Plant Description:
Capparis djurica Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Capparaceae. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 6 meters tall and 4 meters wide. The plant's stem and branches have light-brown rough bark and are covered with small thorns. The leaves are arranged alternately, and their shape varies from obovate to elliptical. The size of leaves ranges from 6-15 cm long and 3-8 cm wide. They have a glossy surface, and their color is light green. The plant produces white flowers with yellow stamens that emerge from buds. The fruit of Capparis djurica is a green capsule that is elongated, slender, and 4-7 cm long. The seeds are small, dark, and kidney-shaped.
Plant Origin and Common Names:
Capparis djurica Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is native to Ethiopia, especially in the northern and central regions. It is commonly found in dry forests, wooded grasslands, and river banks. The plant is known by several local names such as "Egota" in Amharic and "Aaloo" in Oromifa.
Plant Uses:
Capparis djurica Gilg & Gilg-Ben. has several uses, especially in traditional medicine. The roots, bark, and leaves of the plant are used to treat several diseases such as fever, diarrhea, coughs, and skin infections. The plant's fruit is also edible, and it is used to make a condiment called "Ethiopian mustard." The plant is used for soil conservation to prevent soil erosion in Ethiopia.
Growth conditions for Capparis djurica Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
Capparis djurica Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is a tropical plant species that grows naturally in various African countries such as Cameroon, Uganda, and Tanzania. The plant has several growth requirements that must be met for it to thrive and produce healthy fruits. These growth conditions include:
Light requirements
Capparis djurica Gilg & Gilg-Ben. requires moderate to high light intensity to support its growth and development. The plant prefers full sunlight exposure for at least six to eight hours daily. Therefore, it is recommended to grow the plant in an open field with direct sunlight exposure and minimal shading from nearby trees or structures. However, excessive sunlight exposure can lead to sunscorching and drying out of the leaves and fruits.
Temperature requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures that range between 20°C to 35°C. It cannot tolerate extreme cold temperatures below 10°C, which can lead to stunted growth and poor fruit production. Therefore, it is recommended to grow the plant in areas with warm and humid climatic conditions such as tropical rainforests or coastal regions.
Soil requirements
Capparis djurica Gilg & Gilg-Ben. grows well in loamy or sandy soils that are well-drained and rich in organic matter. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soils, which can lead to root rot and poor growth. Therefore, it is recommended to grow the plant in well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should also be regularly fertilized with organic or inorganic fertilizers to support the plant's nutritional requirements.
Cultivation Methods
Capparis djurica Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is a hardy plant that can withstand a broad range of temperatures, from hot to mild. It grows well in both sandy and loamy soil types and can prosper in well-drained soils in areas with high humidity. The plant requires a considerable amount of sunlight to thrive; therefore, planting it in open fields with direct sunlight is recommended.
During planting, ensure that the soil is tilled well and has enough nutrients. Root planting is the ideal method of planting this plant variety, and it should take place during the rainy season. Seeds usually take more time to germinate, and this could delay the growth of the plant.
Watering Needs
Once planted, the plant requires regular watering until it stabilizes, after that, it can tolerate periods of drought. Overwatering could lead to the plant experiencing root rot, resulting in reduced growth of the plant. Watering should be done twice or thrice a week, depending on the climate and weather conditions.
Fertilization
Being a hardy plant, Capparis djurica Gilg & Gilg-Ben. does not require much in fertilization. However, with the application of appropriate fertilizer in the planting holes during planting, the growth of the plant can be significantly enhanced. Organic manure is instrumental in the development of the plant and can accelerate its growth rate, produce higher yields, and improve the quality of the fruits.
Pruning
Regular pruning of the plant is essential to keep it healthy and stimulate new growth. Pruning should be done during the dry season by scraping off the old branches and clipping dead limbs. This process encourages the growth of new shoots, thereby increasing the yield of the plant. It is essential to ensure that the plant is not overpruned as this could lead to a reduction in yield.
