Origin and Common Names
Cyphostemma cirrhosum (Thunb.) Desc. ex Wild & R.B.Drumm. subsp. transvaalense (Szyszyl.) Wild & R.B.Drumm. is a succulent plant that belongs to the Vitaceae family. It is native to southern Africa, specifically in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa. This plant is known by several common names including wild grape, lattenboom, and lady's legs.
Appearance
The Cyphostemma cirrhosum subsp. transvaalense is a woody vine that can climb up to 3m tall and 8-10 cm thick. Its leaves are large, lobed, and have a leathery appearance. They have a light green color and are sometimes reddish underneath. The flowers are small, greenish-white, and are grouped together in clusters. The fruit of this plant is oval-shaped, fleshy, and has a reddish-purple color when ripe.
Uses
The Cyphostemma cirrhosum subsp. transvaalense has several uses, both medicinal and non-medicinal. The locals in Southern Africa often use the root and stem extracts to treat various ailments such as stomach problems, tuberculosis, and diarrhea. The plant is also edible, and the fruits are used to make jam and juice. The grape-like fruits can also be eaten fresh, but they have a sour and acidic taste. This plant is also used as an ornamental plant for landscaping purposes due to its unique appearance.
Light Requirements
The Cyphostemma cirrhosum (Thunb.) Desc. ex Wild & R.B.Drumm. subsp. transvaalense (Szyszyl.) Wild & R.B.Drumm. plant thrives in bright and direct light. Ideally, it should be placed in full sun to ensure its healthy growth, although it can tolerate some shade. Low light conditions can stunt its growth and cause the leaves to turn yellow.
Temperature Requirements
The Cyphostemma cirrhosum (Thunb.) Desc. ex Wild & R.B.Drumm. subsp. transvaalense (Szyszyl.) Wild & R.B.Drumm. plant prefers warm and cozy temperatures. It requires a minimum temperature of 15°C to survive. It is advised not to expose this plant in temperature lower than its minimum requirement. It can tolerate high temperatures up to 30°C, but it should be kept out of direct sunlight in hot summers. Any temperature below or above the given range can cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The Cyphostemma cirrhosum (Thunb.) Desc. ex Wild & R.B.Drumm. subsp. transvaalense (Szyszyl.) Wild & R.B.Drumm. plant requires soil to be well-draining. A nutrient-rich potting soil mixture is ideal for this plant. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0). The plant can tolerate a range of soil types, although it is best to avoid heavy clay soils. It is advised to repot the plant every two years to ensure growth and health.
Cultivation methods:
For successful cultivation of the Cyphostemma cirrhosum subsp. transvaalense, it is advisable to plant it in well-drained soil and in full sunlight. This plant is not frost tolerant, so it is best to keep it in a warm environment, ideally in a greenhouse or conservatory with good air circulation to avoid fungal diseases. It is a slow-growing plant that requires careful attention to detail and patience.
Watering needs:
When it comes to watering the Cyphostemma cirrhosum subsp. transvaalense, it is best to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It is advisable to water the plant once a week, especially during the growing season, i.e., spring and summer, and reduce in the fall and winter. Overwatering can lead to root rot and kill the plant.
Fertilization:
The Cyphostemma cirrhosum subsp. transvaalense plant will appreciate a nutrient-rich soil. The best way to fertilize the plant is to use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a month during the growing season. The fertilizer should be applied around the base of the plant, and it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this may lead to excessive growth and reduced plant resilience.
Pruning:
Cyphostemma cirrhosum subsp. transvaalense plant requires minimal pruning, but it is advisable to remove old or dying leaves or branches. Pruning should be done during the dormant season, i.e., winter, to encourage new growth in the spring. If the plant becomes too leggy or stretched out, it can be pinched back to encourage bushier growth. Always use sharp, sterilized pruning shears to avoid infecting the plant with disease.
Propagation of Cyphostemma cirrhosum subsp. transvaalense
Cyphostemma cirrhosum subsp. transvaalense can be propagated through different methods including seeds and cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds of Cyphostemma cirrhosum subsp. transvaalense are readily available from seed suppliers or can be collected from the plant itself. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil during spring or summer. They should be placed in a partially-shaded area with temperatures between 20-25°C. Germination usually takes about 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots once they develop their true leaves.
Propagation through Cuttings
Cyphostemma cirrhosum subsp. transvaalense can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is during the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants, and they should be at least 10 cm long with a few leaves attached. The cuttings should be allowed to dry for a few days before being planted in a well-draining soil mix. They should be placed in a partially-shaded area with temperatures between 20-25°C and kept moist. Roots should begin to develop in about 4-5 weeks and the newly rooted plants should be transplanted to individual pots once they have established.
Caring for propagated plants
Once the plants have been propagated, they should be watered regularly but not overwatered to avoid root rot. They prefer well-draining soil and a partially-shaded area. Fertilizer can be applied during the growing season, taking care not to apply too much. The plants should be repotted into larger containers as they grow.
Disease Management
Cyphostemma cirrhosum subsp. transvaalense is quite resilient to a number of diseases, but it is susceptible to a few. The major diseases that affect this plant are:
- Bacterial Blight: This disease results in the wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the plant, and is caused by bacteria. It can be managed by removing infected parts, avoiding overhead watering, and practicing good sanitation.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease results in white powdery spots on the leaves, stems and flowers of the plant, and is caused by fungi. It can be managed by pruning off infected parts, applying fungicides, and practicing good sanitation.
- Fusarium Wilt: This disease results in the wilting and death of the plant, and is caused by fungi. It can be managed by practicing crop rotation, soil sterilization, and planting only disease-resistant varieties.
Pest Management
Cyphostemma cirrhosum subsp. transvaalense can experience pest infestations, which can lead to stunted growth, yellowing, and wilting. The major pests that affect this plant include the following:
- Mealybugs: These pests are small, oval-shaped insects that feed on the sap of the plant and leave behind a cottony residue. They can be managed through the use of insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, and ladybugs.
- Spider Mites: These pests are barely visible to the naked eye and are often found on the undersides of leaves. They can be managed by increasing the humidity around the plant, washing the leaves with a strong spray of water, and applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Thrips:These pests are tiny insects that damage the flowers and leaves of the plant by sucking out their juices. They can be managed by spraying with neem oil or insecticidal soaps and removing any infested material from the plant.
