Overview of Grewia carpinifolia Juss. var. hierniana Burret
Grewia carpinifolia Juss. var. hierniana Burret is a shrub that belongs to the Tiliaceae family. It is commonly known as "teak leaved grewia" or "wild almond" and is native to Africa, specifically in countries such as Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This plant grows in different habitat types, from open woodlands, savannas, and hillsides.
Appearance of Grewia carpinifolia Juss. var. hierniana Burret
The plant is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can reach up to 5 meters in height. It has a single stem that is covered with a bark that is brown-grayish in color. Its leaves are alternate, simple, and elliptical, and are about 2-6 cm long. The upper part of the leaves is dark green, while the underside is paler. Its flowers are five-petaled, small, and have a pink or purple hue. Its fruits are round to oval, 12-14 mm in diameter, and turn red to black when mature.
Uses of Grewia carpinifolia Juss. var. hierniana Burret
The plant has several uses in African traditional medicine, where its roots, bark, and leaves are used to treat various ailments such as fever, stomach ailments, diarrhea, and dysentery. Its flowers are used to make tea, which is believed to have calming effects.
The fruits of Grewia carpinifolia Juss. var. hierniana Burret are edible and have a sour taste. They are used to make jam and are eaten fresh by some people. The wood of the plant is used to make poles, tool handles, and small scale furniture.
In addition, Grewia carpinifolia Juss. var. hierniana Burret provides ecological benefits such as soil stabilization, erosion control, and habitat for wildlife such as birds and insects.
Light Requirements
Grewia carpinifolia Juss. var. hierniana Burret typically thrives in areas with full sunlight exposure, making areas with high intensity, bright, and direct sunlight ideal. However, it can still tolerate areas with partial shade, provided that there is at least four hours of direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
As a tropical plant, Grewia carpinifolia Juss. var. hierniana Burret requires temperatures that are warm, moist, and humid. It can tolerate temperatures ranging from 20-30°C, but the ideal temperature range is around 25-27°C. In areas with colder temperatures, it will become dormant, while higher temperatures may cause heat stress.
Soil Requirements
Grewia carpinifolia Juss. var. hierniana Burret can grow in a wide range of soil types but prefers soils that are loamy or sandy. The soil should also have good drainage, as it does not tolerate waterlogged soils. Additionally, it benefits from soil that is rich in nutrients and organic matter. A pH range of 6.5-7.5 is optimal for the plant's growth.
Cultivation of Grewia carpinifolia Juss. var. hierniana Burret
When cultivating Grewia carpinifolia Juss. var. hierniana Burret, it is essential to ensure that the plant is planted in well-draining soils. The soil type should be sandy or loamy, with a pH of approximately 6.0 to 7.5. The plant requires full sunlight to thrive, so it is best to plant it in an open space that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily.
Watering Needs of Grewia carpinifolia Juss. var. hierniana Burret
Grewia carpinifolia Juss. var. hierniana Burret requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. The plant prefers moist soil but cannot tolerate waterlogging. It is important to water the plant deeply, ensuring that the water reaches the root zone. However, it is best to avoid watering the foliage to reduce the incidence of fungal diseases.
Fertilization of Grewia carpinifolia Juss. var. hierniana Burret
Grewia carpinifolia Juss. var. hierniana Burret requires regular fertilization to support growth and development. It is important to apply balanced fertilizers that contain equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The fertilizer should be applied during the growing season, with extra care taken not to apply too much. Over-fertilization can lead to the accumulation of salts in the soil, which can be harmful to the plant.
Pruning of Grewia carpinifolia Juss. var. hierniana Burret
Grewia carpinifolia Juss. var. hierniana Burret requires minimal pruning, primarily to remove weak, diseased, or dead branches. Pruning can be done during the dormant season or after flowering. It is important to use sterilized cutting tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Grewia carpinifolia Juss. var. hierniana Burret
Grewia carpinifolia Juss. var. hierniana Burret can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods of propagation.
Sexual Propagation
Seeds of G. carpinifolia can be used for propagation. Seeds should be collected when the fruits are mature, and the seeds should be cleaned, washed, and dried in the shade. Seeds are then sowed in nursery beds or in polybags filled with soil, and kept in a shaded area. The seeds germinate in about 3 to 4 weeks. After germination, the seedlings are regularly watered, and when they are 6 to 8 inches tall, they can be transplanted into the field or into individual containers.
Asexual Propagation
Grewia carpinifolia Juss. var. hierniana Burret can be propagated asexually through cutting, layering, or grafting methods.
Cutting
The cutting method involves the use of stem cuttings for propagation. Stem cuttings of 8 to 10 inches in length and 0.5 to 1 inch in diameter are collected from healthy plants during the winter season. The basal end of the cuttings is treated with rooting hormone, and then the cuttings are inserted into polybags containing sand and soil mixture, and kept in shaded areas. The cuttings start rooting in about 3 to 4 weeks. After rooting, the cuttings are transplanted into individual pots or into the field.
Layering
In layering, a branch of a mature plant is bent down, and the lower part is slightly wounded and covered with soil, leaving the tip of the branch exposed above the soil level. The wounded parts of the branch will develop roots within 2 to 3 months. The branch is then cut off from the parent plant, and the new plant is transplanted into individual pots or into the field.
Grafting
G. carpinifolia can be grafted onto compatible rootstocks using cleft, whip and tongue, or side grafting methods. The scion and rootstock should be of similar size, and the graft union should be tightly bound with grafting tape. After grafting, the plants should be kept in a humid environment for 2 to 3 weeks. The new plant is then transplanted into individual pots or into the field.
Disease Management for Grewia carpinifolia Juss. var. hierniana Burret
Grewia carpinifolia Juss. var. hierniana Burret, commonly known as the Lavender Star-flower, is generally a healthy and disease-resistant plant. However, some diseases may affect the plant at times. Here are some common plant diseases and ways to manage them.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spots are a common disease affecting Lavender Star-flower that can be caused by several pathogens. Symptoms of this disease include yellow or brown spots on leaves, often with a dark border. In severe cases, the leaves may turn yellow and fall off the plant.
The best way to manage leaf spots is to remove infected leaves and destroy them to prevent further spread of the disease. Also, avoid watering the plants in the evening to reduce moisture on the leaves, as they are more susceptible to infection when wet. You can also apply a fungicide to protect your plants from further infestation.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is another common disease affecting Lavender Star-flower. It is a fungal disease that presents on leaves and stems as a powdery substance. It is often caused by a lack of airflow around the plant and high humidity levels.
To manage powdery mildew, prune off infected leaves and increase the airflow around your plants. Avoid overhead watering, as powdery mildew thrives in humid conditions. Also, apply a suitable fungicide to control further spread of the infection.
Pest Management for Grewia carpinifolia Juss. var. hierniana Burret
Grewia carpinifolia Juss. var. hierniana Burret is also vulnerable to pests that can cause damage to its leaves, flowers, and fruit. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them.
Aphids
Aphids are tiny insects that can damage Lavender Star-flower plants by sucking the sap from the leaves. This results in stunted growth and yellowing of leaves.
To control aphids, prune heavily infested areas of the plant, encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, and apply an insecticidal soap or a neem oil solution.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars can also be a problem for Lavender Star-flower plants, as they feed voraciously on the leaves. Some species cause more damage than others, and they can quickly defoliate entire plants.
To control caterpillars, remove the affected leaves, apply a suitable insecticide, or encourage natural predators like birds and parasitic wasps, which feed on caterpillars.
By following these measures, you can keep your Lavender Star-flower healthy and thriving, and protect it from the various pests and diseases that can harm it.
