Overview of Grewia cissoides Hutch. & Dalziel
Grewia cissoides Hutch. & Dalziel is a flowering plant from the Malvaceae family. It is a shrub or a small tree that can grow up to 5 meters tall. The plant is native to tropical Africa, particularly in Angola, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
Common Names
Grewia cissoides is known by many names depending on the region. In Zambia, it is called "Musambachiko" while in Tanzania, it is referred to as "Mkomaiza". The Luo people of Kenya use the name "Owinjo" to refer to the plant while in Cameroon, it is known as "Ngombele".
Uses of Grewia cissoides
The plant has several uses in traditional medicine. Its bark, leaves, and roots are used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, stomach pains, and chest problems. It is also used as a laxative and an appetite stimulant. Additionally, the plant is used to make twine and rope due to its strong fibrous bark.
Appearance of Grewia cissoides
The plant has a greyish-brown bark with a spiky appearance and can grow up to 5 meters tall. Its leaves are alternate, ovate, and have a glossy green appearance. The flowers are small, white, and appear in clusters. The fruit is a berry that is reddish-brown when ripe and contains several small seeds.
Growth Conditions for Grewia cissoides Hutch. & Dalziel
Grewia cissoides Hutch. & Dalziel, commonly known as Akika, is a small to medium-sized shrub that belongs to the family Malvaceae. It mostly grows in East Africa and parts of West Africa. The following are the typical growth conditions required by Grewia cissoides:
Light
Akika requires full sunlight to grow well. Hence, it is better to grow it in an open area where it can receive an adequate amount of sunlight.
Temperature
Grewia cissoides can tolerate a range of temperatures but thrives in warm conditions. The optimal temperature range for its growth is between 20 and 35 degree Celsius.
Soil Requirements
Akika grows well in loamy soil that is well-draining. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. It can also grow in sandy soil, but the soil's nutrient content needs to be improved by adding organic matter. Too much alkalinity or acidity in the soil can harm the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Grewia cissoides Hutch. & Dalziel is a plant that can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay-rich soils. It prefers well-drained and moist soils, but it can tolerate brief periods of drought. For successful cultivation, the plant requires abundant sunlight and warmth, which means it thrives in tropical climates.
Watering Needs
During the initial phase of growth, it's crucial to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Once the plant is established, it can tolerate longer periods of drought. However, it's still essential to keep the soil slightly moist during the dry season for better growth. The best way to water Grewia cissoides Hutch. & Dalziel is to water it deeply but infrequently.
Fertilization
Grewia cissoides Hutch. & Dalziel is a fast-growing plant and requires proper nutrition to thrive. Fertilizing the plant can help it reach its full potential. The best time to fertilize is during the growing season, typically from spring to summer. It's advisable to use organic fertilizers as they provide essential nutrients and improve soil structure. However, it's important to avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the plant's roots and cause more harm than good.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the health and size of Grewia cissoides Hutch. & Dalziel. It's best to prune during the dormant season, which is usually during late winter or early spring. The aim should be to remove the deadwood and any unnecessary growth that can affect the plant's shape and size. It's also important to prune any damaged or diseased branches immediately to prevent the spread of infection. Always use sharp and clean equipment to avoid damaging the plant and to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Grewia cissoides Hutch. & Dalziel
Grewia cissoides Hutch. & Dalziel is a plant native to West Africa and belongs to the family Malvaceae. It can be propagated by both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
Grewia cissoides produces fruit that contains multiple seeds. These seeds can be collected from ripe fruit, cleaned and then sown in pots or seed beds. The soil mixture for sowing seeds should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1 cm and kept moist until they have germinated.
Asexual Propagation
Grewia cissoides can also be propagated by stem cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken from the current season's growth are the preferred type for propagation. Cuttings should be about 10-15cm in length and should be taken in late spring or early summer. Before planting, cuttings should be dipped into a rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. Cuttings should be kept moist and warm with high levels of humidity. Roots will form within a few weeks, and new growth will appear once the new roots have established.
Grewia cissoides can also be propagated by layering. Layering is the process of encouraging roots to form on a stem while it is still attached to the parent plant. This method is useful for those who want to propagate multiple plants from one parent plant. In this method, a stem is bent gently to the ground, and a hole is dug at a place where the stem touches the soil. This part of the stem is then pegged down into the hole, and covered with soil. The area should be kept moist, and roots will start to form in a few weeks. Once roots have established, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and re-potted.
Disease Management
Grewia cissoides Hutch. & Dalziel is a hardy plant that is not usually attacked by diseases. However, the following are some common diseases that might affect the plant:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot, caused by the fungus Cercospora grewiae, causes small, dark spots on the leaves. This fungus is more likely to attack plants that are stressed, so it is important to ensure that plants are well-watered and fertilized. Infected leaves should be pruned and destroyed to prevent the fungus from spreading. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew, caused by various fungi, causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves. This disease is more likely to occur in humid weather and can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plants. Infected leaves should be pruned and destroyed, and fungicides can be used to control the disease.
Pest Management
Grewia cissoides Hutch. & Dalziel is also resistant to most pests. However, the following are some common pests that might attack the plant:
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, white insects that suck the sap of the plant, causing it to weaken and yellow. They can be controlled using insecticidal soap or by releasing natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies and can strip the leaves of the plant. They can be controlled by handpicking them from the plant or by using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural bacterium that targets caterpillars.
Regular monitoring of the plant is essential to detect any pest or disease attack early. Proper hygiene and sanitation, including cleaning of tools and equipment, can prevent the spread of diseases. It is important to follow the label instructions when using any pesticide to prevent environmental and health hazards.
