Overview of Ampelocissus gourmaensis A.Chev.
Ampelocissus gourmaensis A.Chev. is a species of woody vine that belongs to the family Vitaceae. It is native to West Africa, specifically in Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Senegal, and Burkina Faso.Common Names
Ampelocissus gourmaensis is known by various common names such as Gourma vine, Ntapen, and Obrapa.Appearance
Ampelocissus gourmaensis is a climbing vine that can grow up to 20 meters long. Its stem is thick, sturdy, and woody, with brownish-grey colored bark. The leaves are small, alternate, and have three leaflets with an ovate to elliptical shape. The flowers that bloom from this vine are greenish-white, and its fruit is a small, rounded, and black-colored berry.Uses
Ampelocissus gourmaensis is used for medicinal purposes as a remedy for diarrhea, dysentery, and stomach pain. Its leaves are rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins, which are known to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, the leaves are used to treat skin infections and wounds by crushing them and applying them topically. The berries of this plant are edible and are used to produce a sweet and sour fruit juice. In conclusion, Ampelocissus gourmaensis is a valuable plant with medicinal properties and edible fruits. It has a unique appearance and is known by several common names. This plant is an important part of West African traditional medicine, and more research is underway to understand its potential benefits.Growth Conditions for Ampelocissus gourmaensis A.Chev.
Ampelocissus gourmaensis A.Chev. is a plant species that grows well when grown under optimal conditions that mimic its natural habitat. Below are some of the factors that contribute to the plant's growth and development:
Light Requirements
Ampelocissus gourmaensis A.Chev. grows well in bright light, but it cannot tolerate direct sunlight for extended periods. Therefore, it is best to keep the plant in a shaded location or under a partially shaded environment.
Temperature Requirements
Ampelocissus gourmaensis A.Chev. thrives in warm temperatures, with daytime temperatures ranging from 22 to 30 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures ranging from 15 to 22 degrees Celsius. The plant will not survive in temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It does well in sandy or loamy soils that are slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. It is essential to amend the soil with compost or other organic material to enhance its fertility and structure.
In conclusion, providing optimal light, temperature, and soil conditions will ensure that Ampelocissus gourmaensis A.Chev. grows well and thrives. Proper care and maintenance, including watering and pruning, will also contribute to the plant's growth and development.
Cultivation methods
Ampelocissus gourmaensis A.Chev., commonly known as the Sahel grape, is a vine that is native to West Africa. It grows well in regions with a dry and hot climate, and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. When cultivating it, ensure that you plant it in a well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant thrives in full sun and requires a trellis or any support structure to climb.
Watering needs
The Sahel grape is drought-tolerant, so it requires minimal watering once established. However, during the first year of planting, it's essential to water it regularly until the roots are deep enough to access water from deeper soil layers. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the dormant season to prevent overwatering.
Fertilization
Ampelocissus gourmaensis A.Chev. needs fertile soil to grow well. Hence, it's essential to fertilize the soil before planting. You can use well-rotted manure or compost to enrich the soil. During the growing season, fertilize the plant every two weeks using a balanced fertilizer. However, avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth.
Pruning
The Sahel grape requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and health. Prune the plant during the dormant season to remove dead or weak wood and shape the plant for optimal growth. Additionally, during the growing season, remove any shoots that might be hindering the fruit's growth and development. Practicing regular pruning will keep the plant healthy and productive.
Propagation of Ampelocissus gourmaensis A.Chev.
Ampelocissus gourmaensis A.Chev. can be propagated through several methods:
Seed propagation
The plant produces seeds that can be collected and sown during the rainy season. Seeds need to be soaked in warm water for at least 24 hours to soften the seed coat before sowing. Germination can take 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted once they have grown to a suitable size.
Cutting propagation
It's possible to propagate Ampelocissus gourmaensis A.Chev. through stem cuttings as well. The cuttings should be taken from the stem tips during the rainy season or when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be about 15-20cm in length and should have at least three nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom node and dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and in a warm and humid location. Roots should develop in about 4-6 weeks, and the cutting can be transplanted to a larger pot or planted in the ground.
Air-layering propagation
Ampelocissus gourmaensis A.Chev. can also be propagated via air-layering. Simply wound the stem where you want roots to develop and dust with rooting hormone. Cover the node or wound with moist sphagnum moss, and then wrap the moss with plastic wrap to hold moisture. Check regularly to ensure the moss stays moist. Once roots have developed, cut below the air-layered area and plant the rooted section into a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and in a warm and humid location, and the plant should start to grow again.
Disease and Pest Management for Ampelocissus gourmaensis A.Chev.
Ampelocissus gourmaensis A.Chev. is a tropical plant species that is prone to certain diseases and pests. It is important to manage them properly to avoid significant damage to the plant. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that may affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that can cause dark spots or rings on the leaves of the plant. It can be managed by removing and destroying infected leaves, improving air circulation by pruning, and avoiding overhead watering.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on leaves and stems. It can be controlled by spraying the plant with a fungicide and improving air circulation around the plant.
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that causes the roots to rot and can lead to wilting and death of the plant. To prevent this disease, make sure the plant is not overwatered and sufficient drainage is provided.
Pests
Spider Mites: Spider mites are common pests that can damage the leaves of the plant by sucking sap from them. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small white insects that can infest the plant and suck sap from it. They can be controlled by spraying the plant with a solution of water and dish soap or rubbing alcohol.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small brown or black insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant. They can be managed by removing them manually or by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap.
By taking care of the above-mentioned management techniques, we can ensure the healthy growth of Ampelocissus gourmaensis A.Chev. plant.
