Overview
Cleome chevalieri Schinz is a flowering plant species that belongs to the family Capparaceae. It is also commonly known as the Chevalier's spider flower.
Origin
Cleome chevalieri is native to southern Africa, specifically found in the Namib Desert in Angola, Namibia, and South Africa.
Common Names
Aside from Chevalier's spider flower, Cleome chevalieri also goes by the name of Namibian spiderflower. In Afrikaans, it is called "Namakwaspinnekopblom".
Appearance
Cleome chevalieri Schinz is an attractive shrub that can reach up to 1 meter in height. Its leaves are palmate with 5-7 leaflets that are rounded and oblong in shape. The flowers of the plant are pink or lavender in color and can grow up to 6 cm in diameter with numerous long stamens and pistils that extend beyond the petals. The plant reproduces via seed and has an extended flowering period from September to December.
Uses
The plant is not widely used or cultivated. However, certain indigenous communities use the plant medicinally to treat various ailments such as indigestion, tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted infections. The leaves and seeds of the plant are also known to have insecticidal properties, and the plant is used traditionally to repel mosquitoes.
Light requirements
Cleome chevalieri Schinz typically requires full sun exposure to maintain healthy growth. In areas where there is high intensity of sunlight, partial shade may be necessary to avoid burning the plant.
Temperature requirements
The plant requires a warm temperature range between 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F) to grow and flourish. Maintaining the ideal temperature range is crucial in promoting optimal growth and yield.
Soil requirements
Cleome chevalieri Schinz prefers well-draining soils that are fertile, sandy, or loamy in texture. An ideal soil pH for this plant ranges from 6.0 to 7.5. Organic matter such as compost can be added to provide essential nutrients and to improve soil quality.
Cultivation
Cleome chevalieri Schinz is a mediterranean plant species that thrive well in areas with full sunlight. It is best grown in fertile, well-drained soils in warm regions with moderate to high humidity. The plant is hardy and can tolerate drought, but it requires excellent drainage to prevent the roots from rotting.
Watering Needs
The watering needs for Cleome chevalieri Schinz depend on the environmental conditions. Water the plant regularly when the weather is extremely dry or hot. However, it would help if you were careful not to overwater the plant, as it may cause root rot. Only water the plant when the topsoil is dry.
Fertilization
Fertilize Cleome chevalieri Schinz with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Apply a layer of compost or organic mulch around the base of the plant to boost soil fertility and moisture retention. Depending on the soil quality, you can fertilize the plant every four to six weeks with a balanced fertilizer, starting in the early spring.
Pruning
Cleome chevalieri Schinz doesn't need regular pruning because it has a naturally compact, bushy shape. However, you can prune the plant back slightly in late summer or early fall to promote branching and improve the plant's shape. Remove any diseased, damaged, or dead branches using sterilized pruning tools. Pinching back the growth tips of young plants can encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess.
Propagating Cleome chevalieri Schinz
Cleome chevalieri Schinz, also known as Chevalier's spider flower, is a perennial plant native to Kenya that belongs to the Capparaceae family. It has showy pink flowers on elongated stalks and prefers well-drained soils, and full sunlight or partial shade. Propagation of this plant is relatively easy and can be done through various methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division. Here are the details of each propagation method:
Propagating Cleome chevalieri Schinz through Seeds
Seeds are the most common method of propagating Cleome chevalieri Schinz. The plant produces seed pods that split open to reveal the seeds. Collect the seeds from the pods when they are mature and dry. Germination of the seeds can be hastened by soaking them in water for 24 hours. Plant the seeds in a well-prepared bed, about 1/4 inch deep, and keep them moist by watering them regularly. With proper care, the seeds will germinate in 7-10 days.
Propagating Cleome chevalieri Schinz through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is another way to expand the population of Cleome chevalieri Schinz. The cuttings can be taken from a healthy plant when it is actively growing. Choose a stem that has no flowers and cut it just below a leaf node. Remove any leaves from the lower half of the stem and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the stem in a container filled with a well-draining rooting medium, such as sand, perlite, or vermiculite. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a warm and bright location, away from direct sunlight. Within a few weeks, the stem will develop roots and can be transplanted to its permanent location.
Propagating Cleome chevalieri Schinz through Division
Propagation through division is a quick way to propagate Cleome chevalieri Schinz, especially in established plants. To divide the plant, dig up the entire clump and carefully separate the roots, ensuring that each division has at least one healthy stem and roots. Replant the divisions in well-prepared soil, at the same depth as the original plant, and water them well. It is best to divide the plants in early spring or fall when they are not actively growing, and be sure to keep the soil moist until they are well established.
Disease and Pest Management for Cleome chevalieri Schinz
Cleome chevalieri Schinz is a plant species that is native to Southern Africa. This plant requires very little maintenance and care. However, like any other plant, it is not immune to diseases and pest attacks. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and take necessary measures to manage them.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that Cleome chevalieri Schinz might face are powdery mildew and leaf spot.
Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves of the plant. It can affect the growth of the plant and weaken it over time. To manage this disease, it is recommended to use a fungicide that contains copper or sulfur. Another effective way to manage powdery mildew is by removing the infected plant parts and maintaining proper air circulation around the plant.
Leaf Spot: This is a bacterial disease that appears as brown spots on the leaves of the plant. It can cause the leaves to yellow and wilt. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove the infected leaves and use a copper fungicide.
Common Pests
The most common pests that Cleome chevalieri Schinz might face are aphids and spider mites.
Aphids: These are small green insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They can cause the leaves to curl and stunt the growth of the plant. To manage this pest, it is recommended to use an insecticidal soap or neem oil
Spider Mites: These are small pests that feed on the underside of the leaves. They can cause the leaves to become discolored and damaged. To manage this pest, it is recommended to use a miticide or insecticidal soap.
Overall, regular monitoring of the plant and immediate action when signs of diseases or pest attacks are detected can prevent severe damage to Cleome chevalieri Schinz. Using appropriate management techniques such as removing affected plant parts, proper sanitation, and using fungicides or insecticides can help to control and manage diseases and pests and keep the plant healthy.
