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Description
Lycium Chilense, also known as the Chilean boxthorn, is a small to medium-sized shrub native to South America. It is a member of the Solanaceae family and is closely related to other species of the Lycium genus, such as the goji berry (Lycium barbarum).
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Lycium |
Appearance
Lycium Chilense is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 4 meters tall. Its leaves are small and oval-shaped, with a gray-green color. The plant produces small, purple flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. Its fruit is a bright red or orange berry that is about 1 cm in diameter and has a sweet taste.
Care Guide
Lycium Chilense is a relatively easy plant to care for, as it can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Here are some tips for keeping your plant healthy:
- Water: Water your plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Make sure the soil is well-drained, as the plant does not like to sit in standing water.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Lycium Chilense prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, consider adding some sand or perlite to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. Make sure it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: Lycium Chilense is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lycium Chilense is generally free of pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. To prevent infestations, keep your plant well-watered and fertilized, and prune any damaged or diseased branches. If you do notice pests, you can use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control them.
Habitat
Lycium Chilense is native to South America, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including coastal scrub, dry forests, and desert regions. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types and is often found growing near rocky outcrops or along stream banks.
Question and Answer
Q. Is Lycium Chilense edible?
A. Yes, the fruit of Lycium Chilense is edible and is sometimes used to make jams and jellies.
Q. What are the health benefits of Lycium Chilense?
A. Lycium Chilense is rich in antioxidants and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Q. Can Lycium Chilense be grown in containers?
A. Yes, Lycium Chilense can be grown in containers as long as it is provided with adequate sunlight and well-drained soil.
Q. How often should I fertilize Lycium Chilense?
A. Fertilize your plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
- Lycium Barbarum (Goji Berry)
- Lycium Chinense (Chinese Boxthorn)
- Lycium Europaeum (European Boxthorn)
References
- https://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/shrub/chilean-boxthorn/
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/chilean-boxthorn/chilean-boxthorn-care.htm
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3336928/
