Origin of Ampelocissus poggei Gilg & M.Brandt
Ampelocissus poggei Gilg & M.Brandt is a plant species belonging to the family Vitaceae. The species is native to tropical Africa, particularly in Angola, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Common Names
Ampelocissus poggei is commonly known as the Suckering Grape or Pogge's Grape.
Uses
The fruit of Ampelocissus poggei is edible, and it is sometimes consumed by local communities. The leaves and stem of the plant are also used medicinally in traditional medicine in some African countries. Extracts from the stem and leaves have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and they are used to treat pain, fever, and other ailments.
The plant is also used for ornamental purposes. Its vines can grow up to 10 meters long, making it suitable for use as a climbing plant in gardens, landscapes, and greenhouses. It is also an ideal plant for creating natural boundaries, screens, and hedges.
General Appearance
Ampelocissus poggei is a woody vine that can grow up to 10 meters long. It has a woody stem and long, thin, green leaves that are slightly jagged at the edges. The plant is deciduous, and during the dry season, it sheds its leaves. The flowers of Ampelocissus poggei are small and green, and they typically bloom in clusters from September to November. The fruit is a black, spherical berry that contains two to three seeds. The plant is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, although it prefers moist, well-drained soil.
Light Requirements
Ampelocissus poggei Gilg & M.Brandt requires bright, indirect light. It cannot tolerate direct sunlight as this may scorch the leaves. It is best suited for areas with partial shade or filtered light.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal growth temperature for Ampelocissus poggei Gilg & M.Brandt is between 18°C to 24°C. It cannot tolerate temperatures below 5°C or above 30°C. Sudden temperature fluctuations or temperature extremes may cause the plant to wither, stunt its growth or even die.
Soil Requirements
Ampelocissus poggei Gilg & M.Brandt requires well-draining soil. A soil mixture with 50% perlite or coarse sand and 50% peat moss or coconut coir works best. Soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0.
Additionally, the soil must be rich in organic matter and nutrients. Fertilizers can be applied to the soil monthly to ensure the plant remains healthy and vibrant.
Cultivation of Ampelocissus Poggei Gilg & M.Brandt
Ampelocissus poggei Gilg & M.Brandt, also known as the False Grapevine, is a charming vine plant that belongs to the Vitaceae family. It is native to tropical Africa and can grow up to 10 feet tall when supported by a trellis.
To cultivate Ampelocissus poggei Gilg & M.Brandt, you need a well-draining soil mix, which can be a combination of standard potting soil and sand or perlite. The plant also requires full to partial sun exposure. Therefore, it is best to place it in an area that receives sunlight for at least six hours daily.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering Ampelocissus poggei Gilg & M. Brandt, it is essential to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. You can do this by watering the plant once or twice weekly, depending on the prevailing weather conditions. Ensure that the soil dries slightly before the next watering session.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for the healthy growth and development of Ampelocissus poggei Gilg & M.Brandt. You can use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season, which is typically spring and summer. However, it would be best to avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it may lead to excessive growth and reduced fruit production.
Pruning
Ampelocissus poggei Gilg & M.Brandt requires occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. You can prune the plant in early spring before its active growing season. Remove any dead or damaged leaves, stems, or branches. You can also trim any excessively long or wayward branches. This promotes bushier growth patterns and increases fruit production.
Propagation of Ampelocissus poggei Gilg & M.Brandt
Ampelocissus poggei Gilg & M.Brandt can be propagated through several methods such as seed propagation, stem cuttings, and air layering.
Seed Propagation
Propagation through seeds is the easiest and most common method of propagation for Ampelocissus poggei Gilg & M.Brandt. The seeds should be collected from ripe fruits and sown in well-draining soil. The soil must be kept moist, and the seeds should be kept in a shaded area. Germination usually takes up to three weeks.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Ampelocissus poggei Gilg & M.Brandt, although it has a lower success rate than seed propagation. The cuttings should be taken from matured stems with at least two nodes. The bottom node should be submerged in a rooting hormone, and the cutting should be planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the cutting should be kept in a shaded area for a few weeks until it roots.
Air Layering
Air layering is a propagation method that involves creating a partial cut on a healthy stem and covering it with moist soil, sphagnum moss, or a propagation medium. The stem should be kept moist, and roots will eventually develop at the incision. The stem can then be cut and planted in well-draining soil.
Disease Management
Ampelocissus poggei Gilg & M.Brandt is typically a hardy plant that is not affected by many diseases. However, some common diseases that may affect it include:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that may cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and fruit rot. To manage it, remove and destroy infected plant parts and apply fungicides.
- Bacterial Leaf Spot: This is a bacterial disease that causes brownish-black spots on leaves. Manage it by removing infected parts and applying copper-based fungicides.
- Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes the plant to appear as if covered in a powdery substance. Manage it by pruning affected parts, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicides.
Pest Management
The plant may also be attacked by various pests, some of which include:
- Aphids: These are tiny insects that may cause stunted growth and curling leaves. They can be managed by using insecticidal soaps or by releasing natural predators like ladybugs.
- Spider Mites: These are tiny pests that may cause yellowing leaves and webbing on the plant. They can be managed by regular misting of the plant and by releasing natural predators like predatory mites.
- Mealybugs: These pests may cause yellowing leaves and a sticky residue on the plant. They can be managed by removing them manually and using insecticidal soap.
