Overview of Grewia newtonii Burret
Grewia newtonii Burret, also known as the Newton's raisin, is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the family Malvaceae. The plant is native to the highlands of Eastern Africa, particularly in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Common Names
Grewia newtonii Burret is commonly known by the following names:
- Newton's raisin
- Mto mkavu
- Mkavu wa Nyika
- Ukale
Uses
Various parts of Grewia newtonii Burret are used by the local communities for various purposes. The leaves, stem, and bark of the plant are used for medicinal purposes to treat various ailments. The leaves are boiled and the extract is used to treat diarrhea, while the bark is boiled and the extract is used to treat malaria, fever, and stomachache. The plant has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties.
The fruit of the plant is edible and has a sweet-sour taste. It is rich in nutrients and is used to make jam, jelly, and a traditional alcoholic drink known as 'mkangara' in Tanzania. The fruit is also eaten fresh or dried and is an important source of food for animals such as monkeys, baboons, and birds.
Additionally, the plant is used for landscaping purposes due to its attractive appearance and ability to withstand drought conditions.
Appearance
Grewia newtonii Burret is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 6 meters in height. It has a roundish or spreading crown, with light brown to grey bark that is smooth when young but rough and scaly on older trees. The leaves are simple, alternate, and are 4-10 cm long and 3-8 cm wide. The flowers are small, five-petaled, and are purple or pink in color. The fruit is a spherical drupe that is 1-1.5 cm in diameter and has a purplish-black color when ripe.
Light Requirements:
Grewia newtonii Burret requires full sun to partial shade for proper growth. It can tolerate direct sunlight for a few hours each day, but excessive exposure to direct sunlight can cause damage to its leaves.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant requires warm temperatures for proper growth. The optimum growth temperature for Grewia newtonii Burret ranges from 18°C to 24°C. The plant cannot tolerate extremely low temperatures or frost, which can result in damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements:
The plant prefers loose, well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. It can tolerate a variety of soils, including sandy loam, clay loam, and red loam. The plant does not do well in waterlogged or heavy soils, which can cause root rot. Adding organic matter to the soil can improve its fertility and increase the plant's growth rate.
Cultivation
Grewia newtonii Burret thrives in tropical regions, especially in areas with a warm climate. The plant requires well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. It also needs to be sited in a location with full sun exposure to grow well.
Watering Needs
Grewia newtonii Burret requires moderate watering, especially during the growing season. The plant should be watered at least twice a week to maintain adequate moisture levels in the soil. It is important to note that the plant is prone to root rot, so waterlogging should be avoided at all costs.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to thrive. Fertilizers rich in nitrogen and potassium are highly recommended. The fertilizer should be applied once a month during the growing season.
Pruning
Grewia newtonii Burret requires regular pruning to help it maintain its shape. The pruning should be done at the beginning of the growing season before new growth emerges. Dead or damaged branches should also be pruned to promote new growth.
Propagation of Grewia newtonii Burret
Grewia newtonii Burret, commonly known as Newton's raisin, is a shrub or small tree that belongs to the family Malvaceae. This plant species is endemic to Tanzania, where it is mostly found in areas with dry deciduous forests or savannas. Propagation of Grewia newtonii Burret can be done through different techniques, and in this section, we will discuss each of them in detail.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation of Grewia newtonii Burret is an effective method in which the plant's seeds are collected, cleaned, and planted in the soil. The best time to harvest seeds is during the dry season when the fruits are mature. The seeds can be soaked in water overnight to soften the hard seed coat, making it easier for them to germinate.
The ideal temperature for seed germination is between 20 and 30 °C, and it takes about 2-4 weeks for the seeds to germinate. Once the seedlings have grown to about 10cm, they can be transplanted into pots with well-drained soil and placed in a shaded area. The seedlings can be transplanted into the field after six months.
Cuttings
Another propagation method for Grewia newtonii Burret is through cuttings. Hardwood cuttings can be taken from the plant during the dormancy period and treated with rooting hormones to increase rooting success. Cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants and should be at least 30 cm long.
After applying the rooting hormone, the cuttings should be planted in a well-drained soil mix under a shade net. The soil should be kept moist during the rooting period. The roots should start developing within 2-3 months, after which they can be transplanted into poly bags or pots.
Layering
Layering is another propagation method for Grewia newtonii Burret and involves bending a low hanging branch to the ground and covering part of it with soil. After a few weeks, roots will start developing from the part of the branch under the soil. Once roots have developed sufficiently, the branch can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted.
In conclusion, Grewia newtonii Burret can be propagated through seed, cuttings, and layering. The choice of propagation method will depend on factors such as available resources, time, and desired propagation success rates.
Disease Management for Grewia newtonii Burret
Grewia newtonii Burret is a hardy plant that can resist most diseases if it is grown in optimal conditions and taken care of properly. However, there are a few diseases that may affect the plant if preventative measures are not taken.
The most common diseases that affect Grewia newtonii Burret are fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot. Powdery mildew is characterized by a white powdery substance that appears on the leaves and stems of the plant. Root rot is caused by excess water in the soil and presents itself as yellowing and withering leaves.
To manage fungal diseases in Grewia newtonii Burret, it is recommended to maintain proper air circulation around the plant and avoid overhydration. Additionally, applying fungicides can help prevent and manage fungal infections in the plant.
Pest Management for Grewia newtonii Burret
Grewia newtonii Burret is also susceptible to pest infestations, especially if proper care is not taken. Common pests that may affect the plant include spider mites, thrips, and mealybugs.
Spider mites are tiny insects that feed on the sap of the plant and can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. Thrips are tiny insects that can deform the leaves and cause them to curl up. Mealybugs are small, white insects that leave a cotton-like substance on the plant.
To manage pest infestations in Grewia newtonii Burret, it is recommended to maintain proper hygiene around the plant and remove any affected parts immediately. Additionally, applying insecticides and introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs can help prevent and manage pest infestations in the plant.
