Origin
Lycium brevipes Benth. var. hassei (Greene) C.L. Hitchc. is a species of flowering plant from the family Solanaceae. It is native to the southwestern region of North America, primarily in Arizona, California, and Nevada.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as "Hasse's desert thorn" and "short tube matrimony vine".
Appearance
Lycium brevipes Benth. var. hassei is a low-growing shrub that can reach up to 50 centimeters in height. Its branches are slender and twisted, and its leaves are ovate to lanceolate in shape, measuring about 1 to 3 centimeters in length. The flowers of this plant are small and white or pink in color, and they bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers give way to small, red berries that are about 1 centimeter in diameter.
Uses
The berries of Lycium brevipes Benth. var. hassei have been traditionally used by indigenous communities for food and medicinal purposes. The berries are high in antioxidants and are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. They are also used to treat various ailments such as fever, cough, and kidney problems.
The plant is also used as a landscaping plant in arid regions due to its low water requirements and attractive appearance.
Light Requirements
Lycium brevipes Benth. var. hassei requires full sun exposure to grow optimally. The plant can tolerate partial shade, but it may negatively impact the plant's growth and the quality of the fruits.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm and dry conditions. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 18°C to 27°C. Temperatures above 32°C can negatively affect the growth and yield of the plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 to 8.0. Lycium brevipes Benth. var. hassei can tolerate various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but the soil must be well-draining. Additionally, the plant requires fertile soil with adequate nutrient content to grow optimally.
Cultivation of Lycium brevipes Benth. var. hassei (Greene) C.L. Hitchc.
Lycium brevipes Benth. var. hassei (Greene) C.L. Hitchc. is a hardy, drought-tolerant shrub that can be grown in most soil types. For successful cultivation, choose a sunny spot with good air circulation to ensure healthy growth and abundant fruiting.
Watering Needs
The plant has low to moderate water needs and can tolerate long periods of drought between watering. However, young plants need regular watering until established. Water the plant deeply every 7-10 days during the growing season and reduce watering in fall and winter when the plant enters dormancy.
Fertilization
Fertilize the plant annually with a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) during the growing season. Do not fertilize during the winter months when the plant is dormant. Apply the fertilizer at the base of the plant and water thoroughly.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to promote growth and ensure that the plant remains healthy and productive. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove old, dead or diseased wood, and shape the plant to your desired form. Use sterilized pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Lycium brevipes Benth. var. hassei (Greene) C.L. Hitchc.
Lycium brevipes Benth. var. hassei (Greene) C.L. Hitchc., commonly known as Hasse's desert-thorn, is a shrub native to California. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and soil conditions. Propagation of this plant can be done through various methods, including seed propagation, vegetative propagation, and cutting propagation.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and effective method of propagating Lycium brevipes Benth. var. hassei. The best time to collect the seeds is during the fall or winter. Once collected, the seeds must be stored in a dry and cool place until ready for planting. To maximize the germination rate, the seeds should be scarified by soaking them in water for 24 hours or gently abrading them with sandpaper before planting.
The seeds can be planted in individual pots or directly in the ground. They should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist until they start to germinate. The seedlings can be transplanted to their final location once they have developed enough roots.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation involves taking cuttings from the parent plant and planting them to create new plants. This method is useful when the parent plant is mature and already established. The best time to take cuttings is during the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing.
Cuttings should be taken from new growth that is soft and flexible. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting it in a well-draining growing medium. The container with the cutting should be covered with plastic to create a greenhouse effect that will encourage root growth.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation involves taking a section of the stem from the plant and replanting it to create a new plant. This method is useful when the plant has become too large or is producing unwanted shoots. The best time to take a cutting is during the winter when the plant is dormant.
The cutting should be taken from a section of the stem that is at least two inches long and two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting it in a well-draining potting mix. The container with the cutting should be covered with plastic to create a greenhouse effect that will encourage root growth.
Overall, Lycium brevipes Benth. var. hassei is an easy plant to propagate. By using one of the above methods, you can propagate this plant and enjoy its beauty in your garden.
Disease Management
Lycium brevipes Benth. var. hassei is generally resistant to most diseases, but there are still some diseases that can affect the plant.
Fungal Diseases: Gray mold, root rot, and powdery mildew are some of the fungal diseases that can affect Lycium brevipes. To manage these diseases, make sure to provide proper air circulation and drainage. Remove and dispose of any infected parts of the plant. Application of a fungicide may also be necessary.
Bacterial Diseases: Bacterial canker and bacterial spot are some of the bacterial diseases that can affect Lycium brevipes. The affected parts of the plant should be removed and disposed of properly. Application of a bactericide may also be necessary.
Viral Diseases: There is no cure for viral diseases that can affect Lycium brevipes. Infected plants should be removed and disposed of properly to prevent the spread of the virus to healthy plants.
Pest Management
Lycium brevipes Benth. var. hassei is also generally resistant to most pests, but there are still some pests that can affect the plant.
Aphids: These pests usually appear in large colonies and can suck the sap out of the plant, which can weaken it. The use of natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings, or application of an insecticidal soap or neem oil may help control aphids.
Spider Mites: These pests are usually found on the undersides of leaves and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Regularly spraying the plant with water or application of an insecticidal soap or neem oil may help control spider mites.
Caterpillars: These pests can eat foliage, causing leaves to become tattered and yellow. Handpicking the caterpillars or the use of natural predators such as birds or parasitic wasps may help control caterpillars.
Thrips: These pests attack the flowers and can cause them to become deformed. Use of natural predators or application of insecticidal soap or neem oil may help control thrips.
Regular monitoring of the plants and early detection of any pests or diseases can help prevent them from spreading and causing damage to the plant. Maintaining proper cultural practices such as proper watering, fertilization, and pruning can also help keep the plant healthy and resistant to pests and diseases.
