Plant Description:
Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. var. erecta (Schorn & Gordon-Gray) Lock is a flowering plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is a perennial herb that grows upright and has a bushy appearance. The plant reaches a height of 20-60 cm and has a spread of 20-30 cm.
Origin:
This plant is native to South Africa and is commonly found in the Eastern Cape province. It grows in a variety of habitats such as grasslands, savannahs, and bushveld.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as feather-leaved Chamaecrista, feathery false sensitive plant, and erect sensitive plant.
Uses:
The plant has various uses. The leaves, flowers, and roots of the plant are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. It has been used to treat fever, stomach aches, and urinary tract infections. The plant's roots are also used to make a decoction for treating gonorrhea, while the leaves are made into poultices for treating wounds.
The Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. var. erecta is a beautiful plant with its delicate foliage and stunning yellow flowers that bloom throughout the year. It is an excellent ornamental plant for gardens and landscapes, and it attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Light requirements
Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. var. erecta prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It is best to place the plant in a location where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature requirements
This plant thrives in warm temperature conditions with a range of 20 to 35°C. However, it can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C and also survives in temperatures up to 40°C. During winter, it is best to protect the plant from freezing temperatures as it can be fatal to the plant.
Soil requirements
Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. var. erecta grows well in well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be fertile and rich in organic matter. Additionally, the plant prefers sandy loam soils. If the soil does not drain well, it can lead to root rot and ultimately kill the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. var. erecta (Schorn & Gordon-Gray) Lock is a warm-season annual plant that grows well in full sun and warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for cultivation is between 70°F and 90°F. The plant should be grown in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Before planting the seeds, the soil should be prepared by loosening it up to a depth of 6 inches. The seeds should be sown ¼ inch deep and spaced 6 inches apart. Water the soil after planting, but do not overwater as it may cause fungal diseases.
Watering Needs
During the germination phase, the soil should be kept consistently moist. Once the plant has established itself, watering should be reduced to allow the soil to dry out partially. The plant should be watered deeply once a week. However, it is essential to monitor the soil moisture and adjust the frequency and amount of water as per the requirement of the plant.
Fertilization
Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. var. erecta (Schorn & Gordon-Gray) Lock requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and prolific blooming. A balanced fertilizer that has an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 should be applied once every two weeks. Alternatively, organic fertilizers can be used, such as compost or well-rotted manure.
Pruning
Pruning is not typically required for Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. var. erecta (Schorn & Gordon-Gray) Lock, as it is a compact and low-growing plant. However, deadheading should be performed regularly to encourage more flowering. Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers. It promotes the plant to produce more flowers and enhances its overall appearance.
Propagation of Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. var. erecta (Schorn & Gordon-Gray) Lock
Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. var. erecta (Schorn & Gordon-Gray) Lock can be propagated by either seeds or stem cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
Seeds of Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. var. erecta (Schorn & Gordon-Gray) Lock can be collected from the mature pods. The seeds must be scarified to break the hard seed coat, either by rubbing them between fine sandpaper or by a brief immersion in boiling water, to improve their germination rate.
After scarification, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining potting mix or directly in the field during the rainy season. The optimum temperature for germination is around 25-30°C. The seedlings emerge within 7-10 days after sowing, and they can be transplanted into individual pots or the field after they develop two to three true leaves.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. var. erecta (Schorn & Gordon-Gray) Lock can also be propagated by stem cuttings. The cuttings shall be made during the period of active growth and preferably taken from the basal or middle part of the stem.
The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and with at least two to three nodes. The basal ends must be treated with rooting hormone powder to enhance rooting. The cuttings can be inserted into the well-draining and moist rooting medium, such as sand, vermiculite, or peat, and kept in a shaded and humid environment.
The rooted cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots or in the field after 4-6 weeks, once they have developed strong roots and shoots.
Disease Management
Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. var. erecta (Schorn & Gordon-Gray) Lock is susceptible to various diseases. The common diseases that might affect the plant are:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant parts immediately. Provide good air circulation and avoid overhead watering, as the fungus thrives in moist environments.
- Rust: This disease is characterized by rusty yellow or brown spots on the leaves. To manage rust, prune and discard infected leaves, and avoid overhead watering. Use a fungicide spray if the problem persists.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is another fungal disease that causes small, circular spots on the leaves. Infected leaves eventually turn yellow and fall off. Remove and destroy infected leaves immediately, and use a fungicide spray to manage the disease.
Pest Management
Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. var. erecta (Schorn & Gordon-Gray) Lock is also prone to pests. The common pests that might affect the plant are:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests thrive in dry, hot conditions. They suck sap from the leaves, which causes the leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong stream of water and keep the plant well-watered.
- Aphids: These tiny, soft-bodied insects attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant and suck sap. They cause curling and yellowing of the leaves and can transmit viral diseases. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths or butterflies. They chew on the leaves of the plant, leaving holes and causing defoliation. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand or use a biological insecticide.
Regular inspection of the plant and taking quick action to manage any pest or disease problem will ensure that Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. var. erecta (Schorn & Gordon-Gray) Lock remains healthy and beautiful.
