Overview
Caralluma retrospiciens (Ehrenb.) N.E.Br. var. acutangula (Decne.) A.Chev. is a succulent plant that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. It is commonly known as the "Sharp-angled Caralluma" and is native to Africa.
Appearance
This plant has a compact, stem-succulent growth habit with branching stems that grow up to 1 m in length. It has triangular, flat stems that are green, with a smooth surface, and sharp angles along the edges. The leaves are small and hair-like, and grow in tufts along the stem angles. The flowers are star-shaped with five petals, and are a pale creamy-white color with purple blotches. The fruits are slender capsules, with numerous seeds.
Uses
The Sharp-angled Caralluma has a long history of use in traditional medicine for treating a variety of ailments. In East Africa, it is used to treat rheumatism, indigestion, and skin diseases. The plant is also known to be a natural appetite suppressant and has been used for weight loss in recent times. Additionally, the plant is used in fresh or dry form as an ingredient in some traditional foods, adding flavor and nutritional value.
Light Requirements
Caralluma retrospiciens var. acutangula prefers full sunlight to partial shade for optimal growth. In areas with intense heat, some shade may be required during the hottest parts of the day to prevent leaf scorch. Inadequate light can lead to weak stems and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to hot and arid climates, so it can tolerate high temperatures of up to 50°C. However, in areas with extreme heat, some shade during the hottest months may be necessary to prevent excessive heat stress. The plant can withstand moderate freezes but is best grown in frost-free areas.
Soil and Water Requirements
Caralluma retrospiciens var. acutangula prefers well-draining sandy or loamy soil with a pH range of 6-8.5. The plant can tolerate slightly alkaline soils but may suffer in overly acidic conditions. It is drought-tolerant and can survive extended periods without water, but performs best with moderate watering. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Caralluma retrospiciens (Ehrenb.) N.E.Br. var. acutangula (Decne.) A.Chev. can be grown indoors or outdoors and requires well-draining soil with good aeration to avoid root rot. The ideal temperature ranges from 16°C to 32°C, and it prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH of 6.5 to 7.2. Plant the seeds 1 cm deep, and keep the soil moist until germination. After the plants reach a height of 10 cm, they should be transplanted to their permanent location.
Watering Needs
Caralluma retrospiciens (Ehrenb.) N.E.Br. var. acutangula (Decne.) A.Chev. requires moderate watering, as overwatering may lead to root rot. Water only when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. During the growing season, watering once a week is usually sufficient, but in hot and dry climates, plants may need more frequent watering. In winter, reduce watering to once a month.
Fertilization
Caralluma retrospiciens (Ehrenb.) N.E.Br. var. acutangula (Decne.) A.Chev. requires fertilization to grow and produce healthy flowers. Apply well-balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring to summer). In winter, reduce fertilization to once a month. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to the burning of the plant roots.
Pruning
Pruning is not mandatory but can be done to maintain the shape of the plant. Prune in early spring or late winter before the start of the growing season. Remove dead or diseased branches, and cut back any overgrown stems to promote bushy growth. Avoid cutting back more than one-third of the plant's foliage in one pruning session.
Propagation of Caralluma Retrospiciens (Ehrenb.) N.E.Br. var. Acutangula (Decne.) A.Chev.
Caralluma retrospiciens (Ehrenb.) N.E.Br. var. acutangula (Decne.) A.Chev. can be propagated through seeds and stem cuttings in suitable growth conditions.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Caralluma retrospiciens (Ehrenb.) N.E.Br. var. acutangula (Decne.) A.Chev. can be harvested from mature fruits and sown in a well-draining soil mixture. The seeds should be sown in shallow depressions and covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Caralluma retrospiciens (Ehrenb.) N.E.Br. var. acutangula (Decne.) A.Chev. can also be propagated by stem cuttings taken from mature plants. Cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants, preferably in the early morning or late afternoon. The cuttings should be around 10-15 cm in length and should have a few leaves attached.
The cuttings should be dried for a few hours, and then planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The soil should be kept moist until the cuttings develop roots and new growth. It is essential to keep the cuttings in a warm and humid environment to ensure their successful rooting. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease Management
Caralluma retrospiciens var. acutangula can be susceptible to certain plant diseases. Below are some common diseases that may affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that can occur in plants that are overwatered or have poor drainage. Symptoms of root rot include wilting, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth. To manage root rot, it is important to improve soil drainage and reduce watering frequency. Infected plants should be removed from the garden to prevent the disease from spreading.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that can cause circular spots on the leaves of Caralluma retrospiciens var. acutangula. The spots may be yellow, brown, or black in color and can cause the leaves to drop prematurely. To manage leaf spot, it is important to remove infected leaves and avoid getting water on the leaves when watering. Fungicides may also be used to manage the disease.
Viral Diseases
Caralluma retrospiciens var. acutangula can be susceptible to viral diseases such as tomato spotted wilt virus and cucumber mosaic virus. Symptoms of viral diseases can include stunted growth, yellowing or mottled leaves, and distorted leaves. There are no cures for viral diseases, so it is important to remove infected plants from the garden to prevent the disease from spreading. Additionally, it is important to control the insect vectors that can transmit these diseases.
Pest Management
Caralluma retrospiciens var. acutangula may also be susceptible to certain pests. Below are some common pests that may affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can feed on the sap of plants, causing the leaves to wilt and yellow. To manage aphids, it is important to remove the insects by hand or with a strong blast of water from a hose. Pesticides can also be used to manage severe infestations.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that can suck the sap from plant leaves, causing them to turn yellow or bronze. To manage spider mites, it is important to increase humidity around the plant by misting it regularly. Predatory mites can also be introduced to the garden to feed on the spider mites.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are tiny, white insects that can cause leaves to yellow and wilt. They also feed on plant sap. To manage whiteflies, it is important to remove infected leaves and avoid getting water on the leaves when watering. Pesticides can also be used to manage severe infestations.
