Description of Ampelocissus bombycina (Baker) Planch.
Ampelocissus bombycina, also known as the silk-leaved grape, is a species of flowering plant in the grape family Vitaceae. It is native to Africa, specifically Angola, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, and also found in Madagascar and the Comoros.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by several names including silk-leaved grape, tropical grape, and bushveld grape.
Uses
The Ampelocissus bombycina plant is widely used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. The roots and bark are believed to have antidiarrheal properties and used to treat stomach problems, while the leaves are used as a poultice for wounds and to relieve pain. Additionally, the fruit is edible and sometimes consumed by local communities.
General Appearance
The plant is a fast-growing and sprawling vine, reaching up to 12 meters in length. Its leaves are large, ranging from 10-20 cm in diameter, with a silvery-white underside and soft texture. The plant produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that bloom in the summer, followed by small, spherical berries that turn dark purple when ripe.
Overall, the Ampelocissus bombycina plant is an attractive vine with valuable medicinal components, a tasty fruit, and a unique appearance, making it a valuable addition to any garden or community.
Light Requirements
Ampelocissus bombycina requires a lot of sunlight to grow well. It grows best in areas with bright and direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. It will not thrive in low light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm and humid conditions. It thrives in temperatures ranging from 20 to 28 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius can damage the leaves, while temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius can cause the plant to wilt.
Soil Requirements
Ampelocissus bombycina grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. The soil should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH level ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The plant does well in soils that are moisture-retentive but not waterlogged. It does well in soils that are a mix of loam, sand, and humus.
Cultivation Methods
The Ampelocissus bombycina, also known as the Creeper vine, is a tropical plant that thrives in warm, humid environments. It prefers well-draining soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 6.5 and requires bright, indirect sunlight. The Creeper vine can be propagated through cuttings or seeds and grows well on trellises or walls.
Watering Needs
The Creeper vine requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid overwatering the plant, as it can lead to root rot. A general guideline is to water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During hot, dry weather, the plant may need more frequent watering.
Fertilization
Fertilization is important for the Creeper vine's growth and health. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every two weeks during the growing season. It is important not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to excessive growth and weak stems.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for controlling the growth and shape of the Creeper vine. It is best to prune the plant in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Pruning can be done by cutting back any dead or damaged wood and removing any unwanted growth. Training the vine to grow in the desired direction can also be achieved by selectively pruning the plant.
Propagation of Ampelocissus bombycina
Ampelocissus bombycina, commonly known as the Chinese grape or silk vine, is a fast-growing, attractive vine that is easy to propagate. There are several methods of propagation for this plant, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is a simple and inexpensive method of propagating Ampelocissus bombycina. However, it may take several years for the plant to mature and begin producing fruit. To propagate by seed, collect ripe berries from the plant and clean off the pulp. Then sow the seeds thinly in a pot or seed tray filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist, and place the pot or tray in a warm, brightly-lit location. Seedlings should emerge within a few weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is the most common method of propagating Ampelocissus bombycina. This method is quick and reliable, and it ensures that the new plant will be genetically identical to the parent plant. Collect a healthy stem cutting from the parent plant, and remove any leaves from the lower part of the stem. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil evenly moist, and place the pot in a warm, brightly-lit location. Rooted cuttings should be ready for transplanting within a few weeks.
Air Layering
Air layering is a method of propagating woody plants that involves creating a rooting chamber on the parent plant. This method is useful for plants that are difficult to propagate by cuttings. To air layer Ampelocissus bombycina, select a healthy, mature stem on the parent plant, and make a shallow cut around the stem, just below a leaf node. Apply rooting hormone to the cut area, and wrap the cut area with sphagnum moss and plastic wrap. Keep the moss damp, and secure the plastic wrap with tape. Roots should emerge from the moss within a few weeks. Once roots have formed, cut the stem below the rooted section and plant it in its own pot.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to keep the new plants moist and protected from direct sunlight until they are established.
Disease Management
Ampelocissus bombycina is relatively hardy but may be affected by certain diseases. Here are some common diseases that may affect this plant and how to manage them:
Crown rot
Crown rot is a fungal disease that attacks the crown of the plant, causing it to rot and eventually die. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering and improve the drainage of the soil around the plant. Remove any infected plant parts and apply a fungicide to the soil around the plant.
Botrytis blight
Botrytis blight is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant. This disease often appears in humid conditions and can be managed by improving ventilation around the plant. Remove any infected plant parts and apply a fungicide to the affected area.
Viral diseases
Viral diseases may affect Ampelocissus bombycina and there are no specific treatments. To manage viral diseases, it is important to remove infected plant parts immediately and dispose of them properly to prevent the spread of the virus.
Pest Management
Ampelocissus bombycina may also be affected by several pests. Here are some common pests that may affect this plant and how to manage them:
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and browning of the leaves. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or neem oil on the leaves and stems of the plant. Improve humidity around the plant to prevent spider mites from infesting your plant.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, white insects that feed on the plant's sap and excrete a sticky substance that attracts ants and can cause fungal growth. To manage mealybugs, use insecticidal soap or neem oil on the leaves and stems of the plant. You can also dab the mealybugs with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol.
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil on the leaves and stems of the plant. You can also introduce natural predators like ladybugs to control the aphid population.
