Contents
Description
Harpephyllum Caffrum, also known as the Kaffir Plum, is a plant species native to southern Africa. It belongs to the Anacardiaceae family and is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. The tree produces small greenish-white flowers that bloom in the spring, and the fruit is a red or purple drupe that ripens in the summer. The fruit is edible and has a sour taste, often used to make jams, jellies, and chutneys.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Anacardiaceae |
| Genus | Harpephyllum |
Appearance
The Harpephyllum Caffrum has a rounded, spreading canopy with a single trunk. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and alternate with a pinnate leaf arrangement. The leaflets are lance-shaped and pointed, with a leathery texture. The fruit is a juicy, fleshy drupe that measures about 2-3 centimeters in diameter. The skin is smooth and shiny, and the flesh is yellow-orange in color. The tree bark is brown, rough, and has a scaly texture.
Care Guide
The Harpephyllum Caffrum prefers a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to loamy. The tree needs full sun exposure to thrive, but it can also tolerate partial shade. Water the plant deeply once a week, and adjust the watering frequency according to the weather conditions. Fertilize the tree in the spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer, and avoid over-fertilizing as it can damage the tree. The hardiness zones for the Harpephyllum Caffrum are 9b to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Harpephyllum Caffrum is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can still be affected by some common problems. The tree can be attacked by scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The tree can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, which can be treated with fungicides.
Habitat
The Harpephyllum Caffrum is native to southern Africa, where it grows in savannas, woodlands, and along river banks. The tree can also be found in gardens and parks, where it is grown for its ornamental value and fruit production.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Harpephyllum Caffrum a deciduous tree?
A: No, the Harpephyllum Caffrum is an evergreen tree.
Q: How long does it take for the fruit to ripen?
A: The fruit of the Harpephyllum Caffrum usually ripens in the summer, about 3-4 months after flowering.
Q: Can the Harpephyllum Caffrum be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the Harpephyllum Caffrum can be grown in a container as long as it has enough room to grow and the soil is well-drained.
Q: What is the best way to propagate the Harpephyllum Caffrum?
A: The Harpephyllum Caffrum can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be planted in a well-drained soil mix, and cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood stems and treated with rooting hormone.
Related Plants
- Harpephyllum caffrum var. bernhardii
- Harpephyllum caffrum var. caffrum
- Harpephyllum caffrum var. parvifolium
References
- Coates Palgrave, K. (2002). Trees of Southern Africa. Struik Publishers.
- Van Wyk, B. E., & Van Wyk, P. (2013). Field Guide to Trees of Southern Africa. Struik Nature.
- https://www.plantzafrica.com/plantgh/harpephycaff.htm
