Cyphostemma Kaessneri (Gilg & M.Brandt) Wild & R.B.Drumm
Cyphostemma kaessneri is a plant species belonging to the family Vitaceae. It is native to Tanzania, Africa and can be found in the coastal region of the country. It is a woody climber that grows up to 5 meters long and can be used as a lush ornamental plant.
Common Names
It is commonly known as the "Kisamvu" or "Samvu" by the Swahili people. The scientific name, Cyphostemma kaessneri, honors the botanist Gerhard Kaessner who collected the first specimen.
Uses
Cyphostemma kaessneri has various medicinal uses in traditional African medicine. The pounded roots and stems of the plant are used to treat rheumatism, toothache, and headache. It is also used as a diuretic and laxative to alleviate constipation and increase urine production.
The fruit of the plant is edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. It is often mixed with other foods and used as a source of nutrition. The juice of the fruit is believed to have healing properties that can treat skin rashes and wounds. The leaves of the plant are also believed to have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.
General Appearance
Cyphostemma kaessneri is a robust woody climber that can reach up to 5 meters in length. It has a thick and succulent stem that is green when young and becomes woody with age. The leaves are arranged alternately, and each leaf has three to five lobes with a serrated edge. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow and arranged in clusters. The fruit is a berry that is round and purple in color when ripe. The root of the plant is thick and fleshy and contains a milky white latex when cut.
Overall, Cyphostemma kaessneri is a versatile plant with various medicinal and nutritional uses that make it an essential part of Tanzanian culture and traditional medicine.
Light Requirements
Cyphostemma kaessneri thrives in full sun to partial shade. It requires a minimum of 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth. Lack of adequate light may lead to poor growth and development of the plant.
Temperature Conditions
Cyphostemma kaessneri is a warm-loving plant and grows well in temperatures between 20°C to 30°C. It is best to protect the plant from frost conditions. Temperatures below 10°C can lead to damage or death of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Cyphostemma kaessneri grows well in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly moist but not waterlogged as excessive water can cause root rot. A pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 is ideal for this plant. It is also essential to make sure that the soil is not too compacted, which can restrict root growth and development.
Cultivation methods
Cultivating Cyphostemma kaessneri involves sowing the seeds in a good potting mix and providing optimal growing conditions. The plant prefers warm temperatures, so it is best to place it in an area with temperatures between 22-30°C. It also needs a well-draining soil mix to prevent waterlogging that can cause root rot.
The pot or container should have enough drainage holes to allow excess water to flow out. When germinating seeds, it is best to cover them with a plastic lid or wrap to maintain moisture. The lid should only be removed once the seedlings start sprouting.
Watering needs
Cyphostemma kaessneri requires regular watering to keep the soil moist at all times. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can cause root rot, which can be detrimental to the plant's survival. Watering should be reduced during the winter months to prevent waterlogging, which often leads to the plant's death. It is advisable to use a watering can or a hose to avoid waterlogging and minimize damage to the plant.
Fertilization
Proper fertilization is essential to maintaining the health and growth of the Cyphostemma kaessneri plant. It is best to apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks when the plant is actively growing. The fertilizer should be diluted to half strength to prevent the roots from burning. During the dormant season, fertilization should be reduced or completely stopped as the plant requires less energy and nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning Cyphostemma kaessneri should be done during the growing season to encourage bushier growth. It is advisable to remove the dead and dying foliage to prevent the spread of diseases. Pruning should also be done to manage the plant's size and shape. Once the plant reaches the desired height, it is best to cut back the stems and branches to maintain its shape and keep it from outgrowing the available space.
Propagation of Cyphostemma kaessneri
Cyphostemma kaessneri can be propagated through various methods such as:
Seed Propagation
Seeds of this plant can be sowed in well-drained soil mix under light shade. It is important to ensure that the seeds are not overwatered as they may rot. The ideal temperature for seed germination is around 25°C. The seeds may take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks to germinate. Once the seedlings have reached a height of 5-10 cm, they can be transplanted into individual containers.
Cutting Propagation
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Cyphostemma kaessneri. The cuttings should be taken from mature stems, around 10-20 cm in length, and planted in a well-drained soil mix. The cuttings should be kept in shade until roots have formed. This can take anywhere from 3-6 weeks. Once the roots have formed, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual containers.
Division Propagation
Cyphostemma kaessneri can also be propagated through division of its root system. This method can be used during the plant's dormant period. The root system can be dug up, and the plant can be carefully separated into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one stem and some roots. The sections can then be planted in well-drained soil mix and kept in shade until new growth emerges.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to avoid overwatering the newly propagated plants. They should be placed under shade until they have established a strong root system and are capable of withstanding full sunlight.
Disease Management
Cyphostemma kaessneri is susceptible to different diseases that can affect its growth and overall health. Some of the common diseases that may attack C. kaessneri are:
- Leaf spot diseases: These diseases are typically caused by fungi that infect the leaves, resulting in spots, necrosis and eventual leaf drop. To manage these diseases, remove the infected leaves, improve air circulation and avoid watering the plant from above.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes dark sunken spots on the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. It can be managed by pruning and destroying affected plant parts and applying a fungicide.
- Powdery mildew: This disease is characterized by a gray or white powdery growth on the leaves of the plant, which can be managed by keeping the plant dry, pruning affected parts, and applying a fungicide.
- Rust: This fungal disease typically appears as reddish-brown spots on the leaves, which can be managed by removing infected leaves, improving air circulation, and using a copper-based fungicide.
Pest Management
Cyphostemma kaessneri is also susceptible to different pests that can damage its leaves, flowers and stems. Some of the common pests that may attack C. kaessneri are:
- Mealybugs: These insects appear as white, fuzzy masses on the stems and leaves of the plant and can be controlled by removing them by hand, pruning infected parts, or applying insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These pests are tiny, reddish-brown insects that cause yellowing of the leaves and webs on the plant. They can be treated by improving humidity, removing affected leaves, and applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Aphids: These insects are sap-suckers that can cause yellowing of the leaves, leaf distortion and stunting of the plant. They can be managed by removing them by hand, pruning affected parts and using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Scale insects: These pests appear as small, immobile brown bumps that suck the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth. They can be removed by hand, spraying affected parts with soapy water, or using a systemic insecticide.
