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Description
Lycium Carolinianum, also known as the Carolina Desert Thorn, is a low-growing shrub that is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It belongs to the Solanaceae family, which includes other well-known plants such as tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants. This plant is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide. It has small leaves that are typically 0.4 to 1 inch long and 0.2 to 0.4 inches wide. The flowers are small and purple or lavender in color, and they bloom from May to July. The fruit of the plant is a small, red berry that is about 0.4 inches in diameter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Lycium |
Appearance
The Lycium Carolinianum plant is a low-growing shrub that has a rounded shape. It has small, green leaves that are oval-shaped and pointed at the tip. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem. During the summer months, the plant produces small, purple or lavender flowers that are about 0.4 inches in diameter. These flowers are followed by small, red berries that are about the same size as the flowers. The berries are edible and have a sweet taste.
Care Guide
The Lycium Carolinianum plant is relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy:- Water: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is kept slightly moist. Water it regularly, but do not overwater it as this can lead to root rot. – Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in the spring and summer months. – Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline. – Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun, but it can also grow in partial shade. – Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Lycium Carolinianum plant is generally not prone to many pests or diseases. However, here are some potential issues to look out for:- Spider mites: These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. – Scale insects: These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. – Root rot: This can occur if the plant is overwatered. Make sure the soil is well-draining and do not overwater the plant.
Habitat
The Lycium Carolinianum plant is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including deserts, rocky slopes, and dry washes.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Lycium Carolinianum plant poisonous?
A: No, the plant is not poisonous. In fact, the berries are edible and have a sweet taste.
Q: Can the Lycium Carolinianum plant be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers, but make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: How often should I fertilize the Lycium Carolinianum plant?
A: Fertilize the plant with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in the spring and summer months.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Lycium Carolinianum plant?
A: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.
Related Plants
– Lycium barbarum (Goji berry)- Lycium chinense (Chinese boxthorn)- Lycium europaeum (European boxthorn)- Lycium halimifolium (Sea boxthorn)
References
– “Lycium carolinianum.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=LYCA5.- “Lycium carolinianum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d459.- “Desert Thorn.” Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, www.desertmuseum.org/visit/savorthesonoran/lycium_carolinianum.php.
