Overview of Lycium horridum Thunb.
Lycium horridum Thunb., commonly known as the African boxthorn, is a perennial plant species that belongs to the Solanaceae family. The plant is native to Africa and is found in various locations including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Botswana. The plant can grow up to 2 meters in height and can have a spread of up to 3 meters at its full maturity.
Appearance of Lycium horridum Thunb.
The African boxthorn is a thorny shrub that has a distinct and recognizable appearance. The plant has dense and spreading branches with sharp spines that are up to 4 centimeters long. The leaves of the plant are small and are bright green in color with a waxy texture. The flowers of Lycium horridum Thunb. are white or cream-colored and bloom from October to June. The fruits of the plant are round and red and contain small seeds.
Uses of Lycium horridum Thunb.
The African boxthorn plant has various uses. The plant has been used traditionally in African medicine to treat various ailments such as coughs, diarrhea, and fever. The plant also has antiseptic properties and can be used to treat wounds and skin irritations. The leaves and stems of the plant are used to feed livestock and are an excellent source of food for various animals. The plant is also used for hedges and ornamental purposes due to its dense growth and spiny branches.
Common names
The African boxthorn goes by various common names including African desert-thorn, spiny boxthorn, gewone bokdoring, motaseri, and umdiliya.
Growth Conditions for Lycium horridum Thunb.
Light: Lycium horridum Thunb. requires full sunlight exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade, but it will grow slower and produce fewer flowers and fruits. Therefore, it is best to plant Lycium horridum Thunb. in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature: Lycium horridum Thunb. is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can grow in areas with an average annual temperature ranging from 15-35°C (59-95°F). However, it prefers warm summers and mild winters and will grow better in areas with a Mediterranean or tropical climate. It can also withstand occasional frost and temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F) for short periods.
Soil: Lycium horridum Thunb. can grow in a variety of soils, but it prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a pH between 6.0-8.0. It does not tolerate waterlogged or saline soils, as they can cause root rot and slow down growth. Therefore, it is important to ensure good drainage and avoid planting Lycium horridum Thunb. in areas with high soil salinity.
Water: Lycium horridum Thunb. is a drought-tolerant plant, but it still requires regular watering to establish itself and produce healthy growth. It can tolerate some dry periods but prefers evenly moist soil during the growing season. It is important not to overwater Lycium horridum Thunb. as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Therefore, it is best to apply water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between watering.
Cultivation methods of Lycium horridum Thunb.
Lycium horridum Thunb., commonly known as African boxthorn, is a drought-tolerant plant that can survive in arid regions. The best time to plant this species is during the spring. Prior to the plantation, the soil should be prepared by removing weeds and stones and loosening the soil with a tiller or a hoe. The plant requires enough sunlight, so choose a location that receives full or partial sun.
The depth of the hole should be enough to accommodate the root ball, and the width should be at least twice the diameter of the root ball. Place the plant in the hole, fill it with soil, and press down the soil firmly. Water the plant immediately after planting to help settle the soil and remove any air pockets.
Watering needs of Lycium horridum Thunb.
Lycium horridum Thunb. is a relatively low maintenance plant that requires deep watering once or twice a week. The plant is drought-tolerant, but regular watering helps promote healthy growth and fruit development. During the summer months, the plant may require more frequent watering due to increased temperatures and dry spells. However, it is crucial to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Test the soil's moisture by sticking your finger into the soil; if it feels dry, it is time to water.
Fertilization of Lycium horridum Thunb.
Lycium horridum Thunb. does not require frequent fertilization; however, it can benefit from a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year. A well-balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied during the spring. The fertilizer should be spread evenly around the base of the plant, ensuring that it does not come into direct contact with the stem or foliage. Overfertilization should be avoided as it can lead to salt buildup in the soil, damaging the plant's root system.
Pruning Lycium horridum Thunb.
Lycium horridum Thunb. responds well to pruning and can be trimmed to maintain the desired shape and size. Pruning should be done during the winter when the plant is dormant. Remove dead or diseased branches using pruning shears, cutting them back to the nearest junction, or the main stem. Light pruning is also necessary during the growing season to remove any excessive growth or suckers that may develop. Pruning helps promote healthy growth and improves the plant's fruit yield.
Propagation Methods for Lycium horridum Thunb.
Lycium horridum Thunb. can be propagated through the following methods:
Seeds
The most common method of propagating Lycium horridum Thunb. is by seed. The seeds should be collected from ripe fruits and should be sown immediately. The soil should be well-drained and fertile. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm and should be covered lightly with soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. The germination period is around 2-4 weeks.
Cuttings
Lycium horridum Thunb. can also be propagated through cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the dormant season. The cuttings should be taken from mature, woody stems that are about 10 cm long. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and then planted into a well-draining potting mix. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. The cuttings should root within 4-6 weeks.
Division
Lycium horridum Thunb. can be propagated through division, but this method is not common. The plant can be divided during the dormant season. The roots should be carefully dug up and divided into smaller sections. Each section should have a few stems and roots. The new plant should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and should be kept moist, but not waterlogged.
Disease and Pest Management for Lycium horridum Thunb.
Lycium horridum Thunb. is a hardy plant that is resistant to pests and diseases, making it a great choice for gardeners who are looking for a low-maintenance plant. However, there are a few diseases and pests that can affect the plant.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Lycium horridum Thunb. is root rot. This disease causes the roots of the plant to rot and can be caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To prevent root rot, make sure that the plant is not overwatered and that it is planted in well-draining soil.
Another disease that can affect Lycium horridum Thunb. is powdery mildew. This disease appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves of the plant and can be caused by high humidity and poor air circulation. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure that the plant is planted in an area with good air circulation and that it is not overwatered.
Pests
Lycium horridum Thunb. is also susceptible to a few pests, including spider mites and aphids. Spider mites are tiny insects that suck the sap out of the plant, causing the leaves to yellow and dry out. Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that also suck the sap out of the plant and can cause wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth.
To control spider mites and aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. These products are safe for the plant and will not harm beneficial insects.
Overall, Lycium horridum Thunb. is a low-maintenance plant that is resistant to pests and diseases. However, by taking a few precautions, you can ensure that your plant remains healthy and pest-free.
