Overview
Grewia microcarpa K.Schum. var. polyantha (K.Schum.) Burret, commonly known as the Phalsa or Indian Sherbet Berry, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree from the Tiliaceae family. It is native to South Asia and found in India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
Description
The Phalsa plant can grow up to 12 meters in height, and the trunk can have a diameter of up to 35 cm. The bark is a smooth greyish color, and leaves are 3-9cm in length and 2-7cm in width, with a dark green upper surface and a pale green underside. Phalsa flowers are yellowish-green, small, and develop in axillary fascicles. The fruit is a reddish-purple drupe measuring about 1 cm in diameter.
Uses
The Phalsa plant is commonly used in South Asian traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, migraine, sore throat, and fever. The plant has antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties. The fruit is also consumed fresh or used to make sherbet, a popular summer drink in South Asia. The acidic nature of the Phalsa fruit makes it a natural alternative to synthetic citric acid.
Cultivation
Phalsa plants prefer warm and humid climates and can grow in various soil types. The plant is usually propagated through seeds or cuttings. It takes around two to three years for the Phalsa plant to mature and bear fruit.
Light Requirements
Grewia microcarpa K.Schum. var. polyantha (K.Schum.) Burret requires full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a few hours of direct sunlight in cooler climates, but protection from harsh afternoon sun is essential for this plant to thrive. Inadequate sunlight will result in stunted growth, reduced branching, and smaller foliage.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical regions and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, including high humidity, and can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F. It can tolerate temperatures above 90°F if the soil is kept consistently moist. However, the optimal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 80°F.
Soil Requirements
Grewia microcarpa K.Schum. var. polyantha (K.Schum.) Burret prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. It is adapted to a variety of soil types such as sandy, loamy, and clay loam. Heavy clay soil, however, may remain too wet and lead to root rot. The plant should be watered regularly, but it doesn't require a lot of water and can tolerate moderate drought.
Cultivation Method
Grewia microcarpa K.Schum. var. polyantha (K.Schum.) Burret, commonly known as Phalsa, is a deciduous fruit plant that thrives in warm climates. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sunlight exposure, but it can also grow in partial shade. It is best to plant the Phalsa saplings in the spring. The plant can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, and air-layering.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Grewia microcarpa K.Schum. var. polyantha (K.Schum.) Burret depend on the climate and soil moisture. It is crucial to keep the soil slightly moist during the growing season, which is usually from late spring to early fall. In hot and dry weather, it is best to water the plant twice a week. However, the plant should not be over-watered as it may lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Grewia microcarpa K.Schum. var. polyantha (K.Schum.) Burret benefits from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and good fruit production. It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer that has an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The fertilizer should be applied twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. It is best to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging for proper application and dosage.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for the health and productivity of Grewia microcarpa K.Schum. var. polyantha (K.Schum.) Burret. The best time for pruning is during the dormant season, which is usually in late winter or early spring. Pruning helps to stimulate new growth and remove dead or diseased branches, which can harm the plant's health. It is recommended to prune the plant annually to maintain its shape and encourage fruit production.
Propagation of Grewia microcarpa K.Schum. var. polyantha (K.Schum.) Burret
Grewia microcarpa K.Schum. var. polyantha (K.Schum.) Burret can be propagated by both seeds and stem cuttings. The most commonly used methods are seed propagation and hardwood cuttings.
Seed propagation
The seeds of Grewia microcarpa K.Schum. var. polyantha (K.Schum.) Burret can be sown in the field or in pots. The best time for sowing seeds is during the monsoon season. Prior to sowing, the seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours. This promotes germination and helps to soften the seed coat. After soaking, the seeds can be sown directly in the field or in pots filled with well-drained potting mix. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1 cm and covered lightly with soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Hardwood cuttings
Hardwood cuttings can also be used to propagate Grewia microcarpa K.Schum. var. polyantha (K.Schum.) Burret. The best time for taking hardwood cuttings is during the winter months. Healthy, disease-free stems should be selected and cut into 15-20 cm long sections. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone to promote rooting. They can then be planted in a well-draining potting mix or directly in the field. It is important to keep the soil moist and protect the cuttings from direct sunlight and extreme weather conditions until they have rooted and established.
Disease and Pest Management for Grewia Microcarpa K.Schum. var. Polyantha (K.Schum.) Burret
Grewia microcarpa K.Schum. var. polyantha (K.Schum.) Burret is a hardy plant that is resistant to many diseases and pests. However, like all plants, it can still be affected by certain pathogens and pests.
Common Diseases of Grewia Microcarpa K.Schum. var. Polyantha (K.Schum.) Burret
Anthracnose is a common disease of Grewia microcarpa and is caused by the fungi Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and C. truncatum. Symptoms of anthracnose include leaf spot, stem cankers, and fruit rot. To manage anthracnose, remove infected plant parts and apply a fungicide. Fungicides containing chlorothalonil, copper sulfate, or mancozeb are effective against anthracnose.
Bacterial wilt is another disease that affects Grewia microcarpa. It is caused by the bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum and symptoms include wilting, discoloration, and a sticky exudate from the stem. Bacterial wilt can be managed by removing infected plants and avoiding planting susceptible plants in the same area for at least two years.
Common Pests of Grewia Microcarpa K.Schum. var. Polyantha (K.Schum.) Burret
Mites can be a problem for Grewia microcarpa plants. Two-spotted spider mites, in particular, can cause leaf yellowing and premature leaf drop. To manage mites, apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. These oils work by suffocating the mites and preventing them from reproducing.
The caterpillars of the African armyworm can also feed on Grewia microcarpa leaves, causing defoliation. To manage this pest, apply a foliar pesticide containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Bt is a naturally occurring bacterium that is toxic to caterpillars.
By taking proper measures to identify and manage diseases and pests, Grewia microcarpa K.Schum. var. polyantha (K.Schum.) Burret can remain a healthy and productive plant for years to come.
