Origin
Rubus kirungensis Engl. var. glabrescens (Engl.) Gust. is from the family Rosaceae and is native to the mountainous regions of East Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as Kirungu berry or Kirungu raspberry. It is also known as Mkakasa in Kenya.
Uses
The berries of Rubus kirungensis Engl. var. glabrescens (Engl.) Gust. are used for culinary purposes, such as for making preserves, jams, and jellies. In East Africa, the leaves and roots of the plant are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, intestinal worms, and respiratory infections. Additionally, the plant is used in reforestation projects as it has strong and deep roots which help prevent soil erosion.
General Appearance
Rubus kirungensis Engl. var. glabrescens (Engl.) Gust. is a perennial plant that grows up to 2 meters high. It has thorny stems and green leaves with serrated edges. The plant produces small, red, and juicy berries that ripen in the summer months. The fruit is edible and has a sweet and tart flavor. The plant is propagated through stem cuttings and requires full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil.
Light Requirements
Rubus kirungensis Engl. var. glabrescens (Engl.) Gust. prefers partly shaded areas rather than full sun exposure. It can cope with some sun exposure in the morning or late afternoon, but excessive exposure during the day can cause sunburn and damage the plant.
Temperature Requirements
Rubus kirungensis Engl. var. glabrescens (Engl.) Gust. can tolerate a broad range of temperatures but prefers a climate with mild temperatures. The optimal temperature range for the plant's growth is between 18°C and 23°C. Temperatures below 0°C or above 30°C can negatively affect the plant's growth and survival.
Soil Requirements
Rubus kirungensis Engl. var. glabrescens (Engl.) Gust. thrives in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH range is between 5.5 and 7.0. The plant can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils. However, excessively wet soils can lead to root rot, which can damage or kill the plant.
Cultivation Methods
The Rubus kirungensis Engl. var. glabrescens (Engl.) Gust. is propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. If starting from seeds, sow them in well-draining soil in early spring. Cover the seeds lightly with soil, water them lightly, and keep them in a well-lit area. If using stem cuttings, take them from healthy plants in early spring, dip the cuttings in rooting hormone, and plant them in well-draining soil.
Watering Needs
Rubus kirungensis Engl. var. glabrescens (Engl.) Gust. requires adequate watering during the growing season, especially during hot and dry weather conditions. Water the plant deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry partially before the next watering session. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is important for the growth of Rubus kirungensis Engl. var. glabrescens (Engl.) Gust. Apply a balanced fertilizer at least once every month during the growing season, preferably using organic fertilizers. Avoid applying too much fertilizer as it can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production.
Pruning
Regular pruning is necessary to maintain the shape and vigor of the Rubus kirungensis Engl. var. glabrescens (Engl.) Gust. plant. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to remove weak, damaged, or dead branches. Remove any old or unproductive canes that have fruited in the previous growing season. Thin out crowded canes to allow for better air circulation and light penetration.
Propagation of Rubus kirungensis Engl. var. glabrescens (Engl.) Gust.
Rubus kirungensis Engl. var. glabrescens (Engl.) Gust., commonly known as the Himalayan raspberry, is a shrub that can be propagated through various methods such as seed germination, cuttings, layering and division.
Seed Germination
Seeds of Rubus kirungensis can be germinated in a well-draining soil mix in a warm and humid environment. The seeds should be scarified before planting to break their hard outer coating. Sow the seeds just beneath the soil, and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Water the medium regularly to keep it moist but not soaking wet. Seed germination can take up to six weeks. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of 4-6 inches, they can be transplanted to their permanent location in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and gets ample sunlight.
Cuttings
Cuttings of Rubus kirungensis can be propagated from the tender stems of the plant that have two or more nodes. Take cuttings from healthy and mature plants in the spring season, and use a sharp and sterilized scissors or pruning shears. Dip the cut end of the cutting in a rooting hormone powder and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Cover the pot with a plastic bag, and keep it in a warm and humid area with indirect sunlight. Once the roots have developed, transfer the cutting to a larger pot or directly into the soil.
Layering
Layering is another method to propagate Rubus kirungensis. For this method, bend a low-hanging branch down to the soil surface and make a small cut on the underside of the stem. Apply rooting hormone to the wound, and bury the cut portion of the stem under a layer of soil. Fix the stem in place with a wire or peg, and keep the soil moist. The cutting will develop roots in about 8-10 weeks, and can then be separated from the mother plant and transplanted.
Division
Division is suitable for mature plants that have become overcrowded and need to be rejuvenated. Dig out the entire plant, and use a sharp and sterilized tool to divide the root ball into smaller sections, making sure each section has at least one stem and root system. Re-plant the divided sections in their new locations, water them thoroughly, and keep them in a shaded area until they become established.
Disease Management
The Rubus kirungensis Engl. var. glabrescens (Engl.) Gust. plant is susceptible to several diseases, which include:
- Powdery mildew: This disease appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and fruits. It results in the stunted growth of the plant and reduces the yield. The disease can be managed by removing and destroying the infected plant parts, practicing proper spacing to ensure good air circulation, and applying fungicides.
- Anthracnose: It is a fungal disease that causes black spots on the leaves and stems and can cause the plant to die. The disease can be prevented by avoiding overhead irrigation, proper pruning, and using fungicides.
- Verticillium wilt: This fungal disease attacks the roots, causing yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. The disease thrives in wet soil, so it is essential to avoid overwatering the plant. Additionally, using disease-free seeds and crop rotation can reduce the spread of verticillium wilt.
Pest Management
The Rubus kirungensis Engl. var. glabrescens (Engl.) Gust. plant is also susceptible to pest attacks, which include:
- Raspberry fruitworm: The larvae of this insect feed on the fruit of the plant, causing damage. To control the spread of raspberry fruitworm, it is essential to practice crop rotation, remove and destroy infected fruit, and apply insecticides.
- Japanese beetle: This destructive insect feeds on the foliage and fruit of the plant, leading to defoliation of the plant. Management practices include using insecticides, handpicking the beetles, and ensuring proper plant nutrition to avoid attracting the beetles.
- Spider mites: These pests are common during hot and dry weather, and they cause yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. The pest can be managed by spraying the leaves with water to remove the mites, increasing humidity around the plant, and applying insecticidal soap.
