Contents
Description
Lycium Sandwicense, commonly known as Hawaiian boxthorn, is a plant species native to Hawaii. It belongs to the family Solanaceae and is a small to medium-sized shrub that can reach up to 3 meters in height. The plant has small, green leaves and produces small, white or lavender-colored flowers that bloom in the summer. The flowers are followed by small, red berries that are edible and have a sweet taste.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Lycium |
Appearance
Lycium Sandwicense is a small to medium-sized shrub that can reach up to 3 meters in height. It has small, green leaves that are approximately 1-2 cm long and less than 1 cm wide. The plant produces small, white or lavender-colored flowers that bloom in the summer. The flowers are followed by small, red berries that are approximately 1 cm in diameter. The plant has a woody stem and branches that are covered in small thorns.
Care Guide
Water: Lycium Sandwicense prefers well-draining soil and should be watered regularly during the growing season. The plant can tolerate some drought, but it is important to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: Lycium Sandwicense does not require regular fertilization, but it can benefit from a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year. Fertilizer should be applied in the spring or early summer.
Soil: Lycium Sandwicense prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and rocky soils.
Sunlight: Lycium Sandwicense prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. The plant should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: Lycium Sandwicense is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Lycium Sandwicense is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases. Spider mites and aphids can infest the plant, causing damage to the leaves and flowers. Scale insects can also be a problem, feeding on the sap of the plant and causing yellowing of the leaves. Lycium Sandwicense is also susceptible to root rot, which can be caused by overwatering or poor drainage.
Habitat
Lycium Sandwicense is native to Hawaii and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including coastal areas, dry forests, and lava fields. The plant is often found growing on rocky slopes and cliffs and can tolerate a range of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Lycium Sandwicense be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Lycium Sandwicense can be grown in containers. However, it is important to choose a container that is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system and to ensure that the soil is well-draining.
Q: Is Lycium Sandwicense drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, Lycium Sandwicense is drought-tolerant to some extent. However, it is important to ensure that the plant receives adequate water during the growing season to avoid stress.
Q: How often should Lycium Sandwicense be pruned?
A: Lycium Sandwicense does not require regular pruning. However, the plant can be pruned to shape or to remove dead or damaged branches as needed.
Q: Are the berries of Lycium Sandwicense edible?
A: Yes, the berries of Lycium Sandwicense are edible and have a sweet taste. However, it is important to ensure that the berries are fully ripe before consuming them.
Related Plants
- Lycium barbarum (Chinese boxthorn)
- Lycium chinense (Chinese matrimony vine)
- Lycium europaeum (European boxthorn)
References
- “Lycium sandwicense.” Floridata. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://floridata.com/plant/483.
- “Lycium sandwicense.” Hawaii Native Plant Society. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://www.hawaiiplants.org/lycium-sandwicense/.
- “Lycium sandwicense.” University of Hawaii. Accessed September 14, 2021. https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/forestry/data/CommonTreesHI/CFT_Lycium_sandwicense.pdf.
