Overview
Crotalaria axillaris Aiton, commonly known as the wart crotalaria or hairy-pod crotalaria, is a flowering plant species belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is an annual or perennial herb native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands.Appearance
The wart crotalaria typically grows up to 1 meter tall with an upright, branching stem covered in gray hair. The leaves are alternate, simple, and oblong-lanceolate, 2-14 cm long and 1-4 cm wide, and covered in silky white hair on both sides. The flowers are pea-like and yellow, borne in drooping racemes up to 20 cm long. The fruits are hairy and cylindrical, up to 3 cm long, and contain numerous small brown seeds.Uses
In traditional medicine, various parts of the wart crotalaria such as leaves, stems, and roots have been used to treat a wide range of ailments including fever, pain, inflammation, and respiratory problems. The plant is also known to be toxic to livestock and wildlife due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. In agriculture, Crotalaria axillaris is used as a cover crop to improve soil fertility, suppress weeds, and control pests and diseases. It is a nitrogen-fixing plant that can add up to 200 kg of nitrogen per hectare to the soil. The plant's roots also improve soil structure and prevent erosion.Common Names
The wart crotalaria is known by various common names including hairy-pod crotalaria, African rattlebox, tick clover, and jumby bean. In some regions, the plant is also called "gidee gidee" or "geruka" in reference to its rattling seeds.Light Requirements
Crotalaria axillaris Aiton grows well in full sun to partial shade. It requires high levels of light for optimal growth and flower production. Partial shade is recommended in areas with intense sunlight during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
Crotalaria axillaris Aiton grows best in warm to hot temperatures ranging from 60-80°F (16-27°C). It can tolerate occasional frosts but if grown in colder regions, the plant will need to be protected from frost or moved indoors during the winter.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires a well-drained soil that is moderately fertile. It can grow in sandy, loamy, or clayey soils; however, soil with a pH range of 6–7.5 is ideal. The soil should also be rich in organic matter, which helps retain moisture, improve soil structure, and promote nutrient uptake. It is recommended to add compost or organic matter to the soil before planting.
Cultivation Methods
Crotalaria axillaris Aiton, commonly referred to as the Yellow Pea Bush, is a plant species that thrives in warm, tropical and sub-tropical regions. It prefers well-draining soils, but it can also grow in soils that retain moisture. It can be propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. To propagate the plant, ensure that the soil temperature is at least 20°C.
Watering Needs
Crotalaria axillaris Aiton requires moderate watering to keep the soil moist. During the growing season, it requires frequent watering, but it should not be allowed to stand in water as it can cause root rot. When the weather is hot and dry, watering should be done more often, but during the winter season, watering should be reduced to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
The Yellow Pea Bush plant requires regular fertilization to thrive. The plant responds well to organic fertilizers, which can be applied every two to three months. It is essential to ensure that the fertilizer has enough nitrogen to support vegetative growth. For acidic soils, it is recommended to apply lime to reduce soil acidity, which can limit the plant's growth.
Pruning
Crotalaria axillaris Aiton usually does not require frequent pruning, but it can be pruned to shape it and to remove any dead or diseased branches. Ensure that you prune during early spring to encourage the plant to produce new growth. Pruning can also be done to encourage bushy growth and higher yields of flowers.
Propagation of Crotalaria axillaris Aiton
Crotalaria axillaris Aiton, commonly known as the showy rattlebox, is a plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to South America, but is also widely distributed in other tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Propagation of this plant can be done by various methods, such as seed propagation, cutting propagation, and division.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Crotalaria axillaris Aiton by seeds is the easiest method. The seeds can be collected from the mature pods when they start to dry. The seeds should be cleaned and soaked in warm water for 24 hours before sowing them. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil or in a seed tray filled with a mixture of sand and peat moss. The seeds will germinate within 2 to 3 weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent location after 4 to 6 weeks.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation by stem cuttings is another common method for Crotalaria axillaris Aiton. The best time to take cuttings is during the growing season, from spring to autumn. Cuttings should be taken from the mature plant and should have at least two nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip it into a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in well-drained soil and keep it moist. The cutting will root within 4 to 6 weeks and can be transplanted to their permanent location after 2 to 3 months.
Division Propagation
Propagation by division of the Crotalaria axillaris Aiton plant can be done when the plant is mature and has grown a clump. Divide the plant by carefully digging up the clump and separating it into smaller sections, making sure that each section has a healthy root system and some leaves. Plant the divided sections in a well-drained soil and keep it moist. The divided sections will take a few weeks to establish itself in the soil and will start to grow new foliage.
Disease Management for Crotalaria axillaris Aiton Plant
Crotalaria axillaris Aiton plants are susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Root Rots: Root rots can be caused by several fungal pathogens, leading to stunted growth and wilting of the plant. To manage this disease, avoid planting the crop in poorly drained soils and avoid over irrigation. Additionally, crop rotation can also help to reduce the impact of the disease on your crop.
- Leaf Spots: Leaf spot diseases are caused by fungal pathogens, which can cause spotting and wilting of leaves. To manage this disease, remove affected leaves and place them in a sealed bag to prevent spread. Additionally, apply fungicides as recommended by your agricultural extension officer.
- Fungal Stem and Pod Rot: This disease causes rotting of the stem and pod, leading to wilting and ultimately death of the plant. To prevent this disease, avoid over-irrigation, plant resistant varieties, and apply fungicides as recommended.
Pest Management for Crotalaria axillaris Aiton Plant
Crotalaria axillaris Aiton plants are also vulnerable to pest attacks, including:
- Bean Beetle: The pest feeds on the foliage and pods of the plant, leading to destruction of the crop. To manage the pest, regular monitoring using pheromone traps and removal of affected plants can help to prevent spread.
- Aphids: Aphids suck sap from the plant, leading to stunting of growth and wilting of the plant. To manage this pest, apply insecticides as recommended by your agricultural extension officer.
- Mites: Mites attack the leaves of the plant, leading to yellowing and wilting. To manage this pest, apply acaricides as recommended by your agricultural extension officer.
