Aeschynomene sensitiva Sw.
Aeschynomene sensitiva Sw. is a leguminous plant that is native to the southeastern United States, Central and South America, and the Caribbean Islands. This plant is commonly known as the Sensitive Partridge Pea, Sensitive Plant, or Sleeping Plant. The plant gets its name from its leaves, which are highly sensitive to touch or any type of movement. The leaves immediately fold up and droop down when touched, making it seem like the plant is sleeping or sensitive to touch.
Appearance
The Aeschynomene sensitiva Sw. plant has a thin, wiry stem that grows up to two or three feet tall. The leaves are pinnately compound and measure anywhere from one to four centimeters long, with six to ten pairs of tiny leaflets that grow in a pinnate arrangement. The flowers are small, yellow, and appear in clusters that grow at the ends of the branches. The fruit of the plant is a one-seeded pod that is flat and curved.
Uses
The Aeschynomene sensitiva Sw. plant has various medicinal uses. Native American tribes used the plant to treat many ailments, including reducing fever, treating snake bites, and curing dysentery. The root of the plant may also be brewed to create a tea that can help with digestive issues. Nowadays, the plant is commonly used as a cover crop to improve soil quality, a feed for grazing animals, and as an ornamental plant for gardens and landscaping.
The Aeschynomene sensitiva Sw. plant is a fascinating and unique plant that offers not only visual appeal, but also medicinal, as well as practical uses. With its sensitive leaves and bright yellow flowers, it is sure to captivate anyone who comes across it.
Growth Conditions for Aeschynomene sensitiva Sw.
When considering growing Aeschynomene sensitiva Sw. plants, it is essential to keep in mind that they typically thrive in areas with tropical or subtropical climates. Specifically, they are often found in Central and South America, as well as in certain regions of Africa and Asia.
Light Requirements
One important factor that affects the growth of Aeschynomene sensitiva Sw. plants is light. These plants often require a significant amount of sunlight to grow and thrive, with most species needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. However, some species can also tolerate partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
Another critical element that impacts the growth of Aeschynomene sensitiva Sw. plants is temperature. These plants typically require warm temperatures to flourish, with optimal growing conditions being between 68-86 degrees Fahrenheit. They cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures and may not survive in areas with cold weather.
Soil Requirements
The soil conditions for Aeschynomene sensitiva Sw. plants should be well-draining and fertile. They prefer slightly acidic soils with a pH of around 5-6.5, although they can still grow in neutral or slightly alkaline soils with a higher pH. Additionally, it is recommended to add organic matter to the soil to improve its nutrient content and drainage.
Overall, understanding the growth conditions necessary for Aeschynomene sensitiva Sw. plants is crucial for successfully growing and cultivating them. By ensuring that they get the right amount of sunlight, warmth, and soil quality, you can help these plants thrive and flourish.
Cultivation of Aeschynomene Sensitiva Sw.
Aeschynomene sensitiva Sw. is also known as the "sensitive plant" due to its sensitive leaves that fold up when touched. The plant thrives in warm and humid conditions with adequate sunlight. It can grow up to 50 cm tall and 40 cm wide, making it ideal for indoor and outdoor settings.
Watering Needs
Adequate watering is necessary for the growth of Aeschynomene sensitiva Sw. The plant requires constant moisture in its soil, and the soil should not be allowed to dry out. Water the plant regularly, especially during warm and dry conditions. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot and other plant diseases.
Fertilization
Aeschynomene sensitiva Sw. requires regular fertilization for growth and development. Apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks in spring and summer, which is the peak growth period. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied during the winter months to maintain soil fertility.
Pruning
Pruning is crucial to maintain the desired shape and size of the plant. Cut back any leggy or overcrowded branches to encourage new growth and maintain an attractive appearance. The best time for pruning is during the spring and summer months when the plant is in its growing period.
Propagation of Aeschynomene sensitiva Sw.
Aeschynomene sensitiva Sw. is commonly known as the shy plant or the sensitive plant, which is a tropical and annual herbaceous legume. These plants are grown as ornamentals in gardens and parks because of their appealing foliage. Propagation of Aeschynomene sensitiva can be done through various methods like:
Seed Propagation
Propagating Aeschynomene sensitiva Sw. via seeds is the easiest and the most common method. The seeds are collected from the ripe pods of the plant. A healthy and matured seed is preferred for better germination. After collecting the seeds, they should be cleaned and dried properly. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining and nutrient-rich soil mix. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes about 7-10 days. After germination, the young plants should be transplanted into individual pots or the desired location in the garden.
Cutting Propagation
Aeschynomene sensitiva can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings are taken from the main plant during the growing season when the plant is actively growing. The cutting should be about 4-5 inches long and should be taken from the soft and new growth of the plant. After removing the leaves from the lower part of the cutting, it should be planted in a well-draining and nutrient-rich potting mix. The soil should be kept moist until the cutting develops roots, which usually takes about 3-4 weeks. The new plant should be transplanted to the desired location after it becomes well-established.
Division Propagation
Division is another propagation method that can be used for Aeschynomene sensitiva Sw. This method is carried out during the dormant season when the plant is not actively growing. Here, the root system of an already established plant is divided into smaller sections, each with a bud and some roots. The divided sections are then planted in individual pots or the desired location in the garden. These plants should be monitored and watered regularly until they become well-established.
With these propagation methods, Aeschynomene sensitiva Sw. can be easily propagated and grown to get healthy plants with beautiful foliage for your garden or as houseplants.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases that affect plant Aeschynomene sensitiva Sw. is leaf spot caused by the fungus Cercospora arachidicola. Leaf spots appear as yellow to brown spots on leaves, which can quickly grow into irregularly shaped patches. The disease can be managed by planting crops in well-drained soils, rotating crops, removing infected leaves and destroying them, applying fungicides and maintaining good plant nutrition.
Another disease that can affect Aeschynomene sensitiva Sw. is root rot. Root rot is caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani and can cause roots to become soft and mushy, leading to plant death. The disease can be managed by planting crops in well-drained soils, avoiding overwatering, and ensuring good soil aeration.
Pest Management
A common pest that can attack Aeschynomene sensitiva Sw. is the soybean looper (Pseudoplusia includens). The caterpillars of soybean looper feed on the leaves, causing them to appear skeletonized. The pest can be managed by using recommended insecticides, planting early maturing and resistant varieties, and practicing crop rotation.
The bruchid beetle (Acanthoscelides obtectus) is another pest that can harm Aeschynomene sensitiva Sw. Bruchid beetles lay eggs on developing seeds, and the resulting larvae feed on the seed, reducing its quality. The pest can be managed by planting early maturing and resistant varieties, removing infested seeds, storing seeds in cool and dry conditions, and applying insecticides.
