Overview
Ehretia hottentotica Burch., commonly known as the puzzle bush or lemon bush, is a small to medium-sized tree belonging to the borage family Boraginaceae. It is native to southern Africa, particularly in South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana.
General Appearance
The puzzle bush is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 6 meters in height. It has a spreading, irregular, and twisted branching pattern, with a gnarled and twisted trunk that may have burrowing roots. The leaves of the plant are simple, alternate, elliptical, and often have a hairy underside. The leaves have a lemon-like scent when crushed, hence the plant's common name.
The plant produces small, inconspicuous, creamy-white flowers in the summer, which are succeeded by round, reddish-brown fruits about the size of a pea. The bark of the puzzle bush is rough, grey-brown, and scaly or fissured.
Uses
The puzzle bush has various medicinal uses. The leaves, barks, and roots are used in African traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as coughs and colds, stomach aches, and fever. The bark is also used in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, and venereal diseases.
The plant is also used for a variety of non-medicinal purposes. The wood of the puzzle bush is hard and durable, making it useful for constructing various items such as tool handles and furniture. The plant's gnarled and twisted branches and stems of are often used for ornamental purposes, such as in floral arrangements.
In addition, the puzzle bush is also used in reforestation, especially in the reclamation of degraded land, as it is a hardy plant that can grow in poor soils.
Overall, Ehretia hottentotica Burch. is a unique and versatile plant, with a distinct appearance and a variety of uses ranging from traditional medicine to reforestation.Light Requirements
Ehretia hottentotica Burch. requires full sun exposure to achieve optimal growth. The plant can tolerate some shade, but it may not flower as profusely as it would in full sunlight. Therefore, it is best to place it in a location where it receives direct sunlight for at least six hours per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to the warm regions of southern Africa and prefers a temperature range of 18°C to 28°C. It can tolerate higher temperatures, but it may need extra protection from the heat and dryness during the summer months. In locations where the temperature drops below freezing, the plant will not survive the winter. However, it can grow as an annual plant in cooler climates.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy soil, loamy soil, and clay soil. However, the soil should not be too dry or too moist, as these conditions can lead to root rot or other problems.
Cultivation methods
Ehretia hottentotica Burch. is a hardy plant that can grow in most soil types. It thrives in well-drained soils, but it can tolerate poorly drained soils as well. The plant prefers full sun exposure, so it should be planted in an open area with adequate sunlight. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be planted in early spring, and cuttings should be taken in late summer.
Watering needs
Ehretia hottentotica Burch. requires moderate watering during the growing season. The plant should be watered deeply, but only when the soil has dried out completely. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's crucial to ensure that the soil is well-drained. During the winter, the plant should be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between watering sessions.
Fertilization
Fertilizer should be applied to the soil around the plant in early spring, just before the growing season starts. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is best. The fertilizer should be applied in small amounts, and care should be taken not to over-fertilize the plant. Over-fertilization can lead to leaf scorching and other problems.
Pruning
Pruning Ehretia hottentotica Burch. should be done after the flowering season when the plant is dormant. The plant can be pruned to maintain its shape and size, but it's important not to prune too much of the plant at one time. Dead or damaged branches should be removed as soon as they are noticed, and any suckers emerging from the base of the plant should be removed regularly to prevent overcrowding.
Propagation of Ehretia hottentotica Burch.
Ehretia hottentotica Burch. can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. Some popular propagation methods are:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method to propagate Ehretia hottentotica Burch. It requires good quality seeds collected from mature plants. Seeds should be sown in sandy loam soil in a shaded nursery bed for optimum germination. The seedlings can be transplanted to their final position after about six months of growth.
Cuttings Propagation
Ehretia hottentotica Burch. can also be propagated using semi-hardwood cuttings. These should be taken from a healthy and mature tree, about 15-20 cm long, and with four to six leaves at the top. The base of the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone powder before planting into well-draining soil. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment until they develop roots.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering propagation is a slow but reliable method to multiply Ehretia hottentotica Burch. plants. The method involves slitting and girdling the bark to expose a small section of the wood. A rooting hormone is applied to encourage root growth, and the exposed area is wrapped with a moss-filled plastic bag for three to four months. After this time, roots should have developed, and the new plant can be severed from the original plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Ehretia Hottentotica Burch.
Ehretia hottentotica Burch, commonly known as the Natal Plum, is a highly valued tree in the horticultural industry, primarily used for landscaping and ornamental purposes. However, it is susceptible to several pests and diseases that can significantly reduce the plant's aesthetic value and overall health. Effective management of diseases and pests is essential to ensure that the tree stays healthy and vigorous.
Common Pests
1. Scales: Scales are tiny, sap-sucking insects that feed by infesting plants' foliage. They appear as bumps on the plant's stems or leaves and can grow to form large colonies. Heavy infestations of scales can lead to leaf yellowing and wilting, reducing the plant's growth and vigor. To manage scale infestations, use a sharp stream of water to blast the insects off the branches and use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil if populations are high.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that thrive in hot and dry conditions. They feed on the plant's leaves and stems, causing yellowing, wilting, and leaf drop. Spider mites are difficult to see with the naked eye, making their detection challenging. However, a close inspection of the plant's foliage will reveal fine webbing and tiny mites moving around. To manage spider mite populations, wash the plant's foliage with water frequently and keep the plant in a humid environment.
Common Diseases
1. Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that occurs when the soil surrounding the plant remains excessively moist for extended periods. It damages the plant's roots, leading to poor nutrient absorption and reduced vigor. To manage root rot, avoid over-watering the plant and ensure good drainage. If root rot has already affected the tree, prune the affected roots and gently remove any dead plant material from the soil.
2. Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects the plant's foliage. It appears as small, brown spots on the leaves and can lead to leaf yellowing, defoliation, and reduced vigor. To manage leaf spot, remove any infected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicidal spray.
Conclusion
The key to effective pest and disease management for Ehretia Hottentotica Burch involves maintaining proper plant care and management practices and detecting and treating diseases and pests early. With proper care, the Natal Plum can grow to become an exceptionally robust and healthy plant, adding beauty and charm to any landscape.
