Overview: Cleome pachycephala Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
Cleome pachycephala is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Cleomaceae and is native to Africa. The plant is well known for its attractive appearance, with large clusters of pink-purple flowers and uniquely shaped seed pods. Cleome pachycephala is commonly used in traditional African medicine for various health conditions and is considered an important medicinal plant in many parts of the continent.
General Appearance:
Cleome pachycephala is a herbaceous plant that can reach a height of up to 1.5 meters. The stem is upright, branched, and covered in small prickles. The leaves are alternate and petiolate, with a length of 10 to 20 cm and a width of 5 to 15 cm. The flowers of Cleome pachycephala grow in clusters at the end of a long stalk, with each cluster containing between 10 to 20 flowers. The flowers are pink-purple in color, with a diameter of 2 to 3 cm. The seed pods of the plant are long and narrow, measuring up to 10 cm in length.
Common Names:
Cleome pachycephala goes by many common names in Africa, including "Nsibidi" in Cameroon, "Kavumbu" in Congo, and "Nambil" in Chad. The plant is also known as "African spider flower" or "purple cleome" in English-speaking countries.
Uses:
Cleome pachycephala has many medicinal uses in traditional African medicine, with the leaves, stems, and roots all being used for various ailments. In Cameroon, a decoction of the plant is used to treat fever, stomach ache, and infections. In Nigeria, the leaves are boiled and used as a tonic for the liver and digestive system, while the roots are used to treat malaria.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Cleome pachycephala is also grown as an ornamental plant, with its attractive flowers and seed pods making it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes. The plant is also used as a green manure crop, helping to improve soil fertility and prevent erosion.
Overall, Cleome pachycephala is a versatile and useful plant with a rich history in African medicine and culture.
Growth Conditions for Cleome pachycephala Gilg & Gilg-Ben
Cleome pachycephala Gilg & Gilg-Ben, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain beeplant, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. This plant has unique growing conditions that cater to their survival and growth.
Light Requirements
The Cleome pachycephala prefers full sunlight to partial shade for optimal growth. Therefore, they should be planted in areas with direct exposure to sunlight, which should be for at least six hours daily.
Soil Requirements
The Rocky Mountain beeplant thrives best in loose, well-draining sandy or loamy soils. They also tolerate nutrient-poor soils. However, they are not susceptible to stagnant water and, therefore, need well-draining soils to avoid rotting pest infestations.
Temperature
Cleome pachycephala is heat tolerant and prefers warm weather with temperatures ranging between 70 and 85 °F. It is resistant to cold temperatures and can withstand low temperatures up to -20°F. Although it can resist frost, it might not survive prolonged exposure to such temperatures.
Water Requirements
The plant is drought tolerant and can survive on minimal water after becoming well established. However, it is crucial to water the plant regularly to provide sufficient moisture and nutrients to the flowers.
The above growth conditions must be taken into account when cultivating Cleome pachycephala Gilg & Gilg-Ben for optimal growth, elongated blooming periods, and health.
Cultivation Methods
Cleome pachycephala, commonly known as the spider flower, is a tropical plant that is easy to cultivate. It is generally grown from seeds and requires warm temperatures to germinate. The plant prefers full sun exposure and can grow up to 4 feet tall, so it needs ample space to grow. Spider flower can be grown in containers or directly in the ground, but it prefers well-draining soil with high organic matter content.
Watering Needs
Spider flower needs moderate watering to grow well. Overwatering can make the soil waterlogged, leading to root rot, so it's best to water the plant when the soil is dry. The frequency of watering also depends on the weather and the planting method. Plants grown in containers may require frequent watering, whereas those grown in the ground may need less frequent watering, especially if the soil retains moisture well. It's best to water early in the morning to allow the leaves to dry out during the day and prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Spider flower can benefit from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and prolonged blooming. Fertilize the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season. You can also add organic material like compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to improve its nutrient content. Avoid using fertilizers high in nitrogen, as this can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning
Spider flower typically does not require pruning, but if you want to extend the blooming period and encourage bushier growth, you can pinch the stems back by a few inches after the plant has produced a few sets of leaves. This will cause the plant to produce more branches and flowers. Deadheading or removing faded flowers can also promote continuous blooming. It's best to use pruning shears or scissors to avoid damaging the stem when pruning.
