Overview
Cyphostemma ruacanense (Exell & Mendonça) Desc. is a climbing succulent plant that belongs to the family Vitaceae. It is endemic to Angola and is also commonly known as "ruacana vine". The plant has both medicinal and cultural uses, and its tubers are considered an important food source in certain African communities.
Appearance
Cyphostemma ruacanense is a deciduous plant that can grow up to 3 meters long. Its stem is woody and its branches are armed with sharp spines. The leaves are simple, alternate, and have wavy margins. They are heart-shaped and can grow up to 13 cm long and 15 cm wide. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow, and the fruit is a large, fleshy berry that can reach up to 6 cm in diameter.
Uses
Cyphostemma ruacanense has various uses in traditional medicine. The tubers of this plant are used to treat a variety of health issues such as diarrhea, fever, and respiratory problems. The plant extract is also used to treat malaria and as a pain reliever. The vines of the plant are used to make ropes and baskets, while the bark is used in the tanning of animal hides. Moreover, the fruit of the plant is sour but edible and is consumed by the local people. It is an important food source for both humans and animals, as it is rich in vitamins and minerals.
Cultivation
Cyphostemma ruacanense can be grown easily from seeds or cuttings. The plant prefers well-drained soils and partial or full sunlight. It can also tolerate drought conditions. As a succulent plant, it should not be overwatered as this can cause rotting of the roots. The plant can be trained to grow on trellises or allowed to climb up walls or other supporting structures. It is a low-maintenance plant, and pruning is only required to control its growth or for aesthetic purposes.
Conclusion
Cyphostemma ruacanense is an important plant in African culture, with various uses such as medicine, food, and materials for craft. It is a hardy plant that requires minimal care and can be a great addition to any garden or landscape. Its unique appearance and versatile uses make it a valuable plant species.
Light Requirements
Cyphostemma ruacanense typically requires bright, indirect light to thrive. However, it can also tolerate some direct sunlight in the morning or late afternoon. It is best to avoid placing the plant in direct, harsh sunlight during the hottest part of the day as it may cause sunburn or leaf scorch.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures between 20-28°C (68-82°F) during the day and cooler temperatures between 16-20°C (60-68°F) at night. It can tolerate short periods of temperature fluctuations and cooler temperatures, but freezing temperatures should be avoided as it can damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
Cyphostemma ruacanense requires well-draining, permeable soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of potting soil and sand or perlite can provide the ideal growing medium for the plant. The soil pH should be between 6.0 to 6.6, slightly acidic to neutral. The plant benefits from being fertilized every few weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer to promote growth and blooming.
Cultivation
Cyphostemma ruacanense is a succulent plant that thrives in a warm, dry climate. It is best grown in well-draining soil, preferably a mix of sand and loam. It is advisable to keep the plant in a pot as it can grow up to 1 meter tall and requires support.
It can be propagated from stem cuttings or seeds. Seeds should be sown during the spring season, and it takes about two to three weeks for them to germinate. Cuttings should be taken in the summer season, and it takes about three weeks for them to develop roots.
Watering Needs
Cyphostemma ruacanense has low water requirements and is drought-tolerant. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is advisable to water only when the soil is completely dry. The frequency of watering depends on the season, with less frequency in the winter months and more in the summer months.
Fertilization
The plant requires a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, about once a month. It is also advisable to add a slow-releasing fertilizer to the soil during the growing season to encourage growth.
The fertilizers should be applied only to damp soil to avoid burning the roots.
Pruning
Cyphostemma ruacanense requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth. Pruning can be done in the spring or summer season and is best done after the growing season to prevent injury from frost.
It is recommended to keep a few leaves on the stem during pruning to promote photosynthesis and growth. Pruning can also help in controlling pests and diseases.
Propagation of Cyphostemma ruacanense
Cyphostemma ruacanense can be propagated from seed, stem cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation from seed
Seeds from mature fruits of Cyphostemma ruacanense can be collected and sown in a well-draining soil mix of sand, loam, and compost in a ratio of 1:1:1. The ideal time to sow the seeds is during the early part of the growing season. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 2 to 3 cm and kept moist by watering regularly. Seed germination usually takes 2 to 3 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted after 6 to 8 weeks.
Propagation from stem cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken during the growing season from healthy and mature Cyphostemma ruacanense plants. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm in length and should be taken from the non-flowering and semi-hardwood portion of the plant for best results. The cuttings must be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained soil mix of sand, loam, and compost in a ratio of 1:1:1. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a shaded and humid environment until they have rooted. The rooted cuttings can then be potted and grown under suitable conditions until they are ready for transplantation.
Propagation from grafting
Cyphostemma ruacanense can also be propagated by grafting onto a rootstock of a closely related species. Grafting is usually done during the growing season when the sap flow in the plants is active. The rootstock and scion should be of an equal diameter and should be cut at an angle using a sharp and sterile knife. The cut ends should be joined and secured using grafting tape or wax. The grafted plant should be kept in a humid and shaded environment until the graft union has healed and starts to grow.
Disease Management
Cyphostemma ruacanense is susceptible to various diseases that might affect its growth and development. One of the most common diseases that affect this plant is powdery mildew. This disease is characterized by the presence of a white, powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to improve air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead irrigation. You can also apply a fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
Another disease that might affect Cyphostemma ruacanense is bacterial leaf spot. This disease is characterized by the presence of water-soaked lesions on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected leaves and avoid overhead irrigation. You can also apply a copper-based fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
Root rot is another disease that might affect Cyphostemma ruacanense. This disease is caused by fungi and bacteria that attack the roots of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that the soil drains well. You can also apply a fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Cyphostemma ruacanense is also susceptible to various pests that might affect its growth and development. One of the most common pests that affect this plant is mealybugs. These pests are characterized by the presence of white, cottony masses on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage this pest, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plant parts and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the spread of the pest.
Spider mites are also a common pest that might affect Cyphostemma ruacanense. These pests are characterized by the presence of tiny, red or yellow mites on the leaves of the plant. To manage this pest, it is recommended to improve air circulation around the plant and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the spread of the pest.
Aphids are another pest that might affect Cyphostemma ruacanense. These pests are characterized by the presence of tiny, green or black insects on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage this pest, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plant parts and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the spread of the pest.
