Origin
Cassia surattensis Burm. f. var. suffruticosa (Koenig ex Roth) Chatterjee, commonly known as the climbing cassia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by several regional names, including
- climbing cassia
- lakshmana
- thumbai
- thumbai poo
Uses
The climbing cassia has been used for generations in traditional medicine to treat a variety of aliments. The bark and roots of the plant have been used to treat fevers, diarrhea, skin diseases, and as a tonic for general health. The plant is also known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Additionally, the climbing cassia is grown as an ornamental plant for its beautiful, fragrant flowers. In Hindu mythology, the plant is associated with Lord Rama and thus holds religious significance.
General Appearance
The climbing cassia is a woody, perennial plant that can grow up to 7 meters in height, attaching to supports with its tendrils. The leaves are pinnate, with 3-6 pairs of leaflets, and the flowers are borne in clusters at the end of long stems. The flowers are bright yellow and have a sweet fragrance, blooming from late summer to early winter.
The fruit of the plant is a long, narrow pod that contains 20-30 seeds. The bark of the climbing cassia is grayish-brown in color, smooth in young plants, and becoming more rough and fissured as the plant matures.
Light Requirements
Cassia surattensis Burm. f. var. suffruticosa (Koenig ex Roth) Chatterjee prefers full sunlight and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to grow properly. It can also tolerate partial shade, but too much shade can hinder its growth and flowering potential. Therefore, it is best to plant it in locations with full to partial sunlight exposure.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species needs a warm and humid climate to thrive. It prefers a temperature range of 20°C to 30°C, and it cannot tolerate extreme temperatures and frosts. In regions with colder climates, it is best to plant the Cassia surattensis Burm. f. var. suffruticosa (Koenig ex Roth) Chatterjee in a greenhouse or as a container plant that can be moved indoors during winter.
Soil Requirements
Cassia surattensis Burm. f. var. suffruticosa (Koenig ex Roth) Chatterjee prefers well-drained soils that are rich in nutrients. The ideal soil pH range for this species is between 6.0 and 7.5. The soil should also be maintained moist but not waterlogged, as waterlogging can cause root rot and other issues. If the soil is too heavy, it can be amended with sand to improve drainage, and adding compost can enhance soil fertility.
Cultivation Method of Cassia surattensis Burm. f. var. suffruticosa (Koenig ex Roth) Chatterjee
Cassia surattensis Burm. f. var. suffruticosa (Koenig ex Roth) Chatterjee is a shrub that grows well in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. It prefers well-draining soils that are slightly acidic to neutral pH. This plant is not cold-tolerant and requires a warm climate to grow.
To cultivate Cassia surattensis Burm. f. var. suffruticosa (Koenig ex Roth) Chatterjee, plant it in a location where it will receive full sun. Dig a hole that is two times bigger than the root ball and add some compost or aged manure to the soil to improve drainage and increase fertility. Plant the shrub in the hole and water it well to settle the soil around the roots.
Watering Needs of Cassia surattensis Burm. f. var. suffruticosa (Koenig ex Roth) Chatterjee
Cassia surattensis Burm. f. var. suffruticosa (Koenig ex Roth) Chatterjee requires regular watering during the growing season. Water the shrub deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions and soil moisture levels. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal growth and waterlogging.
During the dormant season, reduce watering to once a month to avoid waterlogging or root rot. Always check the soil moisture levels before watering and do not let the soil dry out completely, as this can cause stress to the plant.
Fertilization of Cassia surattensis Burm. f. var. suffruticosa (Koenig ex Roth) Chatterjee
Cassia surattensis Burm. f. var. suffruticosa (Koenig ex Roth) Chatterjee benefits from regular fertilization to encourage healthy growth and blooming. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 and apply it every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Make sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging and avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to salt buildup and damage the roots.
