Overview
Diospyros lycioides Desf. subsp. guerkei (Kuntze) De Winter is a small tree or shrub that belongs to the Ebenaceae family. This plant is native to Southern Africa, including Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa. It is a hardy plant that can survive in dry regions.
Appearance
The Diospyros lycioides Desf. subsp. guerkei (Kuntze) De Winter plant has a dense crown and a thick, gnarled trunk. It can grow up to 5 meters in height. The leaves are simple, alternate, and leathery with a glossy upper surface and a lighter-colored underside. The plant has small, white flowers with four petals that bloom from September to December. These flowers are followed by small round fruit with a diameter of 1-2 centimeters. The fruit is initially green but turns yellowish-orange when ripe.
Common Names
The Diospyros lycioides Desf. subsp. guerkei (Kuntze) De Winter plant is known by several common names across Southern Africa. It is known as the Wild Date, Bluebush, or Tallow wood. The plant is also known as "Muthlondoni" in the Venda language and "UmNukambule" in Zulu.
Uses
The Diospyros lycioides Desf. subsp. guerkei (Kuntze) De Winter plant has several uses. In traditional medicine, the leaves are used to treat various ailments, including fever and stomach problems. The plant's fruit is edible and has a sweet taste when fully ripe. The fruit is also used to make jams and jellies. The wood from the plant is heavy and strong and is used to make furniture, tool handles, and fencing poles. The plant is also used in landscaping as it has an attractive appearance and is drought resistant.
Light
The plant Diospyros lycioides Desf. subsp. guerkei (Kuntze) De Winter requires full sunlight to thrive. It cannot tolerate shade and requires at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Without enough sunlight, the plant's growth might become stunted, and its leaves might turn yellow.
Temperature
Diospyros lycioides Desf. subsp. guerkei (Kuntze) De Winter grows best in warm and mild temperatures. It requires a minimum of 15°C and maximum of 30°C during the day and a minimum of 10°C at night. Temperatures lower than 5°C could damage the plant or even kill it. A plant in cold temperatures may experience slow growth and produce small or misshapen fruits.
Soil
The plant can grow in various types of soil, but it thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil with high organic matter content. A soil pH between 5.5 to 7 is optimal for its growth. The soil must also have good water retention capacity and must not become waterlogged. The plant can tolerate occasional drought conditions.
Cultivation Methods
Diospyros lycioides Desf. subsp. guerkei (Kuntze) De Winter is a sturdy plant that is relatively easy to cultivate. It can grow in a wide range of soils, but it prefers loamy or sandy soil that is well-drained. The plant is frost tolerant and can handle sustained, high temperatures.
If you are starting your plant from seed, it is best to plant them in the fall, and you should expect to see germination in the spring. You can also propagate the plant using softwood cuttings taken in early summer.
Watering Needs
Diospyros lycioides Desf. subsp. guerkei (Kuntze) De Winter likes to be kept fairly moist, although it is drought-tolerant. Water your plant regularly during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter. Make sure not to overwater your plant as too much water can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilization of Diospyros lycioides Desf. subsp. guerkei (Kuntze) De Winter should be done during the growing season. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at a rate recommended on the label. Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant and water it in.
Pruning
Pruning Diospyros lycioides Desf. subsp. guerkei (Kuntze) De Winter should be done in the late winter or early spring before the plant begins to grow. It is best to prune lightly as this plant does not require heavy pruning. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and shape the plant as you desire.
Propagation of Diospyros lycioides Desf. subsp. guerkei (Kuntze) De Winter
Diospyros lycioides Desf. subsp. guerkei (Kuntze) De Winter can be propagated by various methods. The following are the most common propagation techniques:
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from mature fruit. The seeds need to be cleaned and dried before sowing. They can be sown directly in the field or in pots filled with a suitable potting mix. Germination will take about 2-4 weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the field once they have reached the appropriate size.
Cuttings Propagation
D. lycioides subsp. guerkei can be propagated by softwood or hardwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings are taken during the active growing season, while hardwood cuttings are taken during the dormant season. Cuttings should be around 15-25 cm in length with 2-3 nodes. Remove the leaves on the lower half of the cutting and dip the base in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist until new growth appears.
Air-layering Propagation
Air-layering is a useful technique for propagating Diospyros lycioides subsp. guerkei. Select a young stem and make a small cut about 6 cm from the tip. Apply rooting hormone to the cut area and wrap it with moist sphagnum moss. Cover with plastic and tie the ends. After a few weeks, roots will form and the branch can be cut off and planted in a pot or directly in the field.
Disease Management
Diospyros lycioides Desf. subsp. guerkei (Kuntze) De Winter — commonly known as the Guerkei or the Bluebush Kalahari Apple — is a drought-tolerant plant. However, there are still a few diseases that can affect this plant. Fortunately, some organic solutions can be used to manage these diseases.
Fungal diseases: Guerkei is susceptible to various types of fungal diseases that can affect its roots, leaves, and branches. Some common fungal diseases that can affect guerkei include root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. To manage these diseases, prune affected leaves and branches and dispose of them in a sealed bag. You can also apply a copper-based fungicide or a neem oil solution to prevent further spread.
Bacterial diseases: Guerkei can also be affected by bacterial diseases such as canker and bacterial leaf spot. These diseases can cause significant damage to the plant, resulting in stunted growth and reduced fruit production. To manage bacterial diseases, remove and dispose of affected plant parts using the same method as for fungal infection. Also, avoid overhead watering, since this can splash bacterial pathogens from the infected plant parts to other areas of the plant. Apply copper-based fungicides or neem oil as soon as symptoms occur.
Pest Management
Guerkei is relatively resistant to pests. However, certain insects can still cause problems and reduce fruit production.
Spider mites: In dry conditions, spider mites can infest guerkei. They suck the sap of the leaves, causing them to yellow and fall off. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to dislodge them and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil solution.
Fruit flies: Guerkei is also susceptible to fruit flies that can damage the fruit, resulting in reduced yield. You can use yellow sticky traps to monitor fruit fly populations. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil before the fruit matures.
Scale insects: Scale insects can also infest guerkei, causing the leaves to yellow and fall off. To manage scale insects, prune and dispose of affected leaves and branches. You can also apply a horticultural oil spray or neem oil solution.
