Overview of Grewia cerocarpa Exell & Mendonça
Grewia cerocarpa Exell & Mendonça, commonly known as Balock's grewia or seven-needle berry, is a small tree or shrub belonging to the Tiliaceae family. It is native to southern Africa, particularly found in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa.
Plant's Appearance
The plant's stem is grey-brown and has grooves and bumps. The leaves are small, about 6mm long and 2-3mm wide, with serrated edges and covered with fine hairs. The flowers of Balock's grewia are small, white, and appear in clusters. The fruit is a small, round, hairy berry, about 5-7mm long, and it usually has seven reddish-brown seeds.
Common Uses
Grewia cerocarpa Exell & Mendonça has various traditional medicinal uses. The leaves and bark are used as a remedy to relieve stomach pains, coughs, and colds. In some African countries, the fruit is used to treat eye infections, and the roots are used to combat diarrhea. Moreover, the fruit and leaves are a food source for birds and mammals in the wild.
The plant also has some cultural significance as it is used in certain rituals by Zimbabwean traditional healers. Its bark is burned and used as incense to cleanse people, homes, and cattle of evil spirits.
Cultivation and Conservation
Balock's grewia is a hardy plant that can grow in various habitats, including savannah woodlands, riverbanks, and rocky hillsides. It prefers well-drained soils and can grow up to 3m in height. However, due to habitat loss and overgrazing, the plant is becoming increasingly rare. It is not listed as an endangered species, but conservationists are monitoring its population to prevent further declines.
In conclusion, Grewia cerocarpa Exell & Mendonça is a valuable plant in southern Africa, with various uses in traditional medicine and cultural practices, and it also serves as a food source for wildlife. Its uniqueness and importance for the ecosystem should be acknowledged and preserved for future generations.
Light Requirements
The plant Grewia cerocarpa Exell & Mendonça thrives in full sun to partial shade. It can grow in shaded conditions but may produce fewer flowers or fruits. To ensure healthy growth and proper development, expose the plant to bright light for at least six hours daily.
Temperature Requirements
The Grewia cerocarpa plant is native to tropical regions and can tolerate high temperatures. It grows best in warm to hot conditions, with a minimum average temperature of 20°C and a maximum of 40°C. At low temperatures, the plant's growth slows down, and the leaves turn yellow.
Soil Requirements
The Grewia cerocarpa plant is adaptable to different soil types, but it prefers a well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, with adequate levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The plant can also grow in slightly acidic soil, but it does poorly in waterlogged or compacted soils.
Cultivation methods
Grewia cerocarpa is a plant indigenous to Brazil and is generally cultivated in tropical climates. It prefers well-drained soil with high organic content and acidic or neutral pH levels. The plant requires exposure to sunlight for at least 6 hours a day and temperatures between 20 to 30 °C. It can be easily propagated through cuttings or seeds, and the seeds should be sown in a pot and kept in a shaded area.
Watering needs
The watering requirement for Grewia cerocarpa is moderate. Overwatering can cause stress to the roots and hinder proper growth. The soil should be moist but never saturated. Watering should be done once a week during the dry season and twice a week during the rainy season. The frequency of watering can be increased or decreased depending on the microclimate and soil type.
Fertilization
Grewia cerocarpa requires regular fertilization to promote growth and flowering. The plant should be fertilized with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season, and then every two to three months during the active growing period. The fertilizer should be applied at the base of the plant and be watered immediately after application.
Pruning
Grewia cerocarpa responds well to pruning and can be pruned to maintain its shape and size. Pruning should be done during the dormant period, and the branches should be cut back to maintain a balanced shape. The plant can produce new growth from old wood, so selective pruning can be done to promote new growth. Dead and diseased wood should be removed immediately to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Grewia cerocarpa Exell & Mendonça
Grewia cerocarpa Exell & Mendonça can be propagated by both seed and vegetative propagation methods. The following is a detailed description of each method:
Propagation by Seed
Seeds of Grewia cerocarpa can be collected from mature fruits. The collected seeds can be sown in a well-draining potting mix. The potting mix should be moistened regularly but not soaked. The seeds take about 2-3 weeks to germinate. Once the germination occurs, the seedlings should be separated and transplanted into individual pots.
Vegetative Propagation
Grewia cerocarpa can also be propagated by vegetative methods such as stem cuttings and air layering:
- Stem Cuttings: Select a healthy stem and take a cutting about 10-15 cm long. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Insert the stem cutting in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and maintain high humidity around the cutting. The cutting roots in about 4-6 weeks and can be transplanted into a larger pot.
- Air Layering: Select a healthy stem and make a small cut about 10-15 cm from the tip of the stem. Make another cut about 2-3 cm below the first cut. Remove the bark from the portion between the two cuts, exposing the inner woody tissue. Apply rooting hormone powder on the exposed woody tissue. Wrap the exposed portion with moist sphagnum moss and cover it with plastic wrap. In about 6-8 weeks, roots will start to form from the exposed woody tissue. Once the roots are well-formed, separate the rooted portion from the parent stem and transplant it into a pot.
Propagation by stem cuttings and air layering is preferred for Grewia cerocarpa as it results in plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant which is not the case in seed propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Grewia cerocarpa Exell & Mendonça
Grewia cerocarpa Exell & Mendonça, also known as Lavender Star, is a flowering plant native to Africa. While it is generally a hardy plant, it can be susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Proper disease and pest management is crucial to ensure the health of Grewia cerocarpa and promote optimal growth and development.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affects Grewia cerocarpa is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, remove any infected plant material and improve air circulation around the plant. Prune branches and thin out crowded areas to allow for better air flow. In severe cases, use a fungicide labeled for powdery mildew control.
Anthracnose is another fungal disease that can affect Grewia cerocarpa. This disease causes brown spots on leaves that can spread to stems and flowers. To manage anthracnose, remove any infected plant material and improve air circulation. Pruning branches and thinning out crowded areas can also help prevent the disease from spreading. In severe cases, use a fungicide labeled for anthracnose control.
Common Pests
Spider mites can be a pest that affects Grewia cerocarpa. These tiny arachnids feed on the leaves of the plant, causing damage that can lead to discoloration and premature leaf drop. To manage spider mites, rinse the plant with water to remove the pests and improve humidity levels around the plant. In severe cases, use an insecticide labeled for spider mite control.
The larvae of the Grewia fruit borer can also damage the fruit of Grewia cerocarpa. These pests tunnel into the fruit, causing it to rot and drop prematurely. To manage Grewia fruit borers, inspect the fruit regularly and remove any infected fruit. In severe cases, use an insecticide labeled for fruit borer control.
Proper disease and pest management is essential for the health and growth of Grewia cerocarpa. By addressing these issues early on and using the proper management techniques, you can ensure that your plant thrives for years to come.
