Overview of Carissa spectabilis (Sond.) Pichon
Carissa spectabilis, also known as Natal plum, is a species of flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae. It is native to South Africa and Mozambique and has been introduced to other parts of the world, including Australia and the United States.
Common Names
Carissa spectabilis is commonly known as Natal plum, large num-num, or Amatungulu in its native regions.
Description
The Natal plum is a small evergreen shrub that can grow up to 3 meters in height with a spread of around 2 meters. It has smooth, glossy, dark green leaves that are leathery and oval-shaped, with sharp spines along the edges. The plant produces fragrant, star-shaped flowers, which are white or pink and about 2.5 cm across. The flowers are followed by small edible red to pink, plum-like fruits that are about 4 cm long. The fruits are juicy and have a mildly sweet taste with a hint of tartness.
Uses
The Natal plum is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant because of its attractive flowers and fruit. It is also grown as a hedge and to stabilise the soil on slopes. The fruit of the plant is edible and can be used to make jams, jellies, and other sweet treats. In traditional African medicine, Carissa spectabilis is used to treat a range of ailments including coughs, fever, and stomach upsets. The plant is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour properties.
In conclusion, Carissa spectabilis is a versatile plant that offers both ornamental and culinary benefits and has a rich history of medicinal uses.
Light Requirements
Carissa spectabilis (Sond.) Pichon is a sun-loving plant and requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow optimally. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade may cause stunted growth and fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to the subtropical regions of Southern Africa and prefers warm temperatures between 60°F to 85°F (15°C to 29°C). It can survive in temperatures as low as 40°F (5°C) but may suffer from leaf drop.
Soil Requirements
Carissa spectabilis (Sond.) Pichon grows well in well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The soil should also contain organic matter and be rich in nutrients for optimal growth. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are well-draining.
It is important to maintain soil moisture but avoid overwatering, which may cause root rot. Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plant can help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Cultivation Methods:
The Carissa spectabilis plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower as much. It is best to plant in the ground or a large container with good quality potting mix. The plant prefers a warm or tropical climate but can adapt to slightly cooler temperatures. Prune the plant after flowering to maintain its shape and size.
Watering Needs:
Water the Carissa spectabilis plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering. Ensure the soil is well-draining, and make sure the plant does not sit in standing water. The plant can tolerate drought conditions once established but will benefit from consistent moisture during its active growing season.
Fertilization:
Apply a general-purpose fertilizer to the Carissa spectabilis plant every two to three months during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. Ensure that the plant receives nutrients evenly across the soil's surface to avoid root burn.
Pruning:
Prune the Carissa spectabilis plant in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or diseased wood. This is also an excellent time to shape the plant and remove any unwanted branches. You can prune back hard if necessary, but avoid cutting into woody stems as this can cause the plant to become leggy. Remove any crossed or rubbing branches to keep the plant healthy.
Propagation of Carissa spectabilis
Carissa spectabilis is commonly known as forest num-num, and it is a hardy, evergreen shrub that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. This plant is native to southern Africa, and it is widely grown in gardens and parks due to its attractive appearance. Propagation of Carissa spectabilis can be done through different methods that are discussed below:
Seed Propagation
One of the most popular methods of propagating Carissa spectabilis is by seeds. The seeds are usually harvested during the dry season when the fruits are mature. The seeds are then extracted from the fruits, cleaned, and dried. After that, they can be sown in a seedbed or directly in the field.
Planting the seeds in a seedbed allows for easier management, and it also increases the chances of successful germination. The seedbed should be filled with a well-drained growing mix, and the seeds should be sown at a depth of 1 cm. It is recommended to keep the seedbed moist during the germination period, which usually takes around two to four weeks. Once the plants have developed about two to three true leaves, they can be transplanted to the field or individual pots.
Cutting Propagation
Another method of propagating Carissa spectabilis is through cuttings. The best time for taking cuttings is during the early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be about 10 to 15 cm long and should be taken from the previous year's growth.
Before planting the cuttings, it is recommended to dip the ends in a rooting hormone powder to increase the chances of successful rooting. After that, the cuttings should be planted in a well-drained rooting medium and kept moist. The rooting period usually takes about four to six weeks, after which the cuttings can be transplanted to the field or individual pots.
Air-layering Propagation
Air-layering is a less commonly used method for propagating Carissa spectabilis. This method involves making a slit in the bark of a stem (about 1 cm wide) and applying a rooting hormone to the area. Then, a ball of moist sphagnum moss is wrapped around the area and covered with plastic wrap.
The area should be kept moist, and roots should start to develop in about four to eight weeks. Once the roots have developed, the stem can be cut off below the rooted area, and the new plant can be transplanted to the field or individual pots.
Disease Management
Carissa spectabilis (Sond.) Pichon is a plant that is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by a fungus that can affect leaves, flowers, and fruits. Symptoms include circular or irregular-shaped lesions that are dark brown or black in color. To manage anthracnose, one can remove the infected plant parts and dispose of them properly. Implementing good cultural practices such as watering from below, providing adequate sunlight, and good air circulation can also prevent the spread of anthracnose.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by waterlogging, leading to fungal and bacterial infection. Symptoms include wilting, brown or black roots, and gradual death of the plant. The primary management of root rot is ensuring well-draining soils and avoiding waterlogging.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that forms a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, one can use insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils. Adequate plant spacing and proper ventilation can also help reduce the likelihood of this disease.
Pest Management
Carissa spectabilis (Sond.) Pichon is also susceptible to pest infestations. Some common pests that affect this plant include:
- Scale insects: Scale insects attach themselves to the plant tissue, where they suck sap and cause stunted growth. To manage a scale infestation, one can remove the visible insects manually and clean the foliage with soapy water.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are sucking insects that can cause stunted growth and wilting. To manage a mealybug infestation, one can remove the visible insects manually and clean the leaf surface with soapy water. Using a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap can also help control mealybugs.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that typically feed on the underside of leaves. They make leaves appear stippled, dry, and yellow. To manage spider mites, one can use insecticidal soap or horticultural oils. Increasing humidity around the plant using a humidifier can also help control spider mites.
