General Description
Grewia bicolor Juss. var. bicolor is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that is native to India, Africa, and Madagascar. It belongs to the family Malvaceae and grows to a height of approximately 10 meters. This plant is also known by other common names such as Phalsa, Jambool, and Lavali.
Appearance
The leaves of Grewia bicolor Juss. var. bicolor are alternately arranged and are up to 10 cm in length. The flowers are small and white, with five petals and a yellow center. They appear in clusters and are followed by edible black or purple berry-like fruits that vaguely resemble grapes. The bark on the trunk is smooth, greyish in color, and peels off in longitudinal strips.
Uses
The fruit of Grewia bicolor Juss. var. bicolor is edible and has a sweet and sour taste. In India, it is commonly used to make a popular summer drink called Phalsa sharbat. Apart from its use as a food crop, the plant is also known for its medicinal properties. The leaves, bark, and roots of the plant are used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, sore throat, and fever. The bark is also used for making ropes, while the wood is used for fuel and construction purposes.
Light Conditions
Grewia bicolor Juss. var. bicolor is a plant that thrives in full sunlight exposure. It can tolerate partial shade, but it prefers growing in areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. When grown indoors, this plant requires extremely bright light to bloom properly.
Temperature Requirements
Grewia bicolor Juss. var. bicolor is a warm-weather plant and is unable to tolerate temperatures below 15°C. The plant grows best in average to high temperatures with an ideal range of 18°C to 25°C. When grown in temperatures above 28°C, the plant may require additional watering due to increased transpiration.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining, sandy, and loamy soil that contains an adequate amount of organic matter. The soil pH range preferred by Grewia bicolor Juss. var. bicolor is between 6.5 and 7.5. The plant is unable to grow in soil that has a pH below 5.5 or above 8.5. Additionally, the soil must be kept moist at all times but should not be waterlogged.
Cultivation of Grewia bicolor Juss. var. bicolor
Grewia bicolor Juss. var. bicolor is a relatively hardy plant and can withstand a range of growing conditions, including full sun to partial shade and a variety of soil types. However, it grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and has a pH between 6.0-7.5.
If planting from seed, it is recommended to start seeds in a well-draining seedling mix in a warm environment and transplant after they have reached a height of around 6 inches. If planting from a cutting, ensure that the cutting is taken from a healthy plant and planted in a well-draining mix with a rooting hormone.
Watering Needs of Grewia bicolor Juss. var. bicolor
Grewia bicolor Juss. var. bicolor requires regular watering, especially during periods of drought or high temperatures. However, it is important to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
It is recommended to water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. The frequency of watering will depend on the size of the plant, the soil type, and environmental conditions.
Fertilization of Grewia bicolor Juss. var. bicolor
Grewia bicolor Juss. var. bicolor benefits from regular fertilization to encourage healthy growth and flowering. This can be achieved through the application of a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season.
It is important to follow the package instructions for application rates, as over-fertilization can lead to poor growth, burnt foliage, and environmental pollution.
Pruning of Grewia bicolor Juss. var. bicolor
Grewia bicolor Juss. var. bicolor benefits from regular pruning to shape the plant and encourage healthy growth and flowering. It is recommended to prune the plant during its dormant season, which is typically during the winter months.
When pruning, it is important to use sharp, sterile pruning tools and to make clean cuts to avoid damaging the plant. It is recommended to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches that can lead to wounds and potential infections.
Propagation of Grewia bicolor Juss. var. bicolor
Grewia bicolor Juss. var. bicolor can be easily propagated through various methods such as seeds, cuttings, and air layering.
Seeds
Seeds of Grewia bicolor Juss. var. bicolor can be collected from ripe fruits. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing. The germination of seeds takes place within 2-3 weeks and the seedlings can be transplanted after 6-8 months.
Cuttings
Grewia bicolor Juss. var. bicolor can be propagated through stem cuttings taken during the dormant season. The cuttings should be about 15-20 cm long and taken from healthy plants. The lower leaves should be removed and the cuttings should be treated with rooting hormone before planting in a well-drained rooting medium. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a shaded area until they start showing new growth.
Air layering
Air layering is a suitable propagation method for Grewia bicolor Juss. var. bicolor. In this method, a branch of the plant is selected, and a ring of bark is removed from the middle of the branch. The exposed part is then covered with damp moss and wrapped in plastic to maintain moisture. Roots will form at the ring cut, and when they are well-developed, the rooted branch can be cut and planted in a pot or in the ground.
Disease management for Grewia bicolor Juss. var. bicolor
Grewia bicolor Juss. var. bicolor is susceptible to several diseases that can lead to stunted growth, leaf drop, or plant death. The common diseases that affect the plant include:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes the leaves to turn brown, wither, and drop off. It also causes stem cankers. To manage the disease, prune and destroy affected branches, maintain good plant hygiene, and apply fungicides at the first sign of infection.
- Leaf spot: Caused by a fungal pathogen, leaf spot causes small, dark spots on leaves, which can coalesce and cover the entire leaf surface. To manage the disease, remove and dispose of affected plant debris, avoid overhead irrigation, and apply fungicides as directed.
- Root rot: This disease affects the roots, causing them to rot and turn brown. The plant may also display wilting, stunted growth, and yellowing leaves. To manage the disease, remove infected plants, avoid over-watering, and apply fungicides to the soil.
Pest management for Grewia bicolor Juss. var. bicolor
Grewia bicolor Juss. var. bicolor is also prone to attack by pests that can cause significant damage. The common pests that affect the plant include:
- Spider mites: These tiny insects suck sap out of the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. To manage the pests, spray the plant with insecticidal soap, increase humidity levels, and introduce natural enemies such as ladybugs.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars feed on the leaves, causing them to have irregular holes and become skeletonized. To manage the pests, handpick and destroy affected larvae, introduce natural enemies such as birds, or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide.
