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Description
Lycium Californicum, also known as California boxthorn, is a species of flowering plant in the nightshade family. The plant is native to California and can be found in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. It is a perennial shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall and 10 feet wide. The leaves are small and narrow, while the flowers are small and white or lavender in color. The fruit is a red berry that is edible, but not commonly consumed.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Lycium |
Appearance
Lycium Californicum is a large, bushy shrub with a rounded shape. It has small, narrow green leaves that are less than an inch long. The leaves are arranged alternately on the stem. The flowers are small, white or lavender, and have five petals. They bloom in the spring and early summer. The fruit is a red berry that is about a quarter inch in diameter.
Care Guide
Lycium Californicum is a hardy plant that requires very little care. It thrives in well-draining soil and full sunlight. The plant can tolerate drought conditions but should be watered regularly during the summer months. Fertilizer is not necessary, but a light application of compost in the spring can be beneficial. The plant is hardy to USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lycium Californicum is generally pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Leafhoppers and spider mites may occasionally infest the plant, but these pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Lycium Californicum is native to California and can be found in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sunlight. It is commonly used in landscaping as a hedge or screen plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Lycium Californicum drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, Lycium Californicum can tolerate drought conditions but should be watered regularly during the summer months.
Q: Can the fruit of Lycium Californicum be eaten?
A: Yes, the fruit is edible, but not commonly consumed.
Q: What are the common pests of Lycium Californicum?
A: Leafhoppers and spider mites may occasionally infest the plant.
Q: How tall can Lycium Californicum grow?
A: Lycium Californicum can grow up to 10 feet tall and 10 feet wide.
Related Plants
- Lycium barbarum
- Lycium chinense
- Lycium europaeum
- Lycium intricatum
References
- “Lycium californicum.” Calflora. Accessed 26 July 2021. https://www.calflora.org/cgi-bin/species_query.cgi?where-calrecnum=4837.
- “Lycium californicum.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed 26 July 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=LYCA6.
- “Lycium californicum.” Las Pilitas Nursery. Accessed 26 July 2021. https://www.laspilitas.com/nature-of-california/plants/lycium-californicum.
