Shepherd's Tree
boscia albitrunca
Also known as: ["Shepherd's Tree","Wild Cabbage"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to southern Africa, known for its distinctive white trunk and edible leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","edible fruits"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Brassicales |
| Family: | Capparaceae |
| Genus: | Boscia |
| Botanical Name: | Boscia albitrunca |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in arid or semi-arid regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter; cactus or succulent mix is ideal.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually or as needed to control size and shape.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates full sun but benefits from partial shade during peak hours, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light, protect from harsh midday sun, and provide filtered light indoors or dappled shade outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to diffuse direct sun; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 4–6 weeks during dry periods, reducing to monthly in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, ensure soil dries between waterings, and adjust frequency with seasons.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix with large particles for drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F / 18–29°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in stable, warm conditions.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; maintain stable warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 3 months during active growth, none in winter
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a balanced formula.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–80°F / 21–27°C), high humidity (60–70%), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and coarse sand or cactus potting mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep medium consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches, heading back to encourage denser growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased parts.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy or active growth, make clean cuts, dispose of clippings properly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2–3 inches in diameter); ensure good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for younger plants to encourage growth.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot with drainage, trim roots if necessary, use fresh soil, water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season, observe plant response.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, apply slowly to avoid runoff, ensure water penetrates deeply, water in the morning, and allow excess to drain completely.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter to once every 4–6 weeks, depending on conditions.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with chunky materials.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, stunted growth, yellowing, or browning of foliage, wilting despite adequate water.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or dieback; prolonged cold can damage roots and vascular tissues.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate roots with mulch, reduce watering, and protect from drafts.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, reduced growth, or premature leaf drop due to excessive heat and water loss.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, water deeply, and ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, dilute fertilizer, apply to moist soil, avoid contact with roots, rinse container after use.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring–summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that ingest the seeds of Boscia albitrunca may experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms. The toxicity is not severe but can cause discomfort, particularly if large quantities are consumed.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of the seeds of Boscia albitrunca may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The compounds present are not highly toxic but can cause discomfort if consumed in large amounts.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe seeds of Boscia albitrunca contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to the digestive system, with no known systemic toxicity.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Boscia albitrunca suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: No, it is a large tree best suited for outdoor landscapes.
Q: Are the fruits of Boscia albitrunca edible?
A: Yes, the fruits are edible and have been used as a food source in some regions.
Q: How drought-tolerant is Boscia albitrunca?
A: It is highly drought-tolerant and can survive in arid conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Capparaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 4–6 weeks during dry p |
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