Origin and Common Names
Euclea crispa (Thunb.) Gürke subsp. linearis (Zeyh. ex Hiern) F.White, commonly known as the Blue Guarri or Blougaar, is a woody species that is native to Southern Africa. It occurs naturally in the countries of Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe.
General Appearance
The Blue Guarri is a small tree or shrub that typically grows up to 8 meters in height. It has a spreading and rounded crown that is usually wider than the height of the tree. The bark of the tree is dark grey to black and is deeply fissured with age. It has dark green, glossy leaves that are alternate and lanceolate in shape. These leaves have a wavy edge, hence the name crispa, and are around 25-50 mm long and 8-20 mm wide. The tree produces small white flowers that are fragrant and are followed by fleshy, black, edible berries.
Uses
The Blue Guarri has various uses both cultural and medicinal. The tree is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments such as stomach problems, toothaches, and headaches. The bark and roots produce a yellow dye that is used in traditional textiles and the wood is used to make various household items such as tool handles and furniture. The berries are edible and can be eaten raw or used to make jams and preserves. The plant is also used for landscaping purposes due to its attractive appearance and ability to tolerate dry conditions.
Light Requirements
Euclea crispa subsp. linearis prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade but can tolerate shade as well. However, the plant may have slower growth and produce fewer flowers and fruits in the shade.
Temperature Requirements
This subspecies of Euclea crispa grows well in a wide range of temperatures but prefers warm to hot temperatures. The plant can tolerate both heat and cold to a certain extent but cannot withstand frost.
Soil Requirements
Euclea crispa subsp. linearis can grow in a variety of soils, such as sandy, loamy, or clay soils. However, the plant prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH range is between 6.0 and 7.5.
The plant is also tolerant of drought and can grow in soils with low water availability. However, it requires regular watering during prolonged dry periods to ensure optimal growth and performance.
Cultivation
Euclea crispa subsp. linearis is a hardy plant that is native to southern Africa. It is easy to cultivate and can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy and clay soils. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. It is recommended to plant this species in late winter or early spring.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering during its growing season, which is from spring to summer. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it is essential to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During the winter months, watering should be reduced to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization
Feed the plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season. You can also use organic fertilizers, like compost or manure, to improve soil fertility. Avoid overfertilizing as this can cause overgrowth and weaker stems.
Pruning
Pruning helps to keep Euclea crispa subsp. linearis in a good shape and encourages new growth. Late winter or early spring is the best time to prune. Remove any dead or diseased branches to prevent the spread of infection. You can also thin out the crowded branches and cut back the ones that have overgrown.
Propagation of Euclea crispa subsp. linearis
Euclea crispa subsp. linearis can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. Some of the propagation methods for this plant are:
Seed propagation
The most common propagation method for Euclea crispa subsp. linearis is through seed propagation. The seeds should be collected from mature plants during early autumn.
The seeds should be placed in a mixture of sand and compost to a depth of 5 mm to 1 cm. The mixture should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination of the seeds usually occurs within three to four weeks.
Cuttings
Another method of propagation for Euclea crispa subsp. linearis is through cuttings. This is usually preferred when the plant is difficult to propagate through seeds.
The cuttings should be taken from one-year-old branches during early spring. They should be treated with rooting hormone and then planted in a mixture of sand and compost. The cuttings should be kept moist and shaded until they have developed roots, which usually takes between 2-3 months.
Air layering
Air layering is another propagating method for Euclea crispa subsp. linearis. This method is useful for hard-to-root plants and is often used on older plants because it does not require removal from its original location.
Air layering should be done during early spring or late winter when branches are pliable. The bark of the branch should be removed and rooting hormone applied. The wound should be wrapped in sphagnum moss and kept moist. The new roots will form within two months.
Disease Management
Euclea crispa subsp. linearis is susceptible to several fungal and bacterial diseases.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown lesions on leaves and stems, leading to leaf and shoot blight. It can be managed by removing and destroying the infected plant parts and applying a fungicide containing chlorothalonil or copper.
Crown Rot: This disease is caused by Phytophthora spp. and Pythium spp. fungi. It causes the wilting and blackening of the plant's crown and roots. It can be managed by avoiding overwatering and using well-draining soil. Fungicides containing mefenoxam or metalaxyl are also effective.
Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes yellowing and browning of leaves, forming small spots. It can be managed by removing and destroying the infected plant parts and applying a fungicide containing myclobutanil or propiconazole.
Pest Management
Euclea crispa subsp. linearis is also vulnerable to several pests.
Scale Insects: These sap-sucking insects appear as small bumps on leaves and stems and can cause stunted growth and yellowing. They can be managed by removing and destroying the infected plant parts and applying an insecticide containing imidacloprid or acephate.
Leafminers: These insects tunnel into and feed on leaves, producing brown trails and blotches. They can be managed by removing and destroying the infected plant parts and applying an insecticide containing abamectin or spinosad.
Caterpillars: The larvae of moths and butterflies feed on leaves, causing defoliation. They can be managed by manually removing and destroying the caterpillars or applying an insecticide containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
