Overview of Cleome diandra Burch. var. pteropoda Welw. ex Oliv.
Cleome diandra Burch. var. pteropoda Welw. ex Oliv. is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Capparaceae. It is commonly known as the spider flower due to its unique flower shape. The plant is native to Africa, specifically in Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, and Zambia.
General Appearance
The spider flower is an annual herb that grows up to 120 cm tall. It has a branching stem, with the upper part being more compact than the lower part. The leaves of Cleome diandra Burch. var. pteropoda Welw. ex Oliv. are alternate and palmately compound, with five to seven leaflets that have a lanceolate shape. The leaf edges are serrated, and the surface is hairless. The plant's flowers form a raceme at the end of the stem and have a unique shape that is reminiscent of a spider. The petals are pink or lilac, and the flower has long stamens that give it a "whiskers" appearance.
Common Names
Cleome diandra Burch. var. pteropoda Welw. ex Oliv. has several common names across its native regions. In Nigeria, it is called "shiyaye," while in Cameroon, it is known as "tekemoya." In Kenya, it is called "katenya," and in Angola, it is known as "manda." The plant's common name in English is the spider flower due to its unique flower shape.
Uses
Cleome diandra Burch. var. pteropoda Welw. ex Oliv. has several uses in traditional medicine across its native regions. In Ghana, the roots of the plant are used to treat abdominal pain, while in Kenya, it is used to treat stomachaches, measles, and pneumonia. In Tanzania, the plant is used as an antiseptic, and in Uganda, it is used to treat snake bites. The plant's seeds are also edible, and they are roasted, ground, and used as a soup thickener in some regions.
Light
Cleome diandra Burch. var. pteropoda Welw. ex Oliv. thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. The plant requires at least 6 hours of sunlight every day to grow at its full potential. Inadequate light can result in stunted growth and delayed blooming.
Temperature
The ideal temperature range for Cleome diandra Burch. var. pteropoda Welw. ex Oliv. is between 18-27°C (64-81°F). The plant can tolerate low temperatures, but freezing temperatures can cause severe growth damage. Hot, dry conditions may lead to scorching, and it is essential to provide adequate moisture under such conditions.
Soil
Cleome diandra Burch. var. pteropoda Welw. ex Oliv. prefers well-drained soil with good moisture retention capacity. The soil should have a pH between 5.5-7.5. The plant can adapt to different soil types, including sandy or loamy soils, but it does not prefer waterlogged or poorly aerated soils. Adding organic matter to the soil can enhance its water retention capacity and improve fertility.
Cultivation Method for Cleome diandra Burch. var. pteropoda Welw. ex Oliv.
Cleome diandra Burch. var. pteropoda Welw. ex Oliv. is an annual plant known for its upright stem and beautiful pink flowers. Proper cultivation techniques can help you get the most out of your plants. This plant grows well in sunny outdoor locations with well-drained soil. It prefers a pH of around 6.5 to 7.5. You can start your seeds indoors and transplant them outside after the last frost or directly sow them into the garden once all danger of frost has passed. Plant your Cleome seedlings at least 12 inches apart to give them enough room to grow.
Watering Needs for Cleome diandra Burch. var. pteropoda Welw. ex Oliv.
Watering your Cleome plants is crucial to their health and success. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues. Water your plants deeply once a week or as needed depending on the weather. If you live in a particularly hot or arid climate, you may need to water your plants more frequently to prevent them from drying out. It is a good idea to water your plants early in the day to avoid excessive moisture on the foliage at night, which could increase the risk of fungal diseases.
Fertilization for Cleome diandra Burch. var. pteropoda Welw. ex Oliv.
Cleome plants benefit from regular fertilization throughout the growing season. You can use a balanced fertilizer or a specific flower fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients. You should fertilize your plants every 2 to 3 weeks to keep them healthy and promote growth. Be careful not to over-fertilize your plants, as this can cause burns and damage to their root systems.
Pruning for Cleome diandra Burch. var. pteropoda Welw. ex Oliv.
Pruning your Cleome plants can help them maintain their shape, promote new growth, and prevent disease. Once your plants have reached a height of about 6 inches, you can pinch off the tips of the stem to encourage bushier growth. Deadheading your plants regularly can also help prolong their blooming period. You can use pruning shears to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged leaves or stems throughout the growing season. Be sure to sterilize your pruning shears first to avoid spreading disease between plants.
Propagation of Cleome diandra Burch. var. pteropoda Welw. ex Oliv.
Cleome diandra Burch. var. pteropoda Welw. ex Oliv. can be propagated using several methods. Propagation by seed is the most common method, but it can also be propagated by cuttings and division.
Propagation by Seed
The easiest and most effective way to propagate Cleome diandra Burch. var. pteropoda is by seed. Obtain mature seed heads from a healthy plant, and allow them to dry on the plant. Harvest the seed pods once they begin to turn brown and the seeds are dry. Clean the seeds by removing any debris and drying them out.
Sow the seeds into a seedling tray or directly into the ground. If planting in a tray, fill it with a potting mix and sow a few seeds per cell. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moist. Place the tray in a warm, bright location, and germination should occur within 7 to 14 days.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is a viable way to propagate a Cleome diandra Burch. var. pteropoda plant. Select a healthy, mature plant, and take a cutting that is 6 inches in length and has several leaves. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the stem and dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone.
Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, and water it well. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment and place it in a warm, bright location. Roots should form within 2 to 3 weeks.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division should be done during the plant's dormant period, which is in early spring. Carefully lift the plant out of the ground, and use a sharp knife to divide the root ball into several smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy stem and root system.
Plant the divided sections back into the garden or into individual pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. Water them well and keep them in a bright location. The newly divided plants will take several weeks to establish themselves, so keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Disease and Pest Management for Cleome diandra Burch. var. pteropoda Welw. ex Oliv.
Cleome diandra Burch. var. pteropoda Welw. ex Oliv., commonly known as spider flower, is a beautiful flowering plant that is easy to grow. Although it is generally a hardy plant, it can suffer from diseases and pests that affect its growth and overall health. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases:
Fungal Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by different types of fungi that infect the leaves, causing brown or black spots with yellow halos. To manage it, remove infected leaves and avoid wetting foliage when watering. Apply a fungicide to protect healthy leaves from getting infected.
Root Rot: Caused by various fungi, this disease rots the roots, making the plant wilt and eventually die. To prevent root rot, ensure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering. Use a fungicide to treat infected plants.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease produces a white, powdery substance on leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage powdery mildew, improve air circulation, remove infected parts, and apply a fungicide when necessary.
Pests:
Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves. They can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage aphids, use insecticide soap or spray them with a hose.
Spider Mites: These pests are tiny and feed on the plant's sap, causing yellow or white spots on the leaves. To manage spider mites, wash the plant with water and soap, or use an insecticide specifically designed for spider mites.
Whiteflies: These pests are tiny, white, and fly-like insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. To manage whiteflies, use yellow sticky traps or insecticide soap.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests in Cleome diandra Burch. var. pteropoda Welw. ex Oliv. requires proper plant care, including avoiding overwatering, improving air circulation, and using appropriate insecticides and fungicides when necessary. Regularly inspect the plant for any signs of damage and take appropriate measures to manage the problem before it becomes severe.
