Plant Description
Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Fiori var. capillipes Lanza, also commonly known as Aleppo Mallow or Wild Lavender, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the family Malvaceae. The plant can grow up to a height of 3 meters and has a spread of about 2 meters. It has a woody stem with many branches, and the outer layer of the stem is smooth and grayish-brown in color. The leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate.
Origin and Distribution
Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Fiori var. capillipes Lanza is native to the Mediterranean region, including North Africa, Middle East, and parts of Europe. The plant is distributed in a wide range of habitats such as rocky hillsides, coastal cliffs, and dry riverbeds. Aleppo Mallow is commonly found in countries like Morocco, Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Lebanon.
Common Uses
In traditional medicine, the plant extracts have been used to treat various ailments such as bronchitis, sore throats, coughs, and digestive disorders. The leaves and flowers of Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Fiori var. capillipes Lanza are also used to make a herbal tea. The tea is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. In some regions, the plant is used for its wood, which is used in the making of agricultural tools and charcoal.
General Appearance
The Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Fiori var. capillipes Lanza plant has a bushy appearance with numerous branches. The leaves are thick and leathery, and their upper surface is dark green with a matte finish. The lower surface of the leaves is lighter in color and has slightly raised veins. The flowers of the plant are small and purple in color, and they are arranged in clusters. The fruit of the plant is a small drupe that is green when unripe and brown when ripe.
In summary, Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Fiori var. capillipes Lanza is a deciduous shrub that is native to the Mediterranean region. Its leaves and flowers have medicinal properties while its wood is used for making agricultural tools and charcoal. The plant has thick and leathery leaves, small purple flowers, and a bushy appearance.Light Requirements
Grewia tenax var. capillipes typically grows well in full sunlight, though it can tolerate partial shade. The plant prefers bright light for healthy growth and optimum production of flowers and fruits. If grown under low light conditions, the plant will grow slowly and have reduced yields.
Temperature Requirements
This variety of Grewia tenax is native to tropical and subtropical regions and grows well in warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 20°C to 35°C. The plant cannot tolerate frost and will die if exposed to freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Grewia tenax var. capillipes prefers well-draining soils that are slightly acidic to neutral. The soil should be fertile, rich in organic matter, and have good water-holding capacity. The plant does not thrive in waterlogged soil and may develop root rot if the soil remains damp for extended periods.
Additionally, the plant prefers to grow in soils that have a pH between 6.0 to 7.5. Any pH value outside of this range may affect the plant's growth and development.
Cultivation Methods for Grewia Tenax (Forssk.) Fiori var. Capillipes Lanza
Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Fiori var. capillipes Lanza is a shrub that is native to the dry areas of Africa and the Middle East. It is a robust plant that requires little maintenance, making it a perfect choice for gardeners who want to grow a low-maintenance garden. Here are some cultivation methods for Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Fiori var. capillipes Lanza:
- Choose a sunny location for best growth.
- Plant in well-draining soil, preferably sandy or gravelly.
- Ensure the soil pH is between 5.5 and 7.5, which is mildly acidic to neutral.
- Plant during the spring season.
Watering Needs for Grewia Tenax (Forssk.) Fiori var. Capillipes Lanza
Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Fiori var. capillipes Lanza requires moderate watering. Here are some watering tips for this plant:
- Water regularly during the growing season.
- Water only when the top layer of soil is dry to the touch.
- Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization for Grewia Tenax (Forssk.) Fiori var. Capillipes Lanza
Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Fiori var. capillipes Lanza is a hardy plant that doesn't require much feeding. However, here are some fertilization tips:
- Fertilize once a year in the spring season.
- Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Avoid using too much fertilizer as it can damage the roots.
Pruning Grewia Tenax (Forssk.) Fiori var. Capillipes Lanza
Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Fiori var. capillipes Lanza requires little pruning, but it can be done to help shape and control the growth of the plant. Here are some pruning tips for this plant:
- Prune during the winter or early spring season.
- Remove any dead or damaged branches.
- Shape the plant by pruning the tips of the branches.
- Avoid removing more than 30% of the plant's foliage.
Propagation of Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Fiori var. capillipes Lanza
Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Fiori var. capillipes Lanza is primarily propagated via seeds and stem cuttings. Below is a detailed description of each propagation method.
Propagation via seeds
Seeds of Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Fiori var. capillipes Lanza can be harvested when fruits are fully ripe and have started to dry and split. After harvesting, the seeds should be extracted from the fruit and cleaned to remove any pulp or debris. The cleaned seeds can be sown directly into well-prepared soil or in seed trays.
Seeds sown directly into soil should be sown at a depth of 1-2 cm and spaced about 10 cm apart. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, until the seeds germinate, which can take between 2 to 6 weeks.
Alternatively, seeds can be sown in seed trays filled with a well-draining soil mix, and kept under suitable conditions for germination. After germination, the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots or containers before being planted outside.
Propagation via stem cuttings
Stem cuttings of Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Fiori var. capillipes Lanza can be taken in the growing season from mature, healthy plants. Cuttings should be taken from the tip of the stem and should be about 10-15 cm in length, with two to three sets of leaves.
Before planting, the lower leaves should be removed, and the base of the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone. Cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix, and kept in a warm, humid environment until roots have formed. This process usually takes around 6 to 8 weeks, after which the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots or containers before being planted outside.
Propagation via cuttings is an effective way to propagate Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Fiori var. capillipes Lanza, as it produces clones of the parent plant, resulting in identical plants.
Disease Management
Grewia tenax is relatively resistant to diseases, but the following are the common ones that might affect the plant:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease appears as small, circular spots on the leaves. It is caused by excessive moisture and poor air circulation. To control it, remove the infected leaves and avoid watering the plant from above.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by waterlogged soil, which leads to root decay and death. To prevent it, ensure proper drainage and do not overwater the plant.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems. It is caused by high humidity and poor air circulation. To control it, remove the infected leaves and increase air circulation by pruning the plant.
Pest Management
The following pests might affect Grewia tenax:
- Aphids: These tiny insects suck the plant sap and cause yellowing and distortion of the leaves. To control them, spray the plant with a solution of neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These small arachnids cause stippling and webbing on the leaves. To control them, spray the plant with a solution of insecticidal soap or neem oil. Increase humidity levels to deter these pests as they prefer dry conditions to thrive.
- Caterpillars: These larvae of moths and butterflies feed on the leaves and can cause significant damage. To control them, pick them off manually or spray the plant with a solution of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) which is a microbial pesticide.
