Rothmannia capensis
| Rothmannia capensis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Rothmannia capensis |
| Genus | Rothmannia |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Native range | South Africa, from Limpopo to the Western Cape |
| Habit | Evergreen tree; about 10 m in woodland and up to 20 m in forest |
| Flowers | Solitary, sweet-scented, creamy-white flowers about 80 mm long; summer flowering |
| Fruit | Round fruits about 70 mm across; green and hard, softening and turning brown when ripe |
| Growing conditions | Light shade or full sun; loam or sandy soil |
Rothmannia capensis is an evergreen southern African tree in the coffee family, Rubiaceae. The accepted species identity is Rothmannia capensis in the GBIF backbone.[1] It occurs from Limpopo to the Western Cape in forests, kloofs and rocky ridges, from sea level to about 1,600 m.[2]
Description[edit | edit source]
The species is described as a tree reaching about 10 m in woodland and 20 m in forest. Its glossy leaves are accompanied by solitary, sweet-scented, creamy-white flowers about 80 mm long. The round fruit is about 70 mm across: it is hard and green at first, then softens and turns brown as it ripens. The pulp contains many flat seeds.[2]
The native settings include forest, kloofs and rocky ridges across a broad elevation range. That habitat range accounts for the plant's use in both lighter woodland positions and more sheltered forest conditions; size and performance should be expected to vary with exposure and climate rather than treating the largest forest height as a garden target.[2]
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
Start with loam or sandy soil. The species is associated with forests, kloofs and rocky ridges, and the recommended media are consistent with a soil that drains freely rather than remaining compacted and saturated. The published garden guidance describes some drought resistance, but that should not be treated as a reason to let a young plant dry repeatedly while it is establishing.[2]
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
Light shade or full sun are both suitable starting exposures. A forest-grown plant may accept filtered light, while an open position provides a practical option where there is enough moisture for establishment. The species' evergreen habit and forest occurrence support protection from excessively exposed, desiccating positions during establishment.[2]
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
Flowering is described for summer, from December to February in southern Africa. Use that warm-season rhythm rather than treating those months as a universal calendar: at other latitudes, flowering and fruiting will follow local temperature and day-length patterns. The plant is described as moderately growing, with some frost and drought resistance; severe exposure should still be avoided while young.[2] An approximate annual height increase of 70 cm is given in one horticultural account; treat that figure as indicative rather than a species-wide rate.[3]
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Seed is the documented propagation method. Remove the seed from a brown fruit and sow it in a 3:1 mixture of river sand to compost. Keep the medium moist; germination is described from about 14 days onward. This is a practical starting protocol, not a guaranteed schedule or a published germination percentage.[2]
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
The solitary flowers are sweet-scented and creamy white, about 80 mm long, and are produced in summer, particularly December to February in the South African range. Round fruits develop as hard green bodies about 70 mm across and soften and turn brown when ripe. Some plants are described as flowering in their second year, while most flower later; the timing is therefore not a fixed maturity rule for every plant.[2]
Harvest-stage observation should focus on the change from hard green fruit to a softened brown fruit.[2]
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
The fruits are described as edible, although the same account characterizes them as not very tasty. That is a limited use and palatability observation, not a comprehensive food-safety assessment or a promise of acceptable flavor from every plant.[2]