Overview
Grewia hypoglauca K.Schum. is a shrub or small tree that belongs to the Tiliaceae family. It is commonly known as the Grey-leaved raisin-tree or Grewia.Origin
The plant is native to several African countries such as Angola and Namibia. It is also found in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.Common Names
Aside from its scientific name and common name, the Grey-leaved raisin-tree has many other names it goes by. The plant is known as Lekkerbreek, Mafuhlela, and Ubonkhwane in South Africa.Appearance
This plant is a deciduous shrub or small tree that grows up to 5 meters (16.4 feet) tall. Its leaves are grey-green, roughly oval-shaped, and velvety to the touch, with serrated margins. The leaves are around 3–12 cm long and 2.5–10 cm wide. The flowers are small, yellow, and star-shaped. They usually bloom from December to February. The fruit of the Grewia hypoglauca is round and reddish-brown, and It's edible, sweet, and has a raisin-like taste.Uses
The Grewia hypoglauca has several uses. Its fruit is edible and is eaten raw, dried, or cooked in various dishes. The tree's bark and roots are used to make medicine and dyes. The plant has a high tannin content, and the bark and roots are used to tan leather. The wood of the tree is suitable for making tool handles and is used as fuel. The leaves and twigs of the tree are commonly used as browse for livestock in times of drought.Typical Growth Conditions of Grewia hypoglauca K.Schum.
Grewia hypoglauca K.Schum. is a perennial shrub or small tree found in eastern and southern Africa, particularly in Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. It belongs to the family Malvaceae and typically grows up to 5-8 meters in height. Its leaves are green-grey in color and have an elliptical, ovate, or oblong shape. The plant produces pale yellow or white flowers that are attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Light Conditions
Grewia hypoglauca K.Schum. generally grows in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to thrive. The plant can tolerate light shade but may not flower well in such conditions. Additionally, young plants need protection from intense sun and strong winds, as they can easily get damaged.
Temperature Conditions
Grewia hypoglauca K.Schum. grows well in tropical to subtropical climates. It prefers temperatures ranging from 20 to 35 degrees Celsius. The plant can tolerate light frost, but extremely low temperatures can damage it. Young plants are susceptible to frost and should be protected during frosty weather.
Soil Requirements
Grewia hypoglauca K.Schum. grows well in well-drained soils with a pH ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. The plant is moderately drought tolerant, but it grows best in soils with a moderate level of moisture. Sandy or loamy soils are ideal for its growth, and it can also grow in clay soils with good drainage. However, the plant does not grow well in waterlogged soils, and care should be taken to ensure proper drainage.
Overall, Grewia hypoglauca K.Schum. requires warm temperatures, moderate moisture, and well-drained soils to thrive. It also needs protection from frost and strong winds, especially during its early stages of growth.
Cultivation methods
Grewia hypoglauca K.Schum., commonly known as a crossberry or Dyers' mallow, is a small to medium-sized shrub that is native to Africa. It can be easily grown in areas with tropical or subtropical climates. The plant prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate both acidic and alkaline soils. It can grow in full sunlight or partial shade, but it performs better in areas with partial shade.
If you are planning to cultivate this plant, it is recommended to propagate it through seeds or cuttings. The seeds are sown in a well-maintained nursery bed with good drainage. Cuttings can also be taken during the growing season, and they should be treated with a rooting hormone before planting in well-drained soil.
Watering needs
Grewia hypoglauca K.Schum. prefers regular watering, especially during the dry season, to keep the soil moist. However, be careful not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot. It is recommended to water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the climate and soil type.
Fertilization
If the plant is grown in poor soil, it might require some fertilization to boost its growth. Organic fertilizers such as compost or well-rotted manure can be added to the soil around the base of the plant. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers should be used with caution as they can promote excessive vegetative growth which can compromise fruiting.
Pruning
Grewia hypoglauca K.Schum. requires minimal pruning, but the plant can be pruned to maintain its shape and tidy up the plant. Pruning is generally done during the dry season. It is recommended to remove any dead, broken, or diseased branches. Crossing branches can also be pruned to prevent them from rubbing against each other.
The plant produces fruits annually, which form on the previous year's growth. To enhance fruiting, pruning can be done periodically to encourage new vegetative growth, leading to more flowering and fruiting.
Propagation of Grewia hypoglauca K.Schum.
Grewia hypoglauca K.Schum., commonly known as the White Cross-berry, can be propagated through various methods. These include:
Seed propagation
Seeds of the Grewia hypoglauca K.Schum. should be harvested from mature fruits, washed thoroughly and dried under shade. Sow the seeds in well-drained soil mixed with compost. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm with a spacing of 30 cm between each plant. Germination can be expected within 2-3 weeks.
Cuttings propagation
This method involves the use of hardwood stem cuttings. A length of about 30 cm should be cut, removing all the leaves except for the top two or three leaves. The bottom end of the cutting should be treated with rooting hormone powder. The cuttings should then be planted in well-draining soil at a depth of 10-15 cm with a spacing of 30 cm. They should be frequently watered until the plants are established.
Air layering propagation
This method is used for propagating Grewia hypoglauca K.Schum. with thicker stems. A strip of bark is removed from a section of a branch about 1 meter above the ground, and a rooting hormone is applied to the exposed part. The wound is then covered with moist sphagnum moss, and tied with plastic to hold the moss in place. The moss should be moistened regularly, and roots will emerge from the wound in about 4-6 weeks. The rooted portion is then cut and planted in a suitable potting mixture.
The above described propagation methods can be employed to successfully propagate Grewia hypoglauca K.Schum.. However, each method should be adapted to the specific plant variety and environmental factors.
Disease and Pest Management for Grewia hypoglauca K.Schum
Grewia hypoglauca K.Schum., also known as the Phalsa tree, is a fruit-bearing plant that is native to South Asia. While this plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases, there are some issues that may arise that can affect its growth and development. Managing these problems effectively is important to ensure that the plant remains healthy and productive.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Grewia hypoglauca K.Schum. is anthracnose. This is a fungal disease that causes the fruit to rot and can also impact leaves and stems. Another fungal disease that can affect this plant is powdery mildew, which can cause a white powdery coating to develop on leaves.
To manage these diseases, it is important to keep the plant well-pruned and to remove any infected or diseased parts immediately. Applying fungicides can also be effective, but it is important to choose a product that is specifically designed for the type of disease you are dealing with.
Common Pests
There are a few pests that can also cause problems for Grewia hypoglauca K.Schum. The most common of these is the fruit fly, which lays eggs in the fruit and can cause it to become soft and spoiled. Another pest that can affect this plant is the leafhopper, which damages leaves by sucking out the sap.
Avoiding the use of chemical pesticides is ideal as they can be harmful to beneficial insects and can also contaminate the fruit. One way to manage fruit flies is to use physical barriers such as nets or bags to cover the fruit. Additionally, using sticky traps can help to capture adult fruit flies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Grewia hypoglauca K.Schum. is generally resistant to pests and diseases, managing any issues that do arise is important to ensure that the plant remains healthy and productive. Proper pruning, removal of infected or diseased parts, and the use of fungicides and physical barriers are all effective ways to manage diseases and pests for this plant.
