Overview
Euclea racemosa Murray subsp. bernardii F.White, commonly known as the "Kei-apple," is a shrubby plant classified under the eponymous family Ebenaceae. The plant is indigenous to Southern Africa, particularly in South Africa and Zimbabwe. The Kei-apple plant is well recognized for its lengthy, sharp thorns that safeguard its firm, woody stems.General Appearance
The Kei-apple plant is a small tree or shrub that grows up to 6 meters tall, with a dense and bushy canopy. Its branches have dense arrangements of straight thorns, ranging from 3 to 12 cm long, with a pointed tip. The leaves of the Kei-apple have an oval or lanceolate shape and typically measure between 3-10 cm long and 2-4 cm broad, with a glossy dark green color and a leathery texture. Kei-apple flowers are unisexual and typically white, covering the tree in erect stalks. The fruit of the Kei-apple is yellow-green when ripe and has a size equivalent to that of a damson plum, with a sweet but sour taste.Common Names
The Euclea racemosa Murray subsp. bernardii F.White plant is commonly referred to as Kei-apple, Amatungulu, umgwenya, or umkaki in South Africa.Uses
The Kei-apple plant has several uses, particularly among the indigenous people of South Africa, who use it for medicinal and dietary purposes. The roots, bark, and leaves of the Kei-apple plant have antimicrobial and antifungal properties used to treat skin diseases, ear infections, and respiratory diseases. The plant's fruit is a nutritional source of food for humans and animals, and it's rich in vitamin C. The thorny branches are used as living fences due to their sharp thorns, making them an effective burglar deterrent.Growth conditions of Euclea racemosa Murray subsp. bernardii F.White
Euclea racemosa Murray subsp. bernardii F.White is a plant species that belongs to the Ebenaceae family. This plant is an evergreen tree that can reach up to 10 meters in height and has a dense canopy. It is native to South Africa and can grow in a wide range of habitats.
Light requirements
Euclea racemosa Murray subsp. bernardii F.White prefers full sunlight or partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can hinder its growth. In areas with low light, this plant tends to grow taller and have a sparser canopy.
Temperature requirements
This plant is adapted to subtropical and tropical climates. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from 4°C to 40°C, but it grows best in temperatures between 20°C and 30°C. In areas with frost, this plant may lose its leaves during winter but regrow them in spring.
Soil requirements
Euclea racemosa Murray subsp. bernardii F.White can grow in a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-draining soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0 to 7.5). It can tolerate sandy soils, loamy soils, and clay soils but not waterlogged or compacted soils. This plant can also tolerate some salinity but not excessive amounts.
Cultivation Methods
Euclea racemosa Murray subsp. bernardii F.White is a hardy evergreen shrub that can grow up to 2.5 meters tall. It requires well-draining soil and is known to thrive in areas with sandy soils. The plant should be propagated through seeds or cuttings. The best time for propagation is during the warm months of spring or summer when the soil is warm enough to encourage quicker germination. The plant can be grown in full sun or partial shade, but it prefers a sunny location in well-drained soil.
Watering Needs
Regular watering is essential during the first few months of planting the Euclea racemosa plant to enable it to establish a robust root system. After that, the plant should be able to withstand drought conditions. The frequency of watering should be adjusted according to the weather conditions. During hot and dry conditions, the plant will require more water, while in cooler and humid weather, frequent watering should be avoided.
Fertilization
Euclea racemosa is not a heavy feeder and will only require occasional feeding. An application of a balanced fertilizer should be done during the growing season. The fertilizer should be applied once or twice a year; alternatively, the plant can be fertilized using organic matter like compost or well-decomposed manure.
Pruning
Pruning should be done regularly to encourage bushy growth and maintain an attractive shape. The best time to prune the Euclea racemosa plant is after flowering. It is recommended to remove old, diseased, or damaged branches as they can hinder the plant's growth and attract pests. Also, pruning will help regulate the plant's size and encourage it to produce more flowers in the next growing season.
Propagation of Euclea racemosa Murray subsp. bernardii F.White
Euclea racemosa Murray subsp. bernardii F.White can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
Seeds can be collected from mature fruits and sown immediately. The seeds should be cleaned and soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing. Sowing can be done in a seedbed or in individual pots. The soil mix should be well-draining and have a pH of 5.5-7.0. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil and kept moist. Germination usually occurs within 4-6 weeks.
Asexual propagation
Euclea racemosa can also be propagated vegetatively through cuttings. Softwood cuttings can be taken in the spring or early summer, while hardwood cuttings should be taken in the fall or winter. The cuttings should be 8-10 cm long and have at least two nodes. The leaves near the bottom of the cutting should be removed, and the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings should be placed in a well-draining soil mix and covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Rooting should occur within 6-8 weeks.
Another method of asexual propagation is through layering. One-year-old branches can be bent to the ground and partially buried in soil. The section of the branch that is buried should be scraped to remove the outer bark and promote rooting. The buried section should be kept moist, and after 6-8 months, it should be cut away from the mother plant and potted.
Euclea racemosa can also be propagated through grafting onto related rootstocks. This method is usually used for creating cultivars or for commercial production.
Disease Management
Euclea racemosa Murray subsp. bernardii F.White is susceptible to various diseases that can impede its growth and development. Here are some common diseases and suggested measures to manage them:
- Phytophthora Root Rot: This disease is caused by a soil-borne pathogen that affects the plant's roots. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing of leaves, and root decay. To manage the disease, ensure good drainage in the soil, avoid overwatering, and use fungicides.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease affects leaves, stems, and fruits. Symptoms include dark lesions on leaves and defoliation. To manage the disease, remove infected parts of the plant, provide good ventilation to the plant, and use fungicides.
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease affects leaves, causing small, circular, brownish spots. It can lead to defoliation if left untreated. To manage the disease, promptly remove infected leaves, keep the plant dry, and use fungicides.
Pest Management
Like any other plant, Euclea racemosa Murray subsp. bernardii F.White is susceptible to attacks from pests. Here are some common pests and suggested measures to manage them:
- Scale Insects: These small insects attach themselves to the plant's stems and leaves, sucking the sap and weakening the plant. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and sooty mold. To manage these pests, prune affected parts of the plant, use insecticidal soap, or introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests feed on the plant's sap, causing yellow or brown spots on leaves. They also produce fine webs that cover the plant's leaves. To manage spider mites, regularly wipe the leaves with a damp cloth, spray the plant with water, or use insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: These pests can eat the plant's foliage, causing defoliation. To manage caterpillars, handpick them from the plant, use beneficial nematodes, or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a microbial pesticide.
