Origin of Gymnema subvolubile Decne.
Gymnema subvolubile Decne. is a plant species that belongs to the family Asclepiadaceae. It is native to India and other parts of Southeast Asia, including the Philippines and Thailand.
Common Names of Gymnema subvolubile Decne.
The plant is commonly known as Thai gymnema, katemfe, and makhaen.
Uses of Gymnema subvolubile Decne.
Gymnema subvolubile Decne. has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The leaves of the plant are known to contain a compound called gymnemic acid, which has been shown to have anti-diabetic properties. As a result, the plant is often used as a natural treatment for diabetes in traditional medicine systems in India and other parts of Southeast Asia.
In addition to its anti-diabetic properties, Gymnema subvolubile Decne. is also believed to have other health benefits. It has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including high blood pressure, obesity, and digestive disorders.
General Appearance of Gymnema subvolubile Decne.
Gymnema subvolubile Decne. is a woody, climbing vine that can grow up to 10 meters in length. It has long, slender leaves that are green and glossy. The plant produces clusters of small, yellowish-green flowers that are followed by long, slender seed pods.
The leaves of the plant are the most commonly used part in traditional medicine. They have a distinctive, slightly bitter taste and are often used to make teas and tinctures.
Light Requirements
Gymnema subvolubile Decne. grows best in full sun to partial shade. It needs a minimum of six hours of sunlight per day to thrive. However, if the plant is grown in an area that receives too much direct sunlight, it may experience leaf scorching and sunburn. Therefore, it is best to provide the plant with some partial shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Gymnema subvolubile Decne. is between 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). It cannot tolerate extreme cold or frost, and the temperature should not fall below 10°C (50°F) at night. The plant grows well in areas with high humidity, and it is not suitable for regions that experience high winds or excessive heat, which can cause leaf wilting and dehydration.
Soil Requirements
Gymnema subvolubile Decne. thrives in well-draining soils that are slightly acidic to neutral (pH range of 6.0 to 7.5). The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients, and it should not be heavily compacted. The plant prefers moist but not waterlogged soils and can tolerate periods of drought once established. It is advisable to add a layer of mulch around the plant to help retain moisture in the soil and regulate temperature fluctuations.
Cultivation methods
The Gymnema subvolubile Decne., also known as the sweet-buster plant, is mostly grown in tropical climates. It prefers well-drained, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant also requires partial shade, though it can tolerate full sun depending on the environment.
The plant is propagated by seeds, stem cuttings, or by layering. Stem cuttings are the most common method, with young shoots being harvested for this purpose during the rainy season. After being cut, the shoots are then planted in the nursery.
Watering needs
Gymnema subvolubile Decne. needs regular watering during the hot season, as well as after planting and transplanting. However, overwatering should be avoided as the plant cannot tolerate waterlogging. It is advisable to water the plant in the morning or late afternoon, when the temperature is cooler.
Once the plant is established, it can survive on rainfall. However, if it is grown in regions with irregular rainfall, it can benefit greatly from supplementary irrigation.
Fertilization
Gymnema subvolubile Decne. requires regular fertilization to ensure proper growth and yields. Depending on the soil type and nutrient levels, a balanced fertilizer should be applied every six months or when necessary.
A mixture of organic and inorganic fertilizers is recommended. Organic fertilizers provide essential nutrients, while inorganic fertilizers can provide a quick nutrient boost.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Gymnema subvolubile Decne., but it can help manage its growth and shape. Young plants can be pruned to encourage branching, while older plants can be pruned to remove dead or diseased stems.
Pruning can also help increase the yield and quality of leaves as it stimulates new growth. It is best to prune during the cooler months, ideally after harvesting.
Propagation of Gymnema subvolubile Decne.
Gymnema subvolubile Decne., also known as sweet-buster, is a woody vine that is commonly found in India, Myanmar, Thailand, and other parts of Southeast Asia. It is a plant species that has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties and as a substitute for sugar. For home gardeners, propagation of Gymnema subvolubile can be easily done using various methods.
Propagation by Seeds
Gymnema subvolubile can be propagated by seeds. The seeds should be harvested when they are ripe, which is identifiable with their brownish color. The seeds should be kept in a cool and dry place for some time until they are ready to germinate. The seeds can then be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. The ideal soil mixture for planting seeds is sandy soil, which should be moist but not too wet. The seeds should be planted about 1 cm deep in the soil and should be watered regularly. Seeds may take a few weeks to sprout, so patience is required.
Propagation by Stem-Cuttings
Gymnema subvolubile can also be propagated through stem cuttings. It is best to take stem-cuttings just before the onset of the rainy season. The cutting should be 15-20 cm in length and should have a minimum of two nodes. The leaves on the lower nodes should be removed, leaving only 2-3 leaves on the top nodes. The cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the cutting must be placed in partial shade, preventing them from direct sunlight, which may cause leaf wilting and sun scorch.
Propagation by Air Layering
Air layering is another way to propagate Gymnema subvolubile. An existing vine stem should be selected, and a 2-3 cm long incision in the stem should be made, where a small amount of rooting hormone should be applied. A bundle of moist sphagnum moss is then wrapped around the wounded part of the stem, and a plastic wrap is used to hold the moss and water. The root will grow inside the sphagnum moss. After two months, the stem can be cut, and the rooted portion can be planted.
Conclusion
Gymnema subvolubile can propagate easily through seeds, stem-cuttings, and air layering techniques. The gardener must choose the best propagation method according to their availability of resources and grow time. With proper care and maintenance, Gymnema subvolubile can grow and provide sweet-busting benefits to the gardeners.
Disease management
Gymnema subvolubile Decne. is relatively resistant to diseases, but it may still be susceptible to some fungal and bacterial infections. Some of the common diseases that might affect this plant include:
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by different types of fungi, and it is characterized by the formation of different colored spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, you can remove and destroy the infected leaves and use fungicides to prevent its spread.
- Root rot: Roots of Gymnema subvolubile Decne. can be infected by fungi or bacteria, causing root rot. This disease can cause stunted growth, wilted foliage, and in severe cases, plant death. To manage this disease, you should avoid overwatering, improve drainage, and use fungicides.
- Powdery mildew: This disease is caused by fungi that form a white, powdery layer on the leaves and stems. To manage this disease, you can remove and destroy infected plant parts and use fungicides to prevent its spread.
Pest management
Gymnema subvolubile Decne. can also be attacked by pests that can cause damage to the leaves, stems, and fruits. Some of the common pests that might affect this plant include:
- Spider mites: These pests are tiny insects that can cause yellowing of the leaves, stunted growth, and eventually, plant death. To manage spider mites, you can use insecticides or insecticidal soap and maintain proper humidity levels.
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can cause curling of the leaves and stunt the growth of the plant. To manage aphids, you can use insecticides or insecticidal soap and introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
- Fruit flies: These pests attack the fruits of Gymnema subvolubile Decne. and can cause premature fruit drop. To manage fruit flies, you can use insecticides or set up fruit fly traps.
