Description of Carpacoce scabra (Thunb.) Sond. subsp. scabra
Carpacoce scabra (Thunb.) Sond. subsp. scabra, commonly known as "poon vine" or "rough carpacoce," is a small semi-succulent plant that belongs to the family Rubiaceae. This species is native to Southern Africa, including Lesotho, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
General Appearance
The plant grows up to 60 centimeters tall and has a woody base with trailing stems that are often covered in tiny barbs or stiff hairs. The leaves of Carpacoce scabra (Thunb.) Sond. subsp. scabra are simple, ovate to elliptic in shape, and measure up to 90 mm long by 30 mm wide. They are arranged oppositely along the stems and have a glossy dark green color on the upper surface and a paler green underneath.
The flowers of this plant are small and white, with a sweet fragrance. They are arranged in small clusters near the tips of the stems and bloom from spring through summer. The fruits are small and spherical, measuring 4-5 mm in diameter, and progress from green to a bright red color as they mature.
Uses
Carpacoce scabra (Thunb.) Sond. subsp. scabra is often grown as a garden ornamental, as it has beautiful foliage and produces attractive small red fruits. In traditional medicine, the leaves of this species are used in a variety of treatments. For example, the Xhosa people of South Africa use the leaves to treat respiratory infections, while the Zulu people use it to treat inflammation and fever.
Additionally, the fruits of Carpacoce scabra (Thunb.) Sond. subsp. scabra are edible and have a sweetish taste. They are often used in jams, jellies, and other confectionery preparations.
Growth Conditions for Carpacoce Scabra (Thunb.) Sond. subsp. scabra
Light: Carpacoce scabra requires moderate to high levels of light for optimal growth and development. It prefers full sun to partial shade and should be planted in a location where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature: This plant species is native to the subtropical and tropical regions of Africa and Asia and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It thrives in a warm and humid climate with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) during the day and 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) at night.
Soil: Carpacoce scabra grows best in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam, and loamy soils. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water retention capacity. It is important to avoid waterlogging as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Water: The plant requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth. However, it is important to avoid overwatering as this can cause waterlogging and root rot. The frequency and amount of watering depend on the prevailing climatic conditions, soil type, and size of the plant. Generally, it is recommended to water the plant when the topsoil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilizer: To promote healthy growth, the plant requires regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is recommended. The frequency and amount of fertilizer depend on the nutrient content of the soil and the size of the plant. It is recommended to fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season.
Cultivation methods
The Carpacoce scabra (Thunb.) Sond. subsp. scabra is a shrub that thrives in subtropical and tropical regions with temperatures ranging between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. The plant requires well-drained soil with adequate organic matter. Therefore, the soil should be rich in compost, loamy, and have a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant grows well in both sunny and partially shaded areas.
Watering needs
Proper watering of the Carpacoce scabra (Thunb.) Sond. subsp. Scabra is crucial for its growth and development. During the growing season, the plant requires regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist. However, the soil should not be waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. In the dormant season, the plant requires less watering, and the soil should be allowed to dry out partially between watering.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential in promoting the growth and flowering of the Carpacoce scabra (Thunb.) Sond. subsp. Scabra. The plant requires regular fertilization with balanced fertilizer, with an NPK ratio of 8:8:8, applied every two months. Alternatively, organic fertilizer can be used for better results. Fertilization should be done during the growing season, and over-fertilization should be avoided as it can lead to scorching of the leaves.
Pruning
Pruning of the Carpacoce scabra (Thunb.) Sond. subsp. Scabra is mostly done to promote plant health and manage its size. The best time to prune the plant is at the end of the flowering season. It is recommended to remove dead or damaged branches or stems by cutting them at their base. To promote new growth, you can pinch back the tips of the stems.
Propagation of Carpacoce scabra (Thunb.) Sond. subsp. scabra
Carpacoce scabra can be propagated through both seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Carpacoce scabra can be sown directly into well-draining soil once they have been collected from mature fruit capsules. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the seeds should germinate within 2-3 weeks.
Alternatively, the seeds can be stratified for 1-2 months at 4? before sowing in order to increase the germination rate. Once the seedlings have emerged, they can be transplanted into individual pots to grow until they are large enough for planting in their permanent location.
Vegetative Propagation
Carpacoce scabra can also be propagated vegetatively using stem cuttings. Cuttings are taken from mature plants during the growing season and should be at least 5-10 cm long with several leaves attached.
The cuttings are dipped in a rooting hormone before being inserted into well-draining soil or a rooting medium such as sand or vermiculite. They should be kept in a warm, humid environment until roots have formed and new growth is visible, after which they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease Management
Common diseases that may affect Carpacoce scabra include:
- Fungal leaf spot: This disease is caused by fungal pathogens that attack the leaves of the plant, causing dark spots. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves, improve air circulation, and avoid overhead watering.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. To prevent root rot, ensure the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering. If the disease occurs, remove infected plants and treat the remaining ones with a fungicide.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a dusty white coating on the foliage. To manage this disease, prune the affected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Pest Management
Carpacoce scabra may be affected by the following pests:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing curling and distortion of leaves. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce their natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that can cause yellowing, and mottling of the leaves. To manage spider mites, wash the leaves with a strong jet of water, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mealybugs: These insects are a common problem for indoor Carpacoce scabra plants. They cause damage by sucking sap, and they also secrete a sticky honeydew substance. To manage mealybugs, remove them manually with a cloth or cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Alternatively, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
