Overview of Rubus pinnatus Willd. subsp. afrotropicus Engl.
Rubus pinnatus Willd. subsp. afrotropicus Engl. is a species of plant that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is part of the Rubus genus which comprises around 750 species distributed worldwide. This plant species is widely distributed across Africa, specifically in countries such as Angola, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
Common names
Rubus pinnatus Willd. subsp. afrotropicus Engl. has several common names depending on the region. In Tanzania, it is known as Mtongwe, Mkumbara or Mchuchiri. In Malawi, it is known as Nkholokolo while in Zimbabwe it is called Mhlumbe or Muhlanguluka.
Uses of Rubus pinnatus Willd. subsp. afrotropicus Engl.
The plant has several traditional uses by communities in Africa. The fruits are edible, and they are consumed fresh or used to make juice and jams. The roots and leaves are used to make decoctions that treat several ailments such as diarrhea, fever, dysentery, and abdominal pains. The plant also has some cultural significance and is used in the initiation rites of some tribes in Tanzania.
Appearance
Rubus pinnatus Willd. subsp. afrotropicus Engl. is a large shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall. It has sharp, curved thorns that can grow up to 5cm long. The leaves are pinnately compound with five or seven leaflets, and they have serrated margins. The plant produces white or pink flowers that are followed by edible red or black fruits.
Overall, Rubus pinnatus Willd. subsp. afrotropicus Engl. is an important plant species with cultural and medicinal value to the people of Africa.Light Requirements
Rubus pinnatus Willd. subsp. afrotropicus Engl. requires full to partial sun exposure for optimal growth. This species thrives in areas with direct sunlight for at least six hours per day. Low light conditions can hinder its growth and fruiting abilities.
Temperature Requirements
Typically, Rubus pinnatus Willd. subsp. afrotropicus Engl. grows in areas with a tropical climate. Temperatures of 20-32 °C are optimal for growth. Extremely hot and dry conditions can result in reduced growth, while freezing temperatures can be detrimental to the plant’s survival.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Rubus pinnatus Willd. subsp. afrotropicus Engl. is well-draining with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. This species can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. It is also capable of growing in rocky or poor soil, as long as the soil is well-draining.
Cultivation Methods
Rubus pinnatus Willd. subsp. afrotropicus Engl. requires a well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. The plant thrives in full sun and should be grown in raised beds or mounds to improve drainage. It is also recommended to plant the crop in a location that is sheltered from strong winds to prevent fruit loss.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is advised to water the plant two to three times a week, depending on the climate's dryness and humidity. During the fruiting stage, it is crucial to keep the soil consistently moist to ensure better yields and fruit quality.
Fertilization Methods
Rubus pinnatus Willd. subsp. afrotropicus Engl. requires balanced fertilization through the year. A pre-planting application of complete fertilizer is essential to provide the necessary nutrients for the plant's initial growth. Following that, a side dressing of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizer should be applied every four to six weeks, starting six weeks after planting.
Pruning Techniques
The plant should be pruned annually to remove old and dead wood, which stimulates new growth and improved fruit quality. Pruning can be done in the winter when the plant is dormant or in the spring before it starts growing again. It is recommended to maintain a height of up to 1.5 meters for the plant and to ensure that the canopy remains open for better light and air penetration.
Propagation of Rubus pinnatus Willd. subsp. afrotropicus Engl.
Rubus pinnatus Willd. subsp. afrotropicus Engl. can be propagated through several methods including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and division propagation.
Seed propagation
Seeds of Rubus pinnatus Willd. subsp. afrotropicus Engl. can be sown in a well-draining soil mix with a pH range of 4.5 to 6.0. The seeds should be sown at a depth of around 5mm and watered lightly. Germination of the seeds can take up to 6 months.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation is an effective method of propagating Rubus pinnatus Willd. subsp. afrotropicus Engl. The cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free parent plants during the dormant season. The cuttings should be around 10-15 cm long and dipped in rooting hormone. Then, they should be planted in a rooting medium containing perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss. The cuttings should be kept in a shady area and misted regularly.
Division propagation
Division propagation is a method of propagating Rubus pinnatus Willd. subsp. afrotropicus Engl. by dividing the parent plant into smaller sections. This method is ideal for plants that have a clumping growth habit. The parent plant should be dug up carefully, and the clump should be divided into smaller sections with a sharp and sterile knife. The divided sections should be planted in well-draining soil and watered thoroughly.
Disease management
Rubus pinnatus Willd. subsp. afrotropicus Engl. is susceptible to several diseases that can greatly affect its growth and productivity. The following are some of the common diseases that can infect this plant:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spots, cankers, and twig dieback. To manage this disease, it is important to prune infected twigs and branches and dispose of them properly. Fungicides may also be used to control anthracnose.
- Septoria leaf spot: This disease causes circular, grayish-brown spots on leaves, which can eventually cause defoliation. To control this disease, infected leaves should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides may be used as well.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to maintain good air circulation around the plant. Fungicides may also be used.
Pest management
Aside from diseases, Rubus pinnatus Willd. subsp. afrotropicus Engl. can also fall victim to a variety of pests. Some of the common pests that can affect this plant include:
- Raspberry cane borer: This insect can cause significant damage to raspberry canes, weakening the entire plant. To control this pest, it is important to prune and destroy infested canes.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and defoliation of the plant. To manage spider mites, it is important to maintain good humidity levels around the plant. Insecticides may also be used.
- Cane fruit fly: This insect can cause fruit to become damaged and rot. To control this pest, it is important to harvest fruit promptly and dispose of infected fruit properly. Insecticides may also be used.
