Origin
Calpurnia subdecandra (L'Hér.) Schweick, also known as purple calpurnia or purple pea tree, is native to Southern Africa, particularly in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Eswatini. It belongs to the family Fabaceae (legume family).
Common Names
Calpurnia subdecandra is commonly known as purple calpurnia, purple pea tree, wild laburnum, river laburnum, or purple gold.
Uses
Calpurnia subdecandra has several uses, including traditional and modern medicinal purposes. In South Africa, the plant's roots are used as traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as dysentery, diarrhoea, and skin disorders.
Calpurnia subdecandra's wood is also used for furniture, as it is very strong and durable. In addition, the plant is used as an ornamental plant and is a popular choice in landscaping because of its bright, showy purple flowers.
General Appearance
Calpurnia subdecandra is a small to medium-sized tree that can grow up to 8-10 meters tall. Its leaves are compound, with 6-10 pairs of leaflets, and the leaflets are oval in shape and about 2-5 cm long. The plant's flowers are purple, pink, or mauve, and are borne in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a long, narrow pod that is about 15-20 cm long, and each pod contains several seeds.
Growth Conditions for Calpurnia subdecandra (L'Hér.) Schweick.
Calpurnia subdecandra (L'Hér.) Schweick., commonly known as mountain calpurnia or purple bush calpurnia, is a shrub species native to southern Africa. This plant is known for its purple flowers and can be grown in gardens or as an ornamental plant.
Light Requirements
Calpurnia subdecandra requires full to partial sunlight to grow and bloom. The plant can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can reduce flowering and stunt growth. It is best to plant this shrub in an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
Mountain calpurnia is a hardy plant and can adapt to a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers a temperate climate and can be damaged by extreme heat or cold. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 10-30°C (50-86°F). Mountain calpurnia is drought-tolerant, but it may need extra watering during hot and dry conditions.
Soil Requirements
Calpurnia subdecandra prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, with a range between 5.5-6.5. This plant can tolerate sandy, loamy, or clay soils. However, it is important to ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot and plant death.
In summary, to grow Calpurnia subdecandra, you need to provide it with full to partial sunlight, a temperate climate, well-draining and slightly acidic soil.
Cultivation
Calpurnia subdecandra is a hardy plant that can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. The plant is also tolerant to poor soil conditions and drought, making it a low maintenance plant for cultivation.
It is best to plant Calpurnia subdecandra in full sun to ensure optimal growth and blooms. Partial shade can also be tolerated, but it may result in reduced flowering. The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings, and it is recommended to plant them in spring or autumn.
Watering Needs
Calpurnia subdecandra prefers moderate watering, especially during its growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week, especially during the dry season, to keep the soil moist. Overwatering can cause root rot, so ensure that the soil is well-draining and avoid leaving water to sit in the plant's saucer or pot.
Fertilization
Calpurnia subdecandra requires average fertilization, and it is best to use slow-release fertilizers every six months. Alternatively, organic fertilizer such as compost or well-rotted manure can also be used to supply the necessary nutrients for the plant's growth. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can cause excessive foliage growth with less flowering.
Pruning
Calpurnia subdecandra requires minimal pruning, primarily to maintain an attractive shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Prune the plant after flowering to avoid cutting off the potential blooms for the next season. It is recommended to use clean and sharp pruning shears to prevent any damage or infection to the plant.
Propagation of Calpurnia subdecandra (L'Hér.) Schweick.
Calpurnia subdecandra, commonly known as purple pea or river cascading-pea, is a woody plant native to South Africa. It is widely cultivated for its stunning purple flowers and is propagated through various means.
Seed Propagation
Calpurnia subdecandra can be grown from seeds, which are readily available from seed suppliers. The seeds should be collected when the seedpods are dry and brown. Seeds must be scarified or mechanically treated to improve germination rates, and then they should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. Seedlings should emerge within 3-4 weeks, and they should be transplanted to their permanent location after about 2 months of growth.
Cutting Propagation
Most landscapers prefer to use cutting propagation to reproduce Calpurnia subdecandra. This method involves taking cuttings from mature plants and rooting them to produce new plants. Cuttings are usually taken in the early spring from the previous year's growth, before any new growth appears. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm long and taken from healthy, disease-free plants. They are then dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a rooting medium such as sand or peat moss. The cuttings should be kept moist and warm until new growth appears, which can take 2-3 months. After roots have developed, they can be transferred to individual pots or planted in the ground.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another method used to propagate Calpurnia subdecandra. This method involves dividing large, mature plants into smaller sections. This method should be carried out when the plant is dormant typically late winter to early spring. The plant should be dug up and divided into smaller sections using a sharp, clean knife. Each section should have some roots and several stems. The sections are then planted in their permanent location and kept moist until new growth appears.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Calpurnia subdecandra can be propagated using several methods, including seed propagation, cutting propagation, and division propagation. The choice of method depends on the preference of the propagator and the availability of plant material. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, but with the proper care, all methods can lead to successful propagation of this stunning plant.
Disease Management for Calpurnia subdecandra
Calpurnia subdecandra is generally a hardy plant that is not prone to many diseases. However, there are a few diseases that can affect it. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can affect Calpurnia subdecandra. It is characterized by brown spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage this disease, remove and destroy any infected plant parts and apply a fungicide to the remaining parts of the plant. Make sure to water the plant at the base, and not from overhead, to reduce the spread of the disease.
Root Rot
Root rot in Calpurnia subdecandra is usually caused by overwatering. It can also be caused by a fungal infection. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and a foul odor. To manage root rot, reduce watering frequency and make sure the soil is well-drained. Remove any infected plant parts and apply a fungicide to the remaining parts of the plant.
Pest Management for Calpurnia subdecandra
There are a few pests that can plague Calpurnia subdecandra. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
Aphids
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that can cluster on new growth. They suck the sap from the plant, causing yellowing leaves and stunted growth. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. You can also use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of them.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of butterflies and moths. They can eat through the leaves and damage the Calpurnia subdecandra plant. To manage caterpillars, handpick them off the plant and destroy them. You can also use Bacillus thuringiensis, a natural insecticide, to control them.
Overall, Calpurnia subdecandra is a hardy plant that is not prone to many diseases and pests. With proper care and attention, you can keep this plant healthy and strong.
