Origin
Maytenus capitata, also known as red-berried spike-thorn, is a small shrub species in the Celastraceae family. This plant is native to the southern and eastern parts of South Africa, where it thrives in rocky grasslands, open woods, and savannas.
Common Names
M. capitata is commonly known as red-berried spike-thorn, red-berry maytenus, or rooiluisebos in Afrikaans.
Uses
Maytenus capitata is widely used in traditional medicine in South Africa. The roots, leaves, and bark of the plant are used in the treatment of various ailments such as stomach problems, fever, and headaches. The plant is also used to improve fertility, ease childbirth, and treat wounds. In addition to its medicinal uses, M. capitata is also used as a hedge plant and ornamental shrub in gardens and landscapes.
General Appearance
Maytenus capitata is a small, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 2 meters tall. The plant has twisted branches, which are densely covered with sharp spines that can cause injury. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate to elliptic, with a glossy dark green color. The flowers are small, pale yellow, and appear on the branch tips from August to October. The fruit is a bright red, fleshy capsule that contains one or two hard, black seeds. The plant produces fruit from November to March and provides food for birds and other wildlife.
Growth Conditions of Maytenus capitata (E.Mey. ex Sond.) Marais
Light Requirements: Maytenus capitata requires full sun to partial shade to grow optimally. It can tolerate some shade but will not thrive in deep shade.
Temperature Requirements: Maytenus capitata is native to the arid regions of South Africa, where it experiences hot and dry summers and mild winters. It requires warm temperatures to grow well and cannot tolerate frost.
Soil Requirements: Maytenus capitata prefers well-draining soils and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and rocky soils. It is adapted to acidic to neutral soils with a pH range between 5.5 and 7.5. However, it will not grow well in waterlogged soils.
Water Requirements: Maytenus capitata is drought-tolerant but requires moderate watering during the growing season to thrive. It can tolerate short periods of drought but will not survive extended periods without water.
Other Growth Conditions: Maytenus capitata is adapted to low-nutrient soils and does not require fertilizer. However, it may benefit from occasional applications of a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. It is also important to note that Maytenus capitata has a deep root system and may not transplant well after it has become established.
Cultivation Method for Maytenus capitata
Maytenus capitata plant prefers full sunlight to partial shade. It grows well in well-drained soils, including clay, loam, or sand. The plant is tolerant of salt spray, making it an excellent coastal garden plant. For optimal growth, it's essential to maintain a consistent temperature range of 15-30°C (59-86°F).
Watering Needs for Maytenus capitata
To prevent the soil from drying out, Maytenus capitata plant requires adequate watering. It's critical to water thoroughly when the topsoil is dry to the touch. You can reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant, but don't let the soil entirely dry out. Overwatering the plant may lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage.
Fertilization for Maytenus capitata
Maytenus capitata plant is not a heavy feeder, but adding organic matter and balanced fertilizer can help. You can apply compost, aged manure, or other organic matter at the beginning of spring. During the growing season, a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 can be applied every six to eight weeks.
Pruning for Maytenus capitata
Maytenus capitata plant requires minimal pruning. However, you can prune to keep the plant in shape, control its size, or remove damaged or diseased branches. The best time to prune is during the dormant period of winter or early spring. To avoid stressing the plant, avoid pruning more than a third of the plant at once.
Propagation of Maytenus capitata
Maytenus capitata, also known as the kiepersol or boesmanol in Afrikaans, is a South African shrub with a maximum height of approximately 2m. The shrub belongs to the family of Celastraceae and is commonly propagated through seeds, cuttings or suckers. Here's a detailed description of the propagation methods:
Propagation by Seeds
The propagation of Maytenus capitata by seeds is easy and commonly practiced. The fruits of the shrub contain seeds that are first soaked in water to remove the fleshy pulp. The seeds are then dried and stored in a cool, dry place. Before planting, the seeds can be soaked overnight to improve their germination speed.
Seeds of Maytenus capitata are usually planted in spring. The seeds are planted in seedling trays or a well-drained soil mixture. The trays or soil mixture must be kept moist, in a warm and sunny area. Germination of the seeds takes around two weeks, and the seedlings are ready for transplanting after 6-8 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Maytenus capitata cuttings can be taken from softwood or semi-hardwood of a healthy plant during spring or summer. The cuttings must be around 12-15cm long and include at least three nodes. The bottom node must be dipped in a rooting hormone powder before planting.
The cuttings must be planted in a pot or seedling tray filled with around 50% coarse sand and 50% peat moss mixture. Wounding of the cutting can help improve rooting success. Cuttings need to be misted regularly, kept in warm, shady conditions, and kept moist until rooting. Rooting usually takes place within 6-8 weeks, and cuttings can be transplanted to individual containers after root growth.
Propagation by Suckers
Maytenus capitata also produces suckers, which can be separated from the parent plant by cutting the small roots underneath the sucker. The sucker is then planted in an appropriate-sized container filled with a well-drained soil mixture. The sucker's top should be level with the soil surface, and the plant should be well-watered.
The sucker should be kept in a shady area, free from direct sunlight and wind until the plant is well established with new growth. During this time, the sucker must be consistently watered and fed to ensure proper growth. The suckers develop into healthy Maytenus capitata shrubs within a few years.
Disease and Pest Management for Maytenus Capitata Plant
Maytenus Capitata plant, commonly known as Dragon tree or Green Stake, is a hardy plant that can survive in a wide range of environments. However, like all plants, it may suffer from various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and health. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that affect Maytenus Capitata and how to manage them:
Common Diseases of Maytenus Capitata
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of Maytenus Capitata, causing small circular spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the infected leaves and keep the plant dry to prevent further spread of the fungus.
Root rot: Root rot is caused by overwatering and poorly drained soil, and it can cause the plant to wilt and eventually die. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and only water the plant when the soil is dry.
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of Maytenus Capitata, causing a white powdery substance to form on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the infected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant.
Common Pests of Maytenus Capitata
Spider mites: Spider mites are small pests that can suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a solution of insecticidal soap and water.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies and can eat the leaves of Maytenus Capitata. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand or apply a pesticide specifically formulated for caterpillars.
Scale insects: Scale insects are small pests that can damage the leaves and stems of Maytenus Capitata by sucking the sap. To manage scale insects, remove them by hand or apply a solution of rubbing alcohol and water to the affected areas.
