Overview
Capparis subglabra (Oliv.) Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is a plant species that belongs to the family Capparaceae. It is commonly found in Africa, specifically in Cameroon, Gabon, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the African caper, coastal caper or hairy caper in English, "ébolo" or "ebolgongo" in Fang, and "nkewbila" in Duala.
Uses
The African caper is traditionally used for medicinal purposes. Roots and leaves have been used to treat anemia and loss of appetite, while the bark is used as an astringent and for skin conditions. The fruit is edible and is used in local cuisine, especially in salads and sauces. It is also used in the preparation of sauces and seasoning for meat and fish dishes.
General Appearance
The African caper is a shrubby plant that typically grows up to 4 meters tall. The branches are greenish-brown and have a woody texture. The leaves are simple, alternate and are about 4-9 cm long and 1.5-3.5 cm wide with a slightly wavy margin. The flowers are white to pale pink and have a fragrant smell. The fruit is a rounded berry that is about 2-3 cm in diameter with a wrinkled surface and ripens from green to yellow-brown.
Growth Conditions for Capparis subglabra (Oliv.) Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
Capparis subglabra (Oliv.) Gilg & Gilg-Ben. typically thrives in warm, tropical and subtropical environments. This plant species can be found growing in many African countries, including Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Kenya. Below are some of the essential growth conditions required for Capparis subglabra to flourish:
Light Requirements
Capparis subglabra (Oliv.) Gilg & Gilg-Ben. grows best in full sunlight, although partial shade can be suitable in particularly hot environments. Lack of adequate light can lead to stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
Capparis subglabra (Oliv.) Gilg & Gilg-Ben. requires a warm and humid environment to thrive. The ideal temperature range for this plant species is between 22°C to 27°C (71.6°F to 80.6°F). Growth can be slowed or compromised if the temperature becomes too low.
Soil Requirements
Capparis subglabra (Oliv.) Gilg & Gilg-Ben. does well in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The soil should be nutrient-rich, with plenty of organic matter. If the soil is too compacted or retains too much water, it can lead to root rot, which can seriously harm the plants.
Overall, providing suitable conditions and regularly monitoring your plant's health can ensure that it thrives and continues to exhibit its beautiful and beneficial characteristics.
Cultivation methods
Capparis subglabra (Oliv.) Gilg & Gilg-Ben. requires a warm and sunny environment with well-drained soil. The plant is drought-tolerant and can grow in poor soil conditions, making it ideal for arid and semi-arid regions. It can be grown from seeds or propagated by stem cuttings.
Watering needs
The watering needs for Capparis subglabra (Oliv.) Gilg & Gilg-Ben. are moderate. The plant should be watered deeply but infrequently. It is advisable to allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. The frequency of watering may vary depending on the soil type, weather, and growth stage of the plant.
Fertilization
Capparis subglabra (Oliv.) Gilg & Gilg-Ben. can benefit from occasional fertilization. A slow-release fertilizer may be applied during the growing season to promote healthy growth. It is essential not to over-fertilize the plant as this can lead to excessive growth, reduced fruit quality, and susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Capparis subglabra (Oliv.) Gilg & Gilg-Ben. as it has a naturally bushy habit. However, pruning may be done to maintain a desired shape or to remove dead or damaged branches. The best time to prune the plant is during the dormant period when it has shed its leaves. To encourage fruiting, it is advisable to remove some of the older wood annually.
Propagation Methods for Capparis subglabra
Propagation of Capparis subglabra can be done through seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of Capparis subglabra can be collected from the mature fruits and sown directly into the soil or in a mixture of sand and peat moss. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm and kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within 3-4 weeks. The best time to sow the seeds is during the rainy season.
Propagation through Cuttings
Cuttings of Capparis subglabra can be taken from the young branches in the summer season. The cuttings should be around 20-25 cm in length and taken from the current year's growth. Remove the leaves from the lower portion of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Then, plant the cutting in a mixture of sand and peat moss at a depth of 5-7 cm. Keep the soil moist and provide shade during the hot summer season. The cuttings should start rooting within 4-6 weeks.
Propagation through Grafting
Capparis subglabra can also be propagated through grafting. This method is used to propagate plants with desirable characteristics from selected parents. The best time for grafting is in spring for Capparis subglabra. Choose the rootstock and scion carefully for successful grafting. Make a slanting cut on both the rootstock and scion and join them by wrapping with a grafting tape or a polythene sheet. Keep the grafted plants in a shady place with high humidity until they root and start new growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Capparis subglabra (Oliv.) Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
Capparis subglabra is a hardy plant that can tolerate various environmental conditions and pests. However, it can still be susceptible to some diseases and pests that can affect its growth and productivity. Proper disease and pest management strategies can help in keeping the plant healthy and productive. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests that affect C. subglabra and the ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. It causes brown or black lesions, which can cause the leaves to drop prematurely. The disease is prevalent in warm and humid conditions.
To manage anthracnose, it is advised to practise crop rotation with non-susceptible crops, maintain proper spacing between plants to improve air circulation, remove infected plant debris from the field, and apply fungicides.
2. Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes the formation of brown spots on the leaves of the plant. It can cause severe defoliation, which can affect the growth and productivity of the plant.
To manage leaf spot, it is advised to avoid watering the plants from overhead, remove infected leaves and debris from the field, practising crop rotation with non-susceptible crops, and using fungicides.
Pests
1. Fruit fly: Fruit flies are the most significant pests that affect the productivity of C. subglabra. The adult flies lay their eggs on the immature fruits of the plant, and the larvae feed on the fruits, causing damage.
To manage fruit flies, it is advised to use fruit fly traps, practice crop rotation with non-susceptible crops, and apply chemical insecticides.
2. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that usually live in clusters on the leaves and stems of the plant. They suck the sap from the plant, reducing its vigour and productivity.
To manage mealybugs, it is advised to wash the plant regularly with a strong stream of water, remove the affected plant parts, use sticky traps, and apply insecticides.
C. subglabra can also be affected by other diseases and pests such as powdery mildew, root-knot nematodes, and scale insects. Regular monitoring of the plant, proper sanitation practices, and the use of appropriate control measures can help in the effective management of these diseases and pests.
