Overview:
Grewia pachycalyx K.Schum. is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Malvaceae. It is a small tree or large shrub that is native to Africa, particularly in the savannah regions of Eastern Tanzania, Kenya, and Somalia. The plant is recognized by its many common names, including hairy-leaved grewia, kiswahili, and mkwaju in Swahili.
Description:
The Grewia pachycalyx plant has a unique appearance with its hairy leaves that are approximately 10-16 cm long and 5-8 cm wide. The leaves are round to slightly oval-shaped and covered with tiny hairs that make them feel rough to the touch. The plant produces small, white to greenish-yellow flowers in clusters that bloom from October to December. The oval-shaped fruit produced by the plant is approximately 1 cm in diameter, and it turns from yellow to orange as it ripens. The fruit is edible, but it is mainly used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Uses:
The Grewia pachycalyx is a medicinal plant and has been widely used in traditional medicine by the indigenous people of Africa to treat various ailments such as respiratory tract infections, stomach disorders, and fever. The leaves and bark of the plant are boiled to produce a decoction that is used to treat malaria and other fevers. Additionally, the fruit of the plant is used as a laxative and for the treatment of diarrhea.
The Grewia pachycalyx is also used for its timber, which is used in the construction of houses, fences, and tools. The plant is also used as a living fence to create barriers between fields.
In summary, Grewia pachycalyx K.Schum. is a small tree or shrub that is native to Africa and has hairy leaves, small white to greenish-yellow flowers, and edible orange fruit. The plant is widely used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, and its timber is used for construction and tools.Growth conditions for Grewia pachycalyx K.Schum.
Grewia pachycalyx K.Schum. is an evergreen shrub that belongs to the family Malvaceae. The plant is commonly found in tropical regions with wet climates, such as the forests of Congo and Uganda.
Light Requirements
Grewia pachycalyx K.Schum. grows well under full sunlight to partial shade. The plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
Grewia pachycalyx K.Schum. grows best in warm climates that have an average temperature range of 22°C to 32°C. The minimum temperature required for the plant's growth is 15°C.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH level. It can grow well in sandy, loamy, or clay soils. The ideal soil temperature for Grewia pachycalyx K.Schum. growth is between 22°C and 25°C. The plant can tolerate drought conditions, but it requires regular watering to thrive.
In conclusion, to grow Grewia pachycalyx K.Schum., one must provide it with well-drained soil with neutral to slightly acidic pH levels, at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, and warm average temperatures of 22°C to 32°C.
Cultivation methods
Grewia pachycalyx K.Schum., commonly known as the Sandpaper raisin, is a drought-resistant shrub that can grow up to 4 meters tall. The plant prefers well-drained soil with sandy or loamy texture. It requires full sun exposure and can tolerate high temperatures.
The plant can be propagated through both seeds and cuttings. Sow the seeds in warm soil during early spring, and it will germinate within a month. Cuttings obtained from semi-hardwood are best planted in a warm and moist environment and will root within four to six weeks. Transplant the seedlings or rooted plants when they are 10cm or more.
Watering needs
Grewia pachycalyx K.Schum. requires low to moderate watering, especially during the vegetative stage. Water the plant regularly during the first few weeks after transplanting to keep the soil moist. The plant can tolerate minimal water levels once it establishes well in the ground. Waterlogging can be fatal for the shrub, so ensure proper drainage.
Fertilization
Apply natural fertilizers, such as compost or manure, during the growing season. To enrich the soil, depending on the state, apply general-purpose fertilizers. Give the plant a phosphorus-rich fertilizer when it starts to bear fruit. A quarterly application of organic fertilizers is recommended. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it can damage the roots and inhibit growth.
Pruning
Grewia pachycalyx K.Schum. requires light pruning every year after harvest. Cut away any damaged or diseased branches as soon as you spot them. Prune to shape the shrub during the growing season but avoid removing too much of the foliage. You can prune the plant to keep it at a manageable size, and a light prune to encourage an abundant harvest.
Propagation of Grewia pachycalyx K.Schum.
Grewia pachycalyx K.Schum. can be propagated through several methods including:
1. Seed propagation
Grewia pachycalyx K.Schum. can be easily propagated through seeds. Seeds are collected from mature fruits in the wild during the dry season. The seeds are then cleaned, dried and sown in raised nursery beds under 50% shade. Germination usually takes 10-15 days and the seedlings can be transplanted into individual polythene bags when they have developed their first true leaves.
2. Stem cuttings
Grewia pachycalyx K.Schum. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken from the plant during the rainy season and treated with rooting hormones quickly root in a sandy loam medium. The rooted cuttings can then be transplanted to the field after 4-6 weeks or when they have developed enough root system.
3. Air layering
This method is used for vegetative propagation of Grewia pachycalyx K.Schum. Air layering is done by selecting healthy branches with a thickness of about 1-2 cm and a length of 20-30 cm. A ring of bark is removed from the lower part of the stem, and the wound is covered with rooting hormone. The wounded surface is then wrapped with wet sphagnum moss or any organic material that can hold moisture. After 4-6 weeks roots will form and the branch can be cut off and planted in a clean potting medium.
4. Grafting
Grewia pachycalyx K.Schum. can be propagated through grafting. The most commonly used method is patch budding. It involves making a T-shaped incision in the rootstock and a matching patch on the scion. The scion is then inserted into the rootstock and held in place with a rubber band or polythene tape. The grafted plants are then kept under high humidity until new shoots appear.
The best time to propagate Grewia pachycalyx K.Schum. is during the rainy season when there is sufficient moisture. After propagation, the plants require sufficient water for healthy growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Grewia pachycalyx K.Schum.
Grewia pachycalyx K.Schum. is a hardy plant that is relatively resistant to pest and disease attacks. However, it can still be affected by some pests and diseases, which can be managed through various methods.
Common pests
The common pests that affect Grewia pachycalyx K.Schum. include:
- Spider mites: These are tiny, sap-sucking pests that attack the leaves of the plant. They cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off, leading to stunted growth of the plant. To manage spider mites, you can use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil. You can also prune severely infested areas to prevent the spread of the mites.
- Leafhoppers: These are small, wedge-shaped insects that feed on the underside of leaves, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage leafhoppers, you can use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or pyrethrin-based insecticides.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing skeletonization and defoliation. To manage caterpillars, you can handpick them and destroy them, use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) insecticide, or neem oil.
Common diseases
The common diseases that affect Grewia pachycalyx K.Schum. include:
- Root rot: This is caused by the Phytophthora fungus, which attacks the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and die. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that the soil is well-drained. You can also use fungicides to treat the infected plant.
- Leaf spot: This is caused by the Cercospora fungus, which attacks the leaves of the plant, causing circular brown spots with yellow halos. To manage leaf spot, remove infected leaves and destroy them. You can also use copper-based fungicide to treat the infected plant.
- Powdery mildew: This is caused by a fungus that attacks the leaves of the plant, causing a powdery white coating. To manage powdery mildew, you can use neem oil or sulfur-based fungicides. You can also prune severely infected areas and improve air circulation to prevent the spread of the disease.
Regular monitoring of the plant for pest and disease attacks is crucial to ensure that any issues are detected early and managed promptly. Additionally, maintaining good sanitation practices, such as removing fallen leaves and debris, can prevent the buildup of pest and disease-causing organisms.
