Origin
Elaeodendron capense Eckl. & Zeyh. is a species of plant that belongs to the family Celastraceae. It is native to Africa and can be found in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa.
Common Names
Elaeodendron capense Eckl. & Zeyh. is commonly known as the Cape resin tree, Cape-olive, or the White milkwood.
Uses
The Elaeodendron capense Eckl. & Zeyh. has been used in traditional medicine for its various medicinal properties. The bark of the tree is used as a purgative and a laxative. The leaves are chewed to treat stomach ailments and fever. The roots are used to treat snake bites, while the seeds are used as an insecticide. The tree is also used as a source of timber, as it grows straight and tall, and produces a durable wood that is used for making furniture, tool handles and fence posts. Additionally, the oil extracted from the seeds of the tree is used in cooking and as a substitute for soap.
General Appearance
The Elaeodendron capense Eckl. & Zeyh. is a medium-sized tree that grows up to 15 meters tall. It has a rounded crown with a diameter of up to 10 meters. The leaves are simple, glossy, and dark green in color. The flowers are small, white or cream-colored, and are borne in clusters along the branches. The fruit is a smooth, shiny, oval-shaped drupe that is about 1 cm in diameter. It turns from green to red or black when ripe and contains a hard seed inside.
Growth Conditions for Elaeodendron Capense Eckl. & Zeyh.
Elaeodendron capense Eckl. & Zeyh., commonly known as the Cape-olive, is a hardy, fast-growing tree that can adapt to a wide range of growing conditions. The following are some typical growth conditions for this plant:
Light Requirements
Elaeodendron capense is a sun-loving plant. It requires full sun exposure to grow and thrive. It is best to plant the tree in an area that receives six hours of direct sunlight daily. If planted in a shaded area, the plant will grow, but it will produce fewer fruits.
Soil Requirements
Elaeodendron capense prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil must have a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. However, the plant can also grow in mildly acidic soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant can tolerate poor soil but will not grow and produce abundant fruits in such conditions.
Temperature Requirements
Elaeodendron capense is native to southern Africa, where the climate is warm and mild. Therefore, the plant thrives in warm and tropical regions. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 20°C to 30°C. The tree can tolerate temperatures as low as 5°C during winter. However, low temperatures will slow down the growth rate, and the tree will produce fewer fruits.
Water Requirements
Elaeodendron capense requires regular watering to establish deep roots. In the first year of growth, water the plant weekly. Once it has established, reduce watering to once a month. The plant can tolerate drought conditions but will not produce abundant fruits in dry conditions.
Fertilizer Requirements
Elaeodendron capense does not require much fertilizer, but it can benefit from regular feeding. Apply balanced fertilizer every six months to promote growth and fruit production.
By ensuring optimum growth conditions for Elaeodendron capense, one can expect a healthy tree that produces abundant fruits.
Cultivation Methods
Elaeodendron capense Eckl. & Zeyh. is a slow-growing plant that is indigenous to South Africa. It is best grown outdoors in tropical and subtropical regions, with temperatures around 20-27°C. The plant is adaptable and can grow in different soil types, as long as it is well-draining and fertile. However, it is recommended to plant it in sandy loam soil that is rich in organic matter with a pH range between 5.5-7.5.
The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings, with cuttings being the preferred method. Cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth, with a minimum length of 10-15 cm. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in pots filled with a well-draining mixture of compost, sand, and perlite. The pots should be placed in a shaded area and kept moist.
Watering Needs
Elaeodendron capense Eckl. & Zeyh. thrives in moist soil conditions and prefers regular watering. However, overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal infections, thus watering should be done in moderation. The frequency of watering depends on soil type, season, and plant maturity. During the growing season, the plant should be watered once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. In winter, watering should be reduced.
Avoid using chlorinated or fluoridated water, as these chemicals can negatively impact the plant's growth. It is recommended to use filtered or rainwater instead.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for the growth and health of Elaeodendron capense Eckl. & Zeyh. The plant requires a well-balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Fertilization should be done during the growing season, i.e., from spring to autumn, at intervals of six weeks. Fertilizers with a ratio of 3:1:5 (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) are ideal for this plant.
