Description of Cassia falcinella Oliv. var. intermedia Brenan
Cassia falcinella Oliv. var. intermedia Brenan, also known as the yellow shower tree, is a deciduous tree from West Africa. It belongs to the family Fabaceae and is a member of the genus Cassia.
Common Names
Cassia falcinella Oliv. var. intermedia Brenan has several common names across its native range. In Nigeria, it is known as "girin-girin" in the Hausa language, "iboro" in the Efik and Ibibio languages, and "sombo" in the Yoruba language. In Ghana, it is called "aboabo" in the Twi language.
Uses
The bark of Cassia falcinella Oliv. var. intermedia Brenan is commonly used in traditional medicine across West Africa to treat convulsions, epilepsy, and fevers. The leaves of the tree are used to make a tea that is believed to have diuretic properties. In addition, the wood of the tree is used for various purposes, including making furniture and building material.
General Appearance
Cassia falcinella Oliv. var. intermedia Brenan is a small to medium-sized tree that typically grows to a height of 10-15 meters. Its leaves are typically pinnate and can grow up to 20 cm in length. The tree produces bright yellow flowers that are grouped in showy panicles that can be up to 20 cm in length. The fruit of the tree is a long, narrow, and flattened pod that can grow up to 30 cm in length.
Light Requirements
Cassia falcinella Oliv. var. intermedia Brenan requires plenty of sunlight to grow properly. It is an understory shrub that can grow under partial shade, but prefers full sun exposure. Therefore, it is recommended to plant it in areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Cassia falcinella Oliv. var. intermedia Brenan typically grows in warm temperatures, around 20-25°C. However, it can tolerate fluctuations between 10-40°C. During summertime, it requires regular watering as high temperature can cause it to dry out.
Soil Requirements
The shrub prefers well-draining soil with moderate fertility. It can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, to ensure optimal growth, the soil should be rich in organic matter. Maintaining a pH range between 5.5-7.5 is recommended. Additionally, planting it in soil with good water retention ability is essential as it requires adequate moisture to grow well.
Cultivation methods
Cassia falcinella Oliv. var. intermedia Brenan thrives in full sun exposure and well-draining soil. It can tolerate some drought conditions but does best with regular watering. This plant can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in the spring while cuttings can be taken in the summer. It's best to propagate this plant in pots first before transplanting it to the ground.
Watering needs
Cassia falcinella Oliv. var. intermedia Brenan prefers soil that is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Watering should be done deeply and infrequently to encourage the plant to develop deep roots. During the summer months, when the temperatures are high, the plant may require more frequent watering. It's essential to avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot, plant diseases and death of the plant.
Fertilization
Applying a slow-release fertilizer in early spring will give a Cassia falcinella Oliv. var. intermedia Brenan plant the necessary nutrients to thrive. A balanced fertilizer will work best, and it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions on the package. Avoid fertilizing late in the season as it can stimulate new growth that won't have enough time to harden off before winter, leading to damage or death due to frost.
Pruning
Cassia falcinella Oliv. var. intermedia Brenan are low-maintenance plants that typically do not require pruning. However, cutting back any dead, diseased, or damaged branches will help the plant look more aesthetically pleasing. When performing the pruning make sure to use clean and sharp shears so that you do not damage new growth around the affected area.
Propagation of Cassia falcinella Oliv. var. intermedia Brenan
Cassia falcinella Oliv. var. intermedia Brenan is a subshrub plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is a drought-resistant plant that is usually propagated by seeds. However, it can also be propagated by stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is the most common method of propagating Cassia falcinella Oliv. var. intermedia Brenan. The seeds are collected from the mature pods in the dry season. The seeds are then treated with water or acid scarification to weaken the hard seed coat and allow for germination to take place.
The seeds are then sown in a nursery bed filled with a well-draining soil mix. They are then covered with a thin layer of soil. Germination usually takes place within 2-3 weeks. After germination, the seedlings are transplanted to individual pots or the field.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings can also be done for Cassia falcinella Oliv. var. intermedia Brenan. Stem cuttings are collected from mature plants during the rainy season. The cuttings should be 10-15 cm long and have at least two leaves. The leaves on the lower part of the stem are removed to avoid moisture loss.
The stem cuttings are then dipped in rooting hormone to increase the chances of successful rooting. They are then planted in a well-draining soil mix in a nursery bed or container. The cuttings should be watered regularly but care should be taken not to overwater them as this may cause rotting.
Rooting usually takes place within 2-3 weeks. After rooting, the cuttings are transplanted to individual pots or the field.
Disease and Pest Management for Cassia falcinella Oliv. var. intermedia Brenan
Cassia falcinella Oliv. var. intermedia Brenan (also known as the Moroccan senna) is a shrub commonly found in dry regions of North Africa. Like any other plant, it can be affected by various diseases and pests that can significantly affect its growth and yield. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease whereby reddish-brown spots appear on the leaves. As the disease progresses, the spots enlarge and merge, leading to the death of the leaf. Leaf spot can be managed by practicing good sanitation practices, including removing and destroying infected leaves and debris from around the plant. Applying fungicides can also be helpful in managing the disease.
Rust: Rust is another fungal disease that affects the plant. It causes yellowish-orange spots on the leaves, which later develops into rust-colored pustules. The disease can lead to stunted growth and a decrease in yield. To manage rust, it is recommendable to remove and destroy infected leaves, avoid wetting the foliage while watering, and applying fungicides.
Root rot: Root rot is a disease caused by soil-borne fungi, which affects the roots, causing them to rot and eventually lead to the death of the plant. Proper drainage, avoiding overwatering, and using well-drained soils is the best approach to managing the disease. Applying fungicides is not effective in managing the disease.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can significantly affect the plant's growth and yield. They can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water, introducing natural predators such as ladybugs, or applying insecticidal soaps or neem oil.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that cause damage to the plant by sucking out its cell content, leading to a decrease in growth and yield. They can be managed by keeping the foliage moist and humid, applying insecticidal soaps or neem oil, or introducing natural predators such as ladybugs or predatory mites.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can defoliate the plant, leading to a decrease in growth and yield. They can be managed by handpicking them off the plant, applying Bacillus thuringiensis insecticide, or introducing natural predators such as birds or parasitic wasps.
Practicing good plant hygiene, such as removing any diseased foliage or debris from around the plant; practicing crop rotation; using resistant varieties; and using clean planting equipment and seed, can help manage both diseases and pests effectively.
