Overview: Grewia flavescens Juss. var. olukondae (Schinz) Wild
Grewia flavescens Juss. var. olukondae (Schinz) Wild is a plant that belongs to the family Malvaceae. It is a subspecies of Grewia flavescens Juss., which is a species of flowering plant found in Africa and Madagascar.
Origin and Distribution
This plant is found in tropical regions of Africa. Specifically, it is found in the eastern part of South Africa, in the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces. It is also found in Swaziland and southern Mozambique.
Common Names
Grewia flavescens Juss. var. olukondae (Schinz) Wild has several common names depending on the region. In South Africa, it is known as Olukonda in the Zulu language, and Umnothowa-kaso in the Xhosa language. In Swaziland, it is known as Kondi.
Uses
The plant has traditional medicinal uses among indigenous communities in the areas where it is found. The bark and roots are used to treat a variety of ailments such as diarrhea, abdominal pains, and wounds. The leaves are used to treat stomach ailments, flu, and coughs.
Additionally, the plant is used as a source of honey by beekeepers in the region. The ripe fruit is also edible and can be eaten fresh or made into a jam.
General Appearance
Grewia flavescens Juss. var. olukondae (Schinz) Wild is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 4m tall. The leaves are oval-shaped, and the Tree has yellow flowers. The fruit is small, round, and orange or reddish in color. It has a slightly sour taste and is rich in Vitamin C.
Light Requirements
Grewia flavescens Juss. var. olukondae (Schinz) Wild usually thrives in areas with ample sunlight. It requires a minimum of five to six hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient light may impair the plant's growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is well adapted to tropical areas and can withstand high temperatures. It usually grows in areas with temperatures ranging from 20 to 35°C. High humidity may support the optimal growth of the plant. Extreme cold may damage the plant.
Soil Requirements
Grewia flavescens Juss. var. olukondae (Schinz) Wild typically grows in well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The plant also prefers soils that are rich in organic matter. Sandy loam or clay loam soils may support the optimal growth of the plant. The soil must have good water-holding capacity, as the plant requires adequate moisture. However, poorly drained soils may harm the plant.
Cultivation of Grewia flavescens Juss. Var. Olukondae (Schinz) Wild
Grewia flavescens Juss. var. olukondae (Schinz) Wild is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub that requires full sun to partial shade to grow optimally. It can grow in a wide range of soils, including sandy, clay, and loamy soils. However, it thrives best in well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0-7.5.
Propagation of Grewia flavescens Juss. var. olukondae (Schinz) Wild can be done through seeds or stem cuttings. However, cuttings have a higher success rate than seeds. It is best to take stem cuttings during the rainy season and use growth hormones to encourage root formation.
Watering Needs of Grewia flavescens Juss. Var. Olukondae (Schinz) Wild
Grewia flavescens Juss. var. olukondae (Schinz) Wild has moderate water requirements and can tolerate drought once established. However, it is advisable to water the plant regularly in the first year after planting to promote growth and development. During the rainy season, reduce watering to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
Fertilization of Grewia flavescens Juss. Var. Olukondae (Schinz) Wild
Grewia flavescens Juss. var. olukondae (Schinz) Wild benefits from regular application of organic fertilizers. Apply fertilizer during the growing season, every 4-6 weeks. Use balanced fertilizers with an NPK ratio of 10:10:10. However, avoid over-fertilization as it can cause leaf burn and stunted growth.
Pruning of Grewia flavescens Juss. var. Olukondae (Schinz) Wild
Grewia flavescens Juss. var. olukondae (Schinz) Wild requires pruning to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth. Prune the plant during the dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring. Trim back any broken or diseased branches and remove dead or crossing branches. Avoid pruning more than a third of the plant's total growth in one season.
Propagation of Grewia flavescens Juss. var. olukondae (Schinz) Wild
Grewia flavescens Juss. var. olukondae (Schinz) Wild can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. The plant can be propagated through seeds as well as vegetative cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
The seeds of Grewia flavescens Juss. var. olukondae (Schinz) Wild are usually collected during the fruiting season, which is from March to August. The collected seeds can be directly sown into the prepared soil beds or in the planting containers.
It is recommended to pre-treat the seeds with hot water to enhance the germination rate. The seeds can be soaked in hot water of about 80°C and left overnight, followed by surface sterilization with 0.1% HgCl2 for 10 minutes before sowing.
The germination rate of the seeds is usually high, and the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots after they attain a height of about 10-15 cm.
Propagation through vegetative cuttings
The vegetative cuttings of Grewia flavescens Juss. var. olukondae (Schinz) Wild are taken from the mature plants during the dormant season, which is from December to March.
It is recommended to take semi-hardwood cuttings of about 20-30 cm in length and 0.5-1 cm in diameter from the mature plants. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormones to enhance the rooting capacity and planted in well-drained media.
The planted cuttings should be placed in a humid and shady location and watered regularly to enhance their survival rate. The rooted cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots after they attain a height of about 10-15 cm.
Disease Management
Grewia flavescens Juss. var. olukondae (Schinz) Wild is a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases. However, it may still fall prey to some common fungal diseases such as:
- Leaf Spot - This is characterized by the appearance of brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the affected leaves and ensure there is proper air circulation around the plant. Additionally, avoid watering the plant from above to prevent the leaves from becoming too wet.
- Anthracnose - This is characterized by the appearance of small, circular, sunken lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruits. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the affected plant parts, improve air circulation, and avoid overcrowding of plants.
It is important to note that prevention is the best approach when it comes to managing plant diseases. This can be achieved through proper sanitation practices such as removing and destroying infected plant parts and avoiding waterlogged soils.
Pest Management
Grewia flavescens Juss. var. olukondae (Schinz) Wild is also a hardy plant that is relatively resistant to most pests. However, it may still fall prey to some common pests such as:
- Aphids - These tiny insects feed on the sap of the plant causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plants with a solution of water and dish soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars - These pests can cause extensive damage by feeding on the leaves. To manage caterpillars, handpick and destroy them or use an organic pesticide like Bacillus thuringiensis.
- Scale Insects - These pests form a hard shell-like covering on the stems and leaves, making them difficult to control. To manage scale insects, use a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
It is also important to practice good garden hygiene by removing any dead plant materials and avoiding over-fertilization to prevent pest problems.
