Thesium unyikense Engl.
Thesium unyikense Engl. is a plant species that belongs to the family Santalaceae. The species was first discovered by Adolf Engler, a German botanist, in 1896. Thesium unyikense is native to Tanzania and is commonly found in the Eastern Arc Mountains.
Common Names
Thesium unyikense is also known by its common names which include Kei Apple (not to be confused with Dovyalis caffra which also bears the same name), African Sandalwood, and in Swahili, Mtunguja.
Uses
The plant has several uses in traditional medicine. Its bark, leaves, and roots are used as a decoction to treat various ailments such as malaria, stomach aches, and fever. The roots also contain essential oils that are used in the perfume industry.
In addition, the plant is used for its edible fruit. The fruit is small, green, and slightly sour, and is consumed by locals. Despite this, the fruit is not commercially harvested on a large scale.
General Appearance
Thesium unyikense is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 10 meters in height. The plant is known for its distinctive yellowish-green bark that peels off in thin flakes. The leaves are simple, opposite, and ovate in shape, measuring about 2-5 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. The flowers are small and white and are borne in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a small, green, and sour berry-like drupe that measures about 1 cm in diameter.
Growth Conditions for Thesium unyikense Engl.
Thesium unyikense Engl. is a type of herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family of Santalaceae. This plant species is known as an obligate root parasite which means it does not have chlorophyll and cannot generate food through photosynthesis. Instead, it obtains its nutrients and water from the roots of other plants.
Light Requirements
Thesium unyikense Engl. typically prefers shade or partial shade as it thrives in areas of low light. This suggests that this plant species can thrive in shaded environments like forests, or under the canopy of other taller plants.
Temperature Requirements
This species of plant is generally found in regions that are sub-humid to humid, with an annual rainfall ranging from 600 to 1300 mm. Therefore, Thesium unyikense Engl. prefers a cool and wet climate. In terms of temperature conditions, this plant species survive well in temperatures ranging between 15°C to 24°C.
Soil Requirements
Being parasitic in nature, Thesium unyikense Engl. can attach to a range of host roots and absorb nutrients from them. However, the soil where the host plant grows can significantly affect the fitness and performance of Thesium unyikense Engl. Soil that is well-drained is appropriate, and moist soils appear to be ideal for the growth of the species. This plant thrives in nutrient-rich soil as this provides an ample supply of food for its growth.
Overall, Thesium unyikense Engl. is a non-photosynthetic root parasite plant that thrives well in shaded environments with a cool and wet climate, moist, and nutrient-rich soil.
Cultivation Method:
Thesium unyikense Engl. thrives best in warm and sunny areas and prefers well-drained soils. The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. If propagated through seeds, sow them in the soil during spring once the soil temperature reaches 60°F. Ensure that the soil is loosened to allow the seedlings to emerge quickly.
Watering Needs:
Thesium unyikense Engl. requires moderate watering, especially during the growing season. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and adversely affect the plant's growth. During winter, water the plant sparingly to avoid waterlogging and root rot.
Fertilization:
Apply a balanced fertilizer to Thesium unyikense Engl. during the growing season to enhance its growth and performance. Use a slow-release fertilizer to avoid overfeeding the plant. Overfeeding can lead to excessive foliage growth, weak stems, and reduced flower production.
Pruning:
Thesium unyikense Engl. requires little to no pruning. However, you can deadhead the plants once blooming is over to promote growth and encourage reblooming. Also, remove any damaged or diseased parts of the plant immediately to prevent further spread of disease.
Propagation of Thesium unyikense Engl.
Thesium unyikense Engl., commonly known as the Unyika-thesium, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the family Santalaceae. The plant is used in traditional medicine, and its seeds are used as food in some African countries. For individuals interested in growing the plant, it can be propagated through various methods.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Thesium unyikense Engl. can be sown directly into the garden, or they can be started indoors. The seeds require light to germinate, so they should be pressed lightly onto the soil surface. Start by mixing garden soil with compost in equal ratios to prepare the planting medium. Water the planting medium until it is evenly moist, then plant the seeds. Keep the soil moist until the plant is established.
Cuttings Propagation
Thesium unyikense Engl. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cut an 8-10cm long stem from a mature plant, preferably in the early morning when the plant is turgid. Remove all the leaves from the lower half of the stem, then dip the cut stem in rooting hormone. Afterward, plant the dipped portion of the stem into a prepared planting medium, then water the cuttings. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a shaded area. After around two weeks, the cuttings should have grown roots.
Division Propagation
The plant can also be propagated through division. Dig up the plant carefully, then use a sharp knife to divide the root ball into smaller sections. Ensure each divided section has a healthy root system. Plant each section into a prepared planting medium, then water the plants. Keep the soil moist until the plant is established.
Disease Management
The Thesium unyikense Engl. plant is relatively resistant to diseases. However, it can still be affected by some common diseases such as leaf spot and powdery mildew. To manage these diseases, it is advisable to practice crop rotation, planting resistant varieties, and maintaining proper plant hygiene.
Pest Management
Thesium unyikense Engl. plant can be affected by various pests such as aphids, thrips, and spider mites. These pests can cause damage to the plant leading to stunted growth, yellowing, and deformation of the leaves.
Aphids can be controlled using insecticidal soap, neem oil or by introducing predatory insects such as ladybugs. Thrips can be controlled using yellow and blue sticky traps or by using insecticides such as spinosad. Spider mites can be controlled using organic miticides or predatory mites.
It is also recommended to practice proper plant hygiene, regular monitoring and removal of affected leaves or plants to prevent the spread of the pests.
