Overview of Celastrus campestris Eckl. & Zeyh.
Celastrus campestris Eckl. & Zeyh., commonly known as the bittersweet or woolly bittersweet, is a plant species in the family Celastraceae. The plant is native to southern Africa, specifically in Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa.
General Appearance
The bittersweet plant is a shrub or small tree that usually grows up to 5 meters in height. The branches of the plant are slightly square in shape, and it has a smooth, grey-brown bark. The leaves of Celastrus campestris are green, with a glossy appearance, and are alternate with serrated margins. The flowers of the bittersweet are small, pale green in color, and are arranged in clusters that can be up to 50mm long. The fruit of the plant is a capsule that contains orange-red arils that are the size of a pea.
Common Names and Uses
The bittersweet plant has a few common names, including woolly bittersweet, field bittersweet, and bushman's grape. The plant has several uses across the Southern African region. The bushmen in the area use the arils of the plant as a source of food, while its bark has been used as medication to treat stomach ailments. The plant's crushed leaves are also believed to possess insect-repellent characteristics and are used by locals as a remedy for malaria.
Additionally, the bittersweet plant's wood is durable and is an excellent timber for a range of construction uses, including being used to make furniture, floors, and boats.
Light Requirements
Celastrus campestris Eckl. & Zeyh. is an endemic plant species found in South Africa. The plant requires full sunlight for healthy growth and development. It cannot thrive in shaded conditions and requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in warm to hot temperatures, ranging between 20°C and 35°C. It cannot tolerate extreme cold temperatures or frost, and it is recommended to keep the plant in a warm environment.
Soil Requirements
Celastrus campestris requires well-drained, loamy soils for healthy growth. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 5.5 and 7.5. Soils should be rich in organic matter and offer good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
The plant is tolerant of drought conditions and does not require frequent watering once established. However, during the initial stages of growth, the plant requires moderate watering to help establish the root system.
Overall, with proper care and the right growing conditions, Celastrus campestris Eckl. & Zeyh. can make an excellent addition to a garden or landscape.
Cultivation Methods
Celastrus campestris Eckl. & Zeyh. can be cultivated both from seeds and cuttings. If you are using seeds, sow them in autumn or spring in well-draining soil. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep them moist using a watering can. If you prefer cuttings, take them in summer or spring and dip them in rooting hormone before planting them in a potting mix.
Watering Needs
Celastrus campestris Eckl. & Zeyh. prefers well-draining soil, but it needs regular watering during its growth period. Water it once a week or more, depending on the climate conditions and soil drainage. Avoid overwatering or waterlogging, as it can cause root rot.
Fertilization
To keep Celastrus campestris Eckl. & Zeyh. healthy and growing, fertilize it every two to three months during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. You can also use organic fertilizers, such as compost or aged manure, to improve soil fertility.
Pruning
Celastrus campestris Eckl. & Zeyh. requires minimal pruning, mostly to remove dead or damaged branches. The best time to prune it is in winter or early spring when it is dormant. Use clean and sharp pruning shears to prevent the spread of diseases or pests. Avoid pruning it heavily, as it can affect its growth and flowering.
Propagation of Celastrus campestris Eckl. & Zeyh.
Celastrus campestris Eckl. & Zeyh. or the small-fruited Chinese-bittersweet is a woody vine that belongs to the Celastraceae family. It is valued for its ornamental features and medicinal properties. If you are interested in propagating this plant, there are several methods you can follow.
Seed Propagation
The most common way to propagate Celastrus campestris Eckl. & Zeyh. is through seeds. Collect the ripe fruits from the plant and allow them to dry. Once the fruits are dry, remove the seeds and soak them in water for 24 hours. Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist and warm, between 68-86°F. Germination can take a few weeks to a few months.
Cuttings Propagation
Another way to propagate Celastrus campestris Eckl. & Zeyh. is through cuttings. Take a 6-inch cutting from a mature plant, preferably during the spring or summer months. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Insert the cutting into a well-draining soil mix and keep it moist. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag to retain moisture and place it in a warm and bright location. Roots will typically develop within a few weeks.
Layering Propagation
Celastrus campestris Eckl. & Zeyh. can also be propagated through layering. Choose a low-growing branch from the plant and make a small cut on the underside. Gently bend the branch down and bury the cut portion in the soil. Keep the soil moist and wait for roots to develop. Once roots have emerged, you can remove the new plant from the parent plant and transplant it to a new location.
Propagation of Celastrus campestris Eckl. & Zeyh. can be challenging, but with patience and care, you can successfully propagate this plant through seeds, cuttings or layering.
Disease and Pest Management of Celastrus campestris Eckl. & Zeyh.
Celastrus campestris Eckl. & Zeyh., commonly known as small-fruited Cape creeper, is a shrub that belongs to the family Celastraceae. Like other plants, it can be affected by various diseases and pests that affect its growth, yield, and overall health. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Celastrus campestris and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that affects many plant species, including Celastrus campestris. Symptoms include small, dark lesions on the leaves, stem, and fruit, which can cause leaf drop, stem cankers, and fruit rot. To manage anthracnose, growers can remove and destroy infected plant material, avoid overhead irrigation, and apply fungicides containing copper or chlorothalonil.
2. Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of plants. It can affect Celastrus campestris, reducing its vigour and yield. To control powdery mildew, growers can maintain good air circulation around the plants, avoid overhead irrigation, and apply fungicides containing sulfur or potassium bicarbonate.
3. Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes circular, brown spots on the leaves of plants, which can coalesce and cause leaf drop. To manage leaf spot, growers can prune infected foliage, avoid overhead irrigation, and apply fungicides containing copper or mancozeb.
Pests
1. Scale insects: Scale insects are a common pest of Celastrus campestris, sucking sap from the plant and causing yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and poor yield. To manage scale insects, growers can prune out infested foliage, release natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, and apply insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils.
2. Leafhoppers: Leafhoppers are another common pest that can feed on the sap of Celastrus campestris, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunting of the plant. To manage leafhoppers, growers can remove weeds around the plants, use reflective mulches to deter them, and apply insecticides containing pyrethroids.
3. Caterpillars: Caterpillars, such as the bagworm, can defoliate Celastrus campestris, reducing its vigour and yield. To manage caterpillars, growers can handpick infested foliage, release natural predators like parasitic wasps, and apply insecticides containing Bacillus thuringiensis or spinosad.
By following these disease and pest management practices, growers can ensure that their Celastrus campestris plants remain healthy and productive.
