Overview: Lycium engleri Dammer
Lycium engleri Dammer, commonly known as Box thorn or Desert thorn is a perennial plant belonging to the Solanaceae family.
Origin:
The plant is native to Southwest Africa and Namibia. It grows in arid areas, semi-desert regions, sand dunes, and gravel plains.
Appearance:
The Box thorn can grow up to 3 meters tall. It has spiny leaves and branches, which are slender and brownish-green. The leaves are small and often clustered along the stems. Flowers are small, bell-shaped with a pale lavender color. The fruits are sweet-tasting, small, red-orange berries that form in clusters along the branches.
Uses:
Box thorn is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including stomach pains, fever, and eye infections. It is also used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Additionally, the plant is known for its drought-resistant nature, and its roots are commonly used to stabilize sand dunes. Its fruits are edible and can be eaten fresh or dried, or used to make jam or juice.
Box thorn is also used as an ornamental plant, and its branches and leaves can be used for weaving baskets and other crafts.
Light Requirements
Lycium engleri Dammer requires full sun to grow and thrive well. As such, it is best to plant it in an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Without adequate sunlight, the plant will become leggy and weak, and the leaves may start to fall off.
Temperature Requirements
Lycium engleri Dammer requires warm temperatures to grow and stay healthy. It grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8-11, which are typically characterized by temperatures between 10-40°C (50-104°F). Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can cause significant damage to the plant and may even kill it.
Soil Requirements
Lycium engleri Dammer prefers well-draining, sandy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0-7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good drainage systems because waterlogged conditions can cause root rot. It is also advisable to amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or aged manure before planting to improve soil structure, water retention, and aeration.
Cultivation methods for Lycium engleri Dammer
Lycium engleri Dammer is a sun-loving plant and requires a site that receives full sun exposure. It is not tolerant of shade, so ensure the planting site is in an area without obstruction from taller plants. The plant prefers well-drained soil and could even tolerate poor soils. However, it is best to grow the Lycium engleri Dammer in fertile, sandy, and loamy soils that are slightly acid pH (between 5 to 7 pH).
The ideal time to plant Lycium engleri Dammer is in spring or early autumn, but cultivators can plant the shrub in summer if they can provide enough water to the plant in the first few months. The shrub is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 8b-11.
Watering Needs for Lycium engleri Dammer
Lycium engleri Dammer is drought-tolerant and can thrive with minimal watering once established. However, it is critical to water the shrub adequately during the first few months of growth to enhance root establishment. It is best to water the plant twice a week during hot months and once a week during cooler months. Ensure the soil is consistently moist during the first few months to enhance the plant's growth rate.
Fertilization for Lycium engleri Dammer
Lycium engleri Dammer thrives in fertile soils and benefits from frequent fertilization. It is best to fertilize the plant in spring when new growth starts. Apply a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 at the rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet of planting area. It is also critical to fertilize the shrub after pruning to promote new growth.
Pruning Lycium engleri Dammer
Pruning Lycium engleri Dammer is essential to prevent the shrub from becoming leggy and to promote healthy growth. The best time to prune the plant is in early spring before new growth occurs. Use sharp pruning shears to remove spindly and damaged branches, cutting them back to 6 inches from the main stem. Do not prune the plant more than one-third during any single pruning session. It is also critical to remove dead and diseased branches as soon as they are detected to prevent the spread of infections to healthy parts of the plant.
Propagation of Lycium Engleri Dammer
Lycium engleri Dammer is a small, evergreen shrub that belongs to the Solanaceae family. The shrub is native to southern Africa, particularly in Namibia and South Africa. In propagation, there are two main methods for growing Lycium Engleri Dammer, and they include:
Seed Propagation
The first method of propagation for Lycium Engleri Dammer is by using seeds. To propagate the plant using seeds, farmers should start by collecting ripe berries from the plant. The berries should then be pulped by removing the flesh. After pulping, farmers should wash the seeds carefully to remove any remaining skin or flesh. The washed seeds should then be air-dried under the shade to ensure that they have a moisture content of around 5%. Dried seeds should then be store in a cool, dry place to maintain their viability.
When planting the seeds, farmers should first prepare the ground by loosening it to a depth of around 60 cm. They should then add a layer of organic matter, like compost, to the topsoil. The seeds should then be planted between 1-2 cm deep and spaced at a distance of around 30 cm apart. After planting, farmers should ensure that the soil is kept moist by watering the plants regularly.
Cuttings Propagation
The second method of propagating Lycium Engleri Dammer is through cuttings. Farmers should start this process by selecting healthy stems from the plant. The cuttings should be taken from the plant towards the end of summer when the wood has hardened. The cuttings should be around 10-15 cm long and contain several nodes.
Before planting the cuttings, farmers should remove any leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. The cuttings should then be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. To promote root growth, farmers should keep the soil moist and place the cuttings in a shaded position. After 3-4 weeks, the cuttings should have rooted, and farmers can transplant them to their final growing position.
In conclusion, Lycium engleri Dammer can be propagated using either seeds or cuttings. Farmers should choose the most appropriate method depending on their requirements and the conditions prevailing in their area.
Disease and Pest Management for Lycium engleri Dammer
Lycium engleri Dammer, commonly known as Engler's boxthorn, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Solanaceae family. This plant is vulnerable to some pests and diseases. In this section, we will discuss common diseases and pest management methods for L. engleri.
Diseases
Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by a fungal infection. Symptoms include brown spots on leaves, yellowing of foliage, and defoliation. The best way to avoid this disease is by planting L. engleri in well-draining soil, removing affected leaves, and avoiding overhead watering. If infection is severe, apply fungicides.
Root rot: Caused by soil-borne fungi, root rot affects the plant's roots and stems, resulting in leaf drop and wilting. One way to curb this disease is by planting L. engleri in well-draining soil, avoiding overwatering, employing proper crop rotation methods, and using fungicides if infection is severe.
Verticillium Wilt: This disease infects the plant's vascular system, resulting in wilting, stunted growth, and yellowing of the foliage. Controlling this disease requires planting healthy seedlings, using disease-free soil, and maintaining proper plant hygiene. When infection is severe, consult with an expert for more advanced control methods.
Pests
Spider Mites: These tiny, sap-sucking pests come in vast numbers, making them a danger to L. engleri. Symptoms include discolored and speckled leaves. Controlling them involves regular pruning of infested leaves, reducing humidity levels, and using miticides if required.
Aphids: Aphids affect the plant by sucking sap from leaves and shoots, resulting in yellowing and curling. They also excrete a sticky substance that encourages mold growth. To control this pest, wash them off the plant using water spray, remove infected plants, and use insecticides.
Whiteflies: These pests can cause extensive damage to L. engleri by sucking sap from the leaves and spreading viruses. Symptoms include yellowing of foliage and the honeydew excretion. To combat this pest, use sticky traps, reflective mulches, and insecticides.
In conclusion, the prevention of plant diseases and pests is critical in keeping L. engleri thriving. Follow the disease and pest control management methods outlined here, and always seek professional assistance if in doubt.