Organic fertilizers like compost, fish emulsion, or bone meal can also be used to feed Cassia surattensis Burm. f. var. suffruticosa (Koenig ex Roth) Chatterjee, especially if you want to avoid synthetic chemicals. Apply organic fertilizers once a month during the growing season and mix them with the soil around the base of the plant.
Pruning of Cassia surattensis Burm. f. var. suffruticosa (Koenig ex Roth) Chatterjee
Cassia surattensis Burm. f. var. suffruticosa (Koenig ex Roth) Chatterjee requires minimal pruning to maintain its shape and size. Prune the plant lightly in early spring before the growing season to remove any dead or damaged branches and to encourage branching and bushier growth.
Do not prune more than one-third of the plant's overall size, as this can cause stress and reduce blooming. You can also prune the plant lightly after blooming to remove spent flowers and promote a more compact growth habit. Avoid pruning in the fall or winter, as this can stimulate new growth that may be damaged by frost or cold weather.
Propagation of Cassia surattensis Burm. f. var. suffruticosa (Koenig ex Roth) Chatterjee
Cassia surattensis Burm. f. var. suffruticosa (Koenig ex Roth) Chatterjee, commonly known as the Indian Senna plant, can be propagated by various methods including seeds, cuttings, and division of rootstocks.
Propagation by seeds
Seeds of Cassia surattensis can be collected from mature seed pods and planted in well-draining soil in a warm and sunny location. The seeds should be planted at a depth of 1-2 cm and watered regularly until germination, which can take up to three weeks.
Propagation by cuttings
Cuttings can be taken from mature, healthy plants and rooted in a sandy soil mixture. To prepare the cutting, remove a 5-10 cm section of stem, strip the bottom leaves, apply rooting hormone, and plant it in the soil. Keep the soil moist and covered with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Once the cutting roots, remove the bag and gradually acclimate it to the outdoor conditions.
Propagation by division of rootstocks
Cassia surattensis can also be propagated by dividing mature rootstocks. Dig up a mature plant and carefully separate the roots into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has enough roots and shoots to survive. replant the divided sections in well-draining soil, water thoroughly, and place in a sunny location.
With proper care and maintenance, Cassia surattensis Burm. f. var. suffruticosa (Koenig ex Roth) Chatterjee can be easily propagated by any of these methods, and will quickly establish itself to become a beautiful addition to your garden.
Disease Management
Cassia surattensis Burm. f. var. suffruticosa (Koenig ex Roth) Chatterjee is generally a hardy plant but can be susceptible to certain diseases. Some common diseases that might affect the plant include:
- Leaf Spot: This disease appears as dark, water-soaked spots on the leaves. It can be caused by various fungi and bacteria. To manage it, remove infected leaves and keep the plant well-ventilated to reduce humidity.
- Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that manifests as a white powdery substance on the leaves. To prevent powdery mildew, keep plants well-spaced to maximize air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
- Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that creates reddish-brown pustules on leaves and stems. It can be managed by removing infected plant parts and keeping the plant well-ventilated.
If any of these diseases persist or become severe, consider employing a fungicide or consulting a professional for treatment options.
Pest Management
Like many plants, Cassia surattensis Burm. f. var. suffruticosa (Koenig ex Roth) Chatterjee can be targeted by pests. Some common pests that may affect this plant include:
- Aphids: These small insects can cluster and attack the plant's new growth and buds. They excrete honeydew, which can attract ants and encourage fungal growth. To manage them, spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Scale insects: These insects can attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant, sucking the sap and causing wilting and dieback. They can be treated with an insecticide or by scrubbing the plant with a soft brush and a mild soap solution.
- Mealybugs: These pests resemble small cottony masses on the plant's stems and leaves. They are notorious for being difficult to eradicate. If detected early, they can be removed by dabbing them with rubbing alcohol. More severe infestations may require an insecticide or professional treatment.
Regular monitoring of your plant, along with good cultural practices such as proper drainage and soil nutrition, can help prevent both disease and pest problems.
