Star-cherry
englerophytum magalismontanum
Also known as: ["Magalies Mountain Star-cherry","Strychnos magalismontana"]
Overview
A small to medium-sized tree native to southern Africa, known for its attractive, glossy leaves and small, star-shaped fruits that resemble cherries.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Sapotaceae |
| Genus: | Englerophytum |
| Botanical Name: | Englerophytum magalismontanum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: indoor pot or sheltered outdoor location
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly sandy or gritty soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if necessary, but avoid heavy pruning unless required.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours per day. Can tolerate some direct morning sun but should be protected from intense afternoon sun, especially in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate the plant gradually to direct sunlight if moving from low-light conditions. Avoid placing in hot, direct afternoon sun to prevent scorching. Indoors, place near an east or south-facing window with sheer curtains.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate the plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot; adjust frequency based on season and environmental conditions.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with fresh soil annually.
Temperature
Prefers temperatures between 65–85°F (18–29°C). Can tolerate brief drops to 50°F (10°C) but should be protected from frost.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season
Always water before fertilizing to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed. Stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
- Let it callus for a few days.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in propagation medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light and consistent warmth (70–75°F or 21–24°C).
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth may take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts just above a leaf node or branch junction.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or damaged parts. Pruning also helps manage size in indoor settings.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during active growth; remove dead or crossing branches; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up from the current pot; avoid overpotting.
Method
Remove the plant gently, trim any dead roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil, and water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. This species prefers to be slightly pot-bound.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water thoroughly until drainage occurs; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution. Water until it drains from the bottom of the pot, but avoid waterlogging. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry during the day.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly during the growing season (spring and summer), allowing the soil to dry out partially between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in fall and winter, only providing enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or pumice to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves), leaf drop, or stunted growth in cold conditions; wilting or scorching in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow metabolic processes, leading to reduced growth and potential root damage if prolonged.
Solution: Move the plant to a warmer location; protect from drafts and cold windows; reduce watering in cooler temperatures.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and dehydration, especially if combined with low humidity.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity with misting or a humidifier; ensure adequate watering.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Do not fertilize in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that ingest the berries of Englerophytum magalismontanum may experience mild gastrointestinal issues. The berries are not highly toxic but can cause discomfort and should be kept out of reach.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of the berries of Englerophytum magalismontanum can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. While not typically fatal, the berries can cause discomfort and should be avoided.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicEnglerophytum magalismontanum, commonly known as the Star-cherry, contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The berries are the primary toxic part, and their effects are generally not life-threatening but can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Englerophytum magalismontanum suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: No, it is best suited for outdoor cultivation in tropical or subtropical climates.
Q: Does this plant require frequent watering?
A: It is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil, so overwatering should be avoided.
Q: Are the fruits of Englerophytum magalismontanum edible?
A: The fruits are not commonly consumed by humans, and their edibility is not well-documented.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Sapotaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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