Overview
Grewia lasiocarpa E.Mey. ex Harv. is a species of small to medium-sized tree belonging to the Tiliaceae family and endemic to South Africa.
General Appearance
The tree grows up to 5 meters tall, is evergreen and has a spreading crown. The bark is dark, rough, and corky with horizontal fissures. The leaves are simple, alternate and have a hairy surface. They are 5-10 cm long and 3-5 cm wide. Small, white flowers are borne in clusters in the axils of the leaves. The fruit is a small, hairy, rounded, yellow to reddish-brown drupe, 6-9 mm in diameter, with a tough skin.
Common Names
The Grewia lasiocarpa E.Mey. ex Harv. is also known commonly as the Hairy-fruited crossberry, Greywing, and in Afrikaans, it is called "Kruisbessie."
Uses
The fruit of Grewia lasiocarpa is edible, and the local communities use it as a snack or to make juice. The bark of the tree, as well as its roots, are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments like diarrhea, stomach problems, and coughs. The wood is also used for building small household items like tool handles and spoons.
Overall, Grewia lasiocarpa E.Mey. ex Harv. is an important and useful tree species that is found in South Africa.Growth Conditions for Grewia Lasiocarpa E.Mey. Ex Harv.
Grewia lasiocarpa E.Mey. ex Harv. belongs to the genus Grewia and the family Malvaceae. The plant is a small to medium-sized deciduous shrub with a rounded crown. It grows up to 4 meters in height and has a spread of up to 6 meters. Grewia lasiocarpa is native to South Africa, where it occurs naturally in the eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces.
Light Requirements
Grewia lasiocarpa requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. The plant is well adapted to open habitats, including savannas, grasslands, and disturbed areas. It can also tolerate some shade, but excessive shade can lead to reduced growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements
Grewia lasiocarpa is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of temperatures. It grows best in areas with a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The plant can also tolerate frost and moderate drought conditions.
Soil Requirements
Grewia lasiocarpa grows well in a range of soil types, including sandy loam, loam, and clay soils. The plant prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It can tolerate moderate salinity and is well adapted to dry, rocky soils.
Overall, Grewia lasiocarpa is a hardy and adaptable plant that can tolerate a range of growing conditions. It is an excellent choice for gardens and landscaping projects, particularly in areas with a Mediterranean climate.
Cultivation
The plant Grewia lasiocarpa E.Mey. ex Harv. is native to South Africa and is commonly known as the Woolly-leaved Crossberry. It is a shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide, and it is best cultivated in areas with full sunlight. The plant requires well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
When planting this shrub, make sure to give it ample space to spread its branches. The plant can be propagated using seeds or cuttings. If using cuttings, take them from the stem tips and remove the leaves from the bottom half. Then, dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a potting mix that is moist but well-drained.
Watering Needs
The Grewia lasiocarpa E.Mey. ex Harv. shrub requires regular watering during its growing season, which is typically in the spring and summer. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. The plant can tolerate periods of drought, but it is essential to avoid letting the soil completely dry out.
During the dormant season in the fall and winter, reduce the watering frequency to avoid waterlogging and root rot. Water the plant only when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization
The Woolly-leaved Crossberry shrub benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring and fall to encourage healthy growth and flowering. The fertilizer should be high in phosphorus and potassium and low in nitrogen. Alternatively, use organic fertilizers such as compost or well-rotted manure.
When applying fertilizer, be careful not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can lead to nutrient burn and damage to the roots.
Pruning
Pruning is beneficial for the Grewia lasiocarpa E.Mey. ex Harv. shrub to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Prune the plant in the early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches using sharp, clean pruning shears.
You can also prune the shrub to control its size and shape. Cut back any overgrown branches to a pair of healthy buds or where they meet the main stem. This will encourage new growth and maintain the plant's shape.
Avoid pruning the plant in the fall or winter, as this can promote new growth that is susceptible to frost damage.
Propagation of Grewia lasiocarpa E.Mey. ex Harv.
Grewia lasiocarpa E.Mey. ex Harv. can be propagated through various methods described below:
Seed propagation
Seeds are the most common method of propagating Grewia lasiocarpa E.Mey. ex Harv. Before sowing, the seeds must be soaked in lukewarm water for around 24 hours to encourage germination. Soil with good drainage is needed to prevent waterlogging which can kill the plant's roots. The seeds should be sowed in the spring, about 1-2 cm deep into the soil. Germination occurs within 2-4 weeks. Seed propagation is an easy and inexpensive method of propagating Grewia lasiocarpa E.Mey. ex Harv.
Cuttings propagation
Grewia lasiocarpa E.Mey. ex Harv. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Taking cuttings from healthy plants will increase the chances of successful rooting. Choose a stem that is at least 20 cm long and has no flowers or buds. Cut the stem just below a node, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. Place the cutting in a well-draining rooting medium such as peat moss or perlite. Keep the cutting moist and out of direct sunlight until the roots have formed, usually within 3-4 weeks. Cuttings propagation is typically done during the summer.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is another method of propagating Grewia lasiocarpa E.Mey. ex Harv. It involves making a cut in a stem, wrapping a small amount of damp sphagnum moss around the wound, and wrapping the moss with a plastic sheet. Once roots have formed, the branch can be cut off below the wrapped area and planted in a pot. This method requires patience, as it can take several months before enough roots have formed to allow for successful transplantation.
Grafting propagation
Grewia lasiocarpa E.Mey. ex Harv. can also be propagated through grafting. This method involves cutting off a small branch from a healthy plant and attaching it to a suitable rootstock. Tying the two together with grafting tape or twine and covering the area with wax or grafting sealant. Grafting is generally done in the spring when the plant is actively growing and will take a few months to fully heal and grow into a healthy plant. This method is typically used for more advanced gardeners or professionals as it can be quite challenging.
Disease and Pest Management for Grewia lasiocarpa
Grewia lasiocarpa, commonly known as crossberry, is a hardy and drought-resistant shrub that belongs to the Malvaceae family. It is an evergreen plant that is native to South Africa and Mozambique. Although it is a hardy plant, crossberry is still susceptible to certain diseases and pests that can hamper its growth and productivity.
Common Diseases of Grewia lasiocarpa
One of the common diseases that affect crossberry is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as white or grey powdery spots on the leaves, stem, and flowers of the plant. This disease can be prevented by maintaining proper air circulation around the plant, avoiding overhead watering, and removing infected plant parts. For severe infections, fungicides can be used to control the disease.
Another disease that affects G. lasiocarpa is leaf spot. Leaf spot appears as small, dark spots on the leaves of the plant. In severe cases, the leaves may turn yellow and fall off. To control leaf spot, remove infected plant debris and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used to control this disease.
Common Pests of Grewia lasiocarpa
One of the common pests that affect crossberry is the spider mite. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the sap of the plant. They appear as tiny spots on the leaves and can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To control spider mites, spray the plant with water to remove the mites and their webs. In severe cases, insecticides can be used to control this pest.
Another pest that affects G. lasiocarpa is the mealybug. Mealybugs are soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap. They appear as white, cottony masses on the leaves and stems of the plant. To control mealybugs, use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove the insects manually. In severe cases, insecticides can be used to control this pest.
Conclusion
Grewia lasiocarpa is a hardy plant that requires minimal care and maintenance. However, diseases and pests can still affect its growth and productivity. By maintaining proper plant hygiene and using appropriate control measures, gardeners can keep their crossberry plants healthy and productive.