Avoid using fertilizers with high amounts of nitrogen as they can cause the plant to grow excessively, leading to damage or disease. Additionally, fertilizers should not be applied to dry soil, and applications should be done after watering or rainfall.
Pruning
Pruning Elaeodendron capense Eckl. & Zeyh. helps maintain a desirable shape and encourages bushier growth. The best time to prune the plant is in winter or early spring when it is dormant. Dead, diseased, or damaged branches should be removed, and the plant's size can be controlled by selectively cutting back individual branches.
When pruning, ensure that the tools used are sharp and clean to prevent harm or damage to the plant. It is also advisable to disinfect the tools between cuts to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
Propagation of Elaeodendron capense Eckl. & Zeyh.
Elaeodendron capense Eckl. & Zeyh. is a deciduous plant species that belongs to the family Celastraceae. It is a small to medium-sized tree that is native to southern and eastern Africa. The plant has a wide range of uses, including traditional medicine, timber, and ornamental purposes.
Seeds
Seeds are the most common method of propagating Elaeodendron capense Eckl. & Zeyh. as they can remain viable for a long time. The ideal time for seed collection is between May and June when the fruit is ripe. The seed pods should be collected and left to dry in a well-ventilated room. Once dry, the pods can be opened to collect the seeds.
The collected seeds need to be cleaned to remove any remaining pulp. Soaking the seeds in water for a day will help to loosen the pulp. Once cleaned, the seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to a year.
When planting the seeds, they should be sown in a seed tray filled with a well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of sand and kept moist. Germination should occur within 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings should be transplanted to individual containers once they are big enough to handle.
Cuttings
Another method of propagating Elaeodendron capense Eckl. & Zeyh. is through cuttings. Hardwood cuttings should be collected in winter when the plant is dormant. A cutting should be 10-12 cm long and have at least four nodes.
The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining rooting medium. The pot should be placed in a warm, bright area but not in direct sunlight. The cutting should root in 4-6 weeks. Once roots have developed, the cutting can be transplanted to a larger container.
Softwood cuttings can also be taken in summer, but the success rate is lower than with hardwood cuttings.
Air layering
Air layering is another method of propagating Elaeodendron capense Eckl. & Zeyh. This method involves cutting a ring around a branch and applying rooting hormone to the exposed area. The exposed area should be covered with moist sphagnum moss and covered with plastic to create a mini-greenhouse.
The branch should start to produce roots in 3-4 weeks, and once it has developed a good root system, it can be cut off from the parent plant and transplanted into a container.
Disease and Pest Management for Elaeodendron capense Eckl. & Zeyh.
Elaeodendron capense Eckl. & Zeyh. is a hardy plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it is not entirely immune, and some pests and diseases can cause significant damage to the plant if left uncontrolled. As such, proper disease and pest management practices should be employed to keep the plant healthy and thriving.
Common Diseases
Elaeodendron capense Eckl. & Zeyh. is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Crown rot: This disease is caused by several soilborne pathogens that attack the plant's roots, causing them to rot and affecting the plant's ability to take up water and nutrients. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and stunting of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering. Affected plants should be removed and destroyed.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease affects the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant, causing dark, sunken lesions. If left untreated, it can cause significant damage to the plant. To manage this disease, remove and destroy affected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides.
Common Pests
Elaeodendron capense Eckl. & Zeyh. is not significantly affected by pests. However, some common pests that may attack the plant include:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the plant's sap and excrete a sticky substance that attracts other pests and promotes fungal growth. To manage aphids, hose down the plant with water, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests attack the plant by sucking sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and develop a rusty appearance. To manage spider mites, hose down the plant with water, or apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
It is essential to monitor the plant regularly for signs of disease and pests. Early detection and timely control measures can help protect the plant from significant damage. Additionally, proper plant care practices, such as providing adequate water and nutrients, can help keep the plant healthy and resilient.
