Overview
Salacia cerasifera Welw. ex Oliv. var. cerasifera is a small tree or shrub that belongs to the family Celastraceae. It has numerous common names including black plum, wild plum, cherry plum, and umdoni. The plant is commonly found in the coastal and lowland forests of Southern and Eastern Africa.
Appearance
The plant is deciduous, which means it sheds its leaves annually. It can grow up to a height of 8 meters. The bark is dark brown and rough. The leaves are glossy and alternate. They are about 6 cm long and 2 cm wide. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, clustered in dense inflorescences. The fruit is a purple to black plum-like berry, which is approximately 2 cm in diameter. The tree bears fruits from October to December, which coincides with the rainy season.
Uses
The fruit of Salacia cerasifera is edible, and it is a source of food for people and wildlife. The berries can be eaten fresh, or they can be dried and stored for later use. The plant has a medicinal value, and it is used to treat various ailments such as diabetes, malaria, and diarrhea. Due to its high levels of tannins, it is also used to tan leather. The plant is considered an ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance, and it is grown in gardens and parks.
Growth Conditions of Salacia cerasifera Welw. ex Oliv. var. cerasifera
Salacia cerasifera Welw. ex Oliv. var. cerasifera, commonly known as the wild plum or bush plum, is a tropical plant species belonging to the family Celastraceae. It is known for its small, edible fruits and medicinal properties. To grow efficiently, this plant requires specific growth conditions regarding light, temperature, and soil.
Light Requirements
The wild plum requires full sun exposure to thrive. It can tolerate some partial shade, but it may result in stunted growth and lower fruit production. Hence, it is essential to plant the Salacia cerasifera in an area with enough sunlight and ensure that the plant receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species grows well in warm to hot temperature conditions. It requires an average temperature range of 20-35ºC. Temperatures below 10ºC or above 40ºC can cause damage to the plant, resulting in poor growth and fruit production. Additionally, it requires a high level of humidity, which must be maintained at around 80% for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
The Salacia cerasifera grows best in well-draining, slightly acidic soils rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for the soil is between 5.0 and 6.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it is essential to ensure that the soil has good drainage, as waterlogging can result in root rot and other diseases.
In summary, to grow Salacia cerasifera Welw. ex Oliv. var. cerasifera, it is essential to provide adequate sun exposure, maintain appropriate temperature and humidity levels, and use well-draining, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter.
Cultivation methods
Salacia cerasifera Welw. ex Oliv. var. cerasifera, commonly known as wild plum, is a hardy evergreen shrub that typically grows up to 2-3 meters tall. The plant thrives in warm and humid regions with well-draining soil. To cultivate the plant, start by planting well-rooted cuttings in a pot with a well-draining potting mix. Place the pot in a bright but partially shaded area until the plant establishes itself.
Watering needs
The wild plum is a drought-tolerant plant, but it needs to be watered regularly during its early growth stages. Water the plant deeply once every week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. As the plant matures, reduce the watering frequency to once every two to three weeks, depending on the prevailing weather conditions.
Fertilization
The wild plum is not a heavy feeder. However, you can apply a balanced fertilizer once every three months during the growing season to enhance its growth and development. Ensure that the fertilizer is applied well away from the plant's base to avoid stem and root damage.
Pruning
Salacia cerasifera Welw. ex Oliv. var. cerasifera requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape and size. Prune off the plant's dead or damaged branches to stimulate new growth. Also, trim back the longest branches to control the plant's growth and promote lateral branching. Pruning is best done during the winter dormant season to minimize stress to the plant.
Propagation of Salacia cerasifera Welw. ex Oliv. var. cerasifera
Salacia cerasifera Welw. ex Oliv. var. cerasifera can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. The following are the different propagation methods:
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Salacia cerasifera Welw. ex Oliv. var. cerasifera are highly viable and can be easily germinated. The seeds should be collected from mature fruits and sown immediately as they do not remain viable for a long time. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing. The ideal time for sowing is at the beginning of the rainy season. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil at a depth of 2 cm. Regular watering and mulching should be done for better germination. Seedlings can be transplanted to the desired location after they attain a height of 15-20 cm.
Cutting Propagation
Salacia cerasifera Welw. ex Oliv. var. cerasifera can also be propagated through cutting. Hardwood cuttings of length 15-20 cm and diameter 1-2 cm are collected during the dormant season. The cuttings are treated with rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. Regular watering should be done and the cuttings should be protected from direct sunlight. Roots will emerge in 4-5 weeks and the new plants can be transplanted to the desired location after they reach a height of 30-40 cm.
Air-Layering Propagation
Another method of propagation is air-layering. A healthy branch of the plant is selected and a ring of bark of width 2-3 cm is removed from the middle portion. The exposed area is covered with a layer of moist sphagnum moss and wrapped in a plastic sheet. Roots will emerge from the moss in 4-5 weeks. The rooted portion can be detached from the mother plant and transplanted to the desired location.
Disease and Pest Management for Salacia cerasifera Welw. ex Oliv. var. cerasifera
Salacia cerasifera is a hardy plant, resistant to many diseases and pests. However, proper care and management are necessary to prevent any potential outbreaks and maintain the plant's health.
Diseases
Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spotting, stem cankers, and twig dieback. To manage anthracnose, prune and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides.
Root Rot: This disease is caused by soil-borne fungi and can lead to wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the plant. To prevent root rot, ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. Fungicides can also be used to manage the disease.
Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes leaf spots and can lead to defoliation. To manage leaf spot, prune and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides.
Pests
Scale Insects: These insects attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant and suck sap, leading to stunted growth and leaf yellowing. To manage scale insects, prune and destroy heavily infested plant parts, apply insecticidal soaps or oils, and introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
Mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing of leaves, webbing on the plant, and stunted growth. To manage mites, prune and destroy heavily infested plant parts, apply insecticidal soaps or oils, and introduce natural predators such as predatory mites.
Caterpillars: These pests can chew on plant leaves and cause severe defoliation. To manage caterpillars, handpick and destroy them, apply organic pesticides, and introduce natural predators such as birds or parasitic wasps.
Overall, disease and pest management for Salacia cerasifera involves regular monitoring, proper cultural practices, and timely intervention when necessary. By taking steps to prevent and manage potential outbreaks, the plant can thrive and remain healthy for years to come.
