Overview of Grewia crinita K.Schum.
Grewia crinita K.Schum. is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Malvaceae. It is commonly known as the hairy raisin or the sandpaper raisin, and it is native to the southern part of Africa.
Appearance of Grewia crinita K.Schum.
The plant is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 5 meters in height. The leaves are simple, alternate, and hairy, with a sandpaper-like texture on the upper surface. They are oval-shaped, 2-6 cm long and 1-4 cm wide. The flowers are small, white or pinkish, and are produced in clusters that hang from the branches. The fruits are hairy, fleshy berries that resemble raisins and are edible.
Uses of Grewia crinita K.Schum.
The hairy raisin has various uses in traditional medicine. For example, the leaves and bark are used to treat fever, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. The root is used as a treatment for sore throat and toothache. The fruit is eaten fresh or dried and is used in jams, jellies, and beverages. The wood is used for making tool handles and furniture, and the plant is also used for erosion control and soil stabilization in arid areas.
In addition, Grewia crinita K.Schum. is of ecological importance, as it provides food and shelter for various wildlife species, including birds, mammals, and insects.
Light Requirements
Grewia crinita K.Schum. prefers full to partial sunlight exposure for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but prolonged periods of low light levels can affect its growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements
Grewia crinita K.Schum. thrives in warm to hot temperatures, with a preferred range of 20-30°C. It can also tolerate higher temperatures, but prolonged exposure to temperatures outside of its range can cause stress and affect growth.
Soil Requirements
Grewia crinita K.Schum. grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a range of 5.5-7.5. It can tolerate some soil salinity, but high levels can be detrimental to its growth and survival.
Regular watering is important, especially during dry seasons, to maintain soil moisture levels. However, overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to waterlogging and root damage.
Cultivation methods for Grewia crinita K.Schum.
Grewia crinita K.Schum. is a shrubby plant that requires full sunlight exposure to grow well. It is a hardy plant that can withstand drought and moderate frost conditions. When cultivating this plant, it is best to start from seeds or cuttings, as it is not easy to propagate through division. The ideal time to plant Grewia crinita K.Schum. is during the rainy season when the soil is moist.
Watering needs for Grewia crinita K.Schum.
Grewia crinita K.Schum. requires moderate watering, especially during the dry season. It is best to water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the moisture content of the soil. During the rainy season, it is advisable to regulate watering, as too much water can cause the plant to rot. It is essential to water the plant at the base, avoiding the leaves, as they are sensitive and can cause diseases if watered excessively.
Fertilization of Grewia crinita K.Schum.
Grewia crinita K.Schum. requires moderate fertilization. An ideal fertilizer for this plant should have a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is recommended to fertilize the plant once every two months during the growing season. Over-fertilization can lead to leaf burn, so it is essential to follow the recommended dosage. Organic fertilizers like compost and manure can also be used to nourish the plant.
Pruning Grewia crinita K.Schum.
Grewia crinita K.Schum. requires moderate pruning to maintain its size and shape. The ideal time to prune this plant is during the dormant season when the plant has shed its leaves. Pruning should be done selectively, cutting out any dead, weak, or diseased branches. It is also essential to remove any branches that cross in the middle, as they can cause damage to other parts of the plant. Pruning should be done with sharp and sterile tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Grewia crinita K.Schum.
Grewia crinita K.Schum., commonly known as "Sticky raisin", is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the Tiliaceae family. It is widely distributed in tropical Africa and can be propagated through various methods.
Seed Propagation
Propagation through seeds is the easiest and most commonly used method for Grewia crinita K.Schum. Seeds are collected from fully matured fruits and cleaned manually before sowing. The seeds are sown in a nursery bed during the rainy season. Germination usually begins after 10 to 14 days, and seedlings are transplanted into individual polythene bags after 4 to 5 weeks of growth. The seedlings are then kept in the nursery for a further 5 to 6 months before planting in the field.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is a commonly used method for propagating Grewia crinita K.Schum. Softwood cuttings of about 10 cm length with 2-3 nodes are taken from healthy parent plants during the growing season. The cuttings are treated with rooting hormone and planted in a mixture of sand and compost. The cuttings are then kept under a misting system to maintain high humidity levels. Rooting occurs after 4 to 6 weeks, and the rooted cuttings are transplanted into polythene bags for further growth before planting in the field.
Air Layering
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for Grewia crinita K.Schum. A small portion of the parent plant is selected and a ring of bark is removed from the stem. The exposed tissue is treated with rooting hormone and wrapped with moist sphagnum moss. The wrapped area is then covered with polythene film to maintain high humidity levels. After 3 to 4 weeks, roots develop from the exposed tissue, and the rooted portion is cut and planted in the field.
Budding and Grafting
Budding and grafting are not commonly used for propagating Grewia crinita K.Schum. However, they can be used for top-working selected varieties onto established trees. Budding and grafting are typically done during the dormant season by using scion wood from selected varieties.
Disease Management for Grewia crinita K.Schum.
Grewia crinita K.Schum. is a highly valued medicinal plant, and hence, it is essential to protect it from diseases. The following are some of the common diseases that affect Grewia crinita K.Schum. and ways to manage them:
Leaf Spot Disease
Leaf spot disease is caused by fungal infection and is characterized by the formation of yellow or brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, one can remove the infected leaves and destroy them to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides can also be sprayed on the plants to control the fungal growth.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is caused by a fungal infection that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. This disease can be managed by improving air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead irrigation. Fungicides can also be used to control this disease.
Bacterial Blight
Bacterial blight is caused by a bacterial infection that infects the leaves and stems of the plant. This disease can be managed by removing the infected parts of the plant and using copper-based fungicides.
Pest Management for Grewia crinita K.Schum.
Grewia crinita K.Schum. is also prone to pest infestations, which can severely damage the plant. The following are some of the common pests that affect Grewia crinita K.Schum. and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, leading to stunted growth. They can be managed by using insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids and can be introduced to the garden to control their population.
Thrips
Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant, causing them to wilt and die. They can be managed by using insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. Introduction of predatory mites can also help control their population.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are slow-moving insects that form cottony masses on the leaves and stems. They can be managed by removing them with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol or using insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.
By implementing the above-mentioned measures, the diseases and pests that affect Grewia crinita K.Schum. can be effectively managed, leading to healthy growth and good yields of this valuable medicinal plant.
