Description of Cleome angustifolia Forssk. subsp. petersiana (Klotzsch) Kers.
Cleome angustifolia Forssk. subsp. petersiana (Klotzsch) Kers. is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Capparaceae family. It is commonly known as spider flower or narrow-leaved spider flower. This plant is native to southern and eastern Africa, including Angola, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
General Appearance
The spider flower is an annual herb that can grow up to 1 meter in height. The plant has a distinctive upright stem covered in small prickles. The leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and can grow up to 15 cm long. They are alternate, and their margins are smooth. The flowers have a distinctive appearance with long stamens, which resemble spider legs. The flower color varies from white, pink, purple, to violet. The seed capsules are cylindrical and can grow up to 8 cm long.
Uses
Spider flower has different uses, including medicinal, ornamental, and culinary purposes. In traditional medicine, different parts of the plant are used for treating various ailments, including fever, coughs, and rheumatism. In some cultures, the plant is believed to have magical and spiritual powers. Gardeners appreciate this plant for their colorful and attractive flowers. The spider flower is suitable for planting in gardens, pots, and borders. In some African cuisines, the young leaves of the plant are used as a vegetable.
In conclusion, Cleome angustifolia Forssk. subsp. petersiana (Klotzsch) Kers. is an important plant with different medicinal, ornamental, and cultural uses. Its distinctive appearance makes it ideal for planting in different environments.
Light Conditions
Cleome angustifolia Forssk. subsp. petersiana (Klotzsch) Kers, commonly known as spider flower, generally thrives in well-lit areas. It prefers full sun and can tolerate partial shade. However, insufficient light may result in reduced growth rate, smaller leaves, and fewer flowers.
Temperature Conditions
The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11, which typically experience average temperatures between 20-25°C (68-77°F) during the day and 15°C (59°F) at night. The ideal temperature range for Cleome angustifolia subsp. petersiana growth is between 20-30°C (68-86°F).
Soil Requirements
Cleome angustifolia Forssk. subsp. petersiana (Klotzsch) Kers does well in well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. However, the plant prefers loamy or sandy soil types that drain quickly and do not hold excess moisture. Soil rich with organic matter such as compost or manure may provide the plant with better nutrition.
Cultivation Methods
Cleome angustifolia Forssk. subsp. petersiana (Klotzsch) Kers, commonly known as spider flower, requires full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It can tolerate drought once established but prefers regular watering. It can be grown in containers or as a border plant.
Watering Needs
Spider flower needs regular watering during the growing season, especially during hot and dry weather. Watering should be done deeply and infrequently, ensuring that the soil has time to dry out between watering. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it is essential to avoid waterlogging the soil.
Fertilization
Spider flower benefits from regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer. Fertilize the plant every four to six weeks during the growing season, following the instructions on the fertilizer package. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
The spider flower does not require pruning, but it can benefit from deadheading. Deadheading is the removal of faded flowers as soon as they wilt. This practice promotes continued flower production throughout the growing season. If the plant becomes too leggy, it can be cut back by one-third of its height to encourage bushy growth.
Propagation of Cleome angustifolia Forssk. subsp. petersiana (Klotzsch) Kers
Cleome angustifolia Forssk. subsp. petersiana (Klotzsch) Kers, commonly known as narrowleaf spiderflower, can be propagated through various methods.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and easiest method of propagating Cleome angustifolia. Collect the seeds in autumn when the seedpods turn brown and the seeds are mature. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix at a depth of about 3 mm. Keep the soil moist and warm until the seeds germinate in approximately one to two weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Cleome angustifolia can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take 10-15 cm long stem cuttings from the plant's side shoots in spring or summer. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only two to three leaves at the top. Dip the cuttings' base in a rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Place the pot in a warm, bright, but shaded location and keep the soil moist until the cuttings take root in approximately three to four weeks.
Division Propagation
Cleome angustifolia can be propagated through division, primarily if the plant is spreading horizontally and has numerous side shoots. Lift the plant from the ground in spring or summer and carefully separate the side shoots or cut the plant into several sections, ensuring each section has a healthy root system. Plant the divided sections in well-draining soil mix and water them thoroughly.
Disease management
Cleome angustifolia Forssk. subsp. petersiana (Klotzsch) Kers is susceptible to several fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and rust. These diseases can reduce the plant's vigor and affect its growth and overall appearance. To manage these diseases, it's important to maintain good cultural practices and use appropriate fungicides as necessary.
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of Cleome angustifolia Forssk. subsp. petersiana (Klotzsch) Kers causing a powdery white coating on the surface of the leaves. To manage this disease, it's important to plant resistant varieties and improve air circulation by spacing plants properly. Fungicides such as sulfur or neem oil can also be used to control powdery mildew.
Leaf spot
Leaf spot is another fungal disease that causes Circular, brown spots with an irregular margin on the leaves of Cleome angustifolia Forssk. subsp. petersiana (Klotzsch) Kers. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves and improve sanitation by removing plant debris. Fungicides such as copper or chlorothalonil can also be used to control leaf spot.
Rust
Rust is a fungal disease that causes small, yellow spots on the leaves of Cleome angustifolia Forssk. subsp. petersiana (Klotzsch) Kers, which eventually turn brown and fall off. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant. Fungicides such as copper or myclobutanil can also be used to control rust."
Pest management
Cleome angustifolia Forssk. subsp. petersiana (Klotzsch) Kers may also be affected by several pests that can cause damage to the plant. These pests include aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. To manage these pests, it's important to use integrated pest management practices such as monitoring and controlling their population through natural predators and using appropriate insecticides and miticides as necessary.
Aphids
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of Cleome angustifolia Forssk. subsp. petersiana (Klotzsch) Kers. This can cause the leaves to curl and distort, and the plants to become stunted. To manage this pest, it's important to remove them manually by using a strong stream of water or insecticidal soap.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny, sucking pests that feed on the leaves of Cleome angustifolia Forssk. subsp. petersiana (Klotzsch) Kers, causing them to become discolored and spotted. To manage this pest, it's important to improve humidity around the plant and use miticides such as acequinocyl or abamectin.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves of Cleome angustifolia Forssk. subsp. petersiana (Klotzsch) Kers, causing them to become tattered and ragged. To manage this pest, it's important to pick them off manually and use natural predators such as birds and parasitic wasps. Insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis can also be used to control caterpillars.
