Overview
Grewia flavescens Juss. var. longipedunculata Burret, commonly known as the oak-leaved raisin or long-stalked grewia, is a species of the Tiliaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. This plant typically grows in lowland forests, secondary forests, and forest margins.
Description
Grewia flavescens Juss. var. longipedunculata Burret is a small tree or shrub that typically grows up to 5 meters tall. This plant has a smooth bark and hairy young stems, and its leaves are alternate, oblong to elliptic or ovate in shape, and measure about 5 to 12 cm in length and 2.5 to 7 cm in width. Its flowers are small, yellow to orange, and occur in clusters of 2 to 5 on stalks that are about 2 to 4 cm in length. The fruit of this plant is a small, round, and fleshy berry that is about 8 to 10 mm in diameter and turns from green to yellow when ripe.
Uses
The fruit of Grewia flavescens Juss. var. longipedunculata Burret is edible and has a sweet and sour taste. In some Southeast Asian countries, the fruit is used to make jams, jellies, and preserves or eaten fresh or dried. The bark and leaves of this plant have also been used in traditional medicine for various ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal disorders. The bark has also been used for its fibrous properties, and the wood is used for fuel and making small household items.
Growth Conditions for Grewia Flavescens Juss. Var. Longipedunculata Burret
Light: Grewia flavescens Juss. var. longipedunculata Burret prefers bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can damage its leaves and stunted growth. It can also tolerate partial shade.
Temperature: The plant can grow in a range of temperatures but prefers a warm climate. The temperature range for growth is between 20-30°C. Any temperature below 10°C can damage the plant's roots and cause the leaves to drop.
Soil requirements: The ideal soil for Grewia flavescens Juss. var. longipedunculata Burret is well-draining, rich in organic matter, and has a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. It is best to use a soil mix that retains moisture, but excess water should drain away quickly to prevent waterlogging. The plant can tolerate a range of soil types but prefers sandy or loamy soils.
Cultivation Methods
Grewia flavescens Juss. var. longipedunculata Burret grows best in tropical and subtropical climates with a moderate amount of rainfall. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Propagation is usually through seeds, but it can also be done through cuttings. The ideal time to plant Grewia flavescens Juss. var. longipedunculata Burret is during the rainy season when the soil is moist and the temperature is cool.
Watering Needs
Grewia flavescens Juss. var. longipedunculata Burret requires moderate watering. The plant should be watered regularly during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-draining. During the dormant season, watering should be reduced to avoid waterlogging the soil.
Fertilization
Grewia flavescens Juss. var. longipedunculata Burret requires regular fertilization during the growing season. The fertilizer should be rich in nitrogen to promote leaf growth and phosphorus to enhance flowering. Potassium is also essential for strong root growth and healthy leaves. The fertilizers should be applied in a circular pattern around the base of the plant and watered immediately to avoid burning the roots.
Pruning
Grewia flavescens Juss. var. longipedunculata Burret requires pruning to maintain its shape and encourage bushy growth. The plant should be pruned in the dormant season before the onset of the growing season. The dead and diseased branches should be removed using disinfected pruning shears to avoid infecting healthy branches. The pruning should be done selectively, ensuring that the natural shape of the plant is maintained. Regular pruning of the plant also helps to promote flowering and fruiting.
Propagation of Grewia flavescens Juss. var. longipedunculata Burret
Grewia flavescens Juss. var. longipedunculata Burret is a woody, evergreen shrub that belongs to the Malvaceae family. This plant is native to Southeast Asia and can be propagated by various methods.
Seed Propagation
The propagation of Grewia flavescens Juss. var. longipedunculata Burret can be done through seeds, which can be collected from mature fruits in autumn after the fruit has ripened. The seeds should be extracted carefully and then washed before sowing. For optimum germination, the seeds should be planted in a soil mixture of sand and peat moss in a ratio of 1:1. It is important to keep the soil moist while preventing waterlogging. Germination usually occurs within 2 to 3 weeks after sowing.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation through cuttings is another popular method for Grewia flavescens Juss. var. longipedunculata Burret. Semi-hardwood cuttings that are taken from the current season's growth are ideal for propagation. The cuttings should be approximately 15 cm long, with at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, leaving only two leaves at the top. Next, the cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and then planted in a soil mixture of sand and peat moss in a ratio of 1:1. The cuttings should then be placed in a warm, humid environment with partial shade. It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for the cuttings to develop roots and become suitable for transplanting.
Air layering Propagation
Air layering is another method that can be used to propagate Grewia flavescens Juss. var. longipedunculata Burret. This method is useful when propagating mature plants that are difficult to propagate through cuttings. To create an air layer, the bark of a small branch should be removed from a section roughly 1.5 cm long, leaving the cutting exposed. The cut should be dusted with rooting hormone, then wrapped with damp sphagnum moss. After wrapping, the moss should be covered in plastic wrap to hold moisture and secured with wire at both ends. The moss should be left in the shade, and after two to three months, the cutting will develop roots. When the roots have appeared, the rooted section of the branch can be cut and planted in a container or the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Grewia flavescens Juss. Var. Longipedunculata Burret
Grewia flavescens Juss. var. longipedunculata Burret, also known as White Crossberry, is a hardy and drought-resistant plant that can be grown in various climates and soil types. While it is generally a low-maintenance plant, there are still several pests and diseases that can affect its growth and yield. In this article, we will delve into the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggest ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that can affect Grewia flavescens Juss. var. longipedunculata Burret. It appears as small brown spots on the leaves, which can enlarge and merge, causing serious defoliation and reduced fruit yield. To manage this disease, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed. Spraying fungicides like copper oxychloride or mancozeb can also help control the spread of the disease.
Rust: Rust is another fungal disease that can affect Grewia flavescens Juss. var. longipedunculata Burret. It appears as small, orange-yellow pustules on the leaves and stems, which can cause leaf drop and weaken the plant. To manage this disease, the affected parts of the plant should be pruned and destroyed. Spraying fungicides like copper fungicides or thiophanate-methyl can also help control the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
False Codling Moth: False codling moth larvae bore into the fruits of Grewia flavescens Juss. var. longipedunculata Burret, causing damage and creating an entry point for secondary pests and diseases. The moth also defecates on the fruit, creating an unsightly appearance and promoting the spread of bacteria and fungi. To manage this pest, picking up and destroying any dropped fruits is recommended. Spraying of insecticides like spinosad or deltamethrin can also help control the pest.
Thrips: Thrips are small insects that can cause a serious infestation on Grewia flavescens Juss. var. longipedunculata Burret plants. They feed on plant tissues and cause damage to young leaves, buds, and flowers. To manage this pest, avoiding overly dry conditions and using insecticidal soap or neem oil can help control the pest.
Conclusion
Grewia flavescens Juss. var. longipedunculata Burret is a low-maintenance plant that can grow well in various climates and soil types. However, it is still susceptible to diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. With proper management strategies in place like removing affected parts and using insecticides and fungicides, growers can protect their plants and ensure a healthy and productive crop.
