Origin
Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. verrucosa (Willd.) A.Chev. is a plant species native to the African continent, specifically in the tropical regions of western and central Africa.
Common Names
Common names for Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. verrucosa (Willd.) A.Chev. include the Golden-leaved African olive and the Warty-leaved African olive.
Uses
The plant has cultural and medicinal significance for peoples in its native regions. The bark, leaves, and fruit of the Golden-leaved African olive are commonly used in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments such as coughs, fevers, and malaria. In addition, the plant is known for its significant ecological importance, providing a vital habitat for a range of insect and bird species in the regions where it is found.
General Appearance
Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. verrucosa (Willd.) A.Chev. is a small to medium-sized tree that can reach heights of up to 25 meters. The tree is characterized by its smooth grey to brown bark, and its warty leaves which are a golden-green color. The tree's fruit is a small, round, and black olive that is not commonly eaten by humans.
Light Requirements
Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. verrucosa (Willd.) A.Chev. is a plant that requires plenty of sunlight to thrive. This plant should be placed in an area with bright, direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day. If grown indoors, it's best to place it near a sunny window.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. verrucosa (Willd.) A.Chev. is between 60°F and 75°F (15°C to 24°C). This plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C) and as high as 90°F (32°C), but it's best to keep it within the ideal range.
Soil Requirements
Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. verrucosa (Willd.) A.Chev. grows best in well-draining soil with moderate fertility. The pH level should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0. This plant prefers a soil mix that consists of equal parts peat moss, sand, and perlite. Adequate drainage is essential for this plant to avoid root rot.
Cultivation and Care of Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. verrucosa (Willd.) A.Chev.
Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. verrucosa (Willd.) A.Chev., commonly known as the Warty-leafed Olive, is a small evergreen tree or shrub that is native to South Africa. If you want to grow this plant, here are some tips on how to care for it:
Planting and Soil Needs
For Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. verrucosa (Willd.) A.Chev. to grow well, it prefers soil that is well-draining and fertile. The plant has a shallow root system, so it is best to avoid planting it in areas where the ground becomes waterlogged. The ideal time to plant Warty-leafed Olive is in spring.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering your Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. verrucosa (Willd.) A.Chev., it's important to keep in mind that it is drought-tolerant and can survive in periods of low rainfall. However, it still needs water to grow and produce healthy foliage. So, it is best to water it deeply every two weeks, providing more during hot and dry seasons.
Fertilization
Warty-leafed Olive doesn't require much fertilizer. You can use a balanced slow-release fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 in the early spring season, and then apply it again in the midsummer if needed. Avoid over-fertilizing since it can lead to excessive growth and weaken the plant's structure.
Pruning
Pruning Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. verrucosa (Willd.) A.Chev. in winter or early spring is the best option. The pruning should focus on removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. The plant can also benefit from being shaped, which ensures that it maintains its size and form, and doesn't become too leggy. Besides, regular pruning allows more light and air to reach the inner part of the plant, promoting better growth.
By following these tips, your Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. verrucosa (Willd.) A.Chev. can thrive and beautify your garden with its gorgeous warty leaves and delicate flowers.
Propagation Methods of Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. verrucosa (Willd.) A.Chev.
Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. verrucosa (Willd.) A.Chev., commonly known as the Warty Leaved Olive, is a beautiful and unique plant that can be propagated in a few different ways:
Seed Propagation
One method of propagating Olea chrysophylla var. verrucosa is through seed propagation. The seeds of the plant can be collected from ripe fruit in the fall. These seeds can then be planted directly in the ground in a location with plenty of sunlight and moist soil. Alternatively, seeds can be started indoors in seed trays filled with a light, nutrient-rich soil and transplanted outdoors once they have sprouted and grown a bit.
Cuttings Propagation
Another method of propagating Olea chrysophylla var. verrucosa is through cuttings propagation. Cuttings can be taken from the plant in the late spring or early summer, when the stems are still green and pliable. These cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and contain at least two leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining soil mix. With proper care and plenty of moisture, the cuttings will start to form roots within a few weeks.
Laying Propagation
A third method of propagating Olea chrysophylla var. verrucosa is through laying propagation. This method involves choosing a low-lying branch on the plant and bending it down towards the ground. Scrape the bottom of the bark on the underside of the branch and apply rooting hormone. Bury the scraped area of the branch with soil and a weight to keep it in place. Over time, the buried area of the branch will form roots and can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted.
Regardless of which propagation method is chosen, proper care and attention should be given to ensure the plant grows strong and healthy.
Disease Management
Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. verrucosa (Willd.) A.Chev. is generally a hardy plant species that is not easily affected by diseases. However, several diseases could still affect this plant. Here are some of the common diseases that could affect Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. verrucosa (Willd.) A.Chev. and how to manage them:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that appears as yellow or brown leaf spots, which eventually become black and sunken. It may also cause the leaves to fall. To manage this disease, remove and destroy all the infected leaves, branches, and fruits during pruning. You can also apply fungicides as recommended by your local extension office.
- Root Rot: Root rot is caused by fungi that invade the roots, causing them to decay, which leads to leaf wilting, yellowing, and eventual plant death. To manage this disease, avoid waterlogging and overwatering. Ensure the soil is well-drained, and only water when necessary. You can also use fungicide drenches to treat severely infected plants.
Pest Management
Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. verrucosa (Willd.) A.Chev. is not immune to pests, and its berries may be affected by several insects, mites, and birds. Here are some common pests that attack Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. verrucosa (Willd.) A.Chev. and how to manage them:
- Olive fruit fly: This is a common insect pest that attacks the berries, leading to a reduction in yield and quality. To manage this pest, practice good field sanitation by removing all fallen fruits as they may harbor the pest. You can also use baits and traps, which are effective in catching the fruit flies at the early stages of an infestation. Synthetic and organic insecticides are also available, and they should be used as per the label instructions.
- Birds: Several bird species often feed on Olea chrysophylla Lam. var. verrucosa (Willd.) A.Chev. berries, leading to a significant reduction in yield and quality. To manage bird pests, use bird netting to cover the plants. String reflective tape or scare balloons on the farm to confuse and scare away the birds. You can also install an audio bird deterrent to keep them away.
