Overview of Grewia mollis Juss. var. trichocarpa
Grewia mollis Juss. var. trichocarpa (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Burret is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Malvaceae. It is a shrub or small tree that is commonly found in East Africa, particularly in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The plant is known by different common names, including African starbush, jule, sandpaper raisin, and velvety raisin.
General Appearance of Grewia mollis Juss. var. trichocarpa
Grewia mollis Juss. var. trichocarpa is a bushy shrub or small tree that grows up to 5 meters tall. The plant has a rounded or spreading crown, and its branches are covered with stiff, sharp-prickled hairs. The leaves are simple, alternate, ovate or elliptical in shape, and measure between 2.5 and 10 cm long. The upper surface of the leaf is dark green, while the lower surface is lighter and has a velvety texture. The flowers are small, pink, and star-shaped, and they occur in clusters of two to five along the branches. The fruit is a small, round berry that turns from green to purplish-black as it matures, and it contains numerous small seeds.
Uses of Grewia mollis Juss. var. trichocarpa
Grewia mollis Juss. var. trichocarpa has several uses in traditional medicine and as a food source. The bark and leaves of the plant have medicinal properties and are used to treat a range of ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. The fruit is edible and has a sweet and slightly tart flavor. It can be eaten fresh or dried and is used to make jams, jellies, and fruit leather. The plant is also used for soil conservation and as a source of firewood and charcoal.
Growth Conditions of Grewia mollis Juss. var. trichocarpa
Grewia mollis Juss. var. trichocarpa is a perennial plant that is native to sub-Saharan Africa. This plant typically grows in open grasslands or woodlands at elevations between 500 and 2000 meters above sea level. It can reach a height of up to 3 meters and has a spread of about 2 meters.
Light Requirements
Grewia mollis Juss. var. trichocarpa requires full sun to partial shade for optimum growth. This plant thrives in areas with bright light, but it can also tolerate some shade. In areas with intense sunlight, it is recommended to provide some shade to protect the plant from sunscald.
Temperature Requirements
The typical temperature range for Grewia mollis Juss. var. trichocarpa is between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. This plant can tolerate some cold, but it prefers warmer temperatures. It is sensitive to frost, so it should not be grown in areas with temperatures below freezing.
Soil Requirements
Grewia mollis Juss. var. trichocarpa grows best in well-draining, sandy soils. It can also grow in loamy soils, but it does not do well in heavy clay soils. The soil pH should be between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimum growth. This plant does not require a lot of fertilizer, but it can benefit from occasional applications of a balanced fertilizer.
Cultivation Methods
Grewia mollis Juss. var. trichocarpa (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Burret is a shrub that prefers warm temperatures and full sunlight to grow. It thrives in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. The plant can be propagated from root cuttings or seedlings. To cultivate the plant, plant the cuttings or seedlings in nutrient-rich soil and water them regularly.
Watering Needs
Grewia mollis Juss. var. trichocarpa (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Burret requires regular watering during the growing season, especially if rainfall is scarce. The plant should receive enough water to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Watering frequency may vary depending on the temperature and humidity of the area, with more frequent watering needed during hot, dry weather.
Fertilization
For optimal growth, fertilize Grewia mollis Juss. var. trichocarpa (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Burret at the beginning of the growing season with an organic fertilizer. Use a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10, and follow the instructions on the label for application rates. Repeat the fertilization process every four to six weeks, depending on the growth of the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and health of Grewia mollis Juss. var. trichocarpa (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Burret. Prune the plant annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut away any dead or diseased branches, and shape the plant to maintain a bushy, compact form. Remove any branches that cross or rub against each other to prevent damage.
Propagation of Grewia mollis Juss. var. trichocarpa (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Burret
Grewia mollis Juss. var. trichocarpa (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Burret is commonly propagated through seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Grewia mollis Juss. var. trichocarpa (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Burret are collected from fully ripened fruits. The seeds are then cleaned and sown in the nursery during the rainy season. The nursery bed is prepared by mixing well-decomposed farmyard manure with the topsoil. The seedlings usually start emerging within 10-15 days. They are transplanted to polybags or individual containers after 4-6 months of growth. The seedlings are watered regularly and protected from direct sunlight for the first few weeks after transplantation.
Cutting Propagation
Softwood cuttings are taken during the rainy season from healthy young shoots. The cuttings are dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-drained soil. The soil surface is covered with a plastic sheet to maintain high humidity. The cuttings usually root within 4-6 weeks and are transplanted to individual containers. They are kept in shade for a few weeks to recover from transplant shock.
Layering Propagation
Grewia mollis Juss. var. trichocarpa (Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Burret can be propagated by layering in the monsoon season. Low-lying branches of the parent plant are selected, and a small cut is made on the underside of the branch. The cut portion is then fixed to the ground using a peg and covered with soil. The layered branch will develop roots within 4-6 weeks. Once the roots have developed, the branch is cut from the parent plant and transplanted to a suitable location.
Disease Management
Grewia mollis Juss. var. trichocarpa is susceptible to several diseases that can cause damage to the plant. Below are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes the leaves to wilt and turn black, and the branches to die back. To manage this disease, remove infected plant parts and destroy them. Applying copper-based fungicides can also help control the spread of the disease.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that creates a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To manage this disease, use an appropriate fungicide. Reduce watering and avoid wetting the leaves as this can promote fungal growth. Proper plant spacing and good air circulation can also help prevent the spread of powdery mildew.
Pest Management
Grewia mollis Juss. var. trichocarpa is also vulnerable to several pests that can feed on the plant's leaves and fruits. Below are some common pests and ways to manage them:
Fruit Flies
Fruit flies are a major pest of Grewia mollis Juss. var. trichocarpa. They lay their eggs on the fruit, which then hatch into larvae that feed on the fruit. To manage this pest, use sticky traps to capture adult flies or cover the fruit with mesh bags to prevent the flies from laying their eggs on the fruit.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are another common pest of Grewia mollis Juss. var. trichocarpa. They can defoliate the plant if left unchecked. To manage this pest, handpick caterpillars when they are found on the plant. Applying an appropriate insecticide can also help control their population.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause discoloration and damage to the leaves. To manage this pest, use an appropriate insecticide and reduce watering as spider mites thrive in humid conditions. Good plant hygiene and avoiding overcrowding can also help prevent infestations.
