Overview
Grewia viridiflora De Wild. is a small to medium-sized deciduous shrub or a tree that belongs to the family Malvaceae, commonly known as the Grewia family. It is native to West and Central Africa, including countries such as Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Nigeria.
Appearance
Grewia viridiflora has a smooth greyish-brown bark and can grow up to a height of 5-12 meters. The leaves are simple, alternate, and have an elliptical to ovate shape, measuring 3-10 cm long and 2-5 cm wide. The flowers are greenish-yellow, small, and star-shaped, measuring 1-1.5 cm in diameter. The fruit is a round, fleshy drupe, measuring 1-1.5 cm in diameter, with a brownish-green color when unripe, turning yellowish-orange when mature.
Common Names
Grewia viridiflora is known by various common names in different parts of its distribution range. In Nigeria, it is known as "Olo", while the Igbo tribe calls it "Atili". In Ghana, it is called "Potrodom" or "Fifri" by the Ashanti people. In Cameroon, it is known as "Mbuing" by the Tikar people, and "Efo-Teteh" by the Bayangam people.
Uses
Various parts of Grewia viridiflora have traditional uses in African medicine. The leaves and bark are used to treat various ailments such as fever, dysentery, and cough. The fruit is edible and is eaten raw or used as a flavoring in sauces, while the bark and roots are used in the production of local beer in some parts of Africa. Additionally, the wood is used for making small tools such as spoons, combs, and crude musical instruments.
Typical Growth Conditions of Grewia viridiflora De Wild.
Grewia viridiflora De Wild. is a dioecious and medium-sized tree that can grow up to 10 meters in height. This plant is native to Central Africa and is commonly found in Cameroon, Congo, and Gabon. It belongs to the Tiliaceae family and is valued for its edible fruit and medicinal properties. Here are the growth conditions for Grewia viridiflora De Wild.
Light Requirements
Grewia viridiflora De Wild. requires full sunlight to partial shade for proper growth and development. This plant grows well under direct sunlight, but it can also tolerate shaded conditions. However, when grown under shaded conditions, it may have reduced growth rate and lesser yield.
Temperature Requirements
Grewia viridiflora De Wild. is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 20°C to 30°C. It cannot survive in areas with frost, and the temperature should not dip below 15°C.
Soil Requirements
Grewia viridiflora De Wild. grows well in well-drained soil with good organic matter content. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. This plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils.
In conclusion, Grewia viridiflora De Wild. is a tropical plant that requires warm and humid conditions to thrive. It needs full sunlight to partial shade for proper growth and development. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range. By providing these growth conditions, one can successfully cultivate Grewia viridiflora De Wild. tree.
Cultivation Methods for Grewia viridiflora De Wild.
Grewia viridiflora De Wild. is a tropical plant that grows well in a sunny, warm environment. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay. It is essential to ensure that soil pH remains mildly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
To cultivate Grewia viridiflora De Wild successfully, you will need to start by preparing the planting site. The site needs to be well-drained and receive full sun. Remove any weeds or grass and dig the soil deep enough to allow the plant's roots to penetrate easily. Plant the seedlings or cuttings 30 to 50 cm apart, and ensure that the roots are well-watered.
It is easy to propagate Grewia viridiflora De Wild from stem cuttings. Cut a healthy stem, about 15-20 cm long, and plant it in a well-drained soil mix. Keep the soil moist and place it in a shaded area for the first week. After 2-3 weeks, you can move the plant to a sunnier location, and it should start growing roots within a month.
Watering Needs for Grewia viridiflora De Wild.
Grewia viridiflora De Wild. requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Water the plants deeply, but do not let them sit in waterlogged soil for prolonged periods, as this can cause root rot. Allow the soil to dry out before watering again, and avoid overhead watering, as this can lead to fungal infections. Install a drip irrigation system or water slowly at the base of the plant to maintain moisture levels.
Fertilization of Grewia viridiflora De Wild.
Feed Grewia viridiflora De Wild. with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. Fertilize the plants once every 2-3 months, starting in the spring and ending in the fall. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosage and application methods. Avoid using too much fertilizer, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth and decreased fruit production.
Pruning Grewia viridiflora De Wild.
Grewia viridiflora De Wild. requires minimal pruning, mainly to shape the plant or remove dead or diseased wood. Prune the plants sparingly in the winter or early spring, before new growth appears. Use sharp, sterilized pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. Remove any crossed branches, suckers, or inward-growing branches. Do not prune the plant too aggressively, as this can stunt its growth and decrease fruit production.
Propagation of Grewia viridiflora De Wild.
Grewia viridiflora De Wild., also known as the Greenflower Raisin, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to Central Africa. It is highly valued for its edible fruits and for the medicinal properties of its bark, roots, and leaves. In addition, G. viridiflora is grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and showy, greenish-yellow flowers.
Propagation methods
Grewia viridiflora can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or layering.
Propagation by seed:
The seeds of Grewia viridiflora are small, black, and enclosed in a hard, woody capsule. They can be collected from ripe fruits and sown immediately in a well-draining, fertile soil. The seeds should be covered lightly with soil and kept moist until germination, which usually takes 2-3 weeks. For best results, the soil temperature should be kept between 20-30°C. Once the seedlings are 6-8 cm tall, they can be transplanted to individual pots or into the ground.
Propagation by cuttings:
Grewia viridiflora can also be propagated by stem cuttings. The best time to take cuttings is in the early spring, when the new growth has just started. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and must be taken from healthy, disease-free plants. Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone and insert them into a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight. After 4-6 weeks, the cuttings should have developed enough roots to be transplanted into larger pots or into the ground.
Propagation by layering:
Grewia viridiflora can also be propagated by layering. This method involves bending one of the lower branches of a mature plant to the ground and burying a section of it. The buried section of the branch should be scraped lightly to remove the bark and a rooting hormone can be applied to stimulate root growth. Once the new roots have formed, usually after a few weeks, the branch can be cut away from the mother plant and transplanted to its permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Grewia viridiflora De Wild.
Grewia viridiflora De Wild. is an ornamental shrub that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, there are still a few issues that may arise and can be managed using a few methods.
Common Pests
The most common pests that may affect Grewia viridiflora De Wild. are the spider mites, mealybugs, and scales.
Spider Mites: They may cause yellowing and discolouration of the leaves and cause them to fall off. They can be controlled using insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or neem oil. These sprays must be directed towards the undersides of the leaves where spider mites are commonly found.
Mealybugs: They appear as white, cotton-like spots on the leaves and stems. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or neem oil. For severe infestations, the plant should be isolated and treated with an insecticide spray.
Scales: They appear as small brown spots on the stems and leaves. They can be managed using insecticidal oils or systemic insecticides such as imidacloprid. The insecticides must be sprayed directly on the scales to control them effectively.
Common Diseases
Among the common diseases that may affect Grewia viridiflora De Wild., the most concerning is root rot and powdery mildew.
Root Rot: It is caused by overwatering and poor drainage. The plant may wilt and eventually die due to this disease. To control this disease, the plant must be planted in well-draining soil, and watering can be minimized to an essential level. If the disease has already infected the plant, it must be repotted with fresh soil and treated with a fungicide according to label instructions.
Powdery Mildew: This disease may cause the plant to have a powdery substance on its leaves, which may indicate that the plant has this disease. The plant's stems and leaves may become yellow, wilt, and eventually die. This disease can be controlled by improving air circulation around the plant, reducing humidity, or using a fungicide according to label instructions.
With the necessary measures and proper management, Grewia viridiflora De Wild. should remain healthy and free from pest and disease issues.
