Overview
Lycium richii Gray var. hassei (Greene) I.M. Johnston, commonly known as Hasse’s desert-thorn, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Solanaceae family.
Origin
This plant species is native to the southwestern region of the United States and parts of Mexico.
Common Names
Hasse’s desert-thorn has a few other common names which include:
- Hasse’s wolfberry
- Hasse’s boxthorn
- Hassey’s desert-thorn
- Hassey’s wolfberry
Appearance
The Hasse’s desert-thorn is a shrub that has a maximum height of 1–2 m tall with its branches having a spread of about 1–2 m across. The plant’s bark has a dark brown color while the leaves are green. The plant species has a tubular-shaped flower with a five-pointed star extending out of it. The flowers have a bright pink color with a diameter of 0.6–1.3 cm. The fruits of this plant are red berries that are round and have a sweet taste.
Uses
The Hasse’s desert-thorn has several uses:
- The plant species is used in traditional medicine to treat various health conditions such as pain, fever, and stomach ulcers.
- The fruits of this plant are edible and are used to make jams, jellies, and other food products.
- The plant is used for ornamental purposes.
Light Requirements
Lycium richii Gray var. hassei (Greene) I.M. Johnston thrives under full sunlight exposure. It is known to be a sun-loving plant and can tolerate intense sunlight hours of the day. Growers should avoid planting it under shaded areas that can obstruct sunlight.
Temperature Needs
Widely found in the warm, dry regions of North America, the Lycium richii Gray var. hassei (Greene) I.M. Johnston can be grown in a range of temperature conditions. Its optimal temperature range for growth is between 16-25 degrees Celsius. This plant can tolerate higher temperatures but may need extra watering in hot conditions. For temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, the plant may become dormant.
Soil Requirements
Lycium richii Gray var. hassei (Greene) I.M. Johnston requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It is best to plant this shrub in sandy or loamy soil, with a neutral pH. The roots of the plant system are shallow and can extend up to 3 to 5 meters around the base of the plant, so the soil needs to have good drainage to avoid waterlogging. Adding compost or organic matter can help in retaining moisture in the soil while also providing essential nutrients to the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Lycium richii Gray var. hassei (Greene) I.M. Johnston is an evergreen shrub that requires full sunlight and well-draining soil. It prefers warm temperatures and is not frost-tolerant. The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in well-draining soil in the spring. Cuttings can be taken in the summer and rooted in moist soil.
Watering Needs
Lycium richii Gray var. hassei (Greene) I.M. Johnston requires regular watering during the growing season. The soil should not be allowed to dry out completely, but overwatering should also be avoided. Watering should be reduced in the winter months to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Lycium richii Gray var. hassei (Greene) I.M. Johnston requires fertilization in the spring and summer months. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every four to six weeks. Organic fertilizers can also be used. Care should be taken not to over-fertilize, as this can damage the plant.
Pruning
Lycium richii Gray var. hassei (Greene) I.M. Johnston does not require regular pruning but can be shaped and trimmed to maintain its desired size and shape. Pruning should be done in the spring before new growth appears. Dead, damaged or diseased branches should be removed as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Lycium richii Gray var. hassei (Greene) I.M. Johnston
Lycium richii Gray var. hassei (Greene) I.M. Johnston, commonly known as Hasse's desert-thorn or Hasse's boxthorn, is an evergreen shrub that belongs to the family Solanaceae. Propagation of this species can be done through various methods such as seeds, division, and cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation through seeds is the easiest and most commonly used method for Lycium richii. Seed germination is best suited for the spring season when temperatures are warm, and the growing season has just begun.
The seeds may be sown 6-8 weeks before the last frost and planted 1/4 inch deep in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take anywhere from 14 to 42 days. Once the seedlings reach a height of 2-3 inches, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Propagation through Division
Another method of propagation is through division, which involves separating the plant into smaller sections and replanting them. This method is best suited for mature plants that have developed an extensive root system.
To propagate through division, carefully remove the plant from the soil and separate the root clumps into smaller sections. Each section should have roots and a few stems. Replant the divided sections in well-draining soil and keep the soil evenly moist until new growth appears.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is a vegetative method and involves taking cuttings from healthy plants and rooting them in soil or water. This method is best suited for mature plants that have woody stems.
To propagate through cuttings, take a 3-4 inch-long stem cutting from the parent plant, making sure to remove any leaves from the lower half of the cutting. Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a well-draining growing medium. Keep the soil or water moist and warm until roots begin to develop, and new growth appears on the cutting.
Once new growth has appeared, transplant the cutting into a larger pot with well-draining soil or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Lycium Richii Gray Var. Hassei (Greene) I.M. Johnston
Lycium richii Gray var. hassei (Greene) I.M. Johnston, commonly known as chaparral boxthorn or desert boxthorn, is a drought-tolerant shrub found in the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts. While it is resistant to pests and diseases, it may still fall prey to some common ones. Here are a few diseases and pests that may affect the plant, and some ways to manage them.
Diseases
Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes small, sunken spots on the plant's foliage, which can eventually expand and merge. The affected areas may turn yellow, and the leaves may fall prematurely. The best way to prevent leaf spot is to avoid overhead watering, as wet leaves are more susceptible to infection. In case of an infestation, remove the affected foliage and apply a fungicide as per instructions.
Wilt: Wilt is a soil-borne disease caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum. It initially affects the roots, and slowly spreads to the whole plant, causing wilting and yellowing of leaves. Preventative methods include keeping the plants healthy and avoiding excessive soil moisture. If wilt is encountered, removing the infected plant is the best course of action, as there isn't any known cure.
Pests
Spider Mites: Spider mites suck sap from the plant's leaves, causing yellowing, webbing, and eventual leaf drop. The first line of attack against spider mites is to spray the leaves with water to knock off the mites. Beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings can be introduced to the garden to help control the pests. In case of severe infestation, a miticide can be used.
Whiteflies: Whiteflies are tiny, white-winged insects that suck on the sap of the plant's leaves. They excrete honeydew, which can attract ants and cause fungal growth. Whiteflies can be controlled with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or a horticultural oil spray. Sticky traps can also be used to catch the adult insects.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are immobile, armored pests that attach themselves to the plant's twigs and branches. They pierce the plant's tissue and suck sap, causing yellowing, stunted growth, and defoliation. Scale insects can be removed physically with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Horticultural oil sprays can also be used to smother the pests.
Conclusion: While Lycium richii Gray var. hassei (Greene) I.M. Johnston is a hardy plant, it may still suffer from diseases and pests. Prevention is the key to maintaining a healthy plant. By keeping the plants healthy, avoiding overhead watering, and using natural remedies like beneficial insects and horticultural oils, gardeners can ensure that their chaparral boxthorn plants remain pest and disease-free.