Propagation of Cleome pachycephala
Cleome pachycephala Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is often propagated through seed germination because of the plant's natural characteristics. This species has a high percentage of seed germination rate and can produce abundance of seedlings.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common method of propagating Cleome pachycephala is through seeds. The seeds of this plant can be harvested during its fruiting period which typically occurs from August to October. Once collected, the seeds can be stored in a cool and dry place until ready for planting.
To propagate the seeds, the soil needs to be prepared first. The soil must be porous and not waterlogged to prevent the seeds from rotting. It is best to use a mix of sand, perlite, and peat moss for the soil. The prepared soil then needs to moistened before planting.
The seeds of Cleome pachycephala can be directly sown in the prepared soil. They should be planted at a depth of about 0.5 cm, and the soil needs to be regularly watered to keep it moist until the seeds sprout. The germination period for this plant usually takes around 7-14 days.
Once the seedlings start to emerge, they need to receive enough sunlight for healthy growth. To ensure they have enough nourishment, it is recommended to apply a diluted fertilizer every two weeks. When the seedlings have grown to about 10 cm in height, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Cutting Propagation
Cleome pachycephala can also be propagated through stem cuttings. It is recommended to take cuttings of approximately 10 cm in length from mature plants, ensuring that at least three nodes are present. The cuttings should be taken in the morning while the plant is hydrated and hormones are active.
Once the cuttings are prepared, they need to be planted in individual pots filled with a well-draining soil mix. It is important to keep the soil moist and to place the pots in a shaded area for the first few days. After a few weeks, when the cuttings have established roots, they can be moved to a brighter area and gradually acclimated to direct sunlight.
Cuttings should be regularly monitored and watered when needed until they have grown to a reasonable size. Once they are mature enough, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Cleome pachycephala Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
Cleome pachycephala Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is an attractive flowering plant that is commonly known as the spider flower. This plant is fairly resistant to pests and diseases, but various factors, including environmental conditions and cultural practices, can contribute to issues that can damage or kill the plant. Proper disease and pest management is essential in maintaining a healthy and vibrant crop.
Common Diseases
A variety of diseases can affect Cleome pachycephala Gilg & Gilg-Ben. Here are some of the most common:
- Fungal diseases: Plants may develop fungal diseases like powdery mildew, downy mildew, and leaf spot on the leaves. These diseases weaken the plant, reduce its aesthetic appearance, and reduce yield. To manage fungal diseases, remove infected leaves, increase light penetration by reducing the density of planting, and apply fungicides to prevent further spread.
- Bacterial diseases: Cleome pachycephala Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is susceptible to bacterial diseases such as bacterial leaf spot and blight. These diseases cause yellowing, spotting, and blight on leaves and can be managed through copper sprays, pruning, and proper watering management.
- Viral diseases: Viral diseases, such as cucumber mosaic virus, can cause yellowing of the leaves, stunted growth, and mottling. Ensure that seedlings are sourced from healthy plants and avoid contaminated tools, as there is no treatment once the plant is infected.
Common Pests
While Cleome pachycephala Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is fairly pest-resistant, some insects and pests can damage the plant. The most common are:
- Aphids: These tiny insects suck sap from the plant, which can cause yellowing and stunted growth. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage aphids.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are attracted to hot and dry conditions and can cause yellowing, leaf drop, and the formation of webs. Increase humidity by misting the leaves regularly, utilize insecticidal soaps, and manage the environment when it's dry to prevent spider mites invasion.
- Whiteflies: These pests feed on plant tissue and excrete a sticky honeydew that may attract ants. Whiteflies can lead to wilting, yellowing of the leaves, and premature leaf drop. Use insecticidal soaps or yellow sticky traps to manage whitefly infestations.
To manage both disease and pest infestations sustainably, it is best to implement alternative practices to support overall plant health. This includes implementing crop-rotation practices, maintaining soil fertility, applying organic fertilizers, avoiding water stress, and practicing good sanitation, such as reducing plant debris and cultivating weed-free soil.
