Description:
Gymnosporia engleriana Loes. var. macrantha Loes. is a small, evergreen shrub that belongs to the family of Celastraceae. It typically grows up to 1-2m in height and has a sprawling habit with numerous branches that are armed with sharp thorns. The plant has glossy, dark green leaves that are narrowly elliptical and measure 3-7 cm in length. Gymnosporia engleriana Loes. var. macrantha Loes. gets attractive during the flowering time when it produces small but numerous creamy-white flowers that grow in clusters at the tip of its branches. The fruits of Gymnosporia engleriana Loes. var. macrantha Loes. are small, round, and succulent, turning yellow to red on maturity.
Origin:
Gymnosporia engleriana Loes. var. macrantha Loes. is indigenous to Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, and Tanzania. It is found in the dry deciduous forests, thickets, rocky hillsides, and along the margins of rivers across its native range.
Common Names:
Gymnosporia engleriana Loes. var. macrantha Loes. is commonly known as the Large-fruited Spike-thorn and is also referred to as Mkundamalaso in the local communities where it grows naturally.
Uses:
Gymnosporia engleriana Loes. var. macrantha Loes. has significant ethnomedical importance. The plant extracts have been reported to possess various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. The bark, leaves, and roots of Gymnosporia engleriana Loes. var. macrantha Loes. have been traditionally used to treat various ailments such as fever, toothache, diarrhea, and respiratory diseases. The plant is also used in agroforestry, particularly in woodland restoration, as it has excellent soil binding and nitrogen-fixing capabilities.
Light Requirements
Gymnosporia engleriana Loes. var. macrantha Loes. thrives well in full sunlight. It can also adapt to partial shade, but the growth may be slower. Exposure to ample light encourages better flowering and fruiting. Therefore, it is advisable to plant it in areas where it can receive direct sunlight for at least six hours a day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures, and it cannot tolerate extreme cold. It grows well in areas with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 35°C, but it can still survive at temperatures above or below this range. Frost can damage the leaves and stems, and it may not recover fully. Therefore, it is best to plant it in areas with a temperate or tropical climate.
Soil Requirements
Gymnosporia engleriana Loes. var. macrantha Loes. can adapt to various types of soils. However, it thrives best in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should range from neutral to slightly acidic. The plant can survive in sandy, loamy, or clay soils, but it cannot grow well in waterlogged soils.
Cultivation Methods
Gymnosporia engleriana Loes. var. macrantha Loes. is native to southern Africa and can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 10 through 12. The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6-7.5. It can be propagated through seeds or cuttings and should be planted in a location with full sun to partial shade.
Watering Needs
The plant should be watered regularly during the growing season, which is typically from spring to fall. It is important not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. Watering should be reduced during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Fertilization
Gymnosporia engleriana Loes. var. macrantha Loes. benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every 4-6 weeks. Alternatively, a slow-release fertilizer can be added to the soil around the plant at the beginning of the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for this plant, but it can be beneficial for shaping and promoting dense foliage. It is recommended to prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Dead or damaged branches should be removed, and the plant can be pruned to maintain its desired shape and size.
Propagation of Gymnosporia engleriana Loes. var. macrantha Loes.
Gymnosporia engleriana Loes. var. macrantha Loes. can be propagated by both sexual and asexual methods. These methods are:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the easiest way to propagate Gymnosporia engleriana Loes. var. macrantha Loes. Seeds should be sown during the spring season and washed with water to remove any remaining flesh. Prior to sowing the seeds, they should be soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat and promote germination.
Prepare a potting mix by mixing sand and loam in equal quantities with added well-rotted manure. The sand helps with the water retention of the potting mix. The loam imparts nutrients necessary for the growth of the seed. Plant the seeds 0.5 to 1 cm deep in the potting mix, and cover it with an additional layer of sand in order to retain moisture.
Water the seeds daily by using a spray nozzle, and place a perforated plastic bag over the pot, which helps to hold moisture and humidity. Place the pot in indirect sunlight and maintain a temperature of 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. Germination generally occurs within one to three months.
Asexual Propagation
One can propagate Gymnosporia engleriana Loes. var. macrantha Loes. vegetatively using cuttings and layering methods. These methods include:
Cuttage
The stem cuttings are collected from the mother plant during the spring season. Use only semi-hardwood cuttings prepared at a length of 15-20 cm. Cut at the bottom, just below the node. Before planting, cut the leaves halfway to reduce the transpiration rate. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone, then plant them in well-drained soil. Then, keep them under mist with high humidity levels, which encourage root development. Pot them into appropriate sized pots once they have good root development.
Layering
During the spring, choose a healthy branch from the mother plant. Create a wound by removing a strip of bark (1-2 cm wide) on one side of the branch, then wrap that area with a rooting hormone-treated sphagnum moss. Now wrap the wound using a plastic wrap with the help of a string, ensuring it’s secure. Keep the plastic moist to support root formation. Once roots have formed, cut the rooted layer from the mother plant and plant it in well-drained soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Gymnosporia Engleriana Loes. var. Macrantha Loes.
Gymnosporia Engleriana Loes. var. Macrantha Loes. is a hardy plant that can withstand various weather conditions. But like any plant, it is also prone to diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases:
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes powdery white spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage this disease, you can use fungicides containing sulfur, copper, or neem oil. Pruning the affected parts of the plant and increasing air circulation can also help prevent powdery mildew.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes sunken spots on the leaves, stems, and fruits. It can also cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop prematurely. To manage anthracnose, you can use copper-based fungicides. Removing infected plant material and maintaining good hygiene in the garden can also help control anthracnose.
Pests:
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. To manage spider mites, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Spraying the plant with water and increasing the humidity can also help control spider mites.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, flat, oval-shaped pests that attach themselves to the plant and suck the sap from its leaves and stems. To manage scale insects, you can use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to remove them from the plant manually.
Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that damage the flowers and leaves by sucking the sap and leaving behind scars. To manage thrips, you can use insecticides containing spinosad or neem oil. Pruning the affected parts of the plant and removing any debris around it can also help prevent thrips.
Regular monitoring of the plant is essential to detect any diseases or pests early and take appropriate measures to manage them. Proper watering, fertilization, pruning, and maintenance can also help keep the plant healthy and disease-free.
