Overview
Ampelocissus africana (Lour.) Merr. var. africana is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Vitaceae. It is commonly known as climbing grape or bushman's grape.
Origin and Distribution
Ampelocissus africana (Lour.) Merr. var. africana has its origins in Africa, where it is distributed widely throughout the continent, from Ethiopia and Tanzania in the east, to Senegal and Mauritania in the west. It can also be found in parts of Asia, including India, and in some Pacific Islands, such as Hawaii.
Appearance
Ampelocissus africana (Lour.) Merr. var. africana is a woody vine that can grow up to 50 feet long. It has a thick and corky bark, while its tendrils are forked and are used for climbing. The leaves of the plant are large, circular, and deeply lobed with a glossy, deep green color. The stem of the plant can be quite thick, measuring up to 10 inches in diameter.
Uses
The fruit of Ampelocissus africana (Lour.) Merr. var. africana is edible and is commonly consumed across Africa. The fruit is eaten raw or cooked, and it can also be used to make a refreshing drink. In traditional medicine, the plant is used to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, intestinal worms, and sexually transmitted infections. The plant is also used for its high tannin content, which is useful for tanning animal hides and making leather.
Growth Conditions for Ampelocissus africana (Lour.) Merr. var. africana
Ampelocissus africana, also known as climbing grape, is a perennial plant that grows best in warm and humid environments. It is native to Africa and can be found in countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Tanzania. The plant is often used as a traditional medicine to treat various diseases such as stomachaches, skin infections, and headaches.
Light Requirements
Ampelocissus africana requires bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. It is not recommended to expose the plant to direct sunlight as it can cause leaf burn. The ideal location for the plant is near a window or in a well-lit room.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures between 18 to 25 degrees Celsius. It can tolerate slightly lower temperatures, but not below 10 degrees Celsius. It is important to keep the plant away from cold drafts or sudden temperature changes as they can cause the leaves to drop.
Soil Requirements
The climbing grape prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It is important to avoid water-logged soil as it can cause root rot. The soil pH should be between 5.5 to 6.5. Adding perlite or sand to the soil mixture can help improve drainage.
Regular watering is essential for the plant to grow. The soil should be moist, but not water-logged. It is best to water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During the growing season (spring and summer), it is recommended to fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks.
Cultivation of Ampelocissus Africana
Ampelocissus africana (Lour.) Merr. var. africana is a tropical plant that is typically grown outdoors in warm climates. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care.
Watering Needs
Ampelocissus africana thrives in moist soil. It is essential to water this plant regularly during the growing season to keep the soil moist. However, care must be taken not to overwater the plant, as this can cause root rot. Watering the plant once a week, or when the top inch of the soil is dry, is adequate.
Fertilization
To ensure healthy growth, apply a balanced fertilizer to the plant twice a month during the growing season. The fertilizer will supply the necessary nutrients that the plant requires to grow, but be careful not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to more harm than good.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to help keep the plant in its desired shape, encourage good plant health, and promote healthy growth. In the growing season, prune away dead, damaged, or diseased branches from the plant. Pinching back the tips of new growths every few weeks will also encourage the plant to become bushy. In winter, reduce watering and stop fertilizing to maintain healthy growth.
Propagation of Ampelocissus africana (Lour.) Merr. var. africana
Ampelocissus africana (Lour.) Merr. var. africana can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed Propagation
Ampelocissus africana (Lour.) Merr. var. africana seeds can be collected from mature fruits. The seeds should be cleaned and soaked in water for up to 24 hours to soften their hard coats. After soaking, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mix and covered lightly with soil. Germination can take several weeks, and the soil should be kept moist during this period.
Cuttings Propagation
Another way to propagate Ampelocissus africana (Lour.) Merr. var. africana is through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from mature, non-flowering stems, and should have at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a well-drained soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be placed in a warm, bright location. Roots should form in 4-6 weeks, and the new plants can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for Ampelocissus africana (Lour.) Merr. var. africana. This method involves making a small cut into a mature stem and inserting a toothpick or other device to hold the cut open. A rooting hormone is then applied to the cut area, and the area is covered with moist sphagnum moss. After several weeks, roots should begin to form. Once roots are established, the stem can be cut below the rooting area and planted in a well-drained soil mix.
Disease Management for Ampelocissus africana (Lour.) Merr. var. africana
Ampelocissus africana (Lour.) Merr. var. africana is influenced by a range of diseases. Some of the commonly occurring diseases in the plant are as follows:
- Bacterial Leaf Spot: This is a bacterial disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing yellow spots or patches on the leaves. The spots may become necrotic and lead to the rotting of the entire leaf. To manage this disease, infected plants should be removed and destroyed immediately. Avoid overhead watering and use copper-based fungicides.
- Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes the leaves and stems to become black or brownish. The leaves may fall prematurely, leaving the plant with fewer leaves. To manage this disease, practice good sanitation by removing infected plant debris to prevent the buildup of spores. Use fungicides like copper-based chemicals for prevention or treatment.
- Root Rot: This is a soil-borne fungal disease that invades the plant's roots, causing them to rot and die. The infected plants show wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. Overwatering and poor drainage are major causes of the disease. The best way to manage this problem is by practicing proper watering and using well-draining soil. Remove the infected plants and improve soil drainage by adding coarse sand or perlite.
Pest Management for Ampelocissus africana (Lour.) Merr. var. africana
Ampelocissus africana (Lour.) Merr. var. africana is also prone to pest infestation. Some of the pests that may attack the plant include:
- Thrips: These tiny insects feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant, causing the leaves to become distorted and discolored. To manage them, use insecticides or spray with neem oil.
- Spider Mites: These pests puncture the leaves of the plant, causing them to develop yellow or reddish spots. The leaves may become distorted and fall off. The infested plants should be isolated and sprayed with insecticides to manage the problem.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, and fluffy insects that attack the young leaves of the plant, causing them to become yellow and stunted. These pests can quickly spread to other parts of the plant if not managed. To control them, spray with rubbing alcohol or apply insecticides.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars feed on the leaves of the plant, causing visible damage. To control them, handpick the caterpillars and use natural insecticides like Bacillus thuringiensis.
