Origin
Lychnodiscus cerospermus var. pedicellaris (Radlk.) Hauman is a species of flowering plant originating from South America, particularly from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It typically grows in open fields, moist soils, and along the margins of forests and savannas.
Common names
This plant is commonly known as "Aceituna del campo" in Argentina and Uruguay, "Pepino del diablo" in Paraguay, and "Cara do boi" or "Tetrazzini" in Brazil. In English, it is commonly referred to as the horned lychnis or horned apple-of-Peru.
Uses
The Lychnodiscus cerospermus var. pedicellaris has various uses in traditional medicine. The plant extract is believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and it is used to treat various ailments such as dysentery and fever. The fruit is also used in Paraguay as a natural insecticide to repel insects from stored grains.
Furthermore, the plant is cultivated for its edible fruit, which resembles a small green apple with a horn-like projection on one end. The fruit, although slightly bitter, can be eaten raw or used in the preparation of beverages and jams. Additionally, the plant is an important source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators.
General appearance
The Lychnodiscus cerospermus var. pedicellaris is a perennial plant with a woody stem that can grow up to 2 m tall. Its leaves are alternate, ovate, and 10-15 cm long. The plant bears small, white, and fragrant flowers that grow in clusters. The fruit is a green, spherical capsule, about 2.5-5 cm in diameter, with a horn-like projection on one end. The plant is drought-resistant and can grow in a wide range of soil types.
Light Requirements
Lychnodiscus cerospermus Radlk. var. pedicellaris (Radlk.) Hauman is a plant that thrives in full sunlight. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow optimally. Therefore, it is best to plant this species in open areas that receive ample sunlight, such as fields or meadows.
Temperature Requirements
Lychnodiscus cerospermus Radlk. var. pedicellaris (Radlk.) Hauman is a tropical plant that prefers warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 20°C and 30°C. These temperatures should be maintained throughout the growing season to ensure optimum growth and yield. Thus, planting this species in areas with warm weather (around the equator or tropics) is ideal.
Soil Requirements
The plant Lychnodiscus cerospermus Radlk. var. pedicellaris (Radlk.) Hauman grows best in well-drained soils with a pH that ranges between 6.0 and 7.5. These soils should be rich in nutrients and organic matter. Therefore, it is best to plant this species in soils that are naturally rich in nutrients or to fertilize the soil before planting. The ideal soil type for its growth is loamy or sandy soil with a good mix of organic matter.
Cultivation Methods
The Lychnodiscus cerospermus Radlk. var. pedicellaris (Radlk.) Hauman can be grown in full sun or partial shade.
It prefers well-drained soil and regular watering but is also drought-tolerant once established.
The plant is propagated by seeds or cuttings and can be planted in the garden or in containers.
Watering Needs
Lychnodiscus cerospermus Radlk. var. pedicellaris (Radlk.) Hauman requires regular watering during the growing season, especially during hot and dry periods.
However, overwatering should be avoided as it can cause root rot.
The plant can tolerate short periods of drought once established but should be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth, the plant can be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season.
Alternatively, a slow-release fertilizer can be used at the beginning of the growing season.
The application of compost or well-rotted manure in the spring can also provide the necessary nutrients.
Pruning
Lychnodiscus cerospermus Radlk. var. pedicellaris (Radlk.) Hauman benefits from regular pruning to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth.
The plant can be pruned in early spring before new growth appears.
Dead or damaged branches should be removed throughout the year.
A light pruning after the flowering season can also promote new growth and a fuller appearance.
Propagation of Lychnodiscus cerospermus Radlk. var. pedicellaris (Radlk.) Hauman
Lychnodiscus cerospermus Radlk. var. pedicellaris (Radlk.) Hauman can be propagated through different methods, such as seed propagation, stem cuttings, and layering.
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Lychnodiscus cerospermus Radlk. var. pedicellaris (Radlk.) Hauman is through seed propagation. The seeds should be collected from mature plants and should be sown immediately. The seeds can be sown in seed trays or individual pots filled with well-draining soil. The seeds should be sown 0.5-1 cm deep and covered lightly with soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the seedlings should emerge in 2-4 weeks. After the seedlings have developed two to three leaves, they can be transplanted to larger pots or directly into the garden.
Stem cuttings
Propagation of Lychnodiscus cerospermus Radlk. var. pedicellaris (Radlk.) Hauman can also be done using stem cuttings. Select healthy stems from the parent plant and cut them with a sharp, clean knife. Cuttings should be around 10-15 cm long with at least two nodes. Remove leaves from the lower part of the stem and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone. Insert the cuttings into a pot filled with well-draining soil, cover with plastic, and place them in a shady area with high humidity. Water the cuttings as needed and remove the plastic cover once the cuttings have rooted and new growth appears.
Layering
Propagation through layering is also possible for Lychnodiscus cerospermus Radlk. var. pedicellaris (Radlk.) Hauman. The stem of the parent plant can be bent down to the ground and covered with soil. A small cut can be made on the stem to encourage rooting. The stem should be watered regularly, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant once it has developed its root system.
Disease Management
Lychnodiscus cerospermus Radlk. var. pedicellaris (Radlk.) Hauman is prone to certain diseases that may affect its overall health and yield. The common diseases that might affect this plant include:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stem, and fruits of the plant. It causes brown spots and lesions on the leaves, which may enlarge and cause defoliation. The stems may also develop cankers, while the fruits may rot and fall off prematurely.
- Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and decay. It can be caused by overwatering, poor soil drainage, and soil-borne fungi.
- Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It causes a powdery white coating on the surfaces of the affected parts, which may distort and stunt their growth.
To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good cultural practices, such as proper watering and fertilization, regular pruning, and sanitation. In cases of severe infestations, fungicides may be necessary to control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Lychnodiscus cerospermus Radlk. var. pedicellaris (Radlk.) Hauman is also prone to certain pests that may affect its growth and yield. The common pests that might affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing it to wilt and leave a sticky residue on the leaves.
- Spider Mites: These are tiny pests that feed on the undersides of the plant leaves, causing them to turn yellow and drop prematurely. They thrive in hot and dry conditions.
- Caterpillars: These are larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant, causing them to turn brown and wither. They can be controlled using insecticides or by manually removing them from the plant.
To manage these pests, it is important to regularly inspect the plants for early signs of infestation. Natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can also be introduced to control the population of these pests. In cases of severe infestations, insecticides may be necessary to control their spread.
