Clitoria rubiginosa Pers. var. glabrescens Verdc.
Clitoria rubiginosa Pers. var. glabrescens Verdc. is a perennial shrub belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is also known by the common names Rusty Indigo-bush and Glabrous-Clitoria.
Origin
Clitoria rubiginosa Pers. var. glabrescens Verdc. is native to tropical Africa, specifically found in Angola, Zambia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Malawi.
General Appearance
Clitoria rubiginosa Pers. var. glabrescens Verdc. grows up to 2 meters tall and has a sprawling habit. The leaves are arranged alternatively and are pinnately compound with 3-7 leaflets. The leaflets are oval in shape, about 2.5 to 5 cm long, and have a dark green color. The flowers are large and showy with a reddish-purple color and are borne in clusters at the end of the stems. The fruit is a flat pod that splits open when ripe to release the seeds.
Uses
Clitoria rubiginosa Pers. var. glabrescens Verdc. has several medicinal and nutritional uses. The roots, stem, and leaves of the plant are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, respiratory infections, and wounds. The plant is also used in agroforestry to improve soil fertility and as a cover crop. The seeds are edible and can be used as a food source, especially during times of food scarcity.
In conclusion, Clitoria rubiginosa Pers. var. glabrescens Verdc. is a useful plant with several medicinal, nutritional, and agroforestry uses. Its striking appearance also makes it a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
Growth Conditions of Clitoria rubiginosa Pers. var. glabrescens Verdc.
Clitoria rubiginosa Pers. var. glabrescens Verdc. is a plant that is known for its beautiful blue-purple flowers. Here are some of the typical growth conditions needed for this plant:
Light
Clitoria rubiginosa Pers. var. glabrescens Verdc. requires full sunlight for proper growth. It needs a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day. If the plant does not receive enough sunlight, it may not flower properly.
Temperature
This plant thrives in warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for Clitoria rubiginosa Pers. var. glabrescens Verdc. is between 20°C to 30°C. If the temperature falls below 10°C, the plant may not survive.
Soil
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. The pH range ideally varies from 5.5 to 6.5. Rich and fertile soils will help the plant to grow quickly and healthily. The addition of compost to the soil can enhance the health of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Clitoria rubiginosa Pers. var. glabrescens Verdc. is a hardy perennial plant that grows best in sunny or partially shaded areas. These plants adapt well to different soil types, but they prefer well-draining soils with a slightly acidic pH of around 6.0 to 6.5. It is recommended to grow this plant in raised beds or containers to help with drainage.
Propagation can be carried out through seeds, cuttings, or by dividing clumps. Seeds should be sown in the early spring or autumn in seedling trays filled with a quality potting mix. Transplant seedlings into outdoor containers or directly into the garden once they are about 5 cm tall.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is essential for the growth of Clitoria rubiginosa Pers. var. glabrescens Verdc., as it tends to dry out quickly. It is recommended to water deeply and frequently, at least twice a week during dry weather. Provide adequate drainage to help minimize any waterlogging that may damage the roots.
Fertilization
These plants benefit from regular fertilization. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to support healthy growth. Alternatively, you can apply a liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks for quicker results. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Clitoria rubiginosa Pers. var. glabrescens Verdc. is not essential, but it can help to promote bushier and healthier growth, especially in container-grown plants. Pruning can be carried out in the early spring just before new growth begins. Cut back any damaged or diseased stems and remove any weak growth. Additionally, to shape the plant, you can selectively prune the tips of the stems after the plant has flowered to encourage branching.
Propagation of Clitoria Rubiginosa Pers. Var. Glabrescens Verdc.
Clitoria rubiginosa Pers. var. glabrescens Verdc. is a woody shrub commonly found in the savanna woodlands of East Africa. This plant species is very easy to propagate through different methods, as described below:
Seed Propagation
Propagation through seeds is one of the easiest methods for Clitoria rubiginosa Pers. var. glabrescens Verdc.. Collect the matured seeds from the plant and keep them in a dry and cool place to maintain their viability. Prepare a seedbed by mixing soil with manure, plant the seeds at a depth of 1-2 cm below the soil, and water regularly. After 2-3 weeks, the seeds will germinate, and they can be transplanted to individual containers or directly to the field.
Cutting Propagation
Cutting propagation is a vegetative propagation method for Clitoria rubiginosa Pers. var. glabrescens Verdc.. Collect matured stems with the help of a sharp and sterilized tool. Cut them to a length of 10-15 cm and remove all the leaves except for the terminal one. The cuttings can be planted directly on the nursery bed, in a light and well-drained soil mix, with a rooting hormone applied to their base. Keep them in a warm and humid environment for about 2-3 weeks and water regularly. After 8-12 weeks, the cuttings will develop roots and can be transplanted to individual containers or directly to the field.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another vegetative propagation method for Clitoria rubiginosa Pers. var. glabrescens Verdc.. Choose a matured branch from the plant, make a 2-3 cm incision on the stem's bark, and wrap it with a moist sphagnum moss or a plastic wrap to protect it from drying. Cover the moss or plastic wrap with a dark material for a couple of weeks to promote the rooting process. After 6-8 weeks, roots will start to develop on the incised area, and the rooted branch can be removed from the parent plant and potted into an individual container.
In conclusion, Clitoria rubiginosa Pers. var. glabrescens Verdc. can be easily propagated through various methods such as seed propagation, cutting propagation, and air layering propagation. Through this propagation, you can easily expand your plant collection or produce a large quantity of plants for farming or gardening purposes.
Disease and Pest Management for Clitoria rubiginosa Pers. var. glabrescens Verdc.
Clitoria rubiginosa Pers. var. glabrescens Verdc. is generally a hardy plant and is not reported to be affected by any major diseases. However, there are a few pests and diseases that might affect the plant, and as a gardener, it is better to know about these and manage them effectively.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are common pests that feed on the sap of the plant and stunt the growth of the plant. A heavy infestation can cause the leaves to curl and distort. Managing aphids can be done through natural predators such as ladybirds or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Caterpillars: The larvae of butterflies and moths are known as caterpillars, and they can cause significant damage to the plant by chewing on leaves and flowers. Picking them manually and destroying them is the most eco-friendly way to get rid of caterpillars. If the infestation is severe, then using botanical insecticides could be another option.
Common Diseases
Root Rot: Overwatering can cause root rot, which is the most common disease that affects Clitoria rubiginosa Pers. var. glabrescens Verdc. To manage the problem, it is crucial to water the plants only when the top inch of the soil is dry. Adding organic matter to the soil can also help to improve drainage.
Fungal Diseases: The plant can be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. These can be managed by removing infected parts of the plant and using fungicides if necessary. Proper circulation of air and avoiding overhead watering can also help to prevent fungal diseases.
By managing pests and diseases, Clitoria rubiginosa Pers. var. glabrescens Verdc. can remain a healthy and attractive addition to any garden or landscape.
