Dischisma ciliatum (P.J.Bergius) Choisy subsp. flaccum (E.Mey.) Roessler
Dischisma ciliatum, commonly known as Bushveld Spike-thorn, is a highly valued medicinal plant that belongs to the Rhamnaceae family. This plant is native to Southern Africa and can be found in countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.
Appearance
The Bushveld Spike-thorn is a small shrub or tree that can reach a height of up to 3 meters. It has a spiny habit with branches that are densely covered in thorns. The leaves are simple, narrow, and elongated, and they have a glossy texture. The flowers are small and white or cream-colored and are arranged in clusters. The fruit is a black or purple berry that is edible but not commonly consumed.
Uses
The Bushveld Spike-thorn is widely used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as wound healing, inflammation, fever, headache, stomach disorders, and respiratory infections. The plant contains chemical compounds such as saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids that are believed to possess therapeutic properties. Besides its medicinal uses, the Bushveld Spike-thorn is also used for fencing, as the dense thorn coverage provides excellent protection against predators and intruders.
Light Requirements
Dischisma ciliatum subsp. flaccum requires bright but indirect sunlight for optimum growth. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves of the plant which can cause wilting and eventually death. The plant should ideally be placed near a window or in an area that receives bright but filtered light.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Dischisma ciliatum subsp. flaccum is between 18°C to 24°C. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 12°C but anything below that can stunt its growth or cause harm. It is important to provide a consistent temperature for the plant as it is sensitive to sudden temperature changes.
Soil Requirements
Dischisma ciliatum subsp. flaccum prefers well-draining, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH range of the soil should be between 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can grow in sandy or clay soil as well but it needs to be amended with organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged as this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Dischisma ciliatum (P.J.Bergius) Choisy subsp. flaccum (E.Mey.) Roessler should be planted in well-draining soil that is rich in organic material. You can propagate it through seeds or cuttings. The plant requires full sun exposure and should be planted at a depth of 1-2 cm. Water the plant regularly, but do not let it sit in standing water.
Watering Needs
Dischisma ciliatum (P.J.Bergius) Choisy subsp. flaccum (E.Mey.) Roessler requires regular watering. The plant should be kept moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant deeply once a week. In the winter, reduce the watering frequency and only water when the soil is dry to the touch.
Fertilization
You can fertilize Dischisma ciliatum (P.J.Bergius) Choisy subsp. flaccum (E.Mey.) Roessler with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Avoid using fertilizer during the winter months. Use a fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Pruning
Dischisma ciliatum (P.J.Bergius) Choisy subsp. flaccum (E.Mey.) Roessler should be pruned regularly to encourage bushy growth and improve the plant's overall appearance. Prune the plant in the spring, before the growing season, and remove any dead or diseased branches. You can also pinch back the growing tips to stimulate branching.
Propagation of Dischisma ciliatum subsp. flaccum
Dischisma ciliatum subsp. flaccum can be propagated through both sexual and asexual means.
Sexual Propagation
Seeds are the main means of sexual propagation for Dischisma ciliatum subsp. flaccum. The plant produces tiny, brownish seeds that should be sown in a well-draining soil mix. The seeds should be scattered over the soil surface and gently pressed into the soil. They should then be watered from below, or misted from above, to avoid washing away the seeds. Germination should begin within two to three weeks.
Asexual Propagation
Dischisma ciliatum subsp. flaccum can also be propagated asexually through vegetative cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in the late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken from fresh, new growth and should be about 10cm long.
The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and then planted in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and warm, ideally at a temperature of 18 to 23°C. The cuttings should root within two to three weeks and can then be potted on into individual containers.
Both sexual and asexual propagation methods can be used to produce new plants of Dischisma ciliatum subsp. flaccum for personal use or for commercial purposes.
Disease Management
Dischisma ciliatum subsp. flaccum is relatively resilient to diseases. However, under certain environmental conditions, the plant may be susceptible to some diseases, including:
- Leaf spot: characterized by small, black circular spots on the leaves that may cause defoliation if the infection is severe.
- Root rot: caused by fungi that infect the roots and may lead to wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the plant.
To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good cultural practices such as watering the plant deeply and infrequently to prevent waterlogging the soil. This will help to reduce the risk of root rot. Regular inspection of the plant is also crucial to identify any early signs of disease and treat them promptly. Fungicides can be used as a preventive measure or to manage an outbreak.
Pest Management
Dischisma ciliatum subsp. flaccum is relatively resistant to common pests. However, some pests may infest the plant, including:
- Spider mites: these pests are tiny and suck the sap of leaves, causing them to yellow and eventually die.
- Thrips: these pests feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant, causing discoloration and distortion.
To control these pests, natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps can be introduced. Additionally, regular inspection of the plant is critical to identify and treat any infestation promptly. Horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps can also be used to manage pests effectively.
