Overview
Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. tembensis is a flowering plant belonging to the family Malvaceae. It is a small tree species that is known by several common names such as wild raisin, Temben bush, and Dosema. This plant is native to Eritrea, a country in the Horn of Africa.
Appearance
Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. tembensis is a deciduous plant that can grow up to 6 meters tall. The plant has smooth bark with dark gray or brown color. The leaves are elliptical or ovate, arranged alternately on the branches. They are dark green on top and lighter on the underside, and measure approximately 5-10 cm in length. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, yellowish-white in color, and found in clusters at the base of the leaves. The fruits are reddish-brown drupes that resemble raisins, measuring about 1 cm in diameter.
Uses
The fruits of Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. tembensis are edible and used as food by the local people. The fruit has a slightly sour and acidic taste, similar to that of raisins. The leaves and bark of the plant have been used for medicinal purposes, including treatment for malaria, cough, and fever. The plant's wood is used for construction and fuel, while the fibers from the bark are used to make ropes and baskets.
Cultivation
Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. tembensis is cultivated in home gardens and as a shade tree in some parts of Eritrea. The plant prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate drought conditions. The plants can be propagated through seed or cuttings. However, due to its limited occurrence in the wild, the plant is considered vulnerable to extinction, and its cultivation is encouraged to ensure its survival.
Light Requirements
Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. tembensis is a species adapted to grow in semi-arid regions. As such, it tends to grow best in areas where it receives plenty of sunlight with little to no shade. It needs full sunlight exposure to facilitate the process of photosynthesis and the development of its flowers and fruits.
Temperature Requirements
During its early stages of growth, Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. tembensis will tolerate mild temperatures ranging from 20-25°C, although the optimal temperature immediately after planting should be 27-30°C. However, once the plant has matured, it can tolerate temperatures as high as 40°C without any significant damage.
Soil Requirements
When it comes to soil requirements, Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. tembensis performs well in sandy and well-drained soil. The ideal soil pH should be between 5.5 and 7.5, although it can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils. The plant can grow well in soils with low nutrient content and can also withstand long dry spells without any water. However, it responds positively to occasional irrigation and fertilization.
Cultivation Methods for Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. tembensis
Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. tembensis is a plant that is indigenous to Northern Ethiopia, Sudan, and Eritrea. Cultivating the plant requires an understanding of its natural habitat and conditions to create an environment suitable for its growth. It is important to ensure that the soil temperatures, water levels, and nutrient levels of the plant's habitat match those of its natural environment.
The plant grows best in well-drained soil and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 20-30 degrees Celsius.
Watering Needs
Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. tembensis has moderate water needs. The plant requires regular watering during the growing season to maintain moisture levels in the soil. However, over-watering the plant can lead to root-rot, which can compromise its growth. When watering the plant, ensure that the soil is adequately wet to a depth of at least six inches.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to grow optimally and produce healthy flowers and fruit. It is recommended that the plant be fertilized during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer. The fertilizer should be applied at a rate of 1-2 pounds per plant and should be worked into the soil around the root zone. It is recommended to fertilize the plant every three to four months.
Pruning
Pruning Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. tembensis is essential to maintain the plant's shape and size. The plant should be pruned annually during the dormant season, which is typically in late winter or early spring. Pruning should be done to remove dead or diseased branches, and to control the plant's size and shape. It is recommended to prune no more than 1/3 of the plant's total size at any given time.
Propagation of Grewia Tembensis Fresen. var. Tembensis
Grewia Tembensis Fresen. var. Tembensis can be propagated through several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Seed Propagation
To propagate Grewia Tembensis Fresen. var. Tembensis through seeds, collect ripe fruits and remove the seeds. Clean the seeds thoroughly and sow them in a growing medium. Keep the medium moist and in a warm spot with enough sunlight. The seeds should germinate within a few weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation of Grewia Tembensis Fresen. var. Tembensis is another effective method. Take cuttings of terminal shoots, each about 10cm long, from healthy plants. Remove leaves from the lower two-thirds of the cuttings and dip the cut ends in a rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in sandy soil and keep them moist in a warm and shaded spot. Within a few weeks, the cuttings should develop roots and can be transferred to individual pots.
Layering Propagation
Another propagation method for Grewia Tembensis Fresen. var. Tembensis is layering. In this method, bend a flexible branch towards the ground and wound the lower side of the stem. Cover the wounded part with soil, leaving the growing tip exposed. Keep the soil moist and wait for the roots to develop. Once the roots appear, sever the new plant from the parent and transfer it to a new pot.
Disease and Pest Management for Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. tembensis
Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. tembensis is a small tree or large shrub that belongs to the family Malvaceae. This plant is native to East Africa and is mainly grown for its fruit. To ensure maximum yield, it is essential to manage the disease and pest problems that may harm it.
Common Diseases
Bacterial wilt and anthracnose are the most common diseases that can affect Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. tembensis. Bacterial wilt is caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas solanacearum, which attacks the plant's vascular system, causing wilting and eventually death. Anthracnose, on the other hand, is caused by fungi of the Colletotrichum genus, which result in spotting, browning, and wilting of the leaves.
Disease Management
The management of bacterial wilt and anthracnose usually involves the removal of the infected plant parts and the use of appropriate fungicides and bactericides. Additionally, crop rotation and the use of disease-free planting materials can prevent the recurrence of such diseases.
Common Pests
Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. tembensis may be attacked by a number of pests, including fruit flies, aphids, thrips, and spider mites. These pests can cause significant damage to the plant, severely reducing yield.
Pest Management
Integrated pest management practices, including cultural, biological, and chemical measures, can be used to manage pests' attack on Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. tembensis. These measures can include the use of traps, insecticides, and predators and parasites of the pests. Additionally, regular inspection and monitoring of the plant can help in the early detection of pest infestations and their subsequent control.
Overall, the successful cultivation of Grewia tembensis Fresen. var. tembensis depends on disease and pest management practices. By employing appropriate techniques, farmers can protect the plant and ensure high yield and good quality fruits.
