Overview
Grewia sulcata Mast. var. obovata (K.Schum.) Burret, also known as Obovate Crossberry or False Annona, is a shrub or small tree species that belongs to the Malvaceae family. This plant is native to Africa, particularly in the countries of Angola, Cameroon, Kenya, Mozambique, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, although it has now also been introduced in other parts of the world as an ornamental plant.
Common Names
Aside from Obovate Crossberry and False Annona, Grewia sulcata var. obovata goes by many other common names such as African Crossberry, Red Crossberry, Tsonga Berry, Umduba, and many more. The names of the plant may vary depending on the region and the language.
Appearance
The plant's general appearance can vary depending on the environmental conditions, but generally, Grewia sulcata var. obovata grows as a deciduous shrub or small tree that can reach up to 5-6 meters in height. Its leaves are green and smooth on top, and grayish, woolly beneath. It also produces small tubular flowers that are typically white, pink or purple in color and grow in small clusters.
Uses
Grewia sulcata var. obovata has various uses in different cultures and fields. Its fruit, which has a sweet flavor, is edible and consumed in some parts of Africa, particularly in Mozambique and South Africa. The bark of the plant is known for its medicinal properties such as treating diarrhea, dysentery, and stomach problems. The leaves are also used for making a nutritious tea. Additionally, it has ornamental qualities and is often grown as a garden plant because of its attractive flowers and foliage.
Growth Conditions for Grewia sulcata Mast. var. obovata (K.Schum.) Burret
Grewia sulcata Mast. var. obovata (K.Schum.) Burret is a typical plant of dry savannas and the Sudanian woodlands. To ensure its optimal growth, several growth conditions need to be considered.
Light Requirements
The plant prefers full sunlight and can tolerate partial shade. Growing G. sulcata in shaded areas can lead to stunted growth, reduced flowering, and poor fruiting. Therefore, it is recommended to grow it in open areas, where it can receive full sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Grewia sulcata Mast. var. obovata (K.Schum.) Burret grows best under warm temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68°F-86°F). It can tolerate high temperatures of up to 40°C (104°F) but cannot withstand frost. Therefore, it is best suited for tropical and subtropical regions.
Soil Requirements
Grewia sulcata thrives in a well-drained sandy loam soil with a pH ranging from 5.5-8.0. The soil should be rich in nutrients, and organic matter levels should be maintained to enhance growth. The plant can, however, tolerate poor soil conditions, but this will lead to stunted growth and low yields.
Proper care should be taken when growing Grewia sulcata Mast. var. obovata (K.Schum.) Burret to ensure that the plant meets all its growth conditions to enhance its growth and yield.
Cultivation Methods
Grewia sulcata Mast. var. obovata (K.Schum.) Burret is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures and high humidity to thrive. It is best grown in a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. It is usually propagated from seeds or stem cuttings. Propagation by seed involves soaking the seeds in warm water for several hours to soften the seed coat, then planting them in a prepared seed bed. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil, and the soil kept moist until germination occurs. Propagation by stem cuttings involves taking cuttings from the parent plant and rooting them in a well-draining rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept moist and warm until roots develop.Watering Needs
Grewia sulcata Mast. var. obovata (K.Schum.) Burret requires regular watering during the growing season, especially during dry periods. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to ensure the soil drains well. During the winter months, watering should be reduced to allow the plant to go into a dormant period.Fertilization
Grewia sulcata Mast. var. obovata (K.Schum.) Burret benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Fertilizer should be applied every 2-3 weeks, according to the instructions on the package. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant period in winter.Pruning
Pruning Grewia sulcata Mast. var. obovata (K.Schum.) Burret is not necessary, but it can help maintain a more compact and tidy appearance. It should be pruned lightly at the end of the growing season, removing dead or damaged branches. To promote bushy growth, pinch back the stem tips when the plant is young. This will encourage branching and a fuller growth habit. Small, insignificant flowers are produced on the plant, so removing any old flowers which may appear to keep the plant tidy.Propagation of Grewia sulcata Mast. var. obovata (K.Schum.) Burret
Grewia sulcata Mast. var. obovata (K.Schum.) Burret, commonly known as Butterscotch, belongs to the family Malvaceae. It is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 15 m tall and is native to Africa. The plant is valued for its edible fruits and has various medicinal properties. Propagating Grewia sulcata Mast. var. obovata can be done through the following methods:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Grewia sulcata Mast. var. obovata through seeds is the most common method. The seeds have a hard seed coat and need to be scarified or treated with hot water to promote germination. Once the seed coat is softened or removed, the seeds can be sown in seed trays filled with well-draining soil. The trays should be kept moist and placed in a warm area with indirect sunlight. After germination, the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the field.
Cuttings Propagation
Grewia sulcata Mast. var. obovata can also be propagated through cuttings. Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken from the tree during the growing season. The cuttings should be dipped in a rooting hormone before being planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm and bright area with indirect sunlight. Rooting can take several weeks to a few months. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the field.
Air-Layering Propagation
Air-layering is another propagation method that can be used for Grewia sulcata Mast. var. obovata. This method involves wounding a branch and wrapping it in a moist medium, such as sphagnum moss. The branch is then covered with plastic to maintain moisture and promote rooting. Roots can form within several weeks, and the branch can be cut and transplanted into individual pots or directly into the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Grewia Sulcata Mast. var. Obovata (K.Schum.) Burret
Grewia sulcata Mast. var. obovata (K.Schum.) Burret, commonly known as the Crossberry Tree or the Greybuttonwood, is a shrub or small tree that belongs to the family Malvaceae. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that may affect its growth and yield. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the common diseases and pests that might infest Grewia Sulcata Mast. var. Obovata and the effective ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that may affect Grewia Sulcata Mast. var. Obovata is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears on plant leaves, stems, and flowers. It appears as white or gray patches or spots on the plant surface, reducing the plant's photosynthetic ability. To manage powdery mildew, remove the infected plant parts and destroy them to prevent the disease's further spread. Also, ensure proper plant spacing, adequate light penetration and air circulation that prevent high humidity levels that promote the disease's development. Finally, use a recommended fungicide to manage the powdery mildew disease.
The other common disease that may affect Grewia Sulcata Mast. var. Obovata is root rot. Root rot is a fungal infection that affects the plant's roots, leading to their decay. This disease causes the plant to wilt, have yellowing leaves, and eventually plant death. To manage root rot in Grewia Sulcata Mast. var. Obovata, avoid overwatering, ensure proper drainage, and maintain good soil aeration. Use soil drenching fungicide that is effective in managing root rot.
Common Pests
One of the common pests that may attack Grewia Sulcata Mast. var. Obovata is the spider mites. Spider mites feed on plant sap, causing the plant to lose its vitality, yellowing, and eventually, the plant dies. To control spider mites in Grewia Sulcata Mast. var. Obovata, prune infested plant parts, avoid excessive use of nitrogenous fertilizers that promote the pest's growth and use of an insecticidal soap or a recommended pesticide to manage the pest.
The other pest that may infest Grewia Sulcata Mast. var. Obovata is the thrips. Thrips are tiny, slender insects that feed on the plant's leaves, flowers, and fruits, causing discoloration, deformation, and scarring of the plant. To manage thrips in Grewia Sulcata Mast. var. Obovata, use a recommended insecticide that targets their life cycle, prune and destroy infested plant parts, and promote the growth of natural predators, such as ladybugs, that prey on thrips.
If a disease or pest infestation seems severe, it is advisable to seek help from professional growers or agricultural experts for a more effective management strategy.
