Overview
Cyphostemma kilimandscharicum (Gilg) Desc. ex Wild & R.B.Drumm. var. jaegeri (Gilg & M.Brandt) Verdc. is a species of the Cyphostemma genus, belonging to the family Vitaceae. This plant is mainly found in the highland regions of East Africa, specifically in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.
Common Names
This plant has several common names, including Kilimanjaro grapes, Kilimanjaro giant vine, and African tree grape. In East Africa, the plant is known as "Mkunumbi" in Swahili and "Ongoloko" in Giryama.
Appearance
Cyphostemma kilimandscharicum var. jaegeri is a deciduous, woody vine that can reach a height of up to 10 meters. The stem of this plant is thick and fleshy, and it can store water for a prolonged period, making it drought tolerant. The vine produces large leaves with five to seven lobes that can reach up to 30cm in diameter. The plant produces small yellow-green flowers arranged in panicles.
Uses
Cyphostemma kilimandscharicum var. jaegeri has various uses in East Africa. The plant has medicinal properties and is used to treat several ailments, including skin diseases, malaria, and wounds. The locals also use the vine's sap as a purgative and to treat stomach disorders. The fruit of the plant is edible, but it has a tart taste, and it's not widely consumed. The wood of the plant is also used to make furniture and carvings.
The vine is also used as an ornamental plant and is commonly cultivated in gardens in East Africa. Due to its hardiness, the vine can also be grown in other parts of the world as an indoor plant and in greenhouses.
Light Requirements
Cyphostemma kilimandscharicum var. jaegeri grows well under partial shade to full sun. It requires at least four hours of direct sunlight a day to thrive but can withstand more extended periods of shade.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is adapted to tropical to subtropical climates and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It grows best in areas with average temperatures ranging from 20-25°C(68-77°F) during the day and 12-19°C (54-66°F) at night. However, it can withstand temperature fluctuations between 10-35°C (50-95°F).
Soil Requirements
Cyphostemma kilimandscharicum var. jaegeri requires well-draining and fertile soils for optimal growth. It grows best in slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5 and a soil depth of at least 30 cm. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water retention properties. The plant also thrives in soils with high sand content.
Cultivation Methods
Cyphostemma kilimandscharicum (Gilg) Desc. ex Wild & R.B.Drumm. var. jaegeri (Gilg & M.Brandt) Verdc., also known as the Kilimanjaro Cycad, is a succulent shrub that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. This plant is not frost-tolerant, so it thrives in warm and moderately humid climates. The Kilimanjaro Cycad prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic to neutral pH. It can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings, but it is essential to avoid smoking or handling the plant with bare hands as it is toxic.
Watering Needs
The Kilimanjaro Cycad prefers to be kept slightly dry, with soil moisture maintained at moderate levels. Overwatering may cause root rot, while underwatering may lead to stunted growth and drying out of the leaves. Water the plant deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During winter, reduce watering to once or twice a month, as the plant goes dormant in cold weather.
Fertilization
Feed your Kilimanjaro Cycad with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). Dilute the fertilizer to half-strength and apply it once every four to six weeks. Avoid fertilizing during winter or when the plant is stressed. Over-fertilization may cause fertilizer burn and damage to the plant.
Pruning
Cyphostemma kilimandscharicum (Gilg) Desc. ex Wild & R.B.Drumm. var. jaegeri (Gilg & M.Brandt) Verdc. does not require frequent pruning, but you can prune off any dead or damaged leaves to keep the plant healthy and neat. Remove the entire leaf by cutting it off at the base, using a clean and sharp pair of pruning shears. Avoid cutting off more than one-third of the plant at once, as this may weaken the plant. You can also shape your Kilimanjaro Cycad by selectively trimming the stems at regular intervals.
Propagation of Cyphostemma kilimandscharicum var. jaegeri
Cyphostemma kilimandscharicum var. jaegeri can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Cyphostemma kilimandscharicum var. jaegeri can be collected from mature fruits in late summer. It is important to use fresh seeds, as they lose viability quickly.
The seeds can be sown in pots filled with a well-draining soil mix and covered lightly with soil. The pots should be kept in a warm and bright area, with regular watering.
Germination can take anywhere from a few days to several months. Once the seedlings have grown large enough, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagating by stem cuttings is a quicker way to obtain new plants. The best time to take stem cuttings is in late spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing.
Cut a 6-inch long stem from the parent plant, making sure to include at least one node. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
The stem cutting can be planted in a well-draining soil mix, and kept in a warm and bright area, with regular watering. Within a few weeks, roots should start to develop and new growth will appear
Disease and Pest Management for Cyphostemma Kilimandscharicum var. Jaegeri
Cyphostemma Kilimandscharicum var. Jaegeri is a plant species that is prone to certain diseases and pests that can affect its growth and reduce its overall health. Here are some common diseases and pests that might attack this plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that is characterized by a white, powdery growth on the leaves and stems of the plant. It can cause the leaves to become discolored, stunted, and distorted. To manage this disease, you can spray the affected plant with a fungicide and remove any infected plant parts. You can also improve the airflow around the plant by pruning any overgrown branches and providing adequate spacing between plants.
2. Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that is characterized by brown or black spots on the leaves of the plant. It can cause the leaves to fall off prematurely and reduce the overall health of the plant. To manage this disease, you can spray the affected plant with a fungicide and remove any infected plant parts. You can also avoid overhead watering and provide adequate spacing between plants to improve the airflow around the plant.
Pests
1. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing them to become discolored and distorted. To manage spider mites, you can spray the affected plant with an insecticidal soap or oil, or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings that feed on spider mites. You can also improve the humidity around the plant by misting the leaves regularly.
2. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are soft-bodied insects that feed on the leaves and stems of the plant, sucking the sap from the plant and causing it to become weak and stunted. To manage mealybugs, you can spray the affected plant with an insecticidal soap or oil, or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings that feed on mealybugs. You can also wipe down the leaves and stems of the plant with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove any visible mealybugs.
By following these disease and pest management strategies, you can help to keep your Cyphostemma Kilimandscharicum var. Jaegeri plant healthy and thriving.
