Overview
Cleome gynandra L., commonly known as African cabbage or spider plant, is a fast-growing annual plant that belongs to the Capparaceae family. It is native to Africa and is widely cultivated in many areas of the world as a leafy vegetable and as a medicinal plant.
Appearance
The plant is highly variable in appearance, with stems that can grow up to 1 meter in height and have many branches. The leaves are compound, with 3-5 leaflets measuring between 2-15 cm long. The flowers are pink to purple in color, and form clusters at the ends of the branches. The fruit is a long, slender capsule that splits open when mature, releasing numerous small black seeds.
Uses
Cleome gynandra leaves and young shoots are eaten as a leafy vegetable in many African countries, where it is known by different local names. The leaves have a slightly bitter taste and are rich in nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, iron, calcium, and protein. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including malaria, respiratory infections, and digestive disorders. In addition, it has been studied for its potential anti-cancer properties and as a natural insect repellent.
Overall, Cleome gynandra is a versatile plant with many potential uses. Its fast growth, hardiness, and nutritional value make it a valuable crop for small-scale farmers and a useful addition to the diets of many people in Africa and beyond.
Light Requirements
Cleome gynandra L. grows best in full sunlight conditions. It is recommended to provide the plant with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Inadequate light conditions can result in a weaker plant with fewer blooms.
Temperature Requirements
Cleome gynandra L. can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it does best in warm temperatures between 24-28°C (75-82°F). The plant grows and develops slowly in cooler temperatures. Temperatures below 20°C (68°F) may adversely affect plant growth and development. It would be best to avoid planting Cleome gynandra L. during the cold season.
Soil Requirements
Cleome gynandra L. prefers well-drained soils with high organic matter content. The pH range should be between 6 and 7.5, slightly acid to neutral. The soil should have adequate moisture while ensuring that there is no waterlogging. Waterlogging can make it challenging for the plant to utilize enough oxygen leading to stunted growth, yellowing of the leaves, and root rot diseases. Adding organic matter to the soil can be helpful in enhancing water retention and proper nutrient uptake.
Cultivation Methods
Cleome gynandra L., commonly known as spider plant or African cabbage, is an annual plant that grows well in warm climates, both in the tropics and subtropics. It is an easy-to-grow vegetable that thrives in well-drained, loamy soils, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant requires full sun exposure and should be planted in a location that gets a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight. Cleome gynandra L. can be propagated by sowing its seeds either directly to the soil or in seed trays and later transplanting the seedlings.
Watering Needs
The spider plant's watering needs are moderate, and the plant will not tolerate either overwatering or underwatering. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, and the plant should be irrigated regularly during the growing season. The frequency of watering should be increased during the hot, dry months, and reduced during the rainy season. To prevent waterlogging, it is essential to ensure that the soil drains adequately.
Fertilization
Cleome gynandra L. is a fast-growing plant that requires adequate nutrition to attain optimal production. The plant grows well in soils rich in organic matter with moderate NPK ratios. To promote a healthy and productive plant, it would be best to apply a complete fertilizer, such as NPK 20:10:10, at a rate of 150g per m2. The fertilizer should be applied twice during the growing season, that is, during planting and three weeks after planting.
Pruning
Pruning of the spider plant is essential to promote healthy growth and improve yields. The plant should be pruned regularly to remove yellowing and old leaves, reducing the incidence of foliar diseases. Pruning should be done using sharp, clean scissors to minimize plant damage. Moreover, Cleome gynandra L. responds well to pruning by producing more branching and flower buds. Pinch off the terminal buds to encourage the growth of lateral shoots, which will increase the plant's overall bushiness.
Propagation of Cleome gynandra L.
Cleome gynandra L., also known as Shona cabbage, is a fast-growing and highly nutritious plant native to many parts of Africa. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein and can be propagated through several methods, including:
Seed propagation
One of the most common ways of propagating Cleome gynandra L. is through seed propagation. The seeds of the plant are small and black and can be sown directly in the ground or in seed trays. The best time to sow the seeds is during the warm months of the year, preferably in early spring or after the last frost in late autumn. The soil should be well-draining, fertile, and loose, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Once sown, the seeds should be covered with a light layer of soil, and watered regularly to keep the soil moist. Germination should occur within two weeks.
Cutting propagation
Cleome gynandra L. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants during the growing season, preferably during the warm months of the year. The cuttings should be 10 to 15cm long and should be taken from the top of the plant. The leaves should be removed from the lower three-quarters of the stem, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, and the cutting should be kept in a warm and humid environment. The cutting should root within 4 to 6 weeks and can then be transplanted into a larger container or directly in the ground.
Division
Cleome gynandra L. can also be propagated through division. This method involves dividing the plant into smaller sections and replanting these sections separately. This method is best done during the dormant season, typically in late autumn. The plant should be dug up carefully, and the roots should be separated into smaller sections, each with its own stem and leaves. The sections should be replanted in well-draining soil, with a spacing of around 30cm apart. The plant should be watered well after planting, and care should be taken to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Disease and Pest Management for Cleome gynandra L.
Cleome gynandra L., also known as African cabbage, is a leafy green vegetable that is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions. While it is a hardy plant that requires minimal care, it is still susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests. Here are some of the most common issues that may affect Cleome gynandra L., as well as some strategies for managing them.
Diseases
1. Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems of plants. It can cause stunted growth and reduce the yield of Cleome gynandra L. To manage powdery mildew, try to keep the foliage as dry as possible by watering at the base of the plant rather than overhead. Remove any infected leaves as soon as they are noticed, and consider applying a fungicide if the infestation is severe.
2. Fusarium wilt: Fusarium wilt is a soil-borne fungus that can cause the leaves of Cleome gynandra L. to yellow and wilt. The fungus can remain in the soil for many years, making it difficult to control. To prevent Fusarium wilt, practice crop rotation by avoiding planting Cleome gynandra L. in the same spot year after year. Additionally, choose resistant varieties of the plant when possible.
Pests
1. Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of plants, causing stunted growth and yellowing foliage. To control aphids on Cleome gynandra L., try spraying the plant with a strong blast of water or using insecticidal soap. Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids, so consider introducing them to the garden as well.
2. Cutworms: Cutworms are caterpillars that cut through the stems of plants, causing them to wilt and die. To prevent cutworm damage, wrap the stems of young Cleome gynandra L. plants with a strip of cardboard or paper to create a physical barrier. Additionally, try using biological controls, like Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), to kill the cutworm larvae.
By taking these steps to manage diseases and pests, you can help ensure a healthy and productive crop of Cleome gynandra L. plants.
