Overview
Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. glauca (Lam.) K.Larsen & S.S.Larsen is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as ‘K20108’ and ‘Pagoda Tree’.
Origin
Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. glauca (Lam.) K.Larsen & S.S.Larsen is native to Southeast Asia and can be found growing in India, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Appearance
The plant has a distinctive appearance with its slender, multi-branched stem that can grow up to 10 meters in height. It has small leaves that are elliptical in shape and have a glossy texture. The flowers are bright yellow and have beautiful clusters of blooms that hang from the branches like a 'pagoda.' The fruits are brown, flat, and have six seeds.
Uses
The Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. glauca (Lam.) K.Larsen & S.S.Larsen plant is used for ornamental purposes in landscaping due to its striking beauty. The plant also has medicinal properties and has traditionally been used to treat headaches, fever, and promote healthy digestion. The bark and leaves of the plant have been used for making dye for textiles. Additionally, the seeds of the plant have been used for animal feed.
Light conditions
Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. glauca (Lam.) K.Larsen & S.S.Larsen thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to grow successfully. To promote optimal growth, it is advisable to place the plant in a location where it can receive ample sunlight.
Temperature requirements
This plant can survive in a range of temperatures, although it grows best in warm temperatures. The ideal temperature for this plant ranges between 20-35°C. Cool temperatures below 10°C can be lethal to the plant. Thus, it is advisable to protect it from frost during the winter season. The plant is adaptable to humidity, but it prefers average to high levels of humidity.
Soil requirements
Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. glauca (Lam.) K.Larsen & S.S.Larsen thrives best in well-draining, fertile soils. The soil pH level should be slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate slightly alkaline soils with a pH level of up to 8.5. Soil with a high content of organic matter helps this plant grow faster. Furthermore, it requires moderate watering because it prefers moist but not waterlogged soil.
Cultivation
The Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. glauca (Lam.) K.Larsen & S.S.Larsen plant thrives best in warm and humid tropical climates. It can be grown outdoors in well-draining soil or in containers. For container planting, use a pot with drainage holes and fill it with a mix of loam, sand, and peat moss.
You can propagate the plant by stem cuttings or seeds. If propagating by stem cuttings, ensure that they have at least two leaves and are dipped in a rooting hormone before planting. For seeds, plant them at a depth of about 1-2 inches in the soil.
Watering Needs
Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. glauca (Lam.) K.Larsen & S.S.Larsen requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. Water the plant deeply and ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Avoid watering the plant from above as this can damage the leaves and encourage the growth of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season, and reduce the frequency during the dormant season. You can also incorporate slow-release granular fertilizer into the soil at the beginning of the growing season.
Pruning
To maintain the shape of the plant and encourage bushy growth, prune regularly. You can prune the plant after the blooming period to remove dead flowers and promote new growth. You can also prune damaged or diseased branches as soon as you notice them. Ensure that pruning tools are clean and sharp to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. glauca (Lam.) K.Larsen & S.S.Larsen
Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. glauca (Lam.) K.Larsen & S.S.Larsen, commonly known as the glaucous cassia, can be propagated through various methods such as by seeds, stem cuttings, and air layering.
Propagation by Seeds
The propagation of Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. glauca can be done by using its seeds. Collect the mature seeds from the mother plant and soak them in water for 24 hours before sowing. Sow the seeds in a pot filled with well-draining soil and keep it moist. The seedlings will take around 2-4 weeks to germinate depending on the local temperature and soil moisture.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings is another way of propagating Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. glauca. Take stem cuttings that are 4-6 inches long from the mother plant and remove any leaves at the lower end of the stem. Dip the cut end of the stem into a rooting hormone powder and plant them in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Mist the cuttings with water and keep them in a warm, humid, and bright spot. The cuttings will take around 4-6 weeks to develop roots and can be transplanted into a larger pot or planted directly into the ground.
Propagation by Air Layering
Air layering is a more advanced method of propagating Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. glauca. This method is also known as marcotting or air propagation. For this method, select a healthy stem from the mother plant and make a small cut on the stem, just below a node or a leaf. Apply rooting hormone on the cut end and wrap the cut area with moist sphagnum moss or peat moss. Secure it in place with plastic wrap and a tie or string. Keep the moss moist and watch for the roots to develop. Once the roots have developed, cut the stem below the new roots and plant it in a new pot or directly in the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. glauca (Lam.) K.Larsen & S.S.Larsen
Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. glauca (Lam.) K.Larsen & S.S.Larsen, also known as the glaucous cassia or Indian laburnum, is a species of flowering plant in the legume family. Proper disease and pest management are essential to maintain its health and ensure optimal growth.
Common Diseases
The glaucous cassia is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Leaf spot: characterized by yellow or brown spots on the leaves, which may eventually drop. It is caused by various fungi, and proper sanitation and fungicide application can manage it.
- Root rot: caused by waterlogging and poor drainage, leading to the decay of the roots. To prevent it, maintain well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
- Powdery mildew: characterized by powdery white patches on the leaves, caused by various fungi. Proper sanitation and fungicide application can manage it.
Pest Management
The glaucous cassia is also susceptible to various pests, including:
- Mealybugs: small, white, fluffy insects that feed by sucking sap from the plant. They can be controlled by using insecticides and removing affected parts of the plant.
- Caterpillars: larvae of various moth species that feed on the leaves. They can be controlled by manual removal or using insecticides.
- Scale insects: small, waxy insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems, sucking sap from the plant. They can also be controlled by using insecticides and removing affected parts of the plant.
In conclusion, proper disease and pest management are crucial for the health and growth of Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. glauca (Lam.) K.Larsen & S.S.Larsen. Regular sanitation, well-draining soil, and the use of appropriate insecticides and fungicides can help prevent and manage diseases and pests.
