Description of Grewia hookerana Exell & Mendonça
Grewia hookerana Exell & Mendonça is a woody shrub that belongs to the family Malvaceae. This plant is native to India, particularly found in the states of Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. It is also commonly known as Indian Phalsa, Fasli, and Ganga phalsa.
General Appearance
Grewia hookerana Exell & Mendonça can grow up to a height of 3-4 meters. The plant has greyish or brownish bark with numerous cracks. Its round-shaped leaves are green and velvety on the upper surface, while the lower surface is hairy. The leaves have an oblong shape and can grow up to 4-10cm long. The plant produces small, white to pinkish flowers that are not showy and have a diameter of 2cm. Its fruits are purple-black, oval-shaped, and about 1 cm in diameter.
Uses of Grewia hookerana Exell & Mendonça
The fruit of Grewia hookerana Exell & Mendonça is edible and has a sweet and tangy taste. The fruit is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It is often used in making jams, jellies, and juices. The bark of the plant is used in traditional medicine to cure diarrhea, dysentery, and stomach problems. The leaves of the plant are used as fodder for livestock. The plant also has ornamental value and is grown as a hedge plant in gardens.
Light Requirements
Grewia hookerana Exell & Mendonça grows best in full sun exposure. It requires direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. Planting the saplings in a sunny location is essential for their growth, and without sufficient light, it may become stunted or unable to thrive. Therefore, the plant should not be grown in shaded or low-light areas.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is sensitive to low temperatures, and it grows best in warm and humid environments. The optimal temperature range for Grewia hookerana Exell & Mendonça growth is between 20-30°C, and it cannot tolerate frost or low temperatures. In areas with a cold climate, it may not be able to survive the winter season. Hence, it is critical to ensure that the plant is protected from cold drafts and low temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Grewia hookerana Exell & Mendonça thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should be rich in nutrients, with good water absorption to provide an adequate amount of moisture to the plant's roots. The plant exhibits a fast growth rate if grown in soil enriched with organic matter. The ideal soil for Grewia hookerana Exell & Mendonça should be moderately loamy, with good drainage and moisture retention. Therefore, adding compost or organic matter to the soil before planting the saplings can be beneficial to the plant's growth.
Cultivation
Grewia hookerana Exell & Mendonça grows well in well-draining soil and enjoys full sun to partial shade. It's recommended to plant the shrub in an area with good air circulation to help prevent fungal diseases.
Propagation can be done by seeds, though cuttings are a more reliable way to propagate this plant. The best time to take cuttings is in the spring or summer, and rooting hormones are recommended to increase the chances of success.
Watering Needs
Grewia hookerana Exell & Mendonça prefers moist soil, but it's important not to overwater the plant. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, and avoid watering the foliage to prevent leaf spot and other fungal diseases.
During the dry season or prolonged periods without rainfall, increase the frequency of watering to prevent the plant from drying out. However, be careful not to water excessively as this can cause root rot and other issues.
Fertilization
Fertilize Grewia hookerana Exell & Mendonça with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Be careful not to overfertilize, as this can lead to excessive growth at the expense of flowering.
Organic fertilizers such as compost and well-rotted manure can also be added to the soil to improve its fertility and provide a slow-release source of nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning Grewia hookerana Exell & Mendonça should be done after flowering to encourage bushier growth and maintain the desired shape. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, and cut back any branches that have become too long or leggy.
Avoid pruning too heavily, as this can reduce the plant's ability to flower. Also, avoid pruning during the fall and winter, as this can stimulate new growth that may be damaged by frost.
Propagation of Grewia hookerana Exell & Mendonça
The Grewia hookerana Exell & Mendonça is a shrub species that belongs to the Tiliaceae family. It is endemic to Mozambique and can grow up to 3 meters in height. To propagate Grewia hookerana, the following methods can be used:
Seed propagation
One of the most common propagation methods for Grewia hookerana is through seeds. The seeds should be collected when they are ripe, usually in the dry season. The collected seeds can be sown immediately or stored in a cool and dry place. To prepare the seeds for planting, they should be soaked in water for 12 hours to soften the seed coat. The seeds can be sown in seedling trays containing well-drained soil with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. The seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots when they are big enough to handle.
Cuttings propagation
Another method of propagating Grewia hookerana is through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from young, healthy plants during the rainy season. The cuttings should be at least 10 cm long and should have at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the upper leaves should be reduced to reduce transpiration. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a mixture of sand and soil. They should be watered daily and kept in a shaded area for two to three weeks until roots have formed.
Layering propagation
Layering is an alternative method of propagating Grewia hookerana. For this method, a portion of a branch of the plant is bent to the ground and covered with soil. The branch should be wounded where it touches the soil to promote rooting. After a few weeks, roots will form, and the branch can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location.
Propagation of Grewia hookerana Exell & Mendonça can be done using any of the above methods, depending on the availability of resources and the preference of the grower.
Disease Management for Grewia hookerana Exell & Mendonça
Grewia hookerana Exell & Mendonça is a hardy plant that is resistant to many diseases, but it is not immune to all diseases. The following are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common disease that affects many plants, including Grewia hookerana Exell & Mendonça. The disease appears as a white or grayish powder on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. The disease can be managed by removing infected parts of the plant and using fungicides to prevent the spread of the disease.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is another common disease that affects Grewia hookerana Exell & Mendonça. The disease appears as small, dark spots on the leaves of the plant. The disease can be managed by removing infected leaves and applying fungicides. Fungicide applications may need to be repeated at regular intervals to prevent the disease from spreading.
Pest Management for Grewia hookerana Exell & Mendonça
Grewia hookerana Exell & Mendonça can also be affected by pests. The following are some common pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. The insects can be managed by spraying the plant with insecticides or by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs.
Mites
Mites are another common pest that can affect Grewia hookerana Exell & Mendonça. The pests can be managed by spraying the plant with insecticides or by introducing natural predators such as predatory mites.
It is important to monitor the plant regularly for any signs of disease or pest infestations. Early detection and management can help prevent the spread of diseases and pests and ensure the health and vitality of Grewia hookerana Exell & Mendonça.
