Arabian Boxthorn

lycium shawii

Also known as: ["Arabian Wolfberry","Shaw's Boxthorn"]

Family: Solanaceae Genus: Lycium Category: Shrubs

Overview

A thorny, evergreen shrub native to the Arabian Peninsula, known for its small, tubular flowers and red berries.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Lycium
Botanical Name: Lycium shawii

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, xeriscapes, or sunny, dry borders
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–40°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent sunburn.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Full sun is ideal; avoid deep shade; rotate plant for even growth.

Watering

every 7–14 days, depending on soil moisture and climate

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.

Soil

well-drained, sandy or loamy soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure fast drainage; avoid heavy clay; amend with organic matter if needed.

Temperature

Thrives in warm to hot climates (20–35°C). Tolerates mild frosts but prefers temperatures above 10°C.

Protect from frost; water more in heat; adjust care seasonally.

Fertilizing

every 3–4 months during active growth with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer

Fertilize lightly in spring; avoid over-fertilizing; stop in dormant periods.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seed. Stem cuttings are more reliable for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 10–15 cm cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (20–25°C), humid, and partially shaded environment.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.

Hormone

Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use fresh cuttings; keep consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective thinning and heading back to promote branching.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or diseased wood.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers (for larger branches), gloves.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune dead/diseased wood first; shape plant evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth starts.

Pot Size

Move to a pot 2–5 cm larger in diameter than the current one.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; use fresh, well-draining soil; ensure good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Necessary if growth slows or soil degrades.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Allow water to drain freely; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal risk.

Pro Tip: Use a drip irrigation system or soaker hose to deliver water directly to the roots, reducing waste and leaf wetness.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once every 7–14 days during active growth, reducing frequency to once a month or less in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil dryness.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or leaf drop in cold stress; wilting or scorching in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Growth slows or halts; leaves may yellow or drop; risk of root damage in prolonged cold.

Solution: Provide frost protection (e.g., mulch, cover); move to a sheltered location if possible; avoid overwatering in cold.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may slow; increased water demand.

Solution: Increase watering frequency; provide partial shade during peak heat; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if needed; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Lycium shawii may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Lycium shawii can be caused by water stress, root damage, or pest infestations, leading to reduced turgor pressure and potential plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Lycium shawii may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Lycium shawii due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay of root systems and eventual plant decline.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats that ingest Lycium shawii berries or seeds may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort. The alkaloids present can cause mild symptoms, but severe toxicity is rare.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing berries and seeds. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

Ingestion of Lycium shawii berries or seeds by dogs can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of alkaloids. The effects are typically not severe but should be monitored.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep berries and seeds out of reach of dogs. Consult a veterinarian if ingestion occurs.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Lycium shawii contains alkaloids that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and other mild symptoms upon ingestion. The physiological impact is generally limited to the digestive system.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid consumption of berries and seeds. Keep away from children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Lycium shawii edible?

A: The berries are sometimes consumed locally, but their edibility is not widely documented or recommended.

Q: How fast does Lycium shawii grow?

A: It grows at a moderate pace, typically reaching maturity within a few years.

Q: Does Lycium shawii require much water?

A: It is highly drought-tolerant and prefers dry conditions once established.

Quick Reference
Family: Solanaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–14 days, depending o
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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