Ximenia caffra
TAXONOMY
FamilyOlacaceae
GenusXimenia
Zone10
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Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Ximenia caffra, commonly known as the sour plum, is a shrub or small tree native to seasonally dry tropical climates in Africa. It belongs to the family Olacaceae and the genus Ximenia. The plant produces edible fruits and has various traditional medicinal uses. It typically undergoes a dormancy period during the dry season.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Sour Plum
Ximenia caffra var. caffra
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (8 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity50%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
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DETAILS
Care Instructions
Ximenia caffra thrives in bright, direct sunlight and prefers moderate temperatures. It can tolerate dry conditions but benefits from occasional watering. The plant does well in environments with moderate humidity and should be protected from frost.Soil
Ximenia caffra prefers well-draining loamy soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types but performs best in soils that are not too rich in nutrients. Ensure the soil dries out almost completely between waterings to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10. Fertilize the plant during the growing season to support its development. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can harm the plant.Repotting
Repot Ximenia caffra when it outgrows its current container or when the soil becomes compacted. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage. Repotting is best done during the plant's dormant period.Propagation
Ximenia caffra can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and kept moist until germination. Cuttings can be taken during the growing season and rooted in a suitable medium.Pruning
Prune Ximenia caffra to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased branches. Pruning is best done during the dormant period to minimize stress on the plant.Toxicity
Ximenia caffra is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, as with any plant, it is advisable to keep it out of reach of small children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.Additional
Ximenia caffra is valued for its edible fruits, which are rich in vitamin C and can be eaten fresh or used in various culinary applications. The plant also has traditional medicinal uses, including treatments for skin conditions and digestive issues.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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