Overview
Capparis zizyphoides Gilg is a plant species that belongs to the genus Capparis and is native to the tropical regions of Africa. The plant commonly grows in rocky landscapes, hillsides, and lowland areas.
Common Names
Some of the common names for Capparis zizyphoides Gilg include Wild caper, Umzila, UmTshalo, and African caper.
Uses
The plant has been used for medicinal purposes in Africa for centuries. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is used to relieve pain and treat various skin conditions, such as eczema and pimples. Additionally, the fruits and leaves of the plant are used in traditional cooking in Africa. The pickled fruits are used in many dishes as a condiment, and the leaves are used to wrap and cook meat.
General Appearance
Capparis zizyphoides Gilg is a small shrub that grows up to 3 meters in height. The plant has a few thick branches with green leaves that are ovate to elliptic in shape and measure up to 7 cm in length and 4 cm in width. The flowers of the plant are white to pink in color and have a distinct fragrance, which attracts pollinators. The fruit of the plant is a small green capsule that turns brown when it matures.
Light Requirements
Capparis zizyphoides grows well in full sun or partial shade, making it a versatile plant. However, it is important not to expose it to extremely high levels of direct sunlight during hot afternoons, as it could damage the leaves and flowers.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers a warm, tropical climate, with an average temperature of 22-32°C (72-89°F). It can tolerate lower temperatures but will not grow well in areas where the temperature drops below 10°C (50°F). In addition, it is important to protect it from frost and strong winds, which could damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
Capparis zizyphoides grows well in well-draining sandy soils with a pH range of 6.0-8.5. It prefers soils that are rich in organic matter and that have good water retention properties. It can tolerate moderate levels of salinity, making it an ideal plant for coastal regions. However, it is important to avoid waterlogged soils, as this could lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Capparis zizyphoides Gilg, commonly known as "Wardia" in Ethiopia, is an important plant cultivated for its edible fruits and medicinal values. The plant can be cultivated through seed propagation or vegetative propagation. The seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mixture and kept in a warm and moist environment until germination.
Vegetative propagation includes various techniques such as air-layering, grafting, and stem cutting. Air-layering is the simplest and most effective method for propagating the plant. The process involves making a small incision on the stem, adding rooting hormone, and wrapping it with moist soil or moss. Once roots appear, the stem can be cut and planted in the desired location.
Watering Needs
Capparis zizyphoides Gilg requires consistent moisture to thrive. During the growing season, it is important to water the plant regularly and ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering will depend on the soil type and weather conditions. It is recommended to water deeply once or twice a week rather than lightly every day.
However, during the dormant season, the plant requires very little water. In fact, overwatering during this period can be detrimental to the plant's health and growth.
Fertilization
Fertilization is vital for the healthy growth and development of Capparis zizyphoides Gilg. The plant requires a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. The fertilizer should be applied once every four to six weeks during the growing season.
It is important not to over-fertilize the plant as this can lead to salt buildup and damage the roots. It is recommended to dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid any negative effects on the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of Capparis zizyphoides Gilg and promote healthy growth. The best time to prune the plant is during the dormant season when the plant is not actively growing.
During pruning, it is recommended to remove any damaged, dead, or diseased branches. It is also important to remove any suckers growing from beneath the ground level to promote a single-stemmed tree.
Furthermore, pruning should be done sparingly, and only up to one-third of the plant's total growth should be removed at any given time to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Capparis zizyphoides Gilg
Capparis zizyphoides Gilg can be propagated through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of Capparis zizyphoides Gilg are collected from mature fruits. The collected seeds are washed thoroughly to remove any pulp or debris and are dried in the sun for a few days. The seeds are then sown in well-drained soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil is kept moist by regular watering. The seeds germinate in about 3-4 weeks.
Propagation through Cuttings
Cuttings of Capparis zizyphoides Gilg are obtained from mature, healthy plants. A 10-15 cm long cutting is taken, and the bottom end is treated with a rooting hormone. The cutting is then planted in well-drained soil and kept under shade to prevent wilting. The soil is watered regularly to keep it moist. The cutting develops roots in about 4-6 weeks and can be transplanted to the desired location.
Propagation through Layering
Layering is another method of propagating Capparis zizyphoides Gilg. A low hanging branch is selected, and a small portion of the branch's bark is removed. The wounded portion is then covered with soil, and the branch is held down with a peg. The branch is kept moist with regular watering. Roots start to develop in the soil-covered portion of the branch in about 6-8 weeks. The branch is then cut from the parent plant and transplanted.
Disease Management
The Capparis zizyphoides Gilg plant is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: This disease causes brown spots and cankers on the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. To manage it, remove and destroy infected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot disease causes yellowish or brown spots on the leaves, which can lead to defoliation. To control it, remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew appears as a white or gray powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide.
Pest Management
The Capparis zizyphoides Gilg plant is also susceptible to pests, including:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and distort. To manage them, use natural predators such as ladybugs, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Scale Insects: Scale insects appear as small, raised bumps on the stems and leaves of the plant. They suck the sap from the plant, which can weaken it. To manage them, use natural predators such as parasitic wasps or apply horticultural oil.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the underside of the leaves, causing yellow stippling and webbing. To manage them, increase the humidity around the plant and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
