Overview
Lycium glandulosissimum Schinz is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Solanaceae and is native to the Southern African region. The plant is commonly known as Spiny Wolfberry and is known for its medicinal uses.Description
Lycium glandulosissimum Schinz is a spiny shrub that can grow up to 1 meter in height. The leaves are small, about 10 mm long and 5 mm wide, and are arranged alternately on the stem. The flowers are small, white to pale pink and are arranged in clusters. The fruit is red, fleshy, and ovoid-shaped, about 10 to 15 mm long and 8 to 12 mm wide when mature.Uses
Lycium glandulosissimum Schinz has various medicinal uses in traditional African medicine. The roots, leaves, and fruits of the plant are used to treat various ailments such as malaria, fever, respiratory infections, and as an anthelmintic (to eliminate parasitic worms). The plant is also used to treat stomach and liver problems, and as a diuretic.Cultivation
Lycium glandulosissimum Schinz is propagated by seeds or cuttings and grows best in well-drained soil with full sunlight. The plant grows well in dry, arid conditions and is tolerant of drought and heat. It is commonly found in the dry, sandy soils of South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana.Conclusion
Lycium glandulosissimum Schinz, the Spiny Wolfberry plant, is an attractive shrub that is not only ornamental but also has numerous medicinal properties. The plant is best suited to the dry and arid conditions of Southern Africa, where it is commonly used in traditional medicine.Light Requirements
Lycium glandulosissimum Schinz prefers and thrives well under full sunlight. The plant requires at least 6 hours of sunlight for optimal growth. Insufficient sunlight may cause stunted growth or fewer yields of fruits.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to Southern Africa and is adapted to a warm and temperate climate. The ideal temperature range for Lycium glandulosissimum Schinz growth is between 10°C to 30°C. Temperatures above 35°C may damage the plant, while temperatures below 0°C may cause the plant to wither, and its growth may be slower during chilly conditions.
Soil Requirements
Lycium glandulosissimum Schinz grows well in well-draining, sandy, fertile, and slightly acidic soils. The plant is adapted to a wide range of soils, and it can tolerate salt spray. The soil moisture should neither be too dry nor too wet. Too much water can cause root rot while too little water may cause wilting.
Cultivation Methods for Lycium glandulosissimum Schinz
Lycium glandulosissimum Schinz is a perennial plant that can grow up to 2 meters high and wide under favorable conditions. It is native to Africa and can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or root suckers. The plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure for optimal growth.
Before planting, the soil must be tilled to enhance aeration and allow roots to penetrate deeper. The planting holes should be dug to match the size of the rootball and placed at least 2 meters apart to give room for spreading. Afterward, the seedling/cutting is placed into the hole, and the soil is gently compacted around the base to cover the roots, leaving the stem above the ground level.
Watering Needs
Adequate watering is essential to facilitate growth, flowering, and fruiting in Lycium glandulosissimum Schinz. During the first few weeks after planting, the plant requires frequent watering to help establish a root system. Afterward, a regular watering schedule can be adopted.
The frequency of watering varies depending on the planting location, weather conditions, and soil type. Ideally, the plant should be watered when the top 2 inches of soil becomes dry. Overwatering should be avoided as it promotes diseases and root rot.
Fertilization
Lycium glandulosissimum Schinz requires regular fertilization to ensure optimal growth and productivity. The application of organic or inorganic fertilizers should be based on the soil test results, plant needs, and growth stage.
The recommended fertilizer ratio for Lycium glandulosissimum Schinz is NPK (20:10:10), which should be applied at the rate of 120g per plant. The fertilizer should be applied during the rainy season or when the plant is actively growing.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and size of Lycium glandulosissimum Schinz, enhance light penetration and air circulation. Pruning is typically carried out once a year or as needed.
The best time to prune the plant is during the rainy season or after fruiting. During pruning, dead, weak or diseased branches are removed. Since Lycium glandulosissimum Schinz is a bushy plant, the top should be slightly flattened to allow light penetration to lower branches. Additionally, pruning can be done selectively to promote prolific fruiting, which often occurs on new growth.
Propagation of Lycium glandulosissimum Schinz
Lycium glandulosissimum Schinz, commonly known as African boxthorn, is a small, spiny shrub that belongs to the Solanaceae family. It is native to South Africa but is cultivated in other parts of the world for its ornamental and medicinal value. Propagation of Lycium glandulosissimum Schinz can be done using seeds or cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Lycium glandulosissimum Schinz produces small, black seeds that are enclosed in a fleshy fruit. To propagate the plant using seeds, the fruit should be harvested when it is fully mature and allowed to dry. Once dry, the fruit can be crushed to extract the seeds.
The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist until germination occurs. Germination can take between one to four weeks, depending on the environmental conditions. Once the seedlings have developed several true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings are another effective method for propagating Lycium glandulosissimum Schinz. Softwood cuttings taken from the plant's new growth in the spring have the best chance of success. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in the summer may also be used but may take longer to root.
To take a cutting, select a healthy shoot and make a clean cut just below a node. Remove any leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. The cutting should then be placed into a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist until roots have formed.
Root formation can take several weeks, and the cutting should be kept in a warm, bright location during this time. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Lycium glandulosissimum Schinz
Lycium glandulosissimum Schinz, commonly known as the box-thorn or thorn-apple, is a hardy plant that can grow up to six meters in height. However, like all other plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pest attacks that can affect its growth, yield, and quality. Therefore, it is crucial to understand common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Lycium glandulosissimum Schinz is root rot, which is caused by fungi such as Phytophthora and Pythium. The disease causes the roots to rot, leading to stunted growth, wilting, and eventual death of the plant. Root rot can be controlled by proper drainage and avoiding overwatering the plants. Moreover, applying fungicides can be an effective solution to controlling root rot.
Another common disease is powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It appears as a white or gray powdery substance and causes yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Powdery mildew can be controlled by removing the affected plant parts and applying fungicides to the remaining plant.
Common Pests
The Lycium glandulosissimum Schinz plant is also susceptible to pest attacks that can affect its growth and yield. One of the most common pests is spider mites, which are tiny arachnids that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to dry and turn yellow. Spider mites can be controlled by spraying the plants with water or insecticidal soap.
Another common pest is the aphid, which is a small, soft-bodied insect that sucks the sap from the plant and causes it to wilt. Aphids can be controlled by spraying the plant with a mixture of water and mild soap or neem oil.
Conclusion
Proper disease and pest management is crucial for the healthy growth and high yield of Lycium glandulosissimum Schinz plants. By understanding common diseases and pests, you can take preventive measures such as proper drainage, avoiding overwatering, and applying fungicides and insecticides to control the spread of diseases and pests. Consulting with a professional plant expert can ensure the proper management of Lycium glandulosissimum Schinz plants in your area.
