Overview:
Solanum aculeastrum Dunal var. exarmatum Bitter, commonly known as Devil's Fig or Soda Apple, is a flowering plant belonging to the Solanum genus of the nightshade family. This invasive species is native to South America but has become naturalized in many parts of the world, including the southeastern United States, the Caribbean, and Africa.
Appearance:
The Devil's Fig is a large, thorny shrub or small tree that can grow up to 6 meters tall. Its leaves are large, ovate, deeply lobed, and up to 30 cm long. The plant bears numerous small, star-shaped white or purple flowers that are followed by yellow or green berries, which are poisonous. The fruits are about 2-3 cm in diameter and have a distinct bitter taste.
Uses:
In its native range, Solanum aculeastrum Dunal var. exarmatum Bitter is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, colic, and diarrhea. Some indigenous people use the fruit as a purgative and to treat snake bites. However, due to its toxicity, caution must be taken when using this plant for medicinal purposes. In the United States, the plant is considered a noxious weed and is actively managed to prevent its spread.
The plant has also been used in horticulture as a decorative plant because of its striking appearance. However, due to its invasive tendencies, it is discouraged from cultivation in many areas.
Light Requirements
Solanum aculeastrum Dunal var. exarmatum Bitter typically thrives in full sun to partial shade exposure. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow optimally.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate both hot and cold climates, with temperature ranges varying between 15°C to 40°C. It can, however, withstand short periods of frost. Its optimal growth temperature range is between 20°C to 30°C.
Soil Requirements
Solanum aculeastrum Dunal var. exarmatum Bitter prefers well-draining soils that are nutrient-rich, moist but not water-logged. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels, from 5.5 to 8.0. The ideal soil type for this plant is sandy-loam or loamy-sand.
Cultivation of Solanum aculeastrum Dunal var. exarmatum Bitter
Solanum aculeastrum Dunal var. exarmatum Bitter, commonly known as Prickly Nightshade, is a perennial plant that grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. To cultivate this plant, the following steps should be followed:
- Choose a site - Solanum aculeastrum Dunal var. exarmatum Bitter grows well in well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The site should receive full sunlight and should be protected from strong winds.
- Planting - The ideal time to plant Solanum aculeastrum Dunal var. exarmatum Bitter is during the rainy season when the soil is moist. Plant the seeds at a depth of 1-2 cm and space them at least 60 cm apart.
- Watering - Solanum aculeastrum Dunal var. exarmatum Bitter requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. The plant should be watered twice a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization - Solanum aculeastrum Dunal var. exarmatum Bitter requires regular fertilization to thrive. Apply a balanced fertilizer every three months to promote growth and flower production.
Pruning Solanum aculeastrum Dunal var. exarmatum Bitter
Pruning is an essential part of caring for Solanum aculeastrum Dunal var. exarmatum Bitter, and it should be done regularly to maintain the plant's shape and promote flower production. The following steps should be followed when pruning:
- Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches - These branches can harbor pests and diseases, and they should be removed as soon as they are noticed.
- Trimming - Trim back the branches to maintain the desired shape of the plant. This should be done after flowering to promote new growth and more flowers.
- Pinching - Pinching back the tips of the branches can promote bushier growth and more flower production.
Propagation of Solanum aculeastrum Dunal var. exarmatum Bitter
Solanum aculeastrum Dunal var. exarmatum Bitter, commonly known as the prickly nightshade, is a shrub or small tree species native to South America and widely distributed in tropical regions. It is often cultivated for its edible fruit, medicinal properties, or ornamental value. Propagation in Solanum aculeastrum Dunal var. exarmatum Bitter can be achieved through several methods, including:
Seeds
The most common way to propagate Solanum aculeastrum Dunal var. exarmatum Bitter is by using seeds. The plant produces large quantities of small, flattened seeds that can be harvested from mature fruit. Seeds should be cleaned, dried, and stored in a cool and dry place until planting. Before sowing, seeds can be scarified or stratified to improve germination. Germination rates are high, and the seedlings grow relatively fast, making this method efficient and easy.
Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is possible in Solanum aculeastrum Dunal var. exarmatum Bitter, but it is less common. Rooted cuttings can be obtained from young lateral shoots taken from mature plants during the growing season. Cuttings should be treated with rooting hormones and placed in a well-draining soil mix with high humidity and temperature. Rooting can take several weeks, and the success rate is generally lower than with seeds.
Air layering
Air layering is a propagation method that involves wounding a branch and encouraging it to develop roots before separating it from the parent plant. This method is less common in Solanum aculeastrum Dunal var. exarmatum Bitter but can be effective in obtaining mature plants more quickly than by seed propagation. Select a healthy and vigorous branch, remove a ring of bark, apply rooting hormones, and cover with moist sphagnum moss. Roots should develop within a few weeks, and the new plant can be separated and transplanted.
Propagation of Solanum aculeastrum Dunal var. exarmatum Bitter can be achieved through different methods, depending on the intended use, availability of materials, and growing conditions. Seeds are the most accessible and efficient way to propagate the plant, but other methods such as cuttings or air layering can be used to obtain specific characteristics or speed up the process.
Disease Management
The Solanum aculeastrum Dunal var. exarmatum Bitter is highly resistant to most plant diseases. However, it is still susceptible to some diseases like leaf spot caused by fungi. To control this disease, it is important to practice good sanitation practices like removing infected leaves and uprooting already infected plants. You can also apply fungicides that contain copper-based compounds as soon as you notice the symptoms.
Pest Management
Some of the common pests that affect the Solanum aculeastrum Dunal var. exarmatum Bitter include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These pests suck sap from the plant parts leading to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves and wilting of the plant.
To manage these pests, you can use neem oil spray solution that acts as a repellent or insecticidal soap sprays. Also, it is important to practice good cultural practices such as weeding to avoid pest infestations. Companion planting can also help by attracting beneficial insects that prey on these pests, such as lacewings and ladybugs.
