Origin
Grewia africana Mill. var. drummondiana (Sprague) Burret is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Tiliaceae family. It is native to several African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, and can be found in forests, bushlands, and grasslands.
Common Names
The plant has several common names in different African regions, including Sandpaper raisin, Lavender star, and Jiggleberry. It is also known as Muzuula in Uganda, Mkula in Tanzania, and Mushokishoki in Rwanda.
Uses
The plant has several uses, mainly in traditional medicine and food. Its bark, leaves, and roots have medicinal properties and have been used for centuries to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and stomach pains. The fruit is edible, and the young leaves and shoots are used as a vegetable. The plant's bark is also used to make string, ropes, and baskets, and the wood is often used for fuel and construction.
General Appearance
Grewia africana Mill. var. drummondiana is a small, evergreen tree that can reach up to 10 meters in height. It has a dense and spreading crown with drooping branches and a short trunk. The leaves are oval, dark green on top, and hairy underneath. The flowers are star-shaped and lavender or pink in color, and the fruit is a small, round, red to black berry. The plant has a rough, sandpapery bark that is grey-brown in color.
Typical Growth Conditions for Grewia africana Mill. var. drummondiana (Sprague) Burret
Grewia africana Mill. var. drummondiana (Sprague) Burret, commonly known as the Sandpaper-raisin or Crossberry, is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Malvaceae. It is a small tree that typically grows up to 5 meters in height. The tree is native to Africa and is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions.
Light Requirements
Grewia africana Mill. var. drummondiana (Sprague) Burret prefers full sun or partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower as well in low light conditions. The plant requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive.
Temperature Requirements
The Sandpaper-raisin or Crossberry prefers warm temperatures between 20°C-35°C for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate cooler temperatures below 10°C, but extended exposure to lower temperatures can damage the plant and stunt its growth.
Soil Requirements
The Grewia africana Mill. var. drummondiana (Sprague) Burret prefers well-draining, sandy soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil PH should be neutral or slightly acidic for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate soils with a PH range of 5.5-7.5. The tree can also tolerate some drought, but regular watering is essential for healthy growth.
Overall, the Sandpaper-raisin or Crossberry is a hardy plant that can grow in a wide range of soil and climatic conditions. However, to ensure optimal growth and development, it is essential to provide the plant with the right amount of light, temperature, and soil conditions.
Cultivation methods
Grewia africana Mill. var. drummondiana (Sprague) Burret can be grown through seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in well-draining soil at a depth of about 1 cm. The plant prefers warm temperatures, therefore, it should be grown in a sunny location. The ideal soil pH is between 6.5 and 7.5. It does well in areas with a rainfall of between 600-1500mm per year.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. However, it cannot tolerate waterlogging, so the soil should be well-draining. Watering should be done at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage.
Fertilization
Grewia africana Mill. var. drummondiana (Sprague) Burret does not need much fertilizer. However, it responds well to compost or well-rotted manure. Fertilizers should be applied in spring before the growing season begins.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Grewia africana Mill. var. drummondiana (Sprague) Burret, but can be done to control the shape and size of the plant. Pruning should be done after the flowering season, and any dead or damaged branches should be removed. Regular pruning encourages new growth and promotes bushy and healthy plants.
Propagation of Grewia africana Mill. var. drummondiana (Sprague) Burret
Grewia africana Mill. var. drummondiana (Sprague) Burret, commonly known as the Lavender Starflower, is a shrub species that can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, stem cuttings, and layering.
Propagation through seeds
The most common method of propagating Grewia africana Mill. var. drummondiana is through seeds. The seeds are usually collected during the flowering season, dried, and then planted in well-prepared soil. The seeds should be buried at a depth of about 1 cm and watered regularly until germination occurs. The seedlings should be transplanted into individual containers or planted directly into the ground in a well-drained and sunny location.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Grewia africana Mill. var. drummondiana can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The recommended time to take cuttings is during the rainy season when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free and pest-free branches. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should be treated with rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings should be planted in well-prepared soil, watered regularly, and kept in a shaded area until root initiation and growth are visible. The cuttings should be transplanted into individual containers or planted directly into the ground once they have developed a root system.
Propagation through layering
Grewia africana Mill. var. drummondiana can also be propagated through layering. This method involves bending a low-growing branch down to the ground and covering a part of it with soil. The covered part of the branch should be wounded to facilitate the growth of roots. Once roots have developed, the branch can be cut off from the parent plant and transplanted into a new location. This method is particularly useful for growing new plants without disturbing the original plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Grewia africana Mill. var. drummondiana
Grewia africana Mill. var. drummondiana (Sprague) Burret is a deciduous shrub or small tree that primarily grows in Africa. The plant is not known to have any severe pest or disease problems. However, it is still essential to understand the common diseases and pests that may affect the plant and their management measures.
Common Diseases
The most common disease that affects Grewia africana Mill. var. drummondiana is leaf spot. This disease is characterized by the presence of brown spots on the leaves of the plant. The spots may develop into yellowish areas that eventually drop, leaving behind tiny holes on the leaves. Fungal infection is usually the cause of leaf spot disease, and it can be controlled by ensuring proper plant spacing and reducing excess moisture, which are conditions favorable to fungal growth. Infected leaves must be removed and destroyed to prevent further infection.
Another disease that affects Grewia africana var. drummondiana is powdery mildew. This disease presents with white powdery patches on the leaves and stems of the plant. Powdery mildew thrives in humid conditions. Thus it is necessary to prune the plant regularly to reduce its density and promote optimal air circulation around the plant. The application of fungicides can also eradicate powdery mildew if the disease is widespread.
Common Pests
One of the most common pests that attack Grewia africana var. drummondiana is the aphid. Aphids are insects that feed on the sap of the plant and cause distortion and stunted growth of leaves and stems. They usually appear in clusters on the new shoots of the plant. Aphids can be managed by using insecticides or through natural means such as the release of ladybugs and lacewings that feed on aphids.
The red spider mite is another pest that typically attacks Grewia africana var. drummondiana. This pest causes yellowing and mottling of the leaves as well as the creation of a fine web on the leaves. Red mites thrive in hot and dry conditions. Therefore, spraying the plant with water or using insecticidal soaps to remove the mites can help control this pest. Predatory mites and ladybugs also can help manage red spider mites.
In conclusion, Grewia africana Mill. var. drummondiana (Sprague) Burret is a plant that is relatively resistant to diseases and pests. Proper spacing, air circulation, and hygiene practices such as frequent pruning, cleaning of garden tools, and removal of diseased plant parts can help maintain optimal plant health. Chemical intervention only becomes necessary when natural means fail, and the disease or pest problem becomes severe.
