Overview
Celastrus lanceolatus E.Mey. ex Sond. is a plant species that belongs to the family Celastraceae. It is commonly known as the Sausage tree, umKhanyakude, or umTolozi in South Africa. This plant species is native to South Africa and Swaziland.
Description
The Celastrus lanceolatus is a medium-sized tree that grows up to 10 meters tall. It has an open, spreading canopy with a rounded top. The tree's bark is smooth and gray, and the leaves are long, narrow, and lanceolate. The flowers are small, greenish-white, and appear in clusters around September. The fruit of the Celastrus lanceolatus is a unique sausage-shaped capsule that is about 10-20 cm long and 3-5 cm wide. The capsules split open to reveal the bright red seeds, which are covered in an oily flesh.
Uses
The Celastrus lanceolatus has many uses. The bark and leaves are used to treat several ailments, including stomach pains, heart diseases, and skin infections. The seeds are high in fats and are used to produce cooking oil and soap. The fruit flesh is also used to produce a red dye, and people traditionally make necklaces from the seeds. The tree's timber is hard, durable, and termite-resistant, making it suitable for making furniture, tools, and utensils.
General appearance
The Celastrus lanceolatus is a beautiful tree that has an attractive shape and shiny green foliage. The unique sausage-shaped fruit capsules make it easy to identify, and the red seeds add a splash of color to the tree's overall appearance. Its hardy nature and various uses make it a highly valued plant in South Africa.
Light Requirements
Celastrus lanceolatus E.Mey. ex Sond. typically grows in partial shade or filtered sunlight. It can tolerate some direct sunlight in the early morning or late afternoon, but excessive exposure to sunlight can damage the leaves and hinder growth.
Temperature Requirements
Celastrus lanceolatus E.Mey. ex Sond. prefers warm temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. It can survive in temperatures as low as 10°C, but growth may be slow. Frost can damage the plant, so it should be protected during periods of extreme cold.
Soil Requirements
Celastrus lanceolatus E.Mey. ex Sond. grows well in well-draining soils with a pH range of neutral to slightly acidic (6.0-7.0). It thrives in soils that are rich in organic matter and can tolerate sandy or loamy soils. The plant prefers moist soils, but it can tolerate periods of drought once established.
Cultivation Methods
Celastrus lanceolatus is a hardy plant that is easy to cultivate. It thrives in a wide range of soil conditions, from well-drained sandy soils to heavy clay soils. The plant prefers full sunlight but tolerates partial shades. It can be propagated by seeds or cuttings, but cuttings are the most effective way to propagate the plant.
The best time to transplant seedlings or cuttings is in the spring to early summer when the soil is warm and moist. When transplanting, it is essential to provide enough space between plants to allow for future growth.
Watering Needs
Celastrus lanceolatus does not require a lot of watering, but regular watering is necessary to keep the soil moist. The plant should be watered once a week during dry weather. However, it is essential not to over-water the plant. Over-watering can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is necessary to ensure healthy growth and development of Celastrus lanceolatus. It is recommended to fertilize the plant once every three weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced fertilizer with a high content of nitrogen to encourage leafy growth.
However, it is crucial not to over-fertilize the plant as excess fertilizer can lead to scorching of the leaves and other issues.
Pruning
Celastrus lanceolatus requires minimal pruning. The best time to prune the plant is in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Pruning is mainly done to train the plant into the desired form and to remove any damaged or diseased branches. Remove any dead branches and thin out any crowded branches to increase air circulation, which reduces the likelihood of diseases.
It is recommended to prune the plant lightly to avoid over-pruning, which can lead to stunted growth and other issues.
Propagation of Celastrus lanceolatus E.Mey. ex Sond.
Celastrus lanceolatus E.Mey. ex Sond. is a climbing shrub that naturally spreads through seeds and cuttings. It can be easily propagated by seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Seeds
Seeds are the easiest way to propagate Celastrus lanceolatus. The seeds can be collected from the plant when they are fully ripe. Harvested seeds should be soaked in water for a day before sowing. The seeds must be sown in a well-drained soil mix at a depth of about 1 cm. Water the soil regularly to keep it moist, and place the tray in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Germination will usually occur within 3-4 weeks.
Cuttings
Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken from the plant during the growing season can also be used to propagate Celastrus lanceolatus. Cut a 3-4 inch stem section with a clean, sharp knife, remove any lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, water it well and place it in a warm location with bright, indirect sunlight. Keep the soil moist and the cutting should form roots within 3-4 weeks.
Layering
Layering is a method used to propagate a plant by bending a flexible stem to the ground and burying a section of it, which then roots. To propagate Celastrus lanceolatus, select a flexible stem, remove the leaves from a section of it, and make a wound where the stem touches the soil. Bury the wounded section in a well-draining soil mix, and cover it with a layer of mulch. Once roots have formed, cut the rooted section from the parent plant and transplant it to its desired location.
Disease Management
Celastrus lanceolatus E.Mey. ex Sond. is generally resistant to diseases but some diseases that might affect the plant include:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes small, circular, and sunken spots with reddish-brown margins on the leaves. It can also cause wilting and defoliation. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts and ensure proper aeration around the plant.
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes small, brown or black circular spots on the leaves. The spots may appear sunken with yellow halos around them. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering.
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. It causes the roots to rot, turn brown or black and become mushy. The plant may show wilting and yellowing of leaves. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage.
Pest Management
Celastrus lanceolatus E.Mey. ex Sond. is generally resistant to pests but some pests that might affect the plant include:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that can suck the sap of the leaves and stems. They can cause curling, yellowing, and stunted growth. To manage this pest, control the population with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mealybugs: These are soft-bodied insects that look like cottony masses on the leaves and stems. They can cause wilting and yellowing of leaves. To manage this pest, control the population with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mites: These are tiny insects that can cause stippling or yellowing of leaves. They are barely visible to the naked eye. To manage this pest, control the population with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Scale insects: These are small insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems. They can cause yellowing, defoliation, and stunted growth. To manage this pest, control the population with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
