Description
Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. nematopus (K.Schum.) Burret is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Malvaceae. It is a small tree or shrub that grows up to 5 meters tall. The plant is known for its attractive, spherical, five-petalled yellow flowers and its soft, hairy leaves.
Origin and Common Names
The plant is native to eastern and southern Africa, including countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania. It is commonly known as the sandpaper raisin, desert raisin, or African kiwi fruit.
Uses
Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. nematopus (K.Schum.) Burret has a variety of uses. The fruits are edible and can be eaten raw or used to make jams and jellies. In some cultures, the leaves and bark of the plant are used for medicinal purposes, including treating diarrhea and stomach pains. The plant is also used as a source of timber, and the roots have been used to make rope and cloth.
General Appearance
The plant has a dense, spreading crown, with rusty-red branches. It has a smooth bark, and the leaves are ovate or round and hairy. The spherical flowers appear in clusters along the branches. The fruit is a small, reddish-brown, fleshy berry with a sandpapery texture.
Growth conditions of Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. nematopus (K.Schum.) Burret
Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. nematopus (K.Schum.) Burret is a plant species that grows under specific conditions. Here are some important factors that must be considered for its proper growth:
Light
Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. nematopus (K.Schum.) Burret requires bright light to grow well. It can tolerate some shade but is best suited for full sun exposure. The plant requires around 6-8 hours of full sunlight every day. A lack of light may lead to stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature
The typical temperature range for Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. nematopus (K.Schum.) Burret growth is between 20°C to 30°C. The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but prefers a warm climate. Extreme hot or cold temperatures can slow down its growth or cause damage to the plant. It is important to protect the plant from frost during winters.
Soil Requirements
Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. nematopus (K.Schum.) Burret can grow in a variety of soil types but prefers well-draining soil. The pH level of the soil must be neutral to slightly acidic. It does not tolerate waterlogged soil and requires a moderate amount of water. The addition of organic matter to the soil can improve the plant's growth and health.
In conclusion, Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. nematopus (K.Schum.) Burret requires a warm sunny location with well-drained soil for optimum growth. It is important to water the plant moderately and protect it from frost during winters. Maintaining these growth conditions can promote the healthy growth of the plant and improve its overall health.
Cultivation methods
Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. nematopus (K.Schum.) Burret is a plant that requires a warm climate to grow properly. It thrives in well-drained soils and needs to be exposed to direct sunlight. The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings, and it is advisable to undertake propagated in the early spring to give the plant ample time to develop before the winter season.
Watering needs
Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. nematopus (K.Schum.) Burret is a drought-resistant plant. Nevertheless, it requires enough water to grow adequately. Watering should be done thoroughly but infrequently so that the soil can dry out between watering periods. Overwatering could lead to root rot. During the first year of germination, the plant should be watered regularly to promote root growth.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization for optimum growth. You can add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil annually to replenish nutrients. In the absence of compost, apply a balanced dry fertilizer twice a year, once in early spring and another in late summer. The plant is susceptible to salt buildup, so it is recommended to leach the soil every couple of years.
Pruning
Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. nematopus (K.Schum.) Burret does not require frequent pruning. However, if pruning is necessary, do it in late winter or early spring before the onset of new growth. It is advisable to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. You could also prune to shape the plant or control its growth. To avoid damaging the plant, use clean and sharp pruning tools, and make cuts at a 45-degree angle.
Propagation methods for Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. nematopus (K.Schum.) Burret
Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. nematopus (K.Schum.) Burret, commonly known as Nubian crossberry, is a plant species that belongs to the Tiliaceae family. Propagation of this plant can be done through different methods.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method used to propagate Grewia tembensis. The seeds are collected from mature fruits, which are sun-dried to allow for easy extraction. The extracted seeds should be cleaned, and damaged seeds should be removed. The seeds are then sown in a well-drained substrate with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The substrate should be moist, and the seeds should be sown about 1 to 2 cm deep. Germination can be expected within 2 to 3 weeks. The seedlings can be transplanted after they attain a height of about 10 cm.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings from Grewia tembensis can be propagated either from softwood or hardwood. Softwood cuttings are taken during the rainy season from young healthy plants. The cuttings should be about 15 to 20 cm long and should have 3 to 4 nodes. The leaves on the lower two-thirds of the cutting should be removed to reduce water loss through transpiration. The cutting is then treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a substrate mixture of soil, sand, and organic matter. The substrate should be moist, and the cutting should be placed in a shaded area. Hardwood cuttings are taken during the dormant season and are treated in a similar manner, except they require longer rooting periods.
Air layering propagation
Air layering is a propagation method that involves creating roots on a stem that is still attached to the parent plant. A stem about 1 cm thick is partially wounded, and a rooting hormone is applied to the wound. The wounded stem is then wrapped with a moist substrate mixture of soil, peat, and sand, covered with plastic and secured in place with a tie. Roots will grow from the wound in 6 to 8 weeks, and the propagated stem can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted.
Propagation of Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. nematopus (K.Schum.) Burret can be done using any of the above methods. Proper care should be taken to ensure that the substrate is constantly moist, and the plants should be transplanted into well-drained soils.
Disease Management
Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. nematopus (K.Schum.) Burret can suffer from different diseases that can weaken or even kill the plant. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes powdery orange spots on leaves and stems. To manage rust, prune infected branches and remove fallen leaves. Apply a copper fungicide to the infected areas. Ensure good air circulation around the plant.
- Canker: Canker is a fungal or bacterial infection that causes sunken, dead areas in the branches or trunk. To manage canker, prune infected areas, sterilize pruning tools before each cut, and avoid injuring the plant. Apply copper fungicides or Bordeaux mixture to infected areas.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small, dark spots on leaves. To manage leaf spot, prune affected branches and remove infected leaves. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead irrigation. Apply fungicides specifically labeled for leaf spot.
Pest Management
Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. nematopus (K.Schum.) Burret can also suffer from different pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing yellowing and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce natural predators like ladybirds or lacewings.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that suck the plant sap, causing yellowing and webbing on the leaves. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce natural predators like predatory mites.
- Scale insects: Scale insects are small pests that suck plant sap and produce a waxy coating that protects them from predators. To manage scale insects, prune affected branches and use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to suffocate the insects.
