Overview of Carissa wyliei N.E.Br.
Carissa wyliei N.E.Br., also known as the "Forest Num-Num," is a small, evergreen shrub that belongs to the Apocynaceae family. It is native to South Africa and is a popular ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers.
General Appearance of Carissa wyliei N.E.Br.
The Forest Num-Num is a small shrub that typically grows to a height of 1-2 meters. Its leaves are dark green, shiny, and leathery, with a length of about 2-5 cm. The plant produces white, tubular-shaped flowers that are about 2-3 cm in diameter. These blooms are highly fragrant and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Common names of Carissa wyliei N.E.Br.
Carissa wyliei N.E.Br. is also known by other common names, including Forest Num-Num, Natal Plum, and Amathungulu.
Uses of Carissa wyliei N.E.Br.
The Forest Num-Num is widely grown as an ornamental plant and can be used as a hedge, border, or container plant. Its flowers are highly fragrant, making it a popular addition to gardens and courtyards. Additionally, the fruit of the Carissa wyliei N.E.Br. plant is edible and can be used to make jams, jellies, and even wine. In traditional medicine, the plant extract has been used to treat coughs, colds, and other respiratory illnesses.
Growth Conditions of Carissa wyliei N.E.Br.
Carissa wyliei N.E.Br., commonly known as the Thorny Carissa, is native to the Eastern and Southern Cape of South Africa. It is an evergreen shrub that grows up to 2 meters tall and 1.5 meters wide. Here are the typical growth conditions required for this plant to thrive:
Light Requirements
Carissa wyliei can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, but it grows best in bright, indirect light. When grown indoors, the plant should be placed near a window with bright, filtered light. If grown in full sun, it will need to be acclimated slowly to prevent sunburn.
Temperature Requirements
The Thorny Carissa prefers warm temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C) during the growing season. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) but may drop leaves and slow growth if kept below this temperature for long periods. Protect the plant from frost and extreme temperature fluctuations, which may lead to damage or death.
Soil Requirements
Carissa wyliei prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil mix with peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite or sand works well. The soil pH should be slightly acidic between 5.5-6.5. The plant is tolerant of dry soil conditions but should be watered regularly during the growing season to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid overwatering, which may lead to root rot.
Cultivation of Carissa wyliei N.E.Br.
Carissa wyliei N.E.Br is a succulent plant that thrives in warm temperatures and dry soils. It is an excellent plant for outdoor cultivation in warm climates. The plant prefers well-draining soils, and it is essential to ensure that the pot or planting area has adequate drainage to prevent waterlogged roots.
Watering Needs
Carissa wyliei N.E.Br does not require frequent watering, and overwatering can cause root rot. The plant requires watering only when the soil is dry to the touch. During the growing season, watering once a week is sufficient, while in the dormant season, watering can be reduced to once every two to three weeks. It is best to water the plant in the morning to allow time for any excess water to evaporate during the day.
Fertilization
Carissa wyliei N.E.Br does not require frequent fertilization, and over-fertilization can damage the plant's roots. The plant can benefit from a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizer and avoid getting the fertilizer on the plant's foliage, as this can cause burning.
Pruning
Carissa wyliei N.E.Br does not require frequent pruning, but occasional pruning can be beneficial to improve the plant's shape and promote new growth. Pruning should be done in the early summer after the plant has finished flowering. The pruning should be done with clean, sharp pruning shears to prevent crushing or tearing the plant's stem. It is best to prune just above a leaf node to promote new growth.
Propagation of Carissa wyliei N.E.Br.
Carissa wyliei N.E.Br., commonly known as poison carissa, is a shrub native to South Africa. It is a slow-growing plant that can reach up to 5 feet in height. Propagation of this plant is usually done by seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method used for Carissa wyliei N.E.Br. Collect ripe seeds from the fruit and sow them in a well-draining soil mix. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination takes about 2-4 weeks, and seedlings should be transplanted to individual pots when they have developed two sets of true leaves.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another method that can be used to propagate Carissa wyliei N.E.Br. Take hardwood cuttings of about 6 inches in length from new growth. Remove the lower leaves and treat the cutting with a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and water regularly. Rooting should occur within a few months, and the cutting can be transplanted to a larger pot or in the ground.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation by layering is a method that involves bending a flexible shoot of the plant and burying a portion of it in the soil. The buried section should have a small wound to encourage rooting. Once the section has developed roots, it can be cut from the mother plant and transplanted to a larger pot or in the ground. This method is best done in the spring or early summer.
Disease and Pest Management for Carissa wyliei N.E.Br.
Carissa wyliei N.E.Br. is a relatively hardy plant and is not usually affected by a large number of pests and diseases. However, it is still important to be aware of the potential issues and to take steps to manage them if they occur.
Pests
One of the pests that can affect Carissa wyliei N.E.Br. is the mealybug. These insects are small and white and can be found on the leaves and stems of the plant. If left unchecked, they can cause damage to the plant and even lead to its death. To manage mealybugs, it is important to keep the plant clean and free of debris. Regularly inspect the plant for any signs of infestation and use an insecticidal soap or alcohol solution to kill the bugs.
The red spider mite is another pest that can affect Carissa wyliei N.E.Br. These mites are very small and difficult to see. They feed on the plant's sap and can cause damage to the leaves and stems. To manage red spider mites, it is important to keep the plant well-watered and to increase the humidity around the plant. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population.
Diseases
Crown rot is one of the most common diseases that can affect Carissa wyliei N.E.Br. This disease is caused by a fungus and can be identified by the yellowing of the leaves, wilting, and blackening of the stems. It is important to remove any affected leaves and stems and to treat the plant with a fungicide to prevent further spread.
Leaf spot is another common disease that can be found in Carissa wyliei N.E.Br. This disease is caused by a fungus and can be identified by the small brown spots that appear on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, it is important to remove any affected leaves and to treat the plant with a fungicide. Make sure to keep the foliage as dry as possible to prevent the spread of the disease.
In conclusion, by keeping a watchful eye on the plant and taking steps to manage any pests and diseases, Carissa wyliei N.E.Br. can remain healthy and thrive in its environment for years to come.
