Overview of Dovyalis celastroides Sond.
Dovyalis celastroides Sond. is commonly known as the Kei apple or umkokola. It is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub or small tree native to the southern parts of Africa, particularly in South Africa and Zimbabwe. The plant belongs to the family Flacourtiaceae and is highly valued for its edible fruit, which resembles a small green apple.
Appearance
Dovyalis celastroides Sond. is a bushy, spiny plant that can grow up to 4 meters in height. The young stems are green and covered in sharp spines, while the older wood turns grey-brown, rough, and slightly fissured. The small, oval-shaped leaves are glossy and bright green with toothed edges. The plant produces fragrant, creamy-white flowers in spring, followed by the fruit, which ripens from green to yellow-brown. The fruit is about the size of a golf ball and contains several small seeds.
Uses
The fruit of Dovyalis celastroides Sond. is the main reason for its cultivation. In its native range, the fruit is eaten fresh or dried, cooked, and used in jams and jellies. The fruit is rich in Vitamin C and has a tart, acidic flavor. The plant's leaves are also used as a natural insecticide, while the bark and roots are employed in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including stomach problems, respiratory infections, and diarrhea. The plant's wood is dense and durable, making it suitable for furniture and turning. The spines on the plant's stem deter browsing animals, which makes it useful as a hedge or barrier plant.
Growth conditions for Dovyalis celastroides Sond.
Dovyalis celastroides Sond., also known as kei-apple or Umkokola, is a spiny, evergreen shrub that grows up to 5 m (16 ft) tall. The plant is native to southern Africa, and it is found in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Swaziland, and Namibia.
Light requirements
Kei-apple grows well in full sun to partial shade. In its native habitat, the plant is found growing in open woodlands, forest margins, and thickets. It thrives in warm and sunny conditions but can also tolerate some shade.
Temperature requirements
Kei-apple does well in a warm climate and is adapted to frost-free areas. The plant grows best in temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 35°C (95°F). It is hardy to USDA zones 9 to 11.
Soil requirements
Kei-apple grows best in well-drained soils with good organic content. It does not tolerate waterlogged or heavy clay soils. The ideal pH range for the plant is 6.0 to 6.5, although it can tolerate soils with a pH of up to 7.5.
It is important to note that kei-apple has spines that can be harmful to humans and animals. Therefore, it is best to plant it away from footpaths, children's play areas, and areas of high foot traffic.
Cultivation
The Dovyalis celastroides Sond. plant grows best in tropical and subtropical climates, thriving in areas with temperatures ranging from 20 to 40°C. It is a sun-loving plant that requires moderate watering.
The plant requires well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in sandy soils, but they must be supplemented with organic matter to enhance fertility.
Dovyalis celastroides Sond. is propagated through seeds, cuttings, and air-layering. Seed propagation is the easiest method, and cuttings can be used for faster reproduction. Regardless of the method used, the plant needs access to sufficient light to encourage healthy growth.
Watering Needs
Young plants require frequent watering to establish root systems. However, the frequency of watering reduces as the plant matures. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. The plant requires moderate watering, which should be done once a week or as needed.
Fertilization
Dovyalis celastroides Sond. benefits from the application of balanced fertilizers, with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) being the primary macronutrients required. Fertilization should be done in the early spring before the growing season commences, with subsequent applications performed every three months.
Avoid over-fertilization as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth and low fruit production.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the plant's shape and encourage healthy growth. The best time to prune is during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Prune away dead, diseased, or damaged branches to enhance the plant's aesthetic appeal and improve overall health. Thin out the interior of the plant to improve light penetration and air circulation, which reduces disease incidence.
Trim off lateral branches to prevent overgrowth, and shape the plant to the desired form.
Propagation of Dovyalis celastroides Sond.
Dovyalis celastroides Sond., commonly known as Kei-apple, is a fruit-bearing shrub or small tree. It belongs to the Flacourtiaceae family and is native to southern Africa. The plant can be propagated through several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation from seeds
The easiest and most common way to propagate Dovyalis celastroides is from seeds. The seeds should be fresh and taken from the ripe fruit. The fruit should be left on the plant until it begins to soften. Cut the fruit open and extract the seeds, which are covered in fruit pulp. Clean the seeds thoroughly and soak them in water for 24 hours.
Plant the seeds in a well-draining potting mix, burying them about 1-2 cm deep. Water the soil well, and keep it moist but not waterlogged. The seeds will germinate in 2-4 weeks, depending on the temperature. Keep the seedlings in a warm, sunny spot.
Propagation from cuttings
Dovyalis celastroides can also be propagated from stem cuttings. Cut a stem that is about 10-15cm long and remove the leaves from the lower half. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Water the soil well, and keep it moist but not waterlogged. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment.
The cuttings will root in about 4-8 weeks, depending on the temperature and humidity. Transplant the rooted cuttings to larger pots or in a garden bed.
Propagation from grafting
Grafting is another way to propagate Dovyalis celastroides, especially if the plant is difficult to root from cuttings or lacks vigor. The plant can be grafted onto a rootstock of a compatible species, such as D. rhamnoides or D. hebecarpa.
The scion should be a young shoot from the desired cultivar, while the rootstock should be a mature plant with a strong, healthy root system. The graft should be done in early spring, using a cleft or whip grafting technique. The grafted plant should be tended to carefully until it is established.
Overall, Dovyalis celastroides can be propagated through multiple means, depending on the grower's preference and circumstances. With proper care and attention, newly propagated D. celastroides plants can grow into productive fruit-bearing trees.
Disease Management for Dovyalis celastroides Sond.
Dovyalis celastroides Sond. is generally a healthy plant, but there are some diseases that can affect it. Some of the common diseases include:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease affects the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. It causes small, circular spots on the leaves and can cause them to turn yellow and drop off. The fruits may also develop spots and rot.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white or gray powdery film on the leaves, stems, and fruits. It can cause stunted growth and deformities in the plant.
To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene. Remove any infected plant parts and dispose of them properly. Make sure the plant has good air circulation around it and avoid overhead watering. You can also use fungicides to help control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management for Dovyalis celastroides Sond.
There are a few common pests that can affect Dovyalis celastroides Sond.:
- Fruit fly: This pest lays its eggs in the fruit of the plant. The larvae then feed on the fruit, causing it to rot. To manage this pest, you can use insecticides or traps.
- Scale insects: These pests suck the sap from the plant, causing it to weaken and become stunted. They appear as small, raised bumps on the leaves and stems. To manage these pests, you can use horticultural oil sprays or insecticidal soap.
It is important to monitor your plant regularly for signs of pests and take action quickly if you notice any. Proper plant care, including adequate watering and fertilization, can also help to keep your plant healthy and less susceptible to pests.
