla Gilg include mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. Mealybugs feed on the tree's sap, causing yellowing and deformation of leaves and fruits. Aphids, on the other hand, suck sap from the leaves, excreting a sticky substance that encourages sooty mold growth. Spider mites feed on the tree's foliage, causing leaves to yellow and eventually fall off.
Pest Management
Pest management on Boscia xylophylla Gilg involves measures such as mechanical, cultural, and chemical control. For mechanical control, washing the affected plant parts with water can help dislodge the pests and their eggs actively. Cultural controls such as intercropping with companion plants that repel pests and providing adequate watering and fertilization to encourage plant vigor can reduce pest infestation. Chemical control involves the use of insecticides such as neem oil, pyrethrin or imidacloprid, and acaricides like dicofol can help control pest populations.
In conclusion, every plant is susceptible to diseases and pests, and Boscia xylophylla Gilg is not an exception. However, with timely and effective disease and pest management, it is possible to prevent and manage the diseases and pests that can negatively impact the growth, yield, and overall health of the tree.
