Origin
Diospyros lycioides Desf. subsp. sericea (Bernh.) De Winter, also known as the Karoo persimmon, is a species of plant that is indigenous to the Karoo region of South Africa.
Common Names
The Karoo persimmon is commonly referred to as the "blombos" or "blombosboom" in Afrikaans, and "umtuna" in Xhosa.
Uses
The fruit of the Karoo persimmon is edible, although it is generally not consumed due to its dry and astringent taste. Instead, the fruit is traditionally used by the Khoisan people as a medicinal plant to treat diarrhea and dysentery, as well as to alleviate sore throats and chest complaints.
In addition to its medicinal uses, the Karoo persimmon is also utilized in the creation of traditional African musical instruments, such as the "umrhubhe" mouth bow. The wood of the Karoo persimmon is known for its strength and durability, making it a popular choice for craftsmen and woodworkers.
General Appearance
The Karoo persimmon is a slow-growing, small evergreen tree that typically reaches a height of up to 3 meters. The plant is characterized by its silver-grey leaves, which are covered in fine hairs that give the plant a velvety texture. The small, round fruits of the Karoo persimmon are green when unripe, turning yellow-orange when ripe and measure approximately 2-3 centimeters in diameter.
Growth Conditions of Diospyros lycioides Desf. subsp. sericea (Bernh.) De Winter
Light: The plant prefers full sun or partial shade. It needs at least 6 hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth. However, it can tolerate some shade, especially during the hottest part of the day. In the shade, the growth rate may be slower, and the plant may produce fewer flowers and fruits.
Temperature: Diospyros lycioides subsp. sericea is a subtropical plant that thrives in warm temperatures. It does well in USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F), with a minimum temperature of 10°C (50°F). Temperatures below 0°C (32°F) can damage the plant, and frost can kill it.
Soil: The plant does well in well-draining, sandy, or loamy soils that are rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. The plant is somewhat drought-tolerant and can tolerate short periods of dry soil, but it prefers evenly moist soil. It does not like waterlogged or poorly-draining soil.
Cultivation Methods
Diospyros lycioides Desf. subsp. sericea (Bernh.) De Winter, commonly known as the Green Ebony, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the family Ebenaceae. It is a hardy plant and can grow up to a height of 2.5 meters. The plant can be grown in a variety of soils, including sandy soils, loamy soils, and clay soils. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate high temperatures and drought conditions.
When planting, it is advisable to dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the plant's root ball. Backfill the hole with a mixture of soil and compost to improve soil fertility. Water the plant thoroughly after planting and continue to water regularly until it becomes established.
Watering Needs
Diospyros lycioides Desf. subsp. sericea (Bernh.) De Winter needs regular watering but can tolerate drought conditions. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the dormant season. Water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize water loss through evaporation.
Avoid waterlogging the plant as it can lead to root rot. Additionally, ensure that the soil is well-draining to prevent water accumulation at the roots.
Fertilization
The Green Ebony requires minimal fertilization as it can obtain nutrients from the soil and compost. However, the plant can benefit from regular applications of balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer at the base of the plant and water thoroughly to ensure maximum absorption.
It is advisable to avoid over-fertilization as it can lead to excessive growth, weak branches, and susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Diospyros lycioides Desf. subsp. sericea (Bernh.) De Winter as it has a natural bushy growth habit. However, if pruning is necessary, it should be done during the dormant season to avoid damaging the plant. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches and thin out overcrowded branches to improve air circulation and light penetration.
Additionally, keep the plant's height and shape in check by pruning the tips of the branches. Avoid pruning more than one-third of the plant at a time as it can cause stress and reduce growth and flowering.
Propagation of Diospyros lycioides subsp. sericea
Diospyros lycioides subsp. sericea is commonly propagated by seed, cutting, and grafting.
Propagation by Seed
Seeds of Diospyros lycioides subsp. sericea are usually collected during the fruiting season, which is from October to December. The seeds should be soaked in water for several days to soften the outer coat. After soaking, the seeds should be planted in a well-prepared seedbed with good drainage. Germination usually occurs within 30-45 days. The seedlings can be transplanted to individual containers or directly to the field once they are large enough to handle.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings of Diospyros lycioides subsp. sericea can be taken from both softwood and hardwood. Softwood cuttings should be taken during the rainy season, while hardwood cuttings should be taken during the dormant season. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment until they develop roots, which usually takes 2-3 months. Once the cuttings are rooted, they can be transplanted to individual containers or to the field.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is the most common propagation method used for Diospyros lycioides subsp. sericea. The rootstock used for grafting is usually from the same species or a related species. The scion should be selected from a desirable cultivar or plant and should be grafted onto the rootstock using a whip or cleft grafting technique. The grafted plants should be kept in a warm, humid environment until the graft union heals, which usually takes 2-3 weeks. Once the graft union is healed, the grafted plants can be transplanted to individual containers or to the field.
Disease Management
Diospyros lycioides Desf. subsp. sericea (Bernh.) De Winter is a plant that is affected by various diseases, including root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. To prevent these diseases, it is essential to maintain good plant hygiene and ensure proper plant nutrition and moisture levels.
Root Rot: This disease often affects plants that are planted in poorly drained soil and leads to wilting, stunted growth, and death. To manage root rot, remove and destroy infected plants, improve soil drainage, and avoid overwatering.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease causes powdery white or gray spots on the plant's leaves, leading to yellowing and premature leaf drop. To manage powdery mildew, ensure proper air circulation around the plant, apply fungicides, and remove and destroy infected plant parts.
Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by fungi and leads to the formation of circular or angular spots on the plant's leaves, which turn yellow and fall off. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected leaves, improve plant nutrition, and apply fungicides.
Pest Management
Diospyros lycioides Desf. subsp. sericea(Bernh.) De Winter is also vulnerable to insect pests, including borers, scales, and mites. These pests can cause leaf yellowing, wilting, and death.
Borers: These pests bore into the plant's stem and cause wilting, stunted growth, and death. To manage borers, prune and destroy infected plant parts, apply insecticides, and ensure proper plant nutrition.
Scales: These pests suck the plant's sap and cause yellowing, wilting, and death. To manage scales, remove and destroy infected plant parts, apply insecticides, and ensure proper irrigation.
Mites: These pests cause leaf discoloration, stunted growth, and deformities. To manage mites, remove and destroy infected plant parts, wash plants frequently with water, and apply insecticides.
