Overview
Cleome schlechteri Briq. is a flowering plant commonly found in African countries. It is known for its striking appearance and is often cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its showy flowers.
Origin and Distribution
Cleome schlechteri Briq. is native to several African countries, including Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. It grows in a variety of habitats, including savannas, woodlands, and rocky ridges.
Common Names
Cleome schlechteri Briq. is known by various common names in different regions. In Tanzania, it is called "mtoto wa mjane," which means "widow's child," while in Zambia, it is called "kusemukila" or "tungulule." In Zimbabwe, it is known as "musuyi."
Uses
Cleome schlechteri Briq. has several uses in traditional medicine. The roots, leaves, and stems are used to treat various ailments, including headaches, fever, and stomach issues. The plant is also used as a natural insecticide to protect crops.
Additionally, Cleome schlechteri Briq. is cultivated as an ornamental plant in many countries. Its showy pink and purple flowers make it a popular choice for gardens, parks, and roadside beautification projects.
General Appearance
Cleome schlechteri Briq. is a tall, sparsely branched plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. The leaves are composed of three to five very distinct leaflets that are palmately arranged. The flowers are borne on long pedicels and are usually pink or purple in color. The fruit is a long, narrow capsule that splits open to release the seeds.
Overall, Cleome schlechteri Briq. is a striking and useful plant that has captured the attention of people in many parts of the world.
Light Requirements:
Cleome schlechteri Briq. thrives in full sun, and it is essential for its growth and development. Inadequate light would inhibit its photosynthesis process, thus reducing its growth, which is why planting it in a location without shade or obstruction is usually ideal.
Temperature Requirements:
Cleome schlechteri Briq. is best grown within a temperature range of 21°C to 27°C, with optimal growth occurring at 24°C. Nighttime temperatures should remain above 18°C to avoid stunted growth and damage to the plant. While Cleome schlechteri Briq. is generally hardy, it cannot survive in freezing conditions and will die if exposed to frost.
Soil Requirements:
Cleome schlechteri Briq. prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0, for optimum growth. Additionally, the soil should be consistently moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot and cause severe damage to the plant. The soil should be worked down to at least 12 inches and amended with a balanced fertilizer before planting.
Cultivation Methods
Cleome schlechteri Briq. is a popular plant that is easy to grow in most soils in a sunny location. It prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. The plant doesn't require any special soil preparation, but you can add organic matter to the soil to provide nutrients.
Sow the seeds of Cleome schlechteri Briq. outdoors in late spring when the soil has warmed up, or you can start them indoors and transplant them after the last frost. Plant the seeds 1/4 inch deep and space them 12 to 18 inches apart in rows that are 2 to 3 feet apart. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep the soil evenly moist until they germinate, which takes 7 to 14 days.
Watering Needs
Cleome schlechteri Briq. requires adequate water, especially during the hot summer months. Water the plants deeply, about once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Make sure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as the plant doesn't like to sit in water.
Water the plants early in the morning to allow the leaves to dry before the evening to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Also, avoid watering over the foliage to reduce the risk of diseases.
Fertilization
Cleome schlechteri Briq. is not a heavy feeder and can grow well without fussy feeding. However, you can use an all-purpose fertilizer once a month during the growing season to increase its growth and to promote more blooms.
Avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as it can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms. Also, use a balanced fertilizer, with an equal proportion of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, to maintain healthy growth and development.
Pruning
Cleome schlechteri Briq. requires minimal pruning, but you can deadhead the spent blossoms to promote more blooms and to maintain the plant's neat appearance. Use clean and sharp pruning shears to cut the stalks about 1/4 inch above the junction where the stem divides.
You can also pinch the growing tips of the stems during the early growth stage to encourage fuller growth and to prevent leggy growth. However, avoid too much pinching as it can delay flowering.
Propagation methods of Cleome schlechteri Briq.
Propagation of Cleome schlechteri Briq. is an important aspect of maintaining and expanding its population. The plant can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed propagation
Seeds are the primary method of propagation for Cleome schlechteri Briq. The plant produces plenty of seeds in the pods that explode and disperse the seeds when mature. The seeds can be collected and stored in a cool, dry place until the planting season arrives. The sowing can be done either directly into the ground or in seed trays. The seeds will germinate within 7-14 days and require moderate watering until they establish and grow to a reasonable size.
Cuttings propagation
Cuttings is another viable method of propagating the Cleome schlechteri Briq. This method involves taking a healthy stem cutting from a parent plant and planting it in a mix of soil and compost. The cutting should be 4-6 inches long with a few leaves and no flowers. Covering the cutting with a clear plastic bag or cling wrap and placing it in indirect sunlight would facilitate a conducive environment for rooting to occur. Rooting should occur within two to four weeks, depending on care, and the new plant should be transplanted after roots develop.
Division propagation
Division is the process of separating a mature plant into several smaller plants, each with a set of roots. It is an effective way of maintaining and expanding the Cleome schlechteri Briq. population. Divide the plant during the dormant season when the plant has stopped its flowering cycle. Carefully remove the clump from the ground and separate the stems and their roots into smaller sections. Planting these sections into separate locations in the garden will yield a new plant with a high chance of survival.
Disease Management
Cleome schlechteri Briq. is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth, development, and yield. The common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes leaf spots, stem cankers, and pod rot. To manage this disease, remove infected plant parts and practice crop rotation to reduce the buildup of the pathogen in the soil.
- Downy mildew: This common disease causes yellowing and wilting of leaves. To manage this disease, improve air circulation around the plant by proper spacing and pruning. Apply fungicides as a preventive measure early in the growing season.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes white powdery spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage this disease, improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides early in the growing season.
- Root rot: This fungal disease causes yellowing and wilting of leaves, stunted growth, and death of the plant. To manage this disease, practice proper drainage, avoid over-watering, and treat affected plants with fungicides.
Pest Management
Cleome schlechteri Briq. is also susceptible to various pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. The common pests that attack this plant include:
- Aphids: These insects feed on plant sap, causing stunted growth and curling of leaves. To manage these insects, use insecticidal soap or a mix of water and dish soap to spray the affected parts of the plant.
- Caterpillars: These pests feed on leaves and can cause significant damage to the plant. To manage these insects, handpick them off the plant or use biological insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
- Mites: These pests cause yellowing and wilting of leaves and can reduce yields. To manage these insects, spray affected plants with a mixture of water and insecticidal soap or use biological control agents such as predatory mites.
- Whiteflies: These insects feed on plant sap and cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. To manage these insects, place yellow sticky traps around the plant to trap adult flies, and treat affected plants with insecticidal soap.
