Overview of Cyphostemma macrothyrsum (Gilg) Desc.
Cyphostemma macrothyrsum, also known as the Makalani grapevine, is a deciduous and succulent plant that belongs to the family Vitaceae. This plant species is widely distributed throughout Africa, particularly in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda where it grows in dry and rocky environments.
General Appearance
The Makalani grapevine plant has a unique and distinct appearance. It has a succulent stem that grows up to two meters long and thickened at the base. The leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate-shaped. The plant's bark is gray in color, while the flowers are small and greenish-white, and the fruits are spherical-shaped and yellow to orange when ripe.
Common Names
The Cyphostemma macrothyrsum has different common names, depending on its location. In Kenya, it is known as Mukalani, while in Tanzania and Uganda, it is called Mkunazi and Mkaa respectively. It is also called the Makalani grapevine because of its grape-like fruits.
Uses of Cyphostemma macrothyrsum (Gilg) Desc.
The Makalani grapevine plant has various uses, both for medicinal and food purposes. The leaves and roots are soaked in water overnight and taken as a remedy for fever, cough, and inflammation. Its fruits are eaten, either fresh or dried, and are used as traditional medicine to treat diarrhea and stomach disorders. The Makalani grapevine plant is also used as a source of shade and food for livestock in African pastoralist areas.
Growth Conditions for Cyphostemma Macrothyrsum
Cyphostemma macrothyrsum, also known as Gilg, is a perennial plant native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. It belongs to the family Vitaceae and can survive in a wide range of growth conditions.
Light Requirements
Cyphostemma macrothyrsum prefers full sunlight to partial shade for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate some shade, but insufficient light can adversely affect its growth, resulting in leggy and weak stems. Therefore, it is best to expose the plant to direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day.
Temperature Requirements
Cyphostemma macrothyrsum grows best in warm to hot temperatures. The plant can tolerate high temperatures up to 40°C but grows best in temperatures between 20-30°C. In colder temperatures, the plant can go dormant, and prolonged exposure to frost can kill it. Therefore, it is essential to protect the plant from frost and cold temperatures during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
Cyphostemma macrothyrsum grows well in well-draining, fertile soil. The soil should be rich in organic matter with a pH range of 6-7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, clayey, or loamy soils, as long as they drain well. However, it is essential to avoid waterlogged soils as they can cause root rot and other fungal diseases.
In conclusion, Cyphostemma macrothyrsum is a hardy plant that can adapt to different growth conditions. Providing it with optimal light, temperature, and soil requirements can help promote healthy growth and ensure the longevity of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Cyphostemma macrothyrsum is a robust plant that can be cultivated either indoors or outdoors. If grown indoors, ensure that the plant receives enough sunlight for a few hours every day. Outdoors, the plant thrives well in a loamy, well-draining soil that has good fertility and moisture retention capabilities. Plant in a location with partial shade or filtered sunlight.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Cyphostemma macrothyrsum are moderate, and the plant prefers evenly moist soil, which should always be free from waterlogging. If grown indoors or in containers, ensure that there is sufficient drainage to avoid waterlogging. Water the plant thoroughly but only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
Cyphostemma macrothyrsum requires regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and potassium and reduced nitrogen levels. Apply the fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season and during the flowering period. You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the fertilizer packaging for the correct application rates.
Pruning
Cyphostemma macrothyrsum requires minimal pruning, and the only pruning needed is for shaping the plant to enhance its aesthetic appeal. Prune spent flowers after the blooming period to encourage more blooms. For shaped plants, prune during the plant’s dormant season, which usually occurs in the winter or the early spring. Avoid over pruning, which can result in poor or stunted growth.
Propagation Methods for Cyphostemma macrothyrsum (Gilg) Desc.
Cyphostemma macrothyrsum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, or by division of its tuberous roots.
Propagation through Seeds
The seeds of Cyphostemma macrothyrsum are small, about 2-3 mm in diameter. They can be collected from the plant when they are ripe and dark in color. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mixture, preferably sandy or loamy soil. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a bright location but avoid direct sunlight. The seeds will germinate within 2-4 weeks.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are a reliable way to propagate Cyphostemma macrothyrsum. Select a healthy stem that is about 5-7 cm long, with at least two leaves and two nodes. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mixture, preferably sandy or loamy soil. Water regularly and place the container in a bright location but avoid direct sunlight. The cutting will start to root within 2-4 weeks.
Propagation through Division of Tuberous Roots
Cyphostemma macrothyrsum has a large tuberous root system. When the plant is mature, the tuberous roots can be divided into smaller pieces and planted in separate containers. Each piece should have at least one dormant bud. Plant the tubers in a well-draining soil mixture, preferably sandy or loamy soil. Water regularly and place the container in a bright location but avoid direct sunlight. The tubers will sprout within a few weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Cyphostemma macrothyrsum (Gilg) Desc.
Cyphostemma macrothyrsum, commonly known as Wild Grape or Pondo Grape, is a succulent vine that is mainly found in India and Africa. It is a popular ornamental plant but is also edible and used for medicinal purposes. However, like other plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and development. Here are the common diseases and pests that might affect Cyphostemma macrothyrsum and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant. It appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, and if left untreated, it can cause the leaves to curl and turn yellow, leading to stunted growth. To manage this disease, you can remove the infected leaves and spray the plant with a solution of baking soda and water (1 tablespoon baking soda to 1 gallon of water) once a week until the disease clears.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects the stems, leaves, and fruit of the plant. It appears as small, sunken spots on the plant, and if left untreated, it can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off, leading to reduced plant vigor. To manage this disease, you can remove the infected parts of the plant and spray the plant with a copper-based fungicide once a week until the disease clears.
Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. It appears as yellowing leaves, wilting, and stunted growth, and if left untreated, it can cause the plant to die. To manage this disease, you can improve the drainage of the soil and avoid over-watering the plant. You can also apply a fungicide to the soil surrounding the plant to prevent further infection.
Pests
Scale insects: Scale insects are small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant. They suck the sap from the plant, leading to distorted growth, yellow leaves, and reduced plant vigor. To manage this pest, you can remove the insects from the plant with a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in alcohol. You can also spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the sap from the underside of the leaves of the plant. They cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off, leading to reduced plant vigor. To manage this pest, you can spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil once a week until the population is under control.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, fluffy pests that attach themselves to the leaves, stems, and fruit of the plant. They suck the sap from the plant, leading to reduced plant vigor and stunted growth. To manage this pest, you can remove the insects from the plant with a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in alcohol. You can also spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population.
By being vigilant and applying the appropriate disease and pest management techniques, you can ensure that your Cyphostemma macrothyrsum plants grow healthy and thrive.
