Overview
Grewia sulcata Mast. var. ectasicarpa (S.Moore) Burret is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Tiliaceae family. It is commonly referred to as the desert raisin or pipirri in English, and unguwa tsamiya in Hausa language. The plant is native to sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in areas like Somalia, Sudan, and Nigeria.
Appearance
The desert raisin shrub can grow up to 3 meters in height, with a trunk diameter of approximately 20 centimeters. The plant has a grey-brown bark, and the young branches are green in color and densely covered in hairs. The leaves are alternate, simple, and oval-shaped, with a length of 4-16 centimeters and width of 2-10 centimeters. The flowers are small and yellow in color, borne on axillary and solitary pedicels. The fruit is a globose drupe, measuring up to 2 centimeters in diameter, with a greenish-yellow color that turns brown when matured.
Uses
The desert raisin fruit is edible and has been used as a food source by indigenous Africans for centuries. It is either consumed fresh or sun-dried, and can be used as a substitute for raisins in cooking. The bark and roots of the plant have medicinal properties and are used in traditional African medicine for the treatment of various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and fever. Cotton is produced from the plant's fibers which are of good quality and thickness, making it useful in the textile industry.
The desert raisin shrub is also planted for soil erosion control and as an ornamental plant due to its beautiful foliage and attractive fruit.
Light Requirements
Grewia sulcata Mast. var. ectasicarpa (S.Moore) Burret is a plant that requires full to partial sunlight to grow properly. The plant will not grow well in areas that are shaded for most of the day. It is important to expose the plant to sunlight regularly to allow for proper photosynthesis which is key in the growth of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for the growth of Grewia sulcata Mast. var. ectasicarpa (S.Moore) Burret is between 15°C and 30°C. Temperatures below 15°C may cause the plant's growth to stunt while those above 30°C may cause the plant to wither and die. It is important to ensure that the plant is grown in an area where the temperature is regulated to provide an environment that encourages optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
Grewia sulcata Mast. var. ectasicarpa (S.Moore) Burret grows well in well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It is important to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged as this may cause the roots to rot. Adding organic matter to the soil can help improve its structure and nutrient levels which are essential for the healthy growth of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Grewia sulcata Mast. var. ectasicarpa (S.Moore) Burret is best grown in warm climates with well-drained soil rich in organic matter. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 20°C and 35°C. The plant requires direct sunlight for at least six hours a day, but it can also tolerate partial shade, especially during the hottest months of the year. It is propagated mainly through stem cuttings, which should be at least 10 cm long and planted in a soil mix that is kept moist but not waterlogged.
Watering Needs
Grewia sulcata Mast. var. ectasicarpa (S.Moore) Burret needs regular watering. The soil should be kept slightly moist but never waterlogged, especially during the growing season. Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid heat stress, and the leaves should not be sprayed with water directly as it can cause leaf spot disease. During the winter months, the watering should be reduced but not stopped, as the plant can still lose moisture through evapotranspiration.
Fertilization
Fertilization is vital for the growth and development of Grewia sulcata Mast. var. ectasicarpa (S.Moore) Burret. A balanced fertilizer with a 6-6-6 (N-P-K) ratio or a slow-release fertilizer can be applied every two to three months. Organic fertilizers such as compost or manure can also be added during the planting stage to improve the soil quality. Care should be taken not to over-fertilize, as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth and poor fruiting.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and structure of Grewia sulcata Mast. var. ectasicarpa (S.Moore) Burret and promote healthy growth. The best time to prune is during the dormant season, which is usually in the winter months. Dead or diseased branches should be removed, and any crossing or rubbing branches should be pruned to prevent damage. The plant can be trained to grow as a tree, with a single trunk and a branching structure, or as a bush, with multiple stems. Regular pruning also helps to control the size of the plant and encourage fruit production.
Propagation of Grewia sulcata Mast. var. ectasicarpa (S.Moore) Burret
Grewia sulcata Mast. var. ectasicarpa (S.Moore) Burret, also known as the Sandpaper Raisin, is a small, deciduous tree or shrub that is native to southern Africa. It is often used for ornamental purposes due to its attractive foliage and edible fruits. If you are interested in propagating this plant, there are several methods that you can use:
Seed Propagation
The most common method of propagating Grewia sulcata Mast. var. ectasicarpa is through seed propagation. The seeds should be harvested from ripe fruits and should be cleaned before being sown. To improve germination rates, it is recommended that the seeds be scarified before planting. Scarification can be achieved by nicking the seed coat with a knife or rubbing them with sandpaper. Once scarified, the seeds can be planted in trays filled with a well-draining soil mix. The trays should be kept in a warm, sunny location, and the soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate.
Cutting Propagation
Grewia sulcata Mast. var. ectasicarpa can also be propagated through cutting propagation. Semi-hardwood cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth, and the leaves should be removed from the lower portion of the stem. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings should be placed in a warm, humid location until they root.
Air Layering
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used to propagate Grewia sulcata Mast. var. ectasicarpa. This method involves making a partial cut in a branch, applying rooting hormone to the wound, and then wrapping the wound with sphagnum moss and plastic wrap. The moss should be kept moist, and roots will form at the wound site. Once roots have formed, the branch can be cut off and planted in a well-draining soil mix.
Disease management
Grewia sulcata Mast. var. ectasicarpa is susceptible to various diseases that can negatively affect its growth and yield. Some of the common diseases that affect G. sulcata var. ectasicarpa include:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that affects leaves, fruit, and stems. Symptoms include sunken water-soaked spots that turn brown or black. To manage this disease, it is important to remove and destroy infected plant parts, provide good air circulation, and use fungicides.
- Rust: This is a fungal disease that affects leaves and stems. Symptoms include yellowish-orange powdery spots on both the upper and lower leaf surfaces. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts, and use fungicides.
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that affects leaves. Symptoms include circular to angular brown spots that have a yellow halo. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts, provide good air circulation, and use fungicides.
- Bacterial blight: This is a bacterial disease that affects leaves, flowers, and fruit. Symptoms include wilting, blackening of stems, and water-soaked spots on leaves. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts and use bactericides.
Pest management
Grewia sulcata Mast. var. ectasicarpa is also susceptible to various pests that can negatively affect its growth and yield. Some of the common pests that affect G. sulcata var. ectasicarpa include:
- Fruit flies: These pests are attracted to ripe fruits and lay eggs under the fruit skin. The hatched larvae feed on the pulp, causing the fruit to rot. To manage this pest, it is important to regularly monitor the plants, collect and destroy infected fruit, and use insecticides.
- Aphids: These pests feed on the sap of the plant, causing wilting and stunted growth. To manage this pest, it is important to regularly monitor the plants, use insecticidal soaps, and introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Mealybugs: These pests also feed on the sap of the plant and secrete a sticky honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold. To manage this pest, it is important to regularly monitor the plants, use insecticidal soaps, and introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Thrips: These pests feed on the sap of the plant, causing discoloration, distortion, and stunted growth. To manage this pest, it is important to regularly monitor the plants, use insecticides, and introduce natural predators such as predatory mites.
