Overview
Gelseminum capense also known as Cape jasmine is a medicinal plant that belongs to the family Loganiaceae. It is native to Southern and Eastern Africa, particularly found in regions including Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa. It is widely recognized for its medicinal properties and ornamental purposes.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Cape Jasmine, Yellow Jessamine, Wild jasmine, Evening trumpet-flower, Gelsemium, and Gelseminum.
Appearance
Gelseminum capense is a woody vine that climbs onto trees, shrubs, and fences. Its leaves are long and narrow and can grow up to 10 cm long. The plant produces yellow and tubular flowers that have a sweet fragrance. The flowers have five petal-like lobes and grow up to 5 cm long. The fruits of the plant are small and round.
Uses
Gelseminum capense has been used for a long time in traditional medicine to manage various ailments. The plant has therapeutic properties that help in the management of illnesses such as malaria, diabetes, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, the plant also contains antipyretic, antiviral, anti-tumour and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping.
Growth conditions for Gelseminum capense
Light: Gelseminum capense prefers partial shade to full sun, but can tolerate full shade in some cases. In its natural habitat, it grows in understories of forests with dappled light.
Temperature: Gelseminum capense is native to regions with a warm subtropical to tropical climate. It thrives in temperatures between 18°C to 28°C and can tolerate occasional cold snaps as low as 0°C but not frost.
Soil: A well-drained loamy soil is ideal for Gelseminum capense. It will not do well in waterlogged or compacted soil. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH between 5.5 to 7.5. Soil enriched with organic matter provides optimal growing conditions.
Water: Regular watering is essential for proper growth and development of Gelseminum capense. The plant requires moderately moist soil, and the soil must never dry out completely. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so care should be taken not to let the soil become waterlogged.
Fertilizer: Gelseminum capense does not require heavy fertilization. A light application of balanced fertilizer during the growing season can provide extra nutrients. Heavy fertilization can lead to excessive vegetative growth and reduced flowering.
Propagation: Propagation of Gelseminum capense can be done through cuttings or by dividing the root ball. Root division should be done in the early spring before new growth emerges. Cuttings should be taken from young, vigorous shoots in the spring or early summer.
Cultivation methods for Gelseminum capense (Thunb.) Kuntze
Gelseminum capense (Thunb.) Kuntze is a fast-growing evergreen shrub that requires well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. It is ideal to plant in spring or fall when the air temperatures are mild. The plant prefers acidic to neutral soils, and it is essential to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Watering needs for Gelseminum capense (Thunb.) Kuntze
Gelseminum capense (Thunb.) Kuntze requires consistent watering to thrive. It is necessary to water the plants frequently, especially during the hot summer months. However, it is vital to avoid over watering, as this can lead to root rot, leaf yellowing, and other issues. The plant's watering frequency also depends on the weather conditions, and it is essential to check the soil moisture level regularly to ensure the plants are not under or over-watered.
Fertilization for Gelseminum capense (Thunb.) Kuntze
Fertilizing the plant is necessary to promote healthy growth and blooming. It is ideal to fertilize the plant once every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer, during the growing seasons i.e., spring and summer. Over-fertilizing the plant can cause yellowing of the leaves, and it is necessary to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package while applying it to the plant.
Pruning Gelseminum capense (Thunb.) Kuntze
Gelseminum capense (Thunb.) Kuntze requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and size. It is ideal to prune the plant after flowering in late summer or early fall. Pruning the plant promotes new growth, and it is essential to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to prevent the spread of diseases. It is also necessary to cut back any overgrown or leggy branches to encourage bushier growth and shape the plant to the desired form.
Propagation of Gelseminum capense (Thunb.) Kuntze
Gelseminum capense (Thunb.) Kuntze, also known as Cape Jessamine or Yellow Jasmine, belongs to the family Loganiaceae. This plant can be propagated by two methods, namely, seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Gelseminum capense can be collected in autumn when the seedpods become dry and start splitting. The seeds should be sowed immediately in containers filled with a well-draining soil mix, watered well, and kept in a warm and bright location. Germination takes around two to four weeks, after which the seedlings can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the garden.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings of Gelseminum capense can be taken in spring or early summer when the new growth starts. Select a healthy stem with at least two leaf nodes and cut a 10-15 cm long section. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and water well. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or use a propagation tray to maintain humidity. The cutting should root within 4-8 weeks, after which it can be potted into a larger container or planted in the garden.
Disease Management for Gelseminum capense
Gelseminum capense is susceptible to several fungal and viral diseases. These include:
- Leaf spot: Leaf spots are circular or irregular shaped brown or black spots that appear on the leaves of the plant. They are caused by the fungus Cercospora capsici. To manage leaf spots, remove and destroy all the infected leaves and apply a fungicide to the remaining leaves.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves of the plant. It is caused by fungi such as Leveillula taurica. To manage powdery mildew, remove all the infected leaves and apply a fungicide to the remaining leaves. Good airflow and humidity control are also important for preventing powdery mildew.
- Root Rot: Root rot is caused by fungi such as Phytophthora cinnamomi and Pythium spp. It causes the roots to rot, resulting in wilting and death of the plant. To manage root rot, ensure proper drainage, avoid overwatering, and apply fungicides containing fosetyl-al or metalaxyl.
- Viral Diseases: Viral diseases affect the plant's growth and appearance, resulting in stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. There is no cure for viral diseases, so prevention is crucial. Avoid planting infected plants, eliminate weeds, and control insect vectors.
Pest Management for Gelseminum capense
Gelseminum capense is also susceptible to pests such as:
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant's sap, causing leaves to turn yellow and dry out. To manage spider mites, introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or apply insecticides containing neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths or butterflies that feed on the plant's leaves and flowers. To manage caterpillars, handpick them or apply insecticides containing spinosad or Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
- Scale Insects: Scale insects suck the plant's sap, resulting in stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. They also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts ants. To manage scale insects, apply horticultural oil or insecticides containing imidacloprid or pyrethroids.
- Thrips: Thrips cause damage to leaves and flowers, resulting in discoloration and distortion. To manage thrips, introduce natural predators such as predatory mites or apply insecticides containing spinosad or neem oil.
