Overview
Ehretia angolensis Baker, commonly known as the Natal plum or Forest num-num, is an evergreen plant species that belongs to the family Boraginaceae. It is a small to medium-sized tree that is native to southeastern and eastern Africa, including Mozambique, Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
Appearance
The Natal plum has a dense, rounded canopy with a height that ranges from 3 to 10 meters. The leaves are glossy, leathery, and have a dark green color that is elliptical in shape, the edges of the leaves are often slightly wavy. The bark is smooth and grey. The flowers are small, white, tubular, and produced in clusters. The fruit is a berry with a bright red color when ripe and contains many flattened seeds.
Common Names
The Natal plum goes by a variety of common names, depending on the region where it is found. In southern Africa, some common names include the Natal plum, Forest num-num, Natal redwood, and Zulu cherry. In East Africa, it is known as the Coast num-num, while in Madagascar, it is called Voasary, and in India, it is known as Gandhagaja.
Medicinal Uses
The Natal plum has several medicinal uses that have been documented in traditional African medicine. The bark, leaves, and fruit contain various phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and triterpenes that have shown antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. The fruit is often used to make jams and jellies and is said to be high in vitamin C. The leaves and bark are used to treat various health conditions such as diarrhea, stomach ulcers, and skin infections.
Ornamental Uses
The Natal plum is a popular ornamental tree in gardens and parks as it is drought tolerant, fast-growing, and attractive. It can be pruned into different shapes and sizes and can also be used as a hedge or screen plant. The bright red fruit and white flowers make it an attractive plant for birds and other wildlife. The tree can also be used as a bonsai subject.
Light Requirements
Ehretia angolensis Baker requires medium to high light intensity for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade, but prolonged exposure to low light levels can stunt growth and reduce the overall health of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
Ehretia angolensis Baker thrives in warm temperatures between 20-30°C (68-86°F). It can withstand temperature fluctuations, but sudden drops in temperature can cause leaf drop and other stresses to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. A soil pH of 6.5 -7.5 is ideal for optimal growth. Ehretia angolensis Baker prefers a moist but not waterlogged environment, so the soil should be kept slightly damp but not soaked.
Cultivation methods
Ehretia angolensis Baker is a shrub commonly found in the savannah and woodland regions of tropical Africa. This plant thrives in full to partial sunlight in well-draining soil. The plant's hardy nature means it can tolerate a wide range of soil qualities and pH, making it an ideal plant for beginners.
In order to encourage the plant to grow into a single-stemmed tree, prune the side shoots when they appear. Single-stemmed trees have a more attractive appearance than multi-stemmed bushes.
Watering needs
Regular water is essential to the growth of Ehretia angolensis Baker as it does not tolerate drought. However, the plant should not be over-watered or waterlogged, as this can cause root rot. To maintain healthy growth, the soil around the plant should always be moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Young plants should be fertilized during the growing season to encourage growth. The plant's nutrient requirements can be met by using balanced fertilizers. Experts recommend feeding the plant once a month during the growing season. Once the plant reaches maturity, you can reduce fertilization to once a year or once every two years.
Pruning
Every year in late winter, prune out any broken, dead, or diseased stems, bearing in mind that the stem's diameter should be less than 1.5 inches. Keep in mind that the shrub may have a strong upright structure when pruning the sideshoots and cultivating the plant as a single-stemmed tree.
Also, prune the plant just after flowering to avoid accidentally pruning off new blooms, which appear from mid-spring to early summer. Overgrown plants can be renewed by cutting them back near the ground.
Propagation of Ehretia angolensis Baker
Ehretia angolensis Baker is a beautiful plant that can be easily propagated by seeds, cuttings, and layering. However, the success rate of each propagation method varies depending on several factors.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method used for Ehretia angolensis Baker. The seeds should be collected from ripe fruits and should be sown immediately in a well-draining soil mix. The soil mix should be kept moist and the seedlings should be protected from direct sunlight. Germination can take up to four weeks, and once the seedlings have developed several leaves, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly planted in the ground.
Propagation by cuttings
Ehretia angolensis Baker can also be propagated by cuttings taken from young and healthy plants. The cuttings should be collected in early spring and dipped in a rooting hormone before being planted in a mix of sand and peat moss. The mix should be kept moist and the cuttings should be protected from direct sunlight until they have developed roots. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly planted in the ground.
Propagation by layering
Propagation by layering is a slow but reliable method of propagating Ehretia angolensis Baker. This method involves bending a low branch down to the ground and scratching the bark to expose some of the cambium. A small amount of rooting hormone can also be applied to the exposed area to encourage root growth. The branch should then be anchored to the ground and covered with soil. The layered branch should be left undisturbed for at least one growing season before being separated from the parent plant.
Disease and Pest Management of Ehretia angolensis Baker Plant
Ehretia angolensis Baker plant is known for its vigorous growth and hardiness. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests. To ensure optimal growth of Ehretia angolensis Baker, it is essential to manage any outbreaks of diseases and pests effectively.
Common Diseases of Ehretia angolensis Baker Plant
Some common diseases that can affect Ehretia angolensis Baker plant include:
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal infection that leads to the development of brown spots on the leaves of the plant. It is caused by excessive moisture and poor airflow around the plant. To manage leaf spot, it is essential to remove infected leaves promptly and improve airflow around the plant.
- Root Rot: This is another fungal infection that affects the roots of the plant. It is caused by overwatering the plant and poor drainage. To manage root rot, it is essential to avoid overwatering the plant and ensure proper drainage. In severe cases, it may be necessary to repot the plant in fresh soil.
- Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal infection that leads to the development of a white powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. It is caused by lack of airflow, high humidity, and low light conditions. To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to provide adequate airflow and light to the plant. In severe cases, it may be necessary to apply fungicides.
Common Pests of Ehretia angolensis Baker Plant
Some common pests that can affect Ehretia angolensis Baker plant include:
- Aphids: These are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause stunted growth and wilting of the plant. To manage aphids, it is essential to wash the plant with soapy water or apply organic insecticides.
- Spider Mites: These are tiny insects that feed on the underside of the leaves of the plant. They can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage spider mites, it is essential to wash the plant with soapy water or apply organic insecticides.
- Mealybugs: These are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant and secrete a powdery substance. They can cause stunted growth and wilting of the plant. To manage mealybugs, it is essential to wash the plant with soapy water or apply organic insecticides.
By managing the common diseases and pests that can affect Ehretia angolensis Baker plant in an effective and timely manner, gardeners can maintain their plant's health and vigor. A healthy plant is the best defense against disease and pests.
