Overview
Zygophyllum applanatum Van Zyl is a succulent plant that belongs to the family Zygophyllaceae. It is a species that is commonly found in the drier regions of Southern Africa, especially in the Namaqualand region. This plant has several vernacular names including "Boesmangroen", "Klein-blaretjie" and "Nara bush".
Appearance
Zygophyllum applanatum Van Zyl has an attractive appearance with its thick, woody, and almost leafless stems that grow up to 1m tall. The leaves are flat and reduced to small spines. The plant produces fragrant, small white or yellow flowers that bloom from August to September, attracting bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
Uses
The plant has several traditional uses among the indigenous people of Southern Africa. The leaves and stems of Zygophyllum applanatum Van Zyl have been used as a herbal medicine for treating a variety of ailments such as stomach problems, coughs, and colds. Moreover, the stem and the root of the plant were used by the Nama people to make a potent arrow poison known as "boesmanpijl gif". The plant is now commonly grown as a decorative plant in gardens.
Cultivation
Zygophyllum applanatum Van Zyl is a hardy plant that can tolerate drought, poor soils, and intense heat. It is grown for its ornamental value and requires minimal water, making it an excellent plant for xeriscaping. It is propagated from seed or cuttings and can be easily grown in containers or directly in the garden bed. The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soils and is relatively low maintenance once established.
Growth Conditions for Zygophyllum applanatum Van Zyl
Zygophyllum applanatum Van Zyl is a plant that originates from the arid regions of southern Africa. The plant is commonly referred to as the Silver Crown, and it is characterized by its small, silver-grey leaves and attractive pink flowers. To ensure that the plant thrives and achieves its potential, certain growth conditions must be met. Below are the growth conditions required for Zygophyllum applanatum Van Zyl.
Light
Zygophyllum applanatum Van Zyl requires full sunlight to grow. This plant performs best in areas that receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Insufficient sunlight may result in stunted growth, unhealthy leaves, and reduced flower production.
Temperature
The Silver Crown is a plant that is known to thrive in hot, arid climates. It requires warm temperatures to grow and does not tolerate frost or cold temperatures well. The plant can survive in temperatures ranging from 10°C to 40°C. Optimum temperatures for growth are between 20°C and 30°C. Planting in areas with temperatures outside the optimum range may hinder the growth of this plant.
Soil
Zygophyllum applanatum Van Zyl prefers well-draining soils. The plant does not tolerate waterlogging in the roots, and therefore, soil that retains water for too long is not suitable. Ideal soils for this plant are sandy or loamy with a pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. The soil should be enriched with organic matter before planting to provide adequate nutrients for the plant's growth.
It is important to note that the growth conditions listed above are a general guideline for the growth of Zygophyllum applanatum Van Zyl. The specific conditions required for optimal growth may vary depending on the region's climatic conditions. With proper care and attention to growth conditions, the plant can grow into a spectacular specimen.
Cultivation Methods
Zygophyllum applanatum Van Zyl is best cultivated in areas that have a dry, desert-like climate. It requires well-drained soil, and it is best planted in areas with full sun exposure. The plant can also grow well in rocky soil conditions and gravelly slopes.
Watering Needs
Although Zygophyllum applanatum Van Zyl can tolerate drought, it requires regular watering for optimal growth. During the first year of growth, the plant should be watered once a week in the absence of rainfall. In the second year, watering can be done every two weeks unless the area experiences a drought or prolonged dry spells.
Fertilization
Zygophyllum applanatum Van Zyl does not require regular fertilization. However, a light application of organic fertilizer can be applied in the early spring or fall to boost growth during the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Zygophyllum applanatum Van Zyl. However, it can be pruned during the early spring to encourage branching and maintain a desired shape or size. Pruning should be done by removing the oldest woody stems and cutting back one-third of the plant.
Propagation of Zygophyllum applanatum Van Zyl
Zygophyllum applanatum Van Zyl can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, or division.
Propagation from Seeds
To propagate from seeds, wait for the seed pods to mature and turn brown. Collect the pods and allow them to dry out completely. Remove the seeds from the pods and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil continuously moist until germination occurs, which can take several weeks. Once the seedlings have two true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger individual pots.
Propagation from Cuttings
Propagating Zygophyllum applanatum from cuttings can be tricky, but it is possible. Take several stem cuttings from a healthy plant, each measuring around 4 to 6 inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist. Cover the pot and cutting with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Remove the bag for a few hours each day to allow for ventilation. Roots should appear within a few weeks. Once rooted, the cutting can be transplanted to a larger pot or planted in the ground.
Propagation by Division
Zygophyllum applanatum can also be propagated by division. To do this, remove the plant from its pot and carefully separate the root ball into two or more sections. Each section should have several healthy stems and roots. Plant each section in its own pot or directly in the ground. Keep the soil moist until the plants become established.
Common Diseases and Pests of Zygophyllum applanatum Van Zyl
Just like any other plant, Zygophyllum applanatum Van Zyl is also prone to various diseases and pests. Thus, it is essential to know some of these diseases and pests to come up with suitable management strategies for the plant.
Diseases
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is caused by the fungus Cercospora, which appears as brown-black spots with yellowish centers on the leaves. The disease can be managed by pruning infected parts of the plant and applying a copper fungicide.
Wilt: Wilt is caused by the fungus Fusarium, which affects the roots, causing them to decay, and the leaves to wither. The disease can be controlled by adjusting irrigation, using sterile soil mix, and removing infected plants.
Rust: Rust is caused by the fungus Puccinia, which appears as orange or brown pustules on the leaves, and it mainly affects the plant during summer. Rust can be managed by pruning infected parts of the plant and using a copper fungicide.
Pests
Spider mites: These are tiny pests that suck sap from the plant leaves, leaving them with yellow spots. Applying neem oil or a suitable insecticide will help manage the mites.
Scale insects: These pests look like bumps on the leaves and stems of the plant, and they suck sap from the plant, causing deformities and discoloration. The pests can be controlled by wiping them off with a cloth damped in alcohol or using a suitable insecticide.
Mealybugs: These pests appear as white cottony masses on the leaves and stems, and they also suck sap from the plant. Applying neem oil or using a suitable insecticide will help control the mealybugs.
Management of the Diseases and Pests
Management of the diseases and pests can be achieved by maintaining proper plant hygiene, removing infected plant parts, and using suitable fungicides and insecticides. Additionally, regular inspection of the plant can help identify the disease or pest, enabling timely management strategies. A combination of preventive and curative measures will help keep the Zygophyllum applanatum Van Zyl plant healthy, disease-free, and thriving.
