Overview
Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. surattensis, also known as Surat Cassia, is a tree belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia, Southern China and India, and has been introduced to other tropical regions of the world.
Common Names
This plant is known by several common names such as Surat Cassia, Pink Shower, and Khakda.
General Appearance
Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. surattensis is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow up to 15-20 meters tall. The branches are slender and drooping, with dark brown bark. The leaves are pale green, pinnately compound, and measure around 10-20 cm in length. The flowers, borne in large clusters, are pink or dark pink in color and have a distinct fragrance. The fruit is a flat, brown pod, which measures around 10-15 cm in length.
Uses
The plant has several uses in traditional medicine. The bark has been used for treating diarrhea, while the leaves and flowers have been used for treating skin diseases, wounds, and fever. The plant is also used for landscaping purposes due to its showy, fragrant flowers.
Light Requirements
Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. surattensis requires full sun to grow. It needs direct exposure to sunlight for at least 6 hours a day to thrive. Lack of proper sunlight can lead to stunted growth and poor flowering performance in the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm to hot temperatures, preferring those between 20-35°C. Temperatures below 10°C or above 40°C can be detrimental to the plant's growth and health.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows best in well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. It can also tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil. The soil should be rich in organic matter to promote healthy growth. The plant can also grow in poor soil, but its growth will be stunted.
Water Requirements
Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. surattensis requires moderate watering. The soil must be kept moist but not waterlogged. Over-watering can lead to root rot and other diseases, while under-watering can cause the plant to wilt and dry up.
Fertilizer Requirements
The plant requires regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer during its growing season, from spring to summer. Overfeeding can harm the plant, so you must fertilize it in moderation.
Cultivation of Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. surattensis
Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. surattensis is a tropical plant species that requires warm and humid conditions to thrive. It can be grown in different soil types, but it prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant grows well in full sun or partial shade. When planting, ensure sufficient space is available between the plants to promote adequate air circulation and prevent overcrowding.
Watering Needs
The plant prefers regular watering to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and affect plant growth, while underwatering can cause the leaves to wilt and ultimately die. Ensure that the plant is watered evenly, preferably in the morning. Avoid wetting the foliage, as this can cause fungal infections.
Fertilization
Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. surattensis requires regular fertilization to promote optimal growth and development. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10:10:10 or 12:12:12. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season, and reduce frequency during the dormant season. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can cause leaf burn.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to promote bushier growth and keep the plant in shape. You should prune the plant once per year, at the beginning of the growing season. Prune back any old, diseased, or dead growth, and shape the remaining branches. Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. surattensis has a tendency to grow leggy, so ensure you prune back the top branches to promote bushier growth on the lower parts of the plant. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to prevent damage to the plant.
Propagation of Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. surattensis
Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. surattensis, also known as the Surat Cassia, can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, stem cuttings, and air layering.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. surattensis can be collected from the mature pods of the plant. After collecting the seeds, they should be cleaned and soaked in warm water for 24 hours before sowing. The seeds can be sown in seedling trays filled with well-draining soil. The trays should be covered with a plastic sheet to maintain humidity and placed in a warm and bright location. The seedlings should emerge within 2-3 weeks.
Stem Cutting Propagation
The stem cuttings of Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. surattensis can be taken from the semi-hardwood stem of the plant. The stem cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and should have at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting should be treated with rooting hormone before planting. The stem cuttings can be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept in a warm and humid location until they establish roots.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is a method of propagation in which the plant is induced to form roots at a certain point on the stem while still attached to the parent plant. In Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. surattensis, air layering can be done by selecting a mature stem and making a deep cut on the stem. The cut portion should be covered with a rooting hormone and wrapped with moistened sphagnum moss. The wrapped portion should be covered with a plastic sheet, which should be tied around the stem to provide humidity. After the roots have formed, the rooted portion can be cut from the parent plant and potted in a well-draining soil mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. surattensis
Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. surattensis, commonly known as the Seemai Agathi plant, is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth and yield. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes circular spots on the leaves, which can later turn brown and spread, leading to defoliation. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant material, avoid over-watering the plants, prune the affected parts, and apply a copper-based fungicide on the leaves.
Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white or gray powdery growth on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant material, avoid watering the plants from above, increase air circulation around the plants, and apply a sulfur-based fungicide.
Root rot: This is a soil-borne fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to rot and turn brown. To manage this disease, avoid over-watering the plants, improve soil drainage, remove and destroy infected plant material, and apply a fungicide to the soil.
Pests
Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and yellow. To manage these pests, spray the plants with a strong jet of water to dislodge them, introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, or apply a neem oil or insecticidal soap on the leaves.
Mealybugs: These are small, white, cottony insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage these pests, remove and destroy heavily infested plant material, introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, or apply a neem oil or insecticidal soap on the leaves.
Whiteflies: These are tiny, flying insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and die. To manage these pests, spray the plants with a strong jet of water to dislodge them, introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, or apply a neem oil or insecticidal soap on the leaves.
By implementing these disease and pest management strategies, you can ensure healthy growth and yield of your Cassia surattensis Burm.f. subsp. surattensis plants.
