Plant Description:
Kedrostis foetidissima (Jacq.) Cogn. subsp. obtusiloba (E.Mey. ex Sond.) A.Meeuse, commonly known as the stinking gooseberry, is an herbaceous, perennial, and succulent plant. It belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae and is endemic to Southern Africa. The plant can grow up to 50 centimeters in height and spreads up to one to two meters.
Appearance:
The stinking gooseberry has a thin and fleshy stem with rounded succulent leaves and tendrils. The leaves are bright green, thick, hairy, and scalloped with each lobe having a blunt tip. The flowers are small, white, and bell-shaped, which then turn into round green fruits with a prickly texture. The fruit eventually turns yellow when ripe, but the stinking gooseberry got its name from the unpleasant smell emanating from crushed leaves and fruit.
Uses:
In traditional medicine, different parts of the stinking gooseberry are used for treating various ailments like wounds, boils, inflammation, and rheumatism. The fruit and stem are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and are used to make tea, which is used to cleanse the liver and cure digestive issues.
This plant is also grown for ornamental purposes, thanks to its unique appearance. It prefers well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun. It can grow both in a pot and the ground and is easy to propagate from cuttings.
Growth Conditions for Kedrostis foetidissima (Jacq.) Cogn. subsp. obtusiloba (E.Mey. ex Sond.) A.Meeuse
Light Requirements: Kedrostis foetidissima (Jacq.) Cogn. subsp. obtusiloba (E.Mey. ex Sond.) A.Meeuse generally prefer full sun to partial shade. The plant can tolerate some shade, but in low light conditions, the plant may become leggy and less compact. Therefore, it is ideal to grow the plant where it can get plenty of bright, indirect sunlight.
Temperature Requirements: Kedrostis foetidissima (Jacq.) Cogn. subsp. obtusiloba (E.Mey. ex Sond.) A.Meeuse is native to South Africa and is well adapted to warm temperatures. The plant grows best in temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C (65°F to 86°F). The plant cannot tolerate frost and should be protected when the temperature drops to below 10°C (50°F).
Soil Requirements: Kedrostis foetidissima (Jacq.) Cogn. subsp. obtusiloba (E.Mey. ex Sond.) A.Meeuse prefers well-draining, fertile soil that is slightly acidic with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. The plant can tolerate some drought, but it grows better when the soil is kept evenly moist. Overwatering can quickly lead to root rot and kill the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Kedrostis foetidissima (Jacq.) Cogn. subsp. obtusiloba (E.Mey. ex Sond.) A.Meeuse is a resilient plant that can handle temperatures ranging from 10°C to 32°C. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. When planting, make sure the soil is moist but not water-logged.
It thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. Avoid exposing the plant to strong winds and frost. It is recommended to plant the Kedrostis foetidissima in pots or containers to control its growth and provide adequate care.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering, Kedrostis foetidissima requires moderate watering. Over-watering can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to wilt and die. It is recommended to wait until the soil has dried out before watering the plant. During the winter months, reduce the amount of water given to the plant as it goes into a dormant phase.
Fertilization
Kedrostis foetidissima requires frequent fertilization to maintain its health and growth. It benefits from a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize the plant during the growing season, from spring to early fall.
Pruning
To encourage bushier growth and prevent the Kedrostis foetidissima from becoming too leggy, it is recommended to pinch off the tips of the stems. The plant can also be pruned to remove any dead or diseased foliage. Regular pruning will help keep the plant healthy and looking its best.
Propagation of Kedrostis foetidissima (Jacq.) Cogn. subsp. obtusiloba (E.Mey. ex Sond.) A.Meeuse
Kedrostis foetidissima (Jacq.) Cogn. subsp. obtusiloba (E.Mey. ex Sond.) A.Meeuse can be propagated through both seeds and cuttings. However, seeds are the most commonly used method for propagation.
Propagation by seeds
The following steps can be followed to propagate Kedrostis foetidissima (Jacq.) Cogn. subsp. obtusiloba (E.Mey. ex Sond.) A.Meeuse through seeds:
- Collect the ripe fruit from the plant and let it dry in an airy place
- Once the fruit is dry, remove the seeds from it
- Soak the seeds in water for 12 to 24 hours
- Fill a seed tray or pot with well-draining soil mix
- Place the seeds on top of the soil and lightly cover them with more soil mix
- Water the seeds lightly and keep the soil moist until they germinate in around 1 to 2 weeks
- Transplant the seedlings into individual pots or in the ground once they have grown to around 10 to 15 cm in height
Propagation by cuttings
Kedrostis foetidissima (Jacq.) Cogn. subsp. obtusiloba (E.Mey. ex Sond.) A.Meeuse can also be propagated through stem cuttings.
- Take a stem cutting that is around 15 to 20 cm long
- Remove the leaves and any flowers or buds from the lower half of the stem
- Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder
- Fill a pot with well-draining soil mix
- Make a hole in the soil using a pencil or stick
- Insert the stem cutting into the hole so that at least half of the stem is buried in the soil
- Water the soil lightly and cover the pot with a plastic bag to retain humidity
- Keep the cutting in a warm, bright but indirect light spot
- Water the cutting lightly when the soil dries out, and remove the plastic bag after around two weeks when new shoot growth appears
- Transplant the new plant into a bigger pot or in the ground once it has outgrown the pot it was inserted into
Disease Management
Kedrostis foetidissima (Jacq.) Cogn. subsp. obtusiloba (E.Mey. ex Sond.) A.Meeuse may be affected by various diseases. One common disease is fungal leaf spot, which usually appears as circular, sunken lesions on the plant's leaves. To manage fungal leaf spot, it is advisable to remove and destroy the affected leaves to prevent the disease from spreading. Additionally, provide good air circulation by regularly pruning and spacing the plants appropriately, and avoid overhead watering which can splash fungi spores.
Another disease that may affect Kedrostis foetidissima (Jacq.) Cogn. subsp. obtusiloba (E.Mey. ex Sond.) A.Meeuse is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew causes a white, powdery growth on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, use a fungicide spray on the affected plants, ensure adequate air circulation and sunlight, and avoid overhead irrigation.
Pest Management
Kedrostis foetidissima (Jacq.) Cogn. subsp. obtusiloba (E.Mey. ex Sond.) A.Meeuse may also be vulnerable to pest infestations. One common pest is the spider mite. These are tiny pests that suck sap from plants causing damage to the leaves. To manage spider mites, use an appropriate insecticide and ensure the plants are well hydrated.
Another pest that may infest Kedrostis foetidissima (Jacq.) Cogn. subsp. obtusiloba (E.Mey. ex Sond.) A.Meeuse is mealybugs. These are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant sap and excrete a sticky substance on the leaves, providing a perfect growing medium for mold. To manage mealybugs, it is advisable to prune off infested leaves and use insecticidal soap to remove the pests. Regularly inspect the plant for more infestations.
In conclusion, regular plant inspection, pruning, as well as ensuring proper watering and sunlight can go a long way in preventing pest and disease infestations. Additionally, always use the right insecticides and fungicides to manage these infestations, as using the wrong type or quantity may damage the plant.
