Overview
Argyrolobium lanceolatum (E.Mey.) Eckl. & Zeyh. is a flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family, commonly known as the pea or bean family. It is a shrub that is native to South Africa and is widely distributed in the Western Cape Province, particularly in the Little Karoo region. It is also found in Namibia. The plant has several uses in traditional medicine and is also an important source of forage for livestock.
General Appearance
Argyrolobium lanceolatum is a densely branched shrub that can grow up to 1m tall. It has a woody base and slender, erect stems that have grayish green, elliptical leaves. The leaves are arranged alternately on the stems and are between 1-4 cm long and 0.3-1.2 cm wide. The plant produces small, yellow, pea-like flowers that are 5-7 mm in diameter. The flowers grow in clusters on short stalks and appear in spring and summer.
Common Names
The plant is known by different common names depending on the region in which it is found. Some of the common names include:
- Beyers' bush
- Geelhoutbossie
- Lepelblommetjie
- Lastaartjie
- Lelieblommetjie
- Rankolamy
- Treurgras
Uses
Argyrolobium lanceolatum has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments including stomach ache, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. The leaves and stems are boiled and the resulting liquid is consumed as a tea. The plant has antibacterial and antifungal properties and has been used topically to treat cuts and wounds. Additionally, the plant is an important source of forage for livestock during the dry season.
Growth Conditions of Argyrolobium Lanceolatum
Light: Argyrolobium lanceolatum requires full sunlight to grow and thrive. It cannot tolerate shaded areas, which will impede its growth and development. Therefore, it is essential to plant this species in a location that receives direct sunlight for most hours of the day.
Temperature: The optimal temperature range for the growth of Argyrolobium lanceolatum is between 18°C to 30°C. This species can tolerate mild frost but cannot survive extreme cold weather conditions. Therefore, it is better to protect the plant in colder regions by providing a suitable shelter or greenhouse.
Soil: Argyrolobium lanceolatum prefers well-drained soils, which are sandy-loamy and slightly acidic in nature. The soil should not be alkaline or water-logged, as these conditions are not suitable for the plant's growth. However, this species can grow in poor soil conditions with minimal nutrients, but the addition of organic matter can aid its growth.
Water: This species requires moderate watering during the growing season, especially during hot summer months. However, the plant cannot tolerate overwatering and waterlogged soil, which can lead to root damage. Therefore, it is essential to maintain the soil moisture level without creating waterlogging in the soil.
Fertilizers: Argyrolobium lanceolatum does not need heavy fertilizer applications. A slow-release nitrogen-based fertilizer can be mixed with the soil during planting to provide nutrients to the plant. However, excessive use of fertilizers can harm the plant's growth and development. Therefore, it's crucial to provide the right amount of nutrients to the plant.
Pests and Diseases: Argyrolobium lanceolatum is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, the plant can be affected by aphids, spider mites, and leafhoppers, which can cause leaves to curl and distort, leading to stunted plant growth. Caterpillars and snails can also be a problem, causing leaf damage and reduced plant vigor. Therefore, it's essential to keep an eye on the plant for any pest or disease infestation and to take immediate action.
Cultivation methods of Argyrolobium lanceolatum
Argyrolobium lanceolatum is a hardy perennial plant that grows well in dry, rocky, and sandy soils. The plant prefers a well-drained growing medium, and it is best to keep the soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Propagation is done through seeds, and the best time for seeding is in the spring.
The seeds should be sown in a seedbed or a potting tray, and should be covered with a thin layer of soil. The tray should be kept moist and placed in a warm spot with plenty of light. The seeds will start to germinate within two weeks. Once the seedlings are established, they can be transplanted to their final growing positions.
Watering needs of Argyrolobium lanceolatum
Argyrolobium lanceolatum is a drought-tolerant plant that does not require frequent watering. However, it is important to water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, especially during prolonged dry spells. It is best to water early in the day to reduce the possibility of fungal diseases.
During the winter months, watering should be reduced to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot. It is best to check the soil moisture before watering to prevent overwatering.
Fertilization of Argyrolobium lanceolatum
Argyrolobium lanceolatum does not require fertilization as it is adapted to grow in nutrient-poor soils. However, if the plant is grown in poor soil, a light application of a balanced fertilizer can be made in the spring. It is important not to overfeed the plant, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth and poor flowering.
Pruning of Argyrolobium lanceolatum
Argyrolobium lanceolatum does not require much pruning, and it is generally left to grow naturally. However, if the plant has become too leggy, it can be pruned back hard in the spring before new growth appears. Pruning can also be done after flowering to remove damaged or dead branches. It is important to use clean, sharp tools to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Argyrolobium Lanceolatum
Argyrolobium lanceolatum (E.Mey.) Eckl. & Zeyh., commonly known as spekboom, may be propagated through seeds or cuttings. This plant thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, making it an ideal choice for gardens and landscaping.
Seed Propagation
Spekboom seeds generally germinate best when sown during the spring or summer months. The seeds should be placed in a tray filled with a combination of river sand and compost. The tray should be covered lightly with a layer of sand to protect the seeds from direct sunlight.
The tray should be watered regularly, ensuring that the sand and compost mixture remains moist but not waterlogged. It can take around two to four weeks for the seeds to germinate, and once they have, they should be transplanted into individual containers and cared for until they are strong enough to be planted in their final positions.
Cutting Propagation
Cuttings may be taken from a mature spekboom plant during the summer months when the plant is actively growing. The cutting should be around 10-15cm in length and stripped of its lower leaves. The cutting should then be allowed to dry out for a few days before being planted in a well-draining soil mixture of river sand and compost.
The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cutting should be protected from direct sunlight until it has rooted and begun to grow. Once the plant has reached a suitable size, it can be transplanted into its final position.
Disease and Pest Management for Argyrolobium Lanceolatum
Argyrolobium Lanceolatum is a hardy plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, external factors such as environmental stress or poor cultivation practices can make it susceptible to certain diseases and pests. The following are common diseases and pests for Argyrolobium Lanceolatum and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
1. Root Rot - Root rot is caused by fungi that thrive in moist soil. The fungus attacks the roots causing them to turn brown and mushy. To prevent root rot, ensure proper soil drainage and avoid overwatering. If the plant is already infected, remove the affected parts and repot in fresh soil.
2. Anthracnose - Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on leaves and stems. To prevent it, ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. If the plant is already infected, prune affected parts and use a fungicide to control the spread.
3. Leaf Spot - Leaf spot is caused by fungi that cause brown or black spots on leaves. To prevent it, avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation around the plant. If the plant is already infected, prune affected parts and use a fungicide to control the spread.
Common Pests
1. Spider Mites - Spider mites are tiny pests that can multiply quickly and cause yellowing leaves, stunted growth and webbing. To prevent them, keep the plant well hydrated and mist regularly to discourage mite infestation. If the plant is already infected, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population.
2. Aphids - Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing leaves. To prevent them, keep the plant well-watered and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population.
3. Mealybugs - Mealybugs are small, white, fluffy insects that suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and wilt. To prevent them, keep the plant well-hydrated and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population.
