Overview:
Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. x C. mimosoides (L.) Greene is a hybrid plant that belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. This plant is a cross of Chamaecrista plumosa E. Mey. and Chamaecrista mimosoides (L.) Greene.
Origin:
The two parent plants of Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. x C. mimosoides (L.) Greene are native to different parts of Southern Africa. C. plumosa is commonly found in Eastern and Southern Africa, while C. mimosoides is found in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Northern provinces of South Africa.
Common names:
The plant is also known by other common names such as Feathery Cassia, Feathery Prairie Cassia, and Feather Cylindropuntia.
Uses:
The leaves and stem of this plant have medicinal properties and have been used traditionally by several cultures to treat various ailments such as fever, headaches, and stomach pains. The plant is also used for landscaping purposes due to its attractive and feathery appearance.
General Appearance:
Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. x C. mimosoides (L.) Greene is a shrub that grows up to 1.5 m tall. It has compound leaves with numerous small leaflets, and the flowers are bright yellow with five petals. The plant blooms in summer, and the pods produced are up to 4 cm long and contain several seeds.
Light Requirements
Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. x C. mimosoides (L.) Greene requires full sunlight exposure to grow optimally. The plant requires a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight daily to help facilitate proper photosynthesis. If grown in partial shade, the plant is likely to have stunted growth, develop weaker stems and reduced flower buds production.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for the Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. x C. mimosoides (L.) Greene is within the range of 25°C to 35°C. Temperatures below 20°C may lead to slow growth and yellowing of leaves while temperatures above 40°C can cause heat stress leading to the wilting of leaves. The plant can survive in a wide range of temperatures provided it is well acclimated and provided with sufficient moisture.
Soil Requirements
The Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. x C. mimosoides (L.) Greene grows well in loamy soils. The soil should also be well-drained and hold moisture for adequate plant growth. The soil should have pH levels within the range of 5.5 to 7.0 for optimal growth. It is important to ensure that the soil is rich in nutrients since the plant requires a lot of nutrients to grow optimally. Additionally, the plant is known to be tolerant to acidic soils and can grow well in sandy soils with good drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. x C. mimosoides (L.) Greene, also known as a sensitive plant, requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers full sunlight and warm temperatures. It can grow both indoors and outdoors, but outdoors, it requires protection from harsh wind and frost.
It is a semi-evergreen plant that can grow up to two meters tall, so it requires sufficient space in the garden or in a pot. The plant can be started from seeds sown indoors in early spring, and then transplanted to the final planting site once the threat of frost has passed.
Watering Needs
Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. x C. mimosoides (L.) Greene requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During hot and dry periods, the plant may need more frequent watering. Watering should be done at the base of the plant to avoid getting the leaves wet, which can cause fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. x C. mimosoides (L.) Greene benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied once a month. The plant should be fertilized sparingly during the winter months, as it enters a period of dormancy.
Pruning
Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. x C. mimosoides (L.) Greene requires minimal pruning. However, it is recommended to remove any dead or damaged branches as soon as possible to avoid disease spread. The plant can also be trimmed back after blooming to maintain its shape and encourage branching.
Propagation of Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. x C. mimosoides (L.) Greene
Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. x C. mimosoides (L.) Greene, commonly known as the Hybrid Sensitive Plant, is a popular ornamental plant that is propagated through various methods including:
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate the Hybrid Sensitive Plant is through seed propagation. Collect seeds from mature plants, plant them in well-draining soil, and keep the soil moist. Seeds usually germinate within two weeks. However, it should be noted that plants grown from seeds may not always have the same characteristics as the parent plant.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation through cuttings is another method used in Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. x C. mimosoides (L.) Greene. Stem cuttings can be taken from a mature plant and placed in a well-draining medium. Rooting hormones can be applied to increase the chances of rooting. The propagated plant will have the characteristics of the parent plant.
Division Propagation
Division is the process of separating the root clumps into smaller sections. This is an effective way to propagate mature plants, which may become too crowded. Gently remove the plant from its container or ground, divide the root clumps into sections, ensuring each section has adequate roots and replant them in suitable containers or ground.
Disease Management
Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. x C. mimosoides (L.) Greene is susceptible to several diseases that can cause significant harm to its growth and productivity. The following are some of the common diseases that might affect the plant:
- Root rot: This disease is caused by several soil-borne fungi and can cause the plant's roots to rot, leading to stunted growth and wilted leaves. To manage root rot, it is vital to ensure proper soil drainage and avoid overwatering the plant.
- Fungal leaf spot: This disease is caused by various fungi and results in the development of small, brown circular spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected leaves, improve air circulation around the plant, and reduce leaf wetness by avoiding overhead watering.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes the development of a white powdery substance on the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers. It can be managed by increasing air circulation around the plant, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicides.
Pest Management
Chamaecrista plumosa E.Mey. x C. mimosoides (L.) Greene is also vulnerable to several pests that can cause damage to its foliage and flowers. The following are some of the common pests that might affect the plant:
- Aphids: These pests are small, soft-bodied insects that suck plant sap and can cause the curling and distortion of leaves. To manage aphids, it is recommended to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Mites: These are tiny arachnids that also feed on plant sap and can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown. To manage mites, it is recommended to increase humidity levels around the plant, prune out severely affected leaves, and spray the plant with a miticide.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of various moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant. To manage caterpillars, it is recommended to handpick them, use biological control agents like Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), or spray the plant with a suitable insecticide.
