Origin and Common Names
Royena lycioides (Desf.) A.DC. subsp. nitens (Harv. ex Hiern) De Winter, commonly known as shiny royena or glossy leaved royena, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Melastomataceae. It is native to the Cape Province in South Africa and can be found growing on rocky slopes and along stream banks in its natural habitat.Appearance
Shiny royena is a shrub that can grow up to 2 meters tall and wide. Its leaves are ovate, elliptical, or lanceolate in shape, about 3-5 centimeters long, and have a glossy dark green color on their upper surface. The lower surface of the leaves is pale green. The plant produces small, star-shaped flowers that are pinkish-lilac in color and about 1 cm in diameter. The fruit that follows the flowers is a purple-black, fleshy berry that is about 6-8 mm in diameter.Uses
In some parts of the world, Shiny royena is highly valued for its ornamental characteristics. Its glossy leaves and striking flowers make it a popular choice as a garden plant or as a cut flower. Additionally, its fruits are edible and can be consumed fresh or made into jams and jellies. In traditional medicine, the leaves and roots of Shiny royena are used to treat various ailments, including dysentery and diarrhea. It is also used topically to treat skin irritations such as rashes and burns. In conclusion, Royena lycioides (Desf.) A.DC. subsp. nitens (Harv. ex Hiern) De Winter is a beautiful and versatile plant with various ornamental and medicinal uses. Whether you are a gardener or an herbalist, this plant is worth considering for its unique characteristics and benefits.Growth Conditions for Royena lycioides subsp. nitens
Light: Royena lycioides subsp. nitens prefers partial shade to full sun. If exposed to too much direct sunlight, the leaves may scorch and turn brown.
Temperature: This plant is tolerant of a range of temperatures but grows best in warm, humid conditions. It can withstand temperatures as low as 25°F (-4°C) but this can cause damage to the foliage.
Soil: Royena lycioides subsp. nitens grows better in well-draining, slightly acidic soils. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water retention. The pH range for optimum growth is between 5.5 and 7.0.
Fertilizer: Use a complete, balanced fertilizer once every four to six weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) to encourage healthy growth. Do not fertilize during the dormant period (fall and winter).
Water: Water the plant thoroughly once a week during the growing season, keeping the soil just moist. In winter, water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Pruning: Prune Royena lycioides subsp. nitens in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and size. Remove any dead, damaged or diseased wood and thin out any crossing branches.
Pests and Diseases: This plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases but can be affected by root rot in poorly drained soil conditions. Keep an eye out for aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs, which can sometimes infest the foliage.
Cultivation
The Royena lycioides (Desf.) A.DC. subsp. nitens (Harv. ex Hiern) De Winter plant prefers warm and humid climates with temperatures ranging from 21-26 degrees Celsius. It can be grown in containers or on the ground, but it requires well-drained soil.
The plant needs sufficient exposure to sunlight, but it can also survive under partial shades. When planting, it is essential to ensure enough space is provided for proper growth and adequate air circulation.
Watering Needs
The plant requires a moderate amount of water, especially during the dry season. However, overwatering can cause root rot disease. It is advisable to water the plant thoroughly after the soil dries out, and avoid watering the leaves to prevent fungal infections
Fertilization
During the growing season, the plant requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and development. It is advisable to use a balanced slow-release fertilizer rich in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus.
For container grown plants, fertilize once a month. For those grown on the ground, it is recommended to fertilize every six months. Avoid over-fertilization as this can lead to the death of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to remove dead or damaged leaves, maintain proper shape and size, and improve air circulation. It is advisable to carry out pruning during the dormant season to avoid damaging the plant.
When pruning, use sterilized pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases. Remove crossing branches, thin out the plant canopy, and remove suckers from the stem base.
Propagation of Royena lycioides (Desf.) A.DC. subsp. nitens (Harv. ex Hiern) De Winter
Royena lycioides (Desf.) A.DC. subsp. nitens (Harv. ex Hiern) De Winter, commonly known as African blood berry, is a woody, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. The plant is native to South Africa and is known for its dense, dark green foliage and attractive rose-pink flowers. Propagation of the plant can be done through various methods including seed propagation, cutting propagation and layering.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a viable method of propagating the African blood berry plant. Seeds of the plant can be collected from the fruits when they are fully matured. The seeds should then be dried and stored in a cool, dry place. To germinate the seeds, they should be sown in sterilized soil mixed with sand or perlite. The soil should be kept moist, and the seeds should be placed in a warm, well-lit location. Germination can take up to 3 months, and once the seeds sprout, they can be transferred to individual pots.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is another common method of propagating the African blood berry plant. Softwood cuttings of the plant should be taken early in the spring. The cuttings should be around 10cm in length and have at least three nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being inserted into a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept moist, and they should be placed in a warm, humid location. Once the cuttings form roots, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Layering Propagation
Layering propagation is a simple and effective method of propagating African blood berry plants. A low branch of the plant should be selected and bent to the ground. The area of the stem that is in contact with the soil should be stripped of leaves and scored lightly. The area can then be covered with soil, and a stone or heavy object can be placed on top to keep the branch in place. The branch should then be kept moist, and roots will begin to form. Once the roots are established, the new plant can be detached from the mother plant and transplanted.
Disease and Pest Management for Royena lycioides (Desf.) A.DC. subsp. nitens (Harv. ex Hiern) De Winter
Royena lycioides (Desf.) A.DC. subsp. nitens (Harv. ex Hiern) De Winter, commonly known as satinwood or blisterskin, is a shrub that can be affected by various diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
Fungal diseases are the most common type of disease that affect Royena lycioides. Some common fungal diseases are:
- Leaf spot: This disease is characterized by brown, circular spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and destroy them to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Powdery mildew: This disease is characterized by a white powdery substance on the leaves. Use a fungicide to treat the infected plant.
- Anthracnose: This disease is characterized by brown, sunken spots on the leaves, stems, and fruits. Remove infected plant parts and use a fungicide to prevent further spread.
Common Pests
Various pests may attack the Royena lycioides plant, some of which include:
- Aphids: These small insects can cluster on the underside of leaves and suck the sap of the plant. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.
- Caterpillars: The larvae of certain moth species can cause damage to the leaves of the plant. Handpick and destroy caterpillars or use a biological insecticide like Bacillus thuringiensis.
- Scale insects: These insects can cause yellowing of leaves and sticky residue on the plant. Use horticultural oil spray to control infestations.
Regularly inspecting your plants for any signs of disease or pest infestations can help prevent their spread. It is essential to remove affected plant parts and dispose of them properly and to use fungicides or insecticides as necessary.
