Cissus Duboisii Dewit

Introduction

Cissus duboisii Dewit, also known as Vitis duboisii, is a climbing plant that belongs to the Vitaceae family. The plant is native to West Africa and is commonly found growing in the tropical regions of Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ghana. Cissus duboisii is a medicinal plant that has been used for centuries in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments.

Common Names

Cissus duboisii is known by various common names depending on the region. In Nigeria, the plant is called "Igbo," "Ewe efirin," or "Ukpo." In Ghana, it is known as "Nwen," and in Cameroon, the plant is called "Abere" or "Ngorong-ngorong."

Appearance

Cissus duboisii is a perennial plant that can grow up to 20 meters in length. The plant has a woody stem with tendrils that enable it to climb and wrap around trees or other plants. The leaves of the plant are glossy, dark green, and can grow up to 10 cm in length. The flowers of the plant are small and greenish-yellow in color. The plant produces fruits that are dark purple or black, and each fruit contains one seed.

Uses

Cissus duboisii has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. The plant contains various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

In traditional African medicine, the plant is used to treat various ailments such as dysentery, diarrhea, coughs, arthritis, and rheumatism. The leaves and stem of the plant are often boiled or crushed and used to make infusions, decoctions, or poultices that are applied externally or ingested orally.

Cissus duboisii has also been found to have potential benefits for bone health. Studies have shown that the plant extract can help to increase bone mineral density and may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. The plant has also been used in the production of herbal supplements and is sometimes used as an ornamental plant.

Light Requirements

Cissus duboisii is a tropical plant that requires bright, indirect light to thrive. It cannot tolerate direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves. Therefore, it is best to place the plant near a window with filtered light or in a partially shaded area. Inadequate light can cause the plant's growth to slow down, resulting in smaller leaves and indeterminate stems.

Temperature Requirements

Cissus duboisii prefers warm temperatures between 18-24°C (64-75°F). It is not tolerant of cold drafts or frost and should be kept away from air conditioning units or heaters that can create sudden temperature changes. Care should be taken when placing the plant outdoors as it should not be exposed to temperatures below 10°C (50°F).

Soil Requirements

The plant thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. Cissus duboisii prefers loose, porous soil with good structure that allows for water to pass easily. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and sand is ideal for cultivating this plant. Adequate soil moisture is required for the plant to grow well, but care should be taken to avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot.

Cultivation Methods:

Cissus duboisii Dewit is a tropical plant native to West Africa and commonly cultivated for its ornamental value. It thrives in warm temperatures and prefers a well-draining soil mix. It can grow in both full sun and bright, indirect light conditions, depending on the region's climate and environmental conditions.

When planting, ensure that the plant's roots are covered with about an inch of soil, and the surrounding soil is loose and aerated to allow for proper root development.

Watering Needs:

The plant's watering requirements can vary depending on the environmental conditions and soil type. It is essential to maintain a regular watering schedule to avoid over or under-watering the plant. During the growing season, ensure that the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged.

During the dormant season, reduce watering to ensure the soil doesn't remain wet, leading to root rot. The plant also benefits from periodic misting to improve humidity levels, especially in dry environments.

Fertilization:

When fertilizing the Cissus duboisii Dewit, use a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy foliage growth. Reduce fertilizer feeding during the dormant season to prevent over-fertilization.

The plant benefits from organic fertilizers due to its tropical origins and the need for essential micronutrients in the soil. Fertilize the plant once every three to four weeks during the growing season, following the manufacturer's instructions on application rates.

Pruning:

Pruning the Cissus duboisii Dewit is essential to maintain its ornamental value and promote healthy growth. It is best to prune during the plant's dormant season and after flowering to avoid damaging young and tender growth.

When pruning, use clean, sharp pruning shears, and cut about a quarter of an inch above a leaf node to encourage healthy regrowth. Remove leggy and weak growth to promote a robust and bushy shape.

Also, remove diseased or damaged branches to prevent the spread of pests and diseases, and improve air circulation within the plant.

