Overview:
Capparis woodii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is a species of flowering plant in the family Capparaceae. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to East Africa.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as the "Sausage Tree Caper" or simply "Sausage Tree" due to the resemblance of its fruit to a sausage shape. In Swahili, it is known as "mtufutufu."
Appearance:
The plant grows up to 10 meters in height and has a rounded crown. The bark is grey and rough, with a corky texture. The leaves are simple, alternate and oblong to elliptic in shape, with a glossy dark green color and a leathery texture. The flowers are large, white to cream, and fragrant with a diameter of up to 10 cm. The fruit is a cylindrical berry, up to 30 cm long and 10 cm in diameter when fully mature, with a woody shell that is brown to black in color. The fruit is edible but requires cooking before consumption.
Uses:
The fruit and bark of Capparis woodii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. are commonly used in traditional medicine for their medicinal properties. The fruit is eaten cooked, and it is said to have a sweet and tangy taste. The bark is used for various medicinal purposes from curing snakebites to treating venereal diseases. The plant is also an excellent source of firewood and is used for charcoal making. Additionally, the plant is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
Typical Growth Conditions for Capparis woodii Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
Capparis woodii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is a small tree that is found primarily in East Africa. It is commonly known as the "forest capparis" or "mkomwe" in Swahili. The plant typically grows along riverbanks or in wet rocky areas at elevations ranging from 800 to 1500 meters. Here are some typical growth conditions for Capparis woodii:
Light Requirements
Capparis woodii requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. Therefore, it is typically found in areas with ample sunlight such as along rivers or in open rocky areas that receive plenty of direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Capparis woodii is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, although it is better suited to warmer climates. The ideal temperature range for Capparis woodii is between 20 to 27 degrees Celsius. At temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, the plant may experience frost damage.
Soil Requirements
Capparis woodii has specific soil requirements to ensure optimal growth and development. The plant prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. It is commonly found growing in soils rich in clay, silt, and sand. The pH of the soil should range from neutral to slightly acidic between 6.0 to 7.5.
Capparis woodii has adapted to grow in specific conditions, making it well-suited to certain environments. Understanding these conditions can help in selecting a suitable location to plant the tree and ensure its successful growth and development.
Cultivation of Capparis Woodii Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
Capparis woodii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. can be propagated both by seeds and stem cuttings.
The ideal time to sow the seeds is during the spring season, while stem cuttings can be propagated from mature branches.
The plant prefers well-draining and fertile soil that retains moisture but does not get waterlogged.
It requires partial shade to full sun for optimum growth and should be planted in a location sheltered from strong winds that can easily damage its delicate leaves and flowers.
Watering Needs of Capparis Woodii Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
Capparis woodii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. requires regular watering, especially during the active growing season, which is spring and summer.
The soil should be kept evenly moist, but overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root-rot.
During winter, when the plant goes dormant, watering should be reduced to prevent waterlogging of the soil.
Fertilization of Capparis Woodii Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
Capparis woodii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. requires occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
A slow-release granular fertilizer can be mixed with the soil during planting and reapplied every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.
Alternatively, a liquid fertilizer can be applied to the soil surface every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.
Pruning of Capparis Woodii Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
Capparis woodii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape and size.
Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before the active growing season begins.
Only dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be removed to improve the plant's health and appearance.
Capparis woodii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. blooms on new wood, so pruning should be done with caution to avoid removing potential flowering branches.
Propagation of Capparis woodii Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
Capparis woodii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is a rare, slow-growing, deciduous shrub that is native to southern and eastern Africa. It is well-adapted to hot, dry, and arid conditions, making it an ideal plant species for xeriscapes. In order to propagate Capparis woodii Gilg & Gilg-Ben., there are several methods that can be employed.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and the most common method of propagating Capparis woodii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is through seeds. The shrub produces a large number of seeds that can be collected from the plant during the fall season. To propagate the plant using seeds, you need to first soak the seeds in water overnight. After soaking, spread the seeds out in a tray filled with sandy soil. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water them lightly. Keep the tray in a warm and sunny location, where temperatures remain around 20-25°C. The seeds will germinate in two to four weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Capparis woodii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. can also be propagated via cuttings. Take a cutting from the shrub in late spring or early summer, when the plant is in its growing phase. Make sure to take a cutting that is about 4-6 inches long and has at least three to four sets of leaves. Remove the bottom set of leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in sandy soil and keep it in a warm, humid location. Keep the soil moist and, after a few weeks, you should see new growth begin to appear.
Layering Propagation
Capparis woodii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. can also be propagated through layering. Identify a low-growing branch that touches the soil. Make a small cut on the branch, about 6 inches from the tip and just below a node. Bury this section of the branch in the soil, keeping the tip above the ground. Secure the branch to the ground with a bent wire or stake. Keep the soil moist and, after a few weeks, you should see roots forming at the cut section. Cut the rooted branch from the parent plant and transplant it to its permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Capparis woodii Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
Capparis woodii Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is a beautiful and unique plant species native to Tanzania, known for its medicinal properties and ornamental value. However, it is vulnerable to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and survival.
Common Diseases
Capparis woodii is susceptible to several fungal and bacterial diseases that can cause damage to the plant, such as:
- Anthracnose: A fungal disease that causes dark spots on leaves and fruit, eventually leading to fruit drop and defoliation.
- Rust: A fungal disease that causes yellow-orange spots on the leaves, often leading to defoliation and stunted growth.
- Bacterial Blight: This bacterial disease causes necrotic spots on the leaves with yellow halos. Infected leaves may fall from the plant.
Management of Diseases
The following management practices can help control the spread of diseases:
- Remove and destroy infected plant debris and fallen leaves to prevent further spread of the disease
- Avoid overhead irrigation to minimize moisture on leaves and prevent fungal growth
- Provide adequate spacing between plants to ensure air circulation and minimize humidity
- Apply fungicides or bactericides to control fungal or bacterial infections, respectively, following label instructions
Common Pests
Capparis woodii is also vulnerable to insect pests that can damage the plant, such as:
- Aphids: These small insects can cause leaf deformation, yellowing, and stunted growth by feeding on the sap of the plant
- Thrips: These small, slender insects can cause leaf discoloration, deformation, and reduced growth rate by piercing plant cells and sucking the sap
- Whiteflies: These small, winged insects can cause yellowing, wilting, and premature leaf drop by feeding on the sap and transmitting viral diseases
Management of Pests
The following management practices can help control pest infestations:
- Regularly monitor the plants for any signs of pest infestation or damage
- Release or attract natural enemies such as ladybugs or lacewings to feed on the pests
- Use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or other insecticides to control pest populations, following label instructions
By implementing these disease and pest management strategies, you can help maintain the health and beauty of your Capparis woodii plants.
