Maerua pubescens (Klotzsch) Gilg
Maerua pubescens is a plant species that belongs to the family Capparaceae. It is native to Africa, particularly in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. The plant usually grows in sandy soil, from sea level to 1200 meters above sea level.
Common names
The plant is commonly known as the "Bushveld sticky pear" in English, "Doringgatdoring" in Afrikaans, and "Lusana" in Oshiwambo.
Uses
The fruit of Maerua pubescens is edible and has been used for centuries by indigenous people in Southern Africa. It has a sweet and sour taste and is often used to make jam or eaten raw. The leaves and bark of the plant have medicinal properties, used to treat various ailments such as stomach disorders, ear infections, and skin diseases. The sticky sap of the plant is also used as adhesive.
Appearance
Maerua pubescens is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 4 meters tall. It has a dense crown with many branches. The leaves are alternate, oval-shaped, and covered with coarse hairs. The flowers are small and white or yellow, and the fruit is green or yellow when ripe, with a sticky texture. The trunk and bark of the plant are greyish-brown in color and rough.
Growth Conditions for Maerua pubescens
Maerua pubescens (Klotzsch) Gilg, commonly known as velvet-leaved maerua, is a drought-tolerant plant native to regions of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Here are the growth conditions that are ideal for this plant:
Light
The velvet-leaved maerua thrives in full sun, as it needs a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight a day. Anything less than that could lead to stunted growth and poor flowering. However, the plant can also tolerate some shade, making it a good option for gardens with partial sun/shade conditions.
Temperature
The velvet-leaved maerua prefers warm temperatures and can withstand extreme heat and drought. In fact, it is known to grow in arid and semi-arid regions, making it an excellent candidate for xeriscaping. The plant can also withstand light frost, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius can be detrimental.
Soil
The velvet-leaved maerua grows best in well-drained, sandy soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant is also adaptable to different soil types, including loam and clay soils, as long as the soil is well-drained. The ideal soil pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 6.0 to 7.5.
It is also worth noting that the plant has a deep root system, making it capable of accessing water and nutrients from deeper soil layers. As such, the plant can survive in nutrient-poor soils, but it will benefit from regular fertilization.
Cultivation Methods
Maerua pubescens (Klotzsch) Gilg is a shrub that grows up to 3 meters tall, and it prefers a warm and semi-arid environment. It grows well in well-drained soils like sandy and loamy soil types. The plant requires adequate sunlight exposure and can tolerate drought conditions. It is recommended to plant the shrub in areas with an annual rainfall of around 250 mm.
Watering Needs
Maerua pubescens (Klotzsch) Gilg requires occasional watering, and the frequency of watering should be determined by the prevailing soil and climatic conditions. During the dry season, the plant should be given enough water to survive. Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce water loss through evaporation. Overwatering should be avoided because it can cause root damage or rotting.
Fertilization
Maerua pubescens (Klotzsch) Gilg requires minimal fertilization. It is recommended to add organic matter to the soil before planting and apply organic manure once every 2-3 years. A balanced NPK fertilizer can also be applied to the soil during the flowering season to boost growth. Care should be taken not to apply too much fertilizer as it might cause the plant to produce more leaves than flowers.
Pruning
Maerua pubescens (Klotzsch) Gilg does not require much pruning, but it can tolerate moderate pruning to maintain its shape and size. Pruning should be done during the dry season when the plant is not actively growing. Dead branches and stems should be removed to promote new growth. Regular trimming of the plant can help create a denser foliage cover and promote the growth of more flowers.
Propagation of Maerua pubescens
Maerua pubescens can be propagated through various methods including:
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Maerua pubescens can be directly sown into well-draining soil in the months of March to June. The soil needs to be kept moist and the seedlings will emerge from the soil within 3-4 weeks. It is important to note that the germination rate of Maerua pubescens seeds is very low, so it is recommended to sow more seeds than needed.
Softwood Cuttings Propagation
Softwood cuttings of Maerua pubescens can be taken from the current season's growth in the months of October and November. The cuttings should be approximately 15-20 cm long with a few leaves and should be taken from the basal portion of the plant. These cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist and the cuttings should be placed in a shaded area until root formation occurs.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another method of propagation for Maerua pubescens. It involves making a cut in the stem of a mature plant and packing it with moist sphagnum moss or soil. After a few months, roots will form in the moss/soil and the newly rooted plant can be separated from the parent plant and planted in a new location.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is another possible method of propagation for Maerua pubescens. It involves joining a scion of the desired plant onto the rootstock of a related plant. For Maerua pubescens, the rootstock used should be of a related species with similar growth habits. As grafting requires specific techniques and knowledge, it is generally used for commercial propagation, rather than for individual gardeners.
Disease and Pest Management of Maerua pubescens
Maerua pubescens is a flowering plant found in many parts of the world, especially in arid regions. This plant is relatively hardy but can be affected by various pests and diseases that can reduce yields and even kill the plant. Effective pest and disease management strategies can help minimize the damage and ensure that the plant thrives. Below are some common pests and diseases that may affect Maerua pubescens and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes yellow or brown spots on the leaves of the plant. In severe cases, the spots can merge, leading to leaf death. To manage leaf spot, remove infected plant debris and dispose of it away from the garden. Apply copper-based fungicides to the plant, especially during the rainy season.
Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. It is characterized by root discoloration, wilting, and eventually, death of the plant. To prevent root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that the soil has good drainage. Use well-draining soil and avoid planting the plant in areas prone to waterlogging.
Pests
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are tiny white insects that suck the sap from plant tissue, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage, spray the plant with soapy water or use insecticidal soap to suffocate the bugs. Repeat the treatment after a week to ensure full eradication.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies and moths that feed on the leaves of the plant. To manage, physically remove the caterpillars from the plant and dispose of them. You can also use insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis to kill the caterpillars.
Spider mites: Spider mites feed on the sap of the plant and can cause leaves to yellow and fall off. To manage, spray the plant with water to dislodge the mites. You can also use insecticidal soap or a pesticide containing neem oil to kill the mites.
Effective disease and pest management strategies can help prevent the spread of pests and diseases and ensure that Maerua pubescens plants remain healthy and productive.