Propagation of Cissus duboisii Dewit

Cissus duboisii Dewit, commonly known as the bone setter, is a popular medicinal plant with various health benefits. It is used for the treatment of various ailments such as bone fractures, arthritis, and digestive problems. This plant can be propagated in different ways, including:

Propagation by Stem Cuttings

Stem cuttings are one of the easiest ways to propagate Cissus duboisii. To propagate stem cuttings:

1. Take stem cuttings from the parent plant with a sharp and sterilized knife.
2. The cuttings should be about 6-8 inches long and have at least two nodes.
3. Remove the leaves from the bottom of the stem, leaving only a few at the top.
4. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder and insert it into a pot filled with well-drained potting soil.
5. Water the plant thoroughly and cover it with a clear plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect.
6. Place the pot in a bright, indirect light location and maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level.
7. After several weeks, the stem cutting should have developed roots and can be transferred to a larger pot or planted in the garden.

Propagation by Layering

Layering is another propagation method suitable for Cissus duboisii. Layering is a process where a stem is bent down to the soil and allowed to form roots before being cut from the parent plant. To propagate by layering:

1. Identify a healthy and flexible stem from the parent plant and bend it down to the soil.
2. Make a small cut on the underside of the bent stem and apply some rooting hormone to the cut.
3. Bury the cut section of the stem under the soil and leave the tip of the stem exposed.
4. Water the plant regularly and keep the soil moist until the stem develops roots.
5. Once roots have developed, cut the stem from the parent plant and transfer the new plant to a permanent pot or garden.

Propagation by Seeds

Propagation by seeds is less common, but it is still possible to propagate Cissus duboisii using seeds. To propagate by seeds:

1. Collect fresh seeds from the parent plant and soak them in water for a few hours.
2. Fill a seed-starting tray with a well-draining seed starting mix and water it thoroughly.
3. Plant the seeds in the seed-starting mix, covering them lightly with soil.
4. Place the tray in a bright location with consistent warmth and moisture.
5. After a few weeks, the seedlings should have emerged and started growing.
6. Once the seedlings have matured, transplant them to larger pots or the garden.

Disease and Pest Management for Cissus duboisii Dewit

Cissus duboisii Dewit is a popular houseplant that can be affected by various diseases and pests. Identifying the problem early on is crucial for effective management and prevention of spread. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect Cissus duboisii Dewit and ways to manage them:

Diseases

Fungal diseases: Cissus duboisii Dewit is prone to fungal diseases like leaf spot and powdery mildew. These diseases are often caused by excessive moisture on the leaves or stems. To manage fungal diseases, remove infected leaves and improve ventilation around the plant. Avoid watering the leaves and provide adequate drainage to prevent waterlogged soil. Additionally, apply a fungicide that targets the particular fungal disease present.

Viral infections: Cissus duboisii Dewit can also be affected by viral infections that cause stunted growth and deformities. Viruses can spread through infected tools or insect vectors. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral infections. Therefore, prevention by maintaining clean tools, practicing good sanitation, and avoiding infected plants is key.

Pests

Spider mites: These tiny pests are visible as white or yellow webbing on the undersides of leaves. They suck out the sap from the plant, leading to yellowing and wilting of leaves. To manage spider mites, increase the humidity around the plant, prune infected leaves, and spray the plant with a suitable insecticide solution.

Mealybugs: These pests are visible as white, fuzzy spots on the leaves or stems. They infest the plant by sucking sap from the tissues, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage mealybugs, use a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol to dab at the spots or spray the plant with insecticidal soap.

Scale insects: These pests are visible as small, raised bumps on the leaves or stems. They suck out the sap from the plant, causing leaves to yellow and wilt. To manage scale insects, remove the pests by scraping them off with a soft-bristled brush or cloth. You can also spray the plant with an insecticidal soap.

Overall, good plant care practices like maintaining a clean and humid environment, pruning infected leaves, and regularly inspecting the plant can prevent and manage diseases and pests of Cissus duboisii Dewit. Always follow label instructions when using insecticides or fungicides.