Overview
Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. kakothamnos (K.Schum.) Burret is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Malvaceae. It is a small tree or a large shrub that is commonly found in Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by several names, including Temben raisin, purple raisin, and Bura.
Origin
The plant is native to the Horn of Africa, including countries such as Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Somalia. It can be found growing in dry and arid regions, and is often seen in rocky areas and hills.
Appearance
The Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. kakothamnos (K.Schum.) Burret is a deciduous plant that can grow up to 10 meters tall. The leaves of the plant are simple and alternate, with a length of around 5 cm. The plant is known for its attractive, purple-colored fruits that resemble small raisins and grow in clusters. The flowers of the plant are white or pink in color and bloom from August to September.
Uses
The plant has several uses in traditional medicine. The bark and roots of the plant are used to treat various ailments, including stomach problems and skin diseases. The fruit of the plant is also edible and has a sweet and slightly sour taste. It can be eaten fresh or dried and is often used to make jams and jellies.
Growth Conditions for Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. kakothamnos (K.Schum.) Burret
Light Requirements: Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. kakothamnos (K.Schum.) Burret typically prefers full sun to partial shade. In general, the plant requires plenty of light exposure to grow optimally. However, excessive sunlight can lead to sunburn and damage the leaves, so partial shade is recommended in extremely hot climates.
Temperature Requirements: The plant can grow well in a range of temperatures but prefers warm to hot temperatures between 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82.4°F). However, it can tolerate temperatures lower than 2°C during winter dormancy, but frost conditions are best avoided to prevent damage.
Soil Requirements: Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. kakothamnos (K.Schum.) Burret prefers well-drained soil and can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, clay, loamy, and rocky soils. However, it does not tolerate water-logged soil, so adequate soil drainage is crucial. The plant can also tolerate soil with low nutrient content but grows best in nutrient-rich soil with a pH range between 5.5 to 7.5.
Cultivation Methods
Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. kakothamnos (K.Schum.) Burret, commonly referred to as Kakothamnos, can grow in a range of soil types, but it prefers well-drained, loamy soils with a pH of 6.5 - 7.5. The plant thrives in areas with full sunlight, but it can also tolerate partial shade. It is best to propagate the plant from seed or cuttings, and planting should occur during the rainy season.
Watering Needs
Regular watering is necessary for the plant's growth and health. During the rainy season, the plant may not require additional watering, but during the dry season, it is necessary to water at least once a week. Overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Applying fertilizer to the soil during planting and subsequently every 6 - 8 weeks can enhance plant growth and health. It is best to use organic fertilizers or a balanced N-P-K inorganic fertilizer. The amount of fertilizer to apply should be based on the plant's growth stage and the specific fertilizer's instructions. The fertilizer should be spread in a ring around the plant's base and lightly raked in.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the plant's shape and to remove damaged or diseased branches. Pruning should occur during the dry season, just before the rainy season begins. The plant should be pruned in a manner that doesn't interfere with new growth and flowering, and it is best to use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant. Pruning should be done in stages to avoid cutting too much at once.
Propagation of Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. kakothamnos (K.Schum.) Burret
Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. kakothamnos (K.Schum.) Burret can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
The plant can be propagated through the use of its seeds. The seeds can be obtained from mature fruits. The fruits should be collected from the plant when they are fully mature and have turned from green to yellow. The seeds should be removed from the fruits and washed thoroughly in clean water to remove any pulp or debris. The washed seeds should then be planted in a well-prepared seedbed. The seedbed should be kept moist and free from weeds. The seeds will germinate in approximately 2-3 weeks.
Asexual Propagation
Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. kakothamnos (K.Schum.) Burret can also be propagated asexually through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants. The cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and should have a minimum of three nodes. The bottom-most node should be removed, and the remaining nodes should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings should then be planted in a well-prepared rooting medium and kept moist and warm. The cuttings will root in approximately 2-3 weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. kakothamnos (K.Schum.) Burret
Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. kakothamnos (K.Schum.) Burret is a plant species that can be affected by various diseases and pests. Here are some common issues and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf spot disease: This is a fungal infection that causes circular yellow spots on the leaves. The spots later turn brown and the affected leaves might drop off. To manage this disease, you can use a fungicide spray such as copper fungicide.
Root rot disease: This is caused by a soil-borne fungus that affects the roots of the plant. The infected roots turn dark brown or black and may start to rot. To manage this disease, ensure proper drainage of the soil and avoid over-watering.
Canker disease: This is a fungal infection that affects the bark and stems of the plant. It causes sunken lesions on the bark and stems, which might ooze resin. To manage this disease, remove and destroy the affected parts of the plant, and apply a fungicide spray like copper fungicide on the remaining parts.
Pests
Mealybugs: These are tiny insects that suck sap from the plant. They leave behind a white waxy substance on the plant, causing stunted growth and eventually death. To manage mealybugs, you can use a natural predator like ladybugs, or apply an insecticidal soap.
Spider mites: These are tiny arachnids that also suck sap from the plant. They cause yellowing of the leaves and webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, you can apply a miticide spray or apply water to the plant to increase humidity and deter them.
Cutworms: These are the larvae of moths that feed on the plant stems, causing wilting or death. To manage cutworms, you can use a biological control like Bacillus thuringiensis, or use physical barriers like collars around the plant stems.
By managing the diseases and pests that might affect Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. kakothamnos (K.Schum.) Burret, you can ensure a healthy and thriving plant. Regular monitoring and timely intervention can go a long way in keeping the plant disease and pest-free.