Propagation of Capparis djurica Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
Capparis djurica Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is a plant native to East Africa. It belongs to the family Capparaceae and is commonly known as the Djurica caper bush. Propagation of this plant is possible through various methods which include:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Capparis djurica Gilg & Gilg-Ben. through seed is a common method. The seeds should be collected from ripe fruits and cleaned. The cleaned seeds can then be sown in well-drained soil with adequate moisture content. It is necessary to cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep them moist until germination.
Softwood Cutting Propagation
Propagation of Capparis djurica Gilg & Gilg-Ben. through softwood cuttings is also an effective method. Cuttings should be taken during the early spring when the plant is actively growing. A four to six-inch cutting is recommended, and it must be free of any pests or diseases. Cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in well-drained soil. The soil should remain moist, and the cuttings should be protected from direct sunlight. Roots should start to grow within 6-8 weeks.
Division Propagation
Propagation through division is another method for Capparis djurica Gilg & Gilg-Ben. This method is better suited for mature plants with established root systems. The plant can be carefully removed from the soil and divided into smaller clumps. Each clump should have a good root system and several healthy stems. The new clumps can be replanted immediately in well-draining soil.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is a propagation method used on woody plants such as Capparis djurica Gilg & Gilg-Ben. To use this method, select a healthy stem and make a small cut into the bark. Place a rooting hormone around the cut area, then wrap this area with moist sphagnum moss and cover it with plastic to create a moist environment. Roots should begin to grow within a few weeks. Once the roots have developed, the stem can be cut below the rooted area, and the new plant can be transplanted into a well-draining soil mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Capparis djurica Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
Capparis djurica Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is a wild deciduous shrub that is native to Africa, particularly in Ethiopia and Eritrea. It possesses various medicinal properties and is frequently used in traditional medicine to treat different ailments. Like other plants, Capparis djurica can be vulnerable to diseases and pests, which can adversely affect its growth and productivity. Here's an overview of common pests and diseases that can affect Capparis djurica and ways to manage them.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small green insects that suck sap from the leaves of the plant, causing the plant's leaves to curl and turn yellow. To prevent the occurrence of aphids, keep the plant's foliage dry, promote good air circulation, and take advantage of natural predators, such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps. If the infestation is severe, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny, light-colored spider-like creatures that can appear in hot and dry conditions, enlarging the tiny, yellow spots on the leaves, eventually turning them brown. Clean the fallen leaves, keep the plant well-watered, and introduce natural predators such as ladybugs, predator mites, and lacewings to your garden to control infestation. Pesticides like neem oil, insecticidal soaps, and horticultural oils are also helpful in treating spider mites.
Common Diseases
Root rot: Overwatering and poor drainage can lead to root rot, which manifests in yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and wilting. To prevent root rot, ensure proper irrigation and drainage, ensure that the soil has adequate moisture, and avoid planting in areas with poor drainage and heavy soil. Remove and destroy infected plants immediately to prevent the spread of the disease.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease characterized by a white powdery substance that covers the leaves and stems of the plant. To control this disease, prune and dispose of the infected parts of the plant, practicing good watering practices, maintain proper airflow, and providing good light to the plant. Additionally, spraying with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate may help to manage powdery mildew.
Leaf spots: Capparis djurica is also prone to leaf-spotting diseases like anthracnose and septoria. These diseases cause brown spots with yellowing halos on leaves, leading to defoliation. To avoid this, provide good air circulation, avoid wetting the leaves, and water the plants at the soil level. Clear out leaves that have been infected, and disinfect your equipment to prevent further spread. Also, use fungicides like copper, sulfur, and neem oil to manage leaf spots.
In conclusion, managing Capparis djurica's pests and diseases can be challenging. However, by keeping the plant and its surrounding environment clean and well-aerated, avoiding excess watering, and using non-toxic methods, the occurrence of pests and diseases can be minimized, leading to a more productive and healthy plant.
