Overview
Chamaecrista exunguis, also known as Urban, Britt. ex Britt. & Rose, is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae family. It is native to the Caribbean, specifically Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Common Names
Common names for this plant include Small Sensitive Plant, Dwarf Cassia, and Extinguisher of Shame.
Uses
The plant is commonly used for its medicinal properties. The leaves and roots of Chamaecrista exunguis have been used to treat various ailments, such as stomach problems, fever, and diarrhea. Additionally, the plant has been used to treat skin ailments such as wounds and burns.
General Appearance
Chamaecrista exunguis is a small herbaceous plant that typically grows to a height of 10–20 centimeters. It has a slender stem that is covered in small, green leaves that are arranged in pairs along the stem. The leaves have a delicate, fern-like appearance and are sensitive to touch. The flowers of Chamaecrista exunguis are small and yellow, and bloom in clusters at the tips of the stems. The plant produces small, flat seed pods that are brown in color and contain several seeds each.
Light Requirements
Chamaecrista exunguis grows best in full sun to partial shade, but can also tolerate shady conditions. However, insufficient light can lead to leggy plants with poor foliage development.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures, with a temperature range of 68-86°F (20-30°C) being ideal for growth. Temperatures below 55°F (13°C) can cause damage to the leaves and stems, while frost can be lethal.
Soil Requirements
Chamaecrista exunguis prefers well-draining soils that are slightly acidic, but can tolerate a range of soil types as long as they are not waterlogged. They can grow in sandy, loamy or clay soils, but adding organic matter can improve soil structure and fertility. This plant can also tolerate drought conditions but needs occasional watering during prolonged dry periods to reduce stress.
Cultivation:
Chamaecrista exunguis is a flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is commonly known as the Bahama sensitive pea and is native to the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Cuba. Cultivating this plant requires a little effort, and it can grow up to three feet tall.
You can grow Chamaecrista exunguis in containers or directly in the ground. Plant the seeds in well-draining soil and keep them lightly moist until they germinate. Once the plant is established, it can tolerate some drought.
Watering:
Water Chamaecrista exunguis thoroughly only when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is essential to let the soil dry out before watering again. It is better to underwater this plant than to overwater it.
Fertilization:
Chamaecrista exunguis does not require a lot of fertilizer. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer once a year during the spring to boost growth. Make sure to use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Pruning:
You can prune Chamaecrista exunguis to keep the plant compact and to encourage more blooms. Cut the stems back to 1/3 of their original length after the first flush of flowers. This will encourage new growth and more blooms. You can also deadhead spent flowers to encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
Propagation of Chamaecrista exunguis (Urban) Britt. ex Britt. & Rose
Chamaecrista exunguis (Urban) Britt. ex Britt. & Rose, also known as the dwarf sensitive plant, can be propagated by both seeds and cuttings. Here are the details of each method:
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Chamaecrista exunguis can be sown directly into the soil after collecting them from the mother plant. The ideal time to collect seeds is when the pods are fully mature and begin to split open. The seeds are then dried and either stored for later planting or sowed immediately.
The seeds should be sowed about 1/4 inch deep in a well-draining soil mix. They should be kept moist and warm, ideally at a temperature of around 70°F. The seeds will usually germinate within 7-14 days.
Once the seedlings begin to sprout, they should be transplanted into their permanent location, either in pots or in the ground.
Cutting Propagation
Another way to propagate Chamaecrista exunguis is by taking cuttings from the mother plant. This is an effective way to propagate the plant, especially if you want to produce identical clones of the mother plant.
The ideal time to take cuttings is during the growing season, when the plant is producing new growth. Using a clean, sharp pair of scissors, cut a stem from the mother plant that is 2-3 inches long. Remove any leaves or flowers from the bottom half of the stem. Then, dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder and plant it in a well-draining soil mix.
The cutting should be kept moist and warm, and ideally, a plastic bag or container should be placed over the top of the cutting to maintain humidity. Roots should begin to form within a few weeks, and once the cutting has established roots, it can be transplanted into its permanent location.
Disease Management
Chamaecrista exunguis (Urban) Britt. ex Britt. & Rose may suffer from some diseases, including:
- Fungal Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by fungi that attack the leaves, producing grayish-white spots on them. To manage this, it's essential to get rid of infected leaves and keep the soil moist but not wet.
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by fungi that attack the roots, causing yellowing and wilting of the plant. To manage this, it's crucial to improve the drainage of the soil and avoid overwatering.
- Powdery Mildew: This disease is caused by fungi that produce a white powdery substance on the leaves. To manage this, it's advisable to prune the infected leaves and improve the air circulation in the plant.
Pest Management
Chamaecrista exunguis (Urban) Britt. ex Britt. & Rose may also suffer from some pests, including:
- Spider Mites: These pests cause brownish-yellow spots on the leaves, which can lead to defoliation. To manage this, it's essential to keep the humidity levels of the plant high, prune the infected leaves, and use insecticidal soap.
- Mealybugs: These pests produce a white, powdery substance on the plant, which can lead to stunted growth and death. To manage this, it's crucial to remove the infected parts of the plant and use insecticidal soap.
- Aphids: These pests suck the sap of the plant, causing wilting and yellowing of the leaves. To manage this, it's essential to prune the infected parts of the plant and use insecticidal soap.
