Overview
Maytenus procumbens, also known as "Mountain Spike Thorn" or "Spikethorn," is a small deciduous shrub or tree that belongs to the family Celastraceae. The plant is native to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
Appearance
Maytenus procumbens is a small, spiny tree that can grow up to 4 meters tall. Its leaves are elliptic, smooth, and bright green in color. The tree produces very small, white to cream flowers that grow in clusters. Its small reddish-purple fruits have a shiny appearance with a fleshy covering that often attracts birds, which help to disperse the seeds.
Common names
The plant is commonly known as "Mountain Spike Thorn" or "Spikethorn." In South Africa, it is also known by the common names “Bosvrou”, “Rooi-tolbos”, “Spoorboom” and “Wit-tolbos”.
Uses
Maytenus procumbens has a wide range of medicinal uses. The bark of the plant contains various compounds such as alkaloids, tannins, and flavonoids, which can be used to treat various ailments. In traditional medicine, the bark of the plant is used to treat dysentery, diarrhea, and stomach pains. The roots of the plant are used to treat headaches, toothaches, and rheumatism. The plant also has a mild sedative effect and is used to relieve anxiety and promote relaxation. The plant is not commonly used in modern medicine, and its use is mostly limited to traditional medicine practices.
Light Requirements
Maytenus procumbens is a shade-loving plant that grows well under dappled sunlight. It prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight, as direct sunlight may scorch its leaves. It can also thrive under moderate indoor lighting.
Temperature Requirements
Maytenus procumbens is native to temperate regions and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it grows best under moderate temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C during the day and 10°C to 15°C at night. Extreme temperatures above 30°C or below 5°C can hinder its growth.
Soil Requirements
Maytenus procumbens prefers well-drained, loamy soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and should retain moisture without being waterlogged. It can tolerate a range of soil textures but grows best in soils that are moderately fertile and have good drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Maytenus procumbens can be grown from seeds or stem cuttings. The ideal temperature for germination is around 20°C. The plant is best grown in well-draining sandy soil that is rich in organic matter. It thrives in tropical and subtropical regions that receive plenty of sunlight, but it can also grow well in partially shaded areas that receive sunlight for a minimum of 6 hours per day.
Watering Needs
Maytenus procumbens prefers moist soil, but overwatering can lead to root rot. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter months. It is important to allow the soil to dry between watering to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Maytenus procumbens benefits from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer once every two weeks during the growing season. The plant is sensitive to high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, so it is important to avoid over-fertilization.
Pruning
Maytenus procumbens is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal pruning. Light pruning can be done to shape the plant or to remove any dead or damaged branches. Prune in early spring, just before the new growth appears.
Propagation of Maytenus procumbens
Maytenus procumbens, commonly known as the 'creeping mayten', can be propagated using different methods. The propagation of this plant is an easy and simple process, and it can be done through various means such as seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation of Maytenus procumbens by seeds is the most common method. The seeds of the plant can easily be extracted from ripe fruit, and can be sown directly in the soil at the onset of spring. The planting depth of the seeds should be shallow, and the soil must be kept moist while supplying ample sunlight. The germination process can take up to 20-24 days, after which the seedlings can be transplanted into pots or outdoors, where they will continue to grow.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings can be done during the spring when the plant is in its growing phase. Cuttings of about 8-10 cm should be taken from the healthy and robust-looking branches. The cuttings should be made from shoots which have young leaves growing near the tip. The leaves must then be removed, and the cuttings should be buried vertically in the soil. The soil should be kept moist, and in a few weeks, the cuttings will begin to develop roots. Once the roots have been formed entirely, the new plants can then be transplanted into larger soil containers or outdoors in the early fall when soil temperatures start to decrease.
Propagation through layering
The propagation of Maytenus procumbens through layering is an effortless and dependable method. In this method, one of the plant's stems is laid on the soil with one end still attached to the mother plant. The stem should be held in place using small wooden stakes or pegs to keep it in place. The covered part should be kept moist by watering it regularly. In several weeks, the covered stem will develop roots. Once the roots are fully formed, the stem should be rooted from the parent plant and planted in the soil in a new container or outdoors where it can continue to grow and thrive.
Disease Management for Maytenus procumbens
Maytenus procumbens is a hardy plant, but it is not immune to diseases. Here are some common diseases that affect this plant:
- Crown Rust: This is a fungal disease that causes the leaves to turn yellow and become stunted. The best way to manage this disease is to remove infected leaves and destroy them. You should also avoid planting Maytenus procumbens in areas with high humidity.
- Anthracnose: This is another fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves and stems. To manage this disease, spray the plant with a fungicide containing copper. You should also remove infected leaves and stems.
- Root Rot: Root rot is caused by a fungus that thrives in wet soil. You can prevent this disease by ensuring that the soil is well-drained and not waterlogged. If your plant is already infected with root rot, you should remove it from the soil and replant it in well-draining soil.
Pest Management for Maytenus procumbens
Maytenus procumbens is also susceptible to infestations from pests. Here are some common pests that affect this plant and how to manage them:
- Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and turn yellow. You can control aphids by manually removing them from the plant or by spraying it with insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: Spider mites are also tiny insects that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and dry up. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to remove them or use a miticide if the infestation is severe.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies, and they can feed on the leaves of Maytenus procumbens. To manage caterpillars, you can manually remove them or spray the plant with a natural pesticide like Bacillus thuringiensis.
