Calpurnia obovata Schinz var. pubescens Yakovlev
Origin: Calpurnia obovata Schinz var. pubescens Yakovlev, also known as hairy-leaved calpurnia, is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae family. It is native to parts of southeastern Africa, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Swaziland.
Common Names: The plant is commonly called the hairy-leaved calpurnia due to the presence of hairy leaves on its stem. It is also known by other names such as the large-leaved calpurnia, wild laburnum, orumtree, and umTholo.
Uses: The hairy-leaved calpurnia is popular among indigenous people in Southern Africa for its medicinal properties. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and is traditionally used to treat a range of ailments, including stomach disorders, fever, and high blood pressure. The plant is also a good source of fuelwood, and its bark can be used to make a yellow dye that is valued among some Afircan tribes.
General Appearance: The hairy-leaved calpurnia is a tall shrub that can grow up to six meters high. Its stem and leaves are covered in fine brown hairs, which give it a distinguished and fuzzy appearance. The leaves are obovate, with a glossy dark green color and a paler underside. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that are shaped like pea flowers. They bloom between spring and mid-summer, attracting bees and other pollinators.
Overall, the hairy-leaved calpurnia is an interesting and useful plant that is native to Africa. Its distinctive appearance and medicinal uses make it an essential part of traditional African medicine.Light Requirements
The plant Calpurnia obovata Schinz var. pubescens Yakovlev requires full sunlight to grow well. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom efficiently. Inadequate sunlight can cause the plant to become leggy and weak, hampering its ability to produce flowers. If grown indoors, it is essential to supplement natural light with artificial lighting to ensure adequate light exposure.
Temperature Requirements
Calpurnia obovata Schinz var. pubescens Yakovlev is a hardy shrub that can tolerate a broad range of temperatures. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 15°C to 25°C. It does not do well in very high temperatures and extremely cold climates. During the winter season, it needs to be protected from frost by covering it with a cloth or moving it to a warm location. It is also essential to regulate the temperature if growing the plant indoors.
Soil Requirements
The plant Calpurnia obovata Schinz var. pubescens Yakovlev prefers well-draining soil with a neutral pH (between 6.5-7.5). The soil should not be too compact and must permit water to drain quickly. A soil mix prepared with compost and sand is ideal for this plant. It is also worth noting that the plant is somewhat drought-resistant and can withstand periods of drought. Nevertheless, it needs to be adequately watered during the flowering season to ensure beautiful blooms.
Cultivation Methods
Calpurnia obovata Schinz var. pubescens Yakovlev can be grown in pots or in the ground. When planted in the ground, it prefers well-drained soil and a sunny location. It can also be grown in partial shade but may not flower as vigorously. If planting in a pot, choose a container that is at least 10 inches in diameter to allow for proper root growth.
Watering Needs
Calpurnia obovata Schinz var. pubescens Yakovlev prefers consistent moisture. Water the plant deeply once a week, especially during the hot summer months. Reduce watering frequency during the dormant season to prevent root rot. Be sure not to let the soil dry out completely as this can lead to leaf drop.
Fertilization
It is important to fertilize Calpurnia obovata Schinz var. pubescens Yakovlev during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and abundant flowering. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the active growing season. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommended dosage and application instructions.
Pruning
To keep Calpurnia obovata Schinz var. pubescens Yakovlev compact and bushy, prune it regularly. Prune the tips of the branches in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This will encourage branching and produce more flowers. Remove any dead or damaged stems as necessary throughout the year. It's also important to remove any seed pods that may develop to prevent the plant from self-seeding.
Propagation of Calpurnia obovata Schinz var. pubescens Yakovlev
Calpurnia obovata Schinz var. pubescens Yakovlev, also known as the Wild Laburnum, is a shrub belonging to Fabaceae family. It is native to the southern part of Africa, and it is a popular ornamental plant because of its colorful flowers.
Propagation Methods
There are two main methods of propagating Calpurnia obovata Schinz var. pubescens Yakovlev - seed propagation and cuttings propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and easiest way to propagate Calpurnia obovata Schinz var. pubescens Yakovlev. Here are the steps involved in this process:
- Collect seed pods from the plant when they are ripe, which is usually in the fall.
- Remove the seeds from the seed pods and clean them using a damp cloth.
- Fill a seed tray with a well-draining potting mix, then plant the seeds about 1 to 2 inches deep.
- Place the seed tray in a warm, well-lit area, and keep the soil moist but do not overwater it.
- The seeds will germinate in 2 to 3 weeks, and they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden after they have grown to about 6 inches tall.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation involves taking a stem cutting from the plant and rooting it to grow a new plant. Here are the steps involved in this process:
- Take a stem cutting from the plant that is about 3 to 4 inches long and has a few leaves on it.
- Dip the bottom of the stem cutting into rooting hormone powder, then plant it in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix.
- Water the plant and place it in a warm, bright area, but avoid direct sunlight.
- The cutting should start to root in about 2 to 3 weeks, and it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden after it has grown to about 6 inches tall.
Disease Management
Calpurnia obovata Schinz var. pubescens Yakovlev is generally resistant to most diseases. However, in certain conditions, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as rust, powdery mildew, and botrytis blight. To manage these diseases:
- Avoid overhead watering and reduce humidity levels to prevent the development and spread of fungal spores.
- Maintain good air circulation by pruning and thinning plants.
- Remove and discard infected plant parts regularly and keep the plant and its surroundings clean.
- Apply fungicides as recommended and at appropriate times to control diseases effectively.
Pest Management
Calpurnia obovata Schinz var. pubescens Yakovlev is relatively pest-free. However, some occasional pests can bother the plant. These pests include:
- Spider mites: These tiny red or yellow pests suck the sap of the leaves, causing the foliage to turn yellow or brown. To manage them, use a strong jet of water to rinse off the leaves or spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Scale insects: These pests suck the plant sap, causing yellowing and wilting of leaves. They also secrete honeydew, attracting ants and sooty mold. To manage them, use a soft toothbrush or cotton swab to wipe off the scales gently or spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: These chewing insects can defoliate the plant if not managed promptly. Handpick and destroy the caterpillars or spray the plant with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to control them.
