Overview
Grewia pubescens P.Beauv. is a shrub belonging to the family Malvaceae. It is commonly known as the hairy-leaved crossberry, brush raisin, or battre. It is found in various regions of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.Appearance
The hairy-leaved crossberry has a compact, shrubby growth form that ranges from 1-5 meters in height. The leaves have a hairy texture and are oval-shaped with pointed tips. They are usually 3-6 cm long and 2-4 cm wide. The plant produces small, pale white to pink flowers that are about 1 cm in diameter. The fruits of this plant are small and round with a diameter of less than 1 cm.Uses
Grewia pubescens P.Beauv. has been used in traditional medicine in various countries. In Nigeria, the roots are used as a treatment for diarrhea and dysentery. The plant has also been used to treat fevers, toothaches, and stomach ailments in India and South Africa. The fruits of the hairy-leaved crossberry are edible and are used to make jams, jellies, and syrups. This plant is also used as a shade tree due to its dense foliage. Overall, Grewia pubescens P.Beauv. is a versatile plant with several medicinal and culinary uses.Growing Conditions for Grewia pubescens P.Beauv.
Grewia pubescens P.Beauv., commonly known as the Velvet-leaved mallow, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the family Malvaceae. This plant species is native to the African continent and grows in areas with tropical and subtropical climates. The plant can grow up to 4 meters tall and 3 meters wide.
Light Requirements
The Velvet-leaved mallow prefers to grow in a location with full sun exposure. The plant can tolerate a little bit of partial shade, but it is best to avoid growing it in very shaded areas. The light available will affect the growth, flower production, and fruit ripening of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The Velvet-leaved mallow can grow well in areas with a warm, temperate climate. This plant prefers a temperature range of about 15 to 35 degrees Celsius. The plant will not tolerate extreme cold or hot temperatures and can die if grown in such environments.
Soil Requirements
Grewia pubescens P.Beauv. can grow in a wide range of soil types, but the soil must be well-draining. The plant can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soil, but it is best grown in a slightly alkaline soil with a pH of about 7.2 to 8.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and the plant will benefit from periodic applications of organic fertilizers.
Watering Requirements
The Velvet-leaved mallow needs regular watering, especially during the growing season. The plant prefers to be kept moist but not waterlogged. Watering should be reduced during the dormant season to avoid waterlogging and root rot.
Other Growth Conditions
The Velvet-leaved mallow is relatively low-maintenance and is resistant to most pests and diseases. Pruning should be done after flowering to maintain a desirable shape and size. The plant can be propagated by stem cuttings, seeds, and layering.
Cultivation of Grewia pubescens P. Beauv.
Grewia pubescens P. Beauv. is a shrub that grows in tropical and subtropical regions. It requires warm and humid conditions to grow well. The plant prefers fertile, well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight for healthy growth.
Watering needs for Grewia pubescens P. Beauv.
Grewia pubescens P. Beauv. needs regular watering to thrive. The frequency of watering depends on the weather conditions and moisture content in the soil. During hot and dry periods, the plant requires more frequent watering. It is advisable to water the plant in the morning or late in the day to avoid evaporation.
Fertilization of Grewia pubescens P. Beauv.
Fertilization is essential for the healthy growth of Grewia pubescens P. Beauv. The plant responds well to organic fertilizers, such as well-rotted manure or compost. It is advisable to apply fertilizer during the growing season for optimal results. Excessive application of fertilizers can lead to the accumulation of salt, which can damage the roots and decrease plant growth.
Pruning of Grewia pubescens P. Beauv.
Pruning is necessary for maintaining the shape and size of Grewia pubescens P. Beauv. It is recommended to prune the plant after flowering to encourage new growth. The removal of dead or crossing branches also improves ventilation and light penetration in the plant canopy. A sharp and clean pruning tool is necessary to avoid damaging the plant tissue.
Propagation of Grewia pubescens P.Beauv.
Grewia pubescens P.Beauv., commonly known as the Velvet Raisin, is a shrub or small tree that is native to subtropical and tropical Africa and Asia. This plant can be propagated through various methods:
Seed Propagation
Seeds are the easiest way to propagate Grewia pubescens P.Beauv. It can be sown in a well-draining mixture of soil and sand. The seeds can be collected in the dry season, from matured fruits after they have ripened. To maximize germination success, the seed coat should first be scarified by rubbing it with sandpaper or soaking it in hot water for a few hours before sowing. Germination can take up to 2-3 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted once they grow their second set of leaves.
Cuttings Propagation
Grewia pubescens P.Beauv. can also be propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth, and be at least six inches long. Make sure to remove all the leaves except for the topmost ones. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil, avoiding direct sunlight. It is best to cover them with plastic bags to maintain humidity levels, which promotes root growth. The cuttings may require four to six weeks to root and should be transplanted into individual pots once they have developed a robust root system.
Air-Layering Propagation
Air-layering is another propagation method that can be used for Grewia pubescens P.Beauv. It involves forming roots on a stem that is still attached to the parent plant. The stem is wounded by removing a thin ring of bark or a short slit, then packed with moist-moss and covered with plastic wrap. After some weeks, roots start to form between the plastic and the wounded portions of the stem. Once the roots are sturdy, the stem can be cut from the parent plant, and the new plant can be potted up separately.
Disease and Pest Management for Grewia pubescens P.Beauv.
Grewia pubescens P.Beauv., also known as the Velvet Raisin, is a shrub that is commonly found in the sub-tropical and tropical regions. The plant is not immune to diseases and pests, and it is important to have knowledge of the common ones and ways to manage them for better plant growth and yield.
Common Diseases of Grewia pubescens P.Beauv.
One of the most common diseases that affects Grewia pubescens P.Beauv. is root rot. This condition is mainly caused by overwatering, which leads to the accumulation of the soil fungus, Phytophthora. Therefore, ensuring good drainage in the soil and avoiding overwatering can prevent root rot in this plant.
Another common fungal disease that affects Grewia pubescens P.Beauv. is powdery mildew. This disease is characterized by a whitish-grey growth on the plant's leaves, leading to wilt. Powdery mildew can be managed quite easily through good plant hygiene, which involves pruning of affected leaves and ensuring proper spacing to increase air circulation.
Common Pests of Grewia pubescens P.Beauv.
The most common pests that affect Grewia pubescens P.Beauv. are scale insects. They feed on the plant's sap, leading to the yellowing of the leaves. Scale insects can be managed by using organic pesticides or introducing biological control agents like ladybugs and green lacewings.
Another pest that affects this plant is mealybugs. They are sap-sucking insects and cause yellowing of the leaves, stunted growth and wilting. Mealybugs can be managed by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Conclusion
Grewia pubescens P.Beauv. is a valuable plant that provides food, medicine, and wood to local communities. However, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can drastically reduce its yield and quality. Good plant hygiene and using organic and biological control methods can help manage the common diseases and pests of this plant, enhancing its growth, and overall performance.
