Cyphostemma vandenbrandeanum - General Overview
Cyphostemma vandenbrandeanum, also known as Dewit’s Grape, is a plant species that belongs to the Vitaceae family. The plant is known for its medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicines for various ailments, including hypertension, dysentery, and malaria. It is native to eastern Zimbabwe and Mozambique but can be found in other parts of Southern Africa.
Appearance
Cyphostemma vandenbrandeanum is a multi-stemmed deciduous plant that can grow up to 3 meters tall. Its stem is very thick and woody, with a rough bark texture that often cracks with age. The leaves are large, green, and lobed with fine hair on the underside. The plant produces flowers in clusters that are greenish-yellow or cream in color with a distinct grape-like aroma.
Common Names
Cyphostemma vandenbrandeanum is commonly known as Dewit’s Grape due to its grape-like aroma. Other common names include Mula-mula, Mupfatsi, Mununga, and Mupfura in Zimbabwean and Mozambican local languages.
Uses
Cyphostemma vandenbrandeanum has various medicinal properties, particularly in the treatment of hypertension, dysentery, and malaria. The plant is rich in phytochemicals, which have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The root and bark extracts are used in traditional medicines to treat snake bites and other venoms.
Besides its medicinal properties, Cyphostemma vandenbrandeanum is also a popular ornamental plant in Southern Africa and is often planted in gardens for its beautiful foliage and fragrant flowers.
Light Requirements
Cyphostemma vandenbrandeanum prefers bright, indirect light and cannot tolerate direct sunlight. It is essential to place the plant near a window with filtered light or in a location where the plant can get ample shade.
Temperature Requirements
This plant requires warm temperatures between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) and cannot tolerate temperatures below 15°C (59°F). Avoid placing the plant near air conditioning vents, windows, or drafty areas that may affect the temperature and harm the plant.
Soil Requirements
Cyphostemma vandenbrandeanum thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. The soil should have a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. You can mix cactus or succulent soil along with perlite, sand, or pumice to increase the drainage capacity. Avoid using heavy soil that could retain water and cause the roots to rot.
Cultivation
Cyphostemma vandenbrandeanum requires well-draining soil and a warm climate. It is recommended to cultivate this plant in a location with a maximum temperature of 30°C. In areas with extreme heat, it is advisable to provide partial shade to the plant.
This plant can be grown from seeds or stem cuttings. When planting, ensure that the soil is slightly moist. It is recommended to plant the seeds at a depth of 5 mm. The plant requires regular watering for the first few weeks until it becomes established.
Cyphostemma vandenbrandeanum can also grow in pots. Ensure that the pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogging of the soil. The plant requires a pot that is at least 20 cm in diameter.
Watering Needs
Cyphostemma vandenbrandeanum requires regular watering, especially during its growing season. Water the plant when the soil dries out. To prevent overwatering, allow the soil to almost dry out before watering again.
It is important to note that Cyphostemma vandenbrandeanum is susceptible to root rot. Therefore, avoid waterlogging the soil. Additionally, water the plant in the morning to allow excess moisture to evaporate during the day.
Fertilization
It is recommended to fertilize Cyphostemma vandenbrandeanum during its growing season. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 is ideal. Apply the fertilizer once every two weeks.
When using a fertilizer, ensure that the soil is moist. Water the plant after applying the fertilizer to prevent root damage. Avoid over-fertilization as it can lead to burning of the leaves.
Pruning
Cyphostemma vandenbrandeanum requires minimal pruning. It is recommended to remove dead or damaged leaves. Additionally, prune the plant to maintain its shape and size.
When pruning, use a clean and sharp pair of scissors to prevent damage to the plant. It is advisable to prune the plant during the winter dormant season when it is not actively growing.
Propagation of Cyphostemma vandenbrandeanum
Cyphostemma vandenbrandeanum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings, and root cuttings.
Seeds
The seeds of Cyphostemma vandenbrandeanum are relatively easy to propagate. The best time to sow the seeds is during the spring or summer when the soil is warm. The seeds should be planted in well-draining soil and covered no more than 3 mm deep. Keep the soil moisture consistent, and the seedlings should emerge within two to three weeks.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings are a reliable way to propagate Cyphostemma vandenbrandeanum. The cuttings should be taken in the spring from new growth and should be around 3-4 inches long. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting into well-drained soil and keep it moist but not waterlogged. New growth should appear within a few weeks indicating the cutting has taken root.
Root cuttings
Root cuttings can be a hit-and-miss when propagating Cyphostemma vandenbrandeanum. The roots should be collected in the spring, and the larger roots should be cut into sections that are 1-2 inches long. Plant the rooted cuttings in well-drained soil and keep them moist. Do not water excessively, as too much water can lead to root rot.
Disease Management:
Cyphostemma vandenbrandeanum is a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases. However, the plant might get affected by fungal and bacterial infections if proper care is not taken. One common disease that affects the plant is leaf spot disease. Leaf spot disease appears as small brown or black spots surrounded by yellow halos on the leaves. To manage leaf spot disease, remove the infected leaves and prune any branches that might be infected to prevent the spread of the disease.
The plant might also get affected by powdery mildew, a fungal infection that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, remove the infected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide that is suitable for powdery mildew.
Pest Management:
Cyphostemma vandenbrandeanum might get infested by common garden pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Mealybugs appear as cottony white masses on the leaves and stems of the plant. Spider mites appear as tiny red or black spiders that feed on the plant's sap. Scale insects appear as brown, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the plant and suck the sap out of the leaves.
To manage pest infestations, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for any signs of infestation. Remove any infected parts of the plant and spray with an insecticide that is suitable for the type of pest infestation. Additionally, it is important to maintain proper plant hygiene by regularly removing dead leaves and debris around the plant to prevent pest infestations.
