Overview
Capparis flexuosa (L.) L. is a species of flowering plant from the family Capparaceae. It is also commonly known as the Zigzag Caperbush and the Boesmangappie.
Origin
The plant is native to southern Africa and can be found growing in countries such as Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. It is often found in rocky areas and on hillsides.
Appearance
Capparis flexuosa is a shrub or small tree that typically grows up to 5 meters in height. The branches are thin and flexible, often growing in a zigzag pattern, hence the common name Zigzag Caperbush. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and oval-shaped, with a dark green color and a glossy texture. The plant produces small white or pink flowers that bloom from late winter to early summer. The fruit is a small, round, green berry that turns yellow when ripe.
Uses
The plant has a variety of traditional medicinal uses in southern Africa. The root is used to treat stomach ailments, while the leaves are commonly used to treat skin conditions such as rashes and sores. The fruit is also edible and is used in some traditional dishes. In addition, the plant is used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive appearance and interesting growth pattern.
Light Conditions
Capparis flexuosa does not tolerate full shade, but it can tolerate partially shaded areas on a temporary basis. The plant typically grows in natural habitats with full exposure to sunlight or semi-shaded conditions with occasional exposure to direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in tropical and sub-tropical regions with an average annual temperature range of 20-30°C. Extreme low temperature below 5°C can limit the growth and survival of the plant. The minimum temperature required for seed germination is around 15-20°C.
Soil Requirements
Capparis flexuosa generally prefers well-drained soils with moderate fertility. It is known to grow in soils with different characteristics such as sandy, clayey, loamy, and gravelly soils. The optimum soil pH range for the plant is between 6–8.5. The plant prefers soils with good water-holding capacity and moderate organic matter content.
Cultivation
Capparis flexuosa is a woody plant that grows best in warm climates. It prefers well-draining soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings and should be planted in an area with full to partial sun exposure.
Watering
Water Capparis flexuosa deeply but infrequently to avoid waterlogging. The plant should be watered when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil becomes dry. Irrigation can be adjusted according to the rainfall levels in the region.
Fertilization
Capparis flexuosa can benefit from regular fertilization, as it is a fast-growing plant. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 can be applied every six months. Alternatively, organic fertilizers such as compost or well-rotted manure can also be used.
Pruning
Capparis flexuosa does not require extensive pruning, but if necessary, it should be done during the dormant period. Dead or diseased branches should be removed, and any excessive growth can be trimmed to maintain the desired shape and size. Regular pruning also encourages the plant to produce more flowers and fruits.
Propagation of Capparis flexuosa
Capparis flexuosa (L.) L. can be propagated by seed, cutting, and budding.
Seed propagation
Seeds should be collected from mature fruits and sown immediately in well-drained soil. The seed should be sown at a depth of 1 cm. Seeds should be watered regularly and germination can be expected within 2-3 weeks.
Cutting propagation
Cuttings should be taken in the spring or fall. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm long and should be taken from semi-mature wood. The basal end of the cutting should be dipped into a rooting hormone and then planted in well-drained soil. The cuttings should be kept in a humid environment until they root. Rooting usually occurs within a month.
Budding propagation
Budding is done during the spring. A bud from a mature plant is inserted under the bark of a young seedling. The bud should be inserted into a T-shaped incision made in the bark of the young seedling. The T-shaped incision should be covered with a plastic bag to keep the bud in place. The bud will sprout and grow into a new plant.
Disease Management
Capparis flexuosa is generally a sturdy plant but is prone to certain diseases. The most common diseases which affect this plant include root rot, leaf spot disease, and powdery mildew.
Root rot is caused by fungi which infect the roots, resulting in the rotting of the roots. This can be managed by planting the plant in well-drained soil or adding organic matter to the soil to improve drainage.
Leaf spot disease is caused by fungi and bacteria which infect the leaves of the plant, resulting in spots on the leaves. This can be managed by removing affected leaves and ensuring that the plant is watered from the bottom, avoiding getting water on the leaves.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, creating a powdery white coating on the leaves. Management can be achieved by practising good sanitation practices, removing affected leaves, and avoiding overcrowding of plants.
Pest Management
Capparis flexuosa is also prone to attack by pests. Some of the common pests which affect this plant include spider mites, scales, and thrips.
Spider mites are small arachnids that feed on the leaves, causing the leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off. This can be managed by regular irrigation, dusting the leaves to remove dust particles, and using neem oil.
Scales are small insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant, sucking the sap from the plant. This can be managed by manually removing the scales or by using insecticidal soap.
Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing the leaves to turn brown and dry up. This can be managed by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
