Overview
Maerua calophylla Gilg is a flowering plant species native to Africa and belongs to the Capparaceae family. It is commonly known as "horn of the bush" and is recognized for its various medicinal and nutritive uses.
Appearance
The plant's stem is usually dark grey-brown and has a fissured bark with scattered, large thorn-like branches. The "horn of the bush" plant can grow up to 5 meters high and 4 meters wide, with an irregular and bushy shape. Its leaves are a glossy green, simple, and oval-shaped with a slightly pointed tip, growing up to 10cm long by 7cm wide.
Uses
The Maerua calophylla Gilg plant possesses diverse medicinal and nutritive benefits. Its roots, bark, and leaves contain healing properties that are used in traditional African medicine to address various health issues such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, and headaches. The leaves are also crushed and heated and used in steam inhalations to relieve coughs and congestion. The plant's seeds are rich in proteins, lipids, and minerals, making them an essential food source in arid regions of Africa.
Additionally, the plant's hard and durable wood is used for making tools, and its bark and roots are used for tanning and dyeing animal hides. The fibrous parts of the plant are also used for making ropes and baskets.
Cultivation
Maerua calophylla Gilg thrives in well-drained soils, particularly in sandy and loamy soil types. It requires full sun exposure to grow optimally. The plant is usually propagated through seed propagation, and its seeds germinate easily.
In conclusion, the Maerua calophylla Gilg plant is an important species that has been used for centuries by people in Africa for its medicinal, nutritive, and practical properties.
Growth Conditions for Maerua Calophylla Gilg
Maerua calophylla Gilg is a shrub native to Sub-Saharan Africa, commonly found in Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It grows in savannas, woodlands, scrublands and other areas with mild climates. The plant can grow up to 2 meters tall and 3 meters wide, reaching maturity in 3-5 years.
Light Requirements:
Maerua calophylla requires full sunlight exposure to grow healthily. It is sensitive to shading, and insufficient light can lead to stunted growth and smaller leaves. Therefore, it is best to grow the plant in an open space with direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant prefers moderate to high temperatures and is tolerant of frost, but is not well-suited to extremely cold or hot temperatures. A temperature range of 16-30°C is optimal for its growth.
Soil Requirements:
Maerua calophylla prefers well-draining sandy and loamy soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.5. The plant can also grow in clay soils as long they are well-draining. Soil fertility is another critical factor in the plant's survival. It requires soils rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for optimal growth.
Water Requirements:
The plant is drought-resistant and does not require much water. However, a consistent supply of water during the growth period helps the plant to yield more fruits. Overwatering should be avoided as it causes root rot and fungal infections.
Cultivation of Maerua calophylla Gilg
Maerua calophylla Gilg is a drought-tolerant plant that can grow in various soil types. It thrives in well-drained soils with a pH of between 6.5 and 7.5. The plant prefers full sun exposure and should be planted in an area with good air circulation. It can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.
Watering Needs
Maerua calophylla Gilg is drought-tolerant, but it requires regular watering during its establishment period. Once the plant is fully established, it can survive on natural rainfall. However, when planting in areas with low rainfall, you should water the plant regularly.
Fertilization
Maerua calophylla Gilg does not require much fertilizer. However, to enhance its growth, you can apply organic compost or slow-release fertilizers during the rainy season. Fertilizers should not be applied during the dry season because they may burn the roots.
Pruning
Pruning of Maerua calophylla Gilg is not necessary. However, if you want to shape or control the size of the plant, you can prune it during the dormant season. Use sharp and sterilized pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. Remove the damaged and diseased branches to encourage healthy growth. Also, remove the suckers that grow around the base of the plant to direct the plant's energy to the main stem.
Propagation of Maerua calophylla Gilg
Maerua calophylla Gilg, commonly known as the Balsam pear, can be propagated by several methods.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Maerua calophylla are available from nurseries and can be germinated easily. The seeds should be soaked in water for about 12 hours before sowing. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil and watered regularly until germination occurs, which usually takes one to two weeks. The seedlings should be transplanted when they are about 6 inches tall.
Stem Cuttings
Maerua calophylla can be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings. The stem cuttings should be about 10cm long and have at least two nodes. The leaves on the lower node should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in well-drained soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The cuttings should root within four weeks and can be transplanted after six to eight weeks.
Division
Maerua calophylla can also be propagated through division. The plant should be lifted from the soil and divided into smaller sections, each with their own set of roots. The sections should be replanted in well-drained soil and watered regularly. Divisions should be made during the early spring when new growth is just starting.
Air Layering
Air layering is a propagation method suitable for Maerua calophylla. Select a healthy branch and make a cut on the stem near a node. Remove the bark on that portion and dust it with rooting hormone. Wrap it with some moist peat moss, then wrap it with a plastic bag to keep the moisture. After some weeks, take off the plastic and transfer the newly rooted plant to a separate pot.
Disease Management
Maerua calophylla Gilg is known to be resistant to most diseases and pests. However, the plant can still be vulnerable to some diseases which include:
- Fungal diseases: These diseases include powdery mildew, root rot, and rust. Powdery mildew and rust are characterized by the appearance of a white powder on the leaves, while root rot causes the roots to rot. To manage fungal diseases, spray fungicides like copper-based products regularly and remove infected parts of the plant.
- Bacterial diseases: Bacterial leaf spot is the most common disease caused by bacteria in Maerua calophylla Gilg. It is characterized by the presence of water-soaked spots on the leaves, which later turn brown. To manage bacterial diseases, remove infected plant parts and use copper-based bactericides.
- Viral diseases: Viral diseases in Maerua calophylla Gilg are not common. However, viral diseases such as Maerua mosaic virus can cause stunted growth, leaf distortion, and yellowing of the leaves. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral diseases, so the infected plant should be destroyed to prevent the disease from spreading to other plants.
Pest Management
Maerua calophylla Gilg plant is also resistant to most pests, but can still be susceptible to some. The following are the common pests that can affect Maerua calophylla Gilg:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, you can release ladybirds, lacewings, or use insecticides like neem oil or pyrethrum.
- Spider mites: Spider mites can cause discoloration of leaves and webs on the plant. To manage spider mites, you can spray the plant with water to increase humidity or use insecticides like pyrethrum or neem oil.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are insects that suck sap from the plant, causing wilting and yellowing of leaves. To manage mealybugs, you can physically remove them and their egg sacs or use insecticides like neem oil or pyrethrum.
Regular monitoring of the plant and keeping the surrounding areas clean can prevent pest and disease infestations. This ensures that the plant grows healthy and yields good results.
