Cissus guerkeana auct.: A Detailed Description
Cissus guerkeana auct. is a plant species in the Vitaceae family, which is native to southeastern Africa, particularly in the Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and South African regions. It is a member of the genus Cissus, which includes approximately 350 species of perennial vines, shrubs, and climbers.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Bushman's grape, Matitsi, or Transvaal sour grape. In Mozambique, the plant is called mukwakwa. The name "Bushman's grape" comes from the San people, one of the oldest ethnic groups in southern Africa who reportedly used the plant for medicinal and dietary purposes.
Appearance
Cissus guerkeana auct. is a succulent vine that can reach up to four meters in length. It has long, thin stems that can climb on other plants or objects for support. Its leaves are oval-shaped, about 6-9 cm long, and have toothed margins. The plant's flowers are small, yellow-green, and arranged in clusters. Its fruit is a berry-like drupe that is about 1.5-2 cm long and is typically reddish to black when mature.
Uses
Cissus guerkeana auct. has a range of medicinal and culinary uses. In traditional medicine, the leaves and stem of the plant are used to treat digestive problems, such as diarrhea and stomach ulcers. The plant is also used as a pain reliever and as a remedy for respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis, and as an analgesic for toothaches. In the culinary world, the fruit and leaves of the Bushman’s grape are used for making juices, wine, and sauces, while the stem is used in soups and stews as a medicinal herb.
In conclusion, Cissus guerkeana auct. is a versatile plant that has cultural, medicinal, and culinary significance in southeastern Africa. As a succulent vine, it is adaptable to different environmental conditions, making it a resilient species that is easy to cultivate. This plant continues to play an important role in the lives of the people in its native regions.
Growth Conditions for Cissus guerkeana auct.
Light Requirements: Cissus guerkeana auct. thrives in bright, indirect light, but can tolerate lower light levels as well. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves, so it is best to provide filtered or diffused light.
Temperature: This plant prefers temperatures between 60°F (15.5°C) and 80°F (26.7°C). It is important to avoid temperature fluctuations, so keep it away from cold drafts and hot air vents.
Humidity: Maintaining a humid environment is preferred, but this plant can tolerate lower humidity levels. Regular misting or using a humidifier near the plant can help increase the humidity around it.
Soil: The ideal soil for Cissus guerkeana auct. is a well-draining mix of potting soil, perlite, and peat. Make sure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilizer: This plant benefits from a balanced liquid fertilizer once per month during the growing season from spring to summer. Do not fertilize during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Watering: Water the plant when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Reduce watering during the winter months when the plant is dormant. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is best to err on the side of underwatering.
Cultivation
Cissus guerkeana auct. is a tropical plant that requires warm and humid conditions. It can be grown outdoors in USDA Zones 10-11 or indoors in containers.
When planting outdoors, choose a location with partial shade and well-draining soil. The plant can also be grown on a trellis for support. In containers, use a well-draining potting mix and ensure adequate drainage.
This plant is not frost-tolerant and will suffer damage in temperatures below 55°F.
Watering Needs
Cissus guerkeana auct. prefers consistent moisture in its soil, so regular watering is necessary. The top layer of soil should be allowed to dry out, but the roots must not be completely dry. During periods of hot weather, the plant may need to be watered more frequently.
Overwatering can cause root rot and should be avoided. Ensure that the pot or ground in which the plant is grown has good drainage to avoid waterlogging, which can cause fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Cissus guerkeana auct. is a relatively light feeder, and overfertilization can lead to excessive growth and weakened root systems. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, every couple of months. If the plant is grown in containers, fertilizer should be applied more frequently.
The plant can be fertilized with compost tea or diluted liquid fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients.
Pruning
Cissus guerkeana auct. can benefit from regular pruning to improve its appearance and promote growth. Pruning should be done during the growing season, ideally in spring or early summer. The plant can be pruned to remove damaged or dead parts, or to shape it to the desired size and form.
When pruning, use clean, sharp shears to make clean cuts. The plant can also be pinched at the tips of its shoots to encourage branching and bushiness.
Propagation of Cissus guerkeana auct.
Cissus guerkeana auct. is a plant that can be propagated through various methods such as stem cuttings, leaf cutting, suckers, and layering.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings are one of the easiest and most common ways to propagate Cissus guerkeana auct. from its parent plant. Select a healthy and mature stem of the plant and cut a 4-6 inch stem just below a node using a clean and sharp knife or scissors. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the stem and dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone powder. Place the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil and water it properly. Keep the pot in a warm and humid spot and mist the cutting regularly until it develops new roots and leaves.
Leaf cutting
Propagation of Cissus guerkeana auct. through leaf cutting is a bit more challenging and requires a bit more patience. Select a healthy and mature leaf of the plant and cut it with a sharp and clean knife or scissors. Stick the leaf cutting into well-draining soil with the cut end buried in the soil. Keep the soil moist but not wet and provide warmth and indirect sunlight. Be patient and wait for the cutting to develop roots and a new plantlet.
Suckers
Suckers are the shoots that emerge from the base of the parent plant of Cissus guerkeana auct. These suckers can be separated from the parent plant and can be potted individually in well-draining soil to grow a new plant.
Layering
Propagation of Cissus guerkeana auct. through layering is another easy and effective method. Select a healthy stem of the plant and make a small incision on it. Apply rooting hormone to the cut area and cover it with soil or moss. Leave the stem attached to the main plant and keep it moist. Once the stem develops roots and a new plant, cut it off from the main plant and pot it in well-draining soil.
Disease Management for Cissus guerkeana auct.
Cissus guerkeana auct. is relatively resistant to diseases. However, if infected, the following diseases could affect the plant:
Leaf Spot Disease: This disease presents itself as small, circular, water-soaked spots that later turn brown or yellow on the leaves. The spots can then enlarge and merge leading to the death of the leaves. To manage leaf spot disease, prune and dispose of the infected leaves, ensure proper air circulation, and avoid overhead watering.
Root Rot Disease: This disease occurs when the soil is too wet, causing the roots to rot and the plant to decline. To manage root rot disease, ensure that the soil is well-drained and that the plant is not overwatered. Additionally, avoid overcrowding of the plants and ensure a well-ventilated area.
Pest Management for Cissus guerkeana auct.
Cissus guerkeana auct. can be affected by several pests, including:
Aphids: These are small, pear-shaped insects that suck sap from the plant. They cause the leaves to wilt and eventually fall off. To manage aphids, introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. You may also use insecticidal soap to kill aphids.
Spider Mites: These pests are tiny and often go unnoticed until the plant starts to turn yellow and lose leaves. They cause the leaves to have yellow spots, which eventually turn brown, leading to the death of the plant. To manage spider mites, increase humidity around the plant, prune the infected parts, and use an insecticidal soap.
Mealybugs: These pests are easily spotted as they resemble tiny cotton balls on the leaves of the plant. They suck sap from the plant, leading to yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage mealybugs, remove them by hand or wipe them off with a cloth soaked in alcohol. You can also use insecticidal soap or introduce beneficial insects to help control their population.
Regular monitoring of your Cissus guerkeana auct. plant for any signs of diseases and pests is crucial in managing them effectively. Early detection and management reduce the chances of widespread damage and, ultimately, plant death.
