Origin
Grewia bicolor Juss. var. tephrodermis (K.Schum.) Burret is a plant species that belongs to the Malvaceae family and is native to Africa, specifically found in Angola, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Downy Leaved Grewia or the Grey Leaved Raisin in English. In Swahili, it is called Mkoko, and in Nyanja, it is known as Umkoyo. Locally, it is known by different names depending on the region where it is found.
Uses
The plant is used for various medicinal purposes, such as the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, and other gastrointestinal disorders. In some cultures, the roots of the plant are used to reduce fever, and a decoction of its bark is used to treat sore throat. The fruit is edible, and in some areas, it is used to make juice and jams. The plant is also used to make fencing for livestock and as fuelwood in some regions.
General Appearance
Grewia bicolor Juss. var. tephrodermis is a shrub or small tree that grows up to 5 meters in height. It has a dense and rounded crown, with multiple branches, each having a gray-brown bark. The leaves are simple, alternate, and elongated with a downy texture on the underside and a glossy surface on the upper side. The flowers grow in clusters, with yellow or green petals, and they bloom from September to December. The plant produces small, round, and fleshy fruits that have a sweet and sour taste and are purplish-red to brown in color.
Light Requirements
Grewia bicolor Juss. var. tephrodermis is a sun-loving plant and requires full sunlight to grow well. It grows best in areas with at least 6 hours of uninterrupted sunlight per day. Insufficient light can lead to stunted growth and poor fruiting.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions, so it prefers warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for growing Grewia bicolor Juss. var. tephrodermis is between 20°C to 30°C. The plant will not grow well in temperatures below 15°C or above 35°C.
Soil Requirements
Grewia bicolor Juss. var. tephrodermis prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 5.5 to 6.5. The plant grows best in sandy loam soils that are able to retain moisture but do not become water-logged. It is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining, as water-logging can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Water Requirements
Grewia bicolor Juss. var. tephrodermis requires moderate to high levels of water for optimum growth. The plant needs frequent watering during the growing season, but care should be taken to prevent water-logging. In areas with heavy rainfall, it may be necessary to provide additional drainage to prevent water-logging.
Fertilizer Requirements
Grewia bicolor Juss. var. tephrodermis is a heavy feeder and requires regular applications of fertilizer to ensure healthy growth and fruiting. The plant responds well to organic fertilizers such as compost, manure, and bone meal. Nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium are the key nutrients required by the plant for optimal growth. Fertilizer should be applied at regular intervals, following the manufacturer's instructions for dosage.
Cultivation Methods
Grewia bicolor Juss. var. tephrodermis (K.Schum.) Burret grows well in warm and sunny locations. It prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. It is recommended to plant the seedlings in pots during the winter and move them to their permanent location in spring. The plants require protection from strong winds, especially during their early growth.
Watering Needs
Grewia bicolor Juss. var. tephrodermis (K.Schum.) Burret requires regular watering during the first year of growth to encourage deep root development. After the first year, the plant is tough and can withstand short periods of drought. However, it is best to maintain a consistent moisture level in the soil to ensure healthy growth and fruiting.
Fertilization
During the first year of growth, it is recommended to apply a balanced fertilizer every two months. Once the plant is established, it can benefit from an annual application of compost or well-rotted manure in the spring before new growth appears. This will provide the plant with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and fruit production.
Pruning
Grewia bicolor Juss. var. tephrodermis (K.Schum.) Burret requires minimal pruning. Remove dead or diseased branches and any shoots that grow from the base of the plant. Trim back any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Pruning can be done in the early spring before new growth appears.
Propagation of Grewia bicolor Juss. var. tephrodermis (K.Schum.) Burret
Grewia bicolor Juss. var. tephrodermis (K.Schum.) Burret, commonly known as Lavender Star, is a shrub that is native to tropical Africa. It is a popular landscaping plant due to its attractive flowers, bark, and foliage. Propagation of Grewia bicolor Juss. var. tephrodermis (K.Schum.) Burret is usually done through seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation of Grewia bicolor Juss. var. tephrodermis (K.Schum.) Burret by seeds is relatively easy. The seeds are collected from ripened fruit, cleaned, and sown in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept consistently moist until the seeds germinate. Seedlings can be transplanted to bigger containers or to the garden once they grow to a suitable size.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation of Grewia bicolor Juss. var. tephrodermis (K.Schum.) Burret can also be done through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from mature plants during the growing season. The cuttings should be at least 6 inches long and should have at least two nodes. The leaves on the lower nodes should be removed and the cuttings should be dipped into rooting hormone before being planted in well-draining soil. The cuttings should be kept warm and moist until they develop roots and start to grow.
Propagation by layering
Propagation of Grewia bicolor Juss. var. tephrodermis (K.Schum.) Burret by layering involves bending a low branch to the ground and covering it with soil. Roots will develop from the nodes and once they have developed sufficiently, the new plant can be separated from the mother plant and transplanted to a new location. Layering is a commonly used propagation method for plants that are difficult to root from cuttings.
Disease Management of Grewia bicolor Juss. var. tephrodermis
The most common disease which affects the plant is Leaf Spot. It is caused by a fungus, which leads to the formation of small, water-soaked spots on the foliage of the plant. To prevent the spreading of this disease, it is recommended to remove all infected leaves and maintain good air circulation between the plants. Fungicides can also be applied to control the disease.
Another disease which affects the plant is Powdery Mildew. It is caused by a fungus that attacks the leaves, shoots, and flowers, forming a white powdery substance. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove all infected parts of the plant and ensure proper airflow. Fungicides can also be applied to control the disease.
Pest Management of Grewia bicolor Juss. var. tephrodermis
The most common pests which affect the plant are Mealybugs and Aphids. The Mealybugs attach themselves to the undersides of the leaves and form a white cottony substance, while Aphids feed on the plant's sap, causing the leaves to curl and wilt. It is recommended to remove all infected parts of the plant and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the pests.
The plant is also vulnerable to Termite infestation, which can damage the root system of the plant and cause it to wilt and eventually die. To prevent this, it is recommended to regularly inspect the soil around the plant and use appropriate pesticides to control the Termites.
