Overview
Calycandra pinnata Lepr. ex A.Rich., also known as the red bead tree, is a flowering plant native to Madagascar. It belongs to the family Fabaceae and is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
Appearance
The red bead tree is a small to medium-sized tree that typically grows to a height of 5-7 meters. It has a dense crown of dark green, compound leaves that measure up to 60 cm in length. The tree gets its name from the striking red, bead-like fruits that develop after the flowers bloom. These fruits are about 1 cm in diameter and contain a single seed.
Common names
The red bead tree is known by various common names, including Madagascar immortelle, coral bean tree, and Kraal's janitor. In its native Madagascar, it is known as "Varongy" in Malagasy, and "Bois d'Immortalite" in French.
Uses
The red bead tree has several uses. In traditional medicine, the leaves and bark of the tree are used to treat various ailments such as headaches, fever, and stomach illnesses. The seeds of the tree are used to make necklaces and bracelets, especially in Madagascar, where they are considered a symbol of good luck. The wood of the tree is used for fuel and to make small objects such as tool handles and spoons.
Furthermore, the red bead tree is an ornamental plant that is often grown for its attractive foliage and unique fruits. It is particularly suitable for tropical and subtropical climates and is commonly used to provide shade and ornamental value in gardens and parks.
Light Requirements
The Calycandra pinnata Lepr. ex A.Rich. plant requires full to partial sunlight exposure for optimal growth. The plant can tolerate some shaded areas, but it may affect the blooming period.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in warm to hot temperatures, ranging from 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C). The plant may not survive frost or extreme cold conditions. It is important to keep the plant away from cold drafts to avoid damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
The Calycandra pinnata Lepr. ex A.Rich. plant requires well-draining soil with good moisture retention. The soil pH range should be moderately acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. The plant can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It is recommended to add compost or organic matter to the soil to improve the soil structure and fertility.
Cultivation methods for Calycandra pinnata Lepr. ex A.Rich.
Calycandra pinnata Lepr. ex A.Rich., commonly known as "Red Powderpuff," is a tropical shrub that thrives in warm and humid climates. In its natural habitat, it grows prominently in sandy soils, riverbanks, and swamps. It is crucial to mimic its natural habitat to cultivate it successfully.
You can grow Calycandra pinnata Lepr. ex A.Rich. using seeds or by vegetative propagation. Propagation through cuttings is an excellent way of propagating this plant. Cuttings taken in the rainy season have shown excellent success rates. The plant prefers partial shade, so you must place it under the tree canopy or partial shade house.
Watering needs for Calycandra pinnata Lepr. ex A.Rich.
Water is vital for the survival of Calycandra pinnata Lepr. ex A.Rich. In the first year of planting, you must ensure adequate watering, especially during the dry season. However, the plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soils, and proper drainage is necessary. The frequency of watering should reduce as the plant establishes and matures.
Fertilization of Calycandra pinnata Lepr. ex A.Rich.
In the first year, Calycandra pinnata Lepr. ex A.Rich. requires moderate fertilization. Apply organic fertilizers, such as cow dung or compost, every three months. You can also apply slow-release fertilizers, such as nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (NPK), every six months after planting. After the first year, reduce the frequency of fertilization to once a year.
Pruning Calycandra pinnata Lepr. ex A.Rich.
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of the plant. When Calycandra pinnata Lepr. ex A.Rich. is young, you can prune it to encourage bushy and dense growth. After the plant has matured, you can perform selective pruning to remove damaged and diseased parts, deadhead flowers, and thin out dense growth. Prune during the dry season to prevent waterborne diseases from infecting the open wounds.
Propagation of Calycandra pinnata Lepr. ex A.Rich.
Calycandra pinnata Lepr. ex A.Rich. is a tropical plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae and is commonly known as Calicandra, Redbud, or Sweet Broom. Propagation of Calycandra pinnata Lepr. ex A.Rich. can be done through various methods. These methods include:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Calycandra pinnata Lepr. ex A.Rich. through seeds is one of the easiest and common methods. The seeds are small, have a hard outer coat, and are produced in pods that mature in late summer. The seeds should be collected when they are fully mature and have turned brown. They can then be sown directly into the soil or seed trays filled with a mixture of sand and organic compost. The seeds need to be covered lightly with the soil mixture and kept moist until germination occurs, which usually takes 2-3 weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation of Calycandra pinnata Lepr. ex A.Rich. through cuttings is also an option. The best time to take cuttings is in the spring or early summer when the new growth has started but is still soft and flexible. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and preferably from the mid-section of the stem. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and dipped into a rooting hormone before planting them in moist soil. The cuttings should be kept in a warm place with indirect light and misted regularly until roots have formed, which usually takes 2-3 weeks.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering propagation is another method that can be used for Calycandra pinnata Lepr. ex A.Rich. This method involves creating a small root ball on a branch of the plant while it is still attached to the plant. A small section of the bark is removed from the stem, and rooting hormone is applied. Then, moist sphagnum moss is wrapped firmly around the cut section and covered with plastic wrap to prevent evaporation. The moss needs to be kept moist and after a few weeks, roots will start to form. Once the roots are well developed, the new plant can be cut from the parent plant and potted in a new container with fresh soil.
With the proper care and environment, Calycandra pinnata Lepr. ex A.Rich. can be propagated easily through these three methods.
Disease and Pest Management for Calycandra pinnata Lepr. ex A.Rich.
Calycandra pinnata Lepr. ex A.Rich., commonly known as Redbud, is an ornamental plant that is generally easy to care for. However, it is still susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Below are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant along with some ways to manage them.
Diseases
Verticillium Wilt: This fungal disease can be identified by yellowing, wilting, and drying of leaves. It can cause the plant to wilt and die. The fungus can survive in the soil for many years. If the soil is infected, the best way to control this disease is by removing the infected plant and avoid planting Redbud trees in that area. Some resistant varieties are also available.
Leaf Spots: Several fungal and bacterial pathogens can cause leaf spots. You can identify this disease by the brown spots or blotches that appear on leaves. The leaves will eventually turn yellow and fall off. Collecting and disposing of fallen leaves is crucial in controlling the spread of the disease. If the disease is severe, the use of fungicides can be necessary.
Pests
Caterpillars: These pests mainly feed on the leaves of Redbud trees. The damage caused can cause the tree's defoliation, stunted growth, and even death. Handpicking the caterpillars can be effective for small infestations. For larger infestations, insecticidal sprays can be used.
Borers: These pests are usually attracted to stressed or weakened Redbud trees. The adult borers lay eggs on the bark, larvae then tunnel through the bark and feed on the sapwood, causing structural damage. Keeping the tree healthy and well-watered is essential in preventing Borers. For severe infestations, insecticides can be applied.
Regular monitoring of Calycandra pinnata Lepr. ex A.Rich. trees for diseases and pests is essential to prevent and manage any potential issues. Prevention and early intervention can help keep the tree healthy and thriving for years to come.
