Plant Description:
Crotalaria barkae Schweinf. subsp. cordisepala Polhill is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, which is commonly known as the tree lucerne. The plant is native to eastern Africa, particularly Ethiopia and Somalia. It is a tall shrub or small tree that can grow up to 8 meters in height.
General Appearance:
The plant has a straight stem and branches out into a broad crown of leaves. The leaves are trifoliate, with each leaflet being oblong and about 7 centimeters long. The flowers are bright yellow and are borne in dense clusters at the tips of the branches. The fruit is a long, narrow pod that contains numerous black seeds.
Common Names:
Aside from tree lucerne, Crotalaria barkae Schweinf. subsp. cordisepala Polhill is also known by other common names such as cordisepalum crotalaria, Ethopian rattlepod, and Ethiopian lucerne.
Uses:
The tree lucerne is a valuable plant in many ways. It is used as a forage crop for livestock as it is rich in protein and highly palatable. Additionally, it is also used in reforestation programs as it can aid in soil conservation and stabilization. The plant is also used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments such as fever, cough, and skin diseases.
Light Requirements
Crotalaria barkae Schweinf. subsp. cordisepala Polhill requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It is adapted to grow in areas with high light intensity, such as open fields, savannas, and disturbed areas.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions and requires warm temperatures to thrive. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 22°C and 30°C (72°F to 86°F). Temperatures below 15°C (59°F) may cause leaf yellowing and slow down growth. Extreme temperatures, either too high or too low, may lead to plant stress and reduced yield.
Soil Requirements
Crotalaria barkae Schweinf. subsp. cordisepala Polhill prefers well-drained soils with good aeration. It grows best in sandy to sandy-loam soils and can tolerate moderately acidic to slightly alkaline soils with a pH range of 5 to 8.5. This plant can also grow in poor soils with low fertility levels, as it has a high tolerance to nutrient deficiencies. However, soil with high fertility may result in excessive foliage growth instead of flowering and seed production.
Cultivation methods
Crotalaria barkae Schweinf. subsp. cordisepala Polhill is a perennial shrub that grows in a tropical climate. It prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic, with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. The plant needs a lot of sunlight for optimum growth, so it should be planted in a location that is exposed to direct sunlight.
The best time to plant Crotalaria barkae Schweinf. subsp. cordisepala Polhill is during the rainy season when the soil is moist and the temperatures are warm. The plant can be propagated using seeds or stem cuttings from mature plants. Seeds should be soaked in water overnight before planting, and stem cuttings should be taken from the tips of the branches.
Watering needs
Crotalaria barkae Schweinf. subsp. cordisepala Polhill requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, to prevent the roots from rotting. The plant should be watered deeply once a week, and more frequently during periods of prolonged drought.
The plant's watering habits should be adjusted to match the prevailing weather conditions and to prevent overwatering or underwatering. Overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering can cause the plant to wilt and die.
Fertilization
Crotalaria barkae Schweinf. subsp. cordisepala Polhill requires regular fertilization to maintain its growth and development. A balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied every four to six weeks during the growing season.
The fertilizer should be applied around the base of the plant, taking care to avoid contact with the leaves or stem. Fertilizer should be applied sparingly and according to the recommended guidelines to avoid the risk of over-fertilization, which can cause the plant to grow too fast and become weak, susceptible to pests and diseases.
Pruning
Pruning should be done on Crotalaria barkae Schweinf. subsp. cordisepala Polhill plants to keep them in shape, remove dead or damaged wood, and promote healthy growth. Pruning should be done during the growing season, when the plant is actively growing, and should be done with clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the plant.
The plant should be pruned to remove any dead, diseased, or broken branches. The plant's crown should be thinned to promote healthy growth and good air circulation, and the plant's shape should be maintained to keep it attractive and manageable.
Propagation of Crotalaria barkae Schweinf. subsp. cordisepala Polhill
Crotalaria barkae Schweinf. subsp. cordisepala Polhill can be propagated through different methods, including seeds, cuttings, and division. Before propagation, it is important to ensure that the parent plant is healthy and disease-free.
Propagation via Seeds
Seeds can be collected from mature pods of the parent plant. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining growing medium, and covered with a thin layer of soil. Water the seeds carefully to ensure the soil is moist, but not waterlogged.
The seeds can be germinated in a greenhouse or on a windowsill. They typically take up to four weeks to germinate. When the seedlings have grown to about 2-3 inches tall, they can be transplanted to larger containers or planted outside, provided that the temperature and weather conditions are suitable.
Propagation via Cuttings
Softwood cuttings can be taken from the parent plant during the growing season. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long, and taken from new growth that is free of flowers. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Then, plant the cutting in a container filled with a well-draining growing medium and water it well.
The cuttings should be placed in a warm, bright spot that is protected from direct sunlight and strong winds. After a few weeks, the cutting will start to form roots and will be ready for transplanting to a larger container or planting outside.
Propagation via Division
Crotalaria barkae Schweinf. subsp. cordisepala Polhill can also be propagated through division. This method involves separating the parent plant into smaller sections, each with a healthy root system.
To divide the plant, gently dig up the parent plant and carefully separate it into smaller sections using a sharp knife or garden shears. Make sure that each section has a healthy root system, and replant them in a well-draining growing medium.
Water the divided plants well and place them in a warm, bright spot. They should be protected from direct sunlight and excessive moisture until they are established and start to grow.
Disease Management
Plant diseases that commonly affect Crotalaria barkae Schweinf. subsp. cordisepala Polhill include fungal infections and viral diseases. Fungal infections often manifest in the form of leaf spots, stem cankers, and root rot. Viral diseases are often spread by insects and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves.
To manage fungal infections, remove and dispose of affected plant parts immediately. Avoid watering plants from overhead and provide adequate air circulation. Fungicide applications can also be effective in treating the disease. For viral diseases, there is no cure. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the virus to healthy plants.
Pest Management
Several pests can attack Crotalaria barkae Schweinf. subsp. cordisepala Polhill, including caterpillars, aphids, and spider mites. Caterpillars can cause significant damage to foliage and should be manually removed or treated with insecticidal soap. Aphids can be controlled by washing them off the plant with a strong stream of water or by introducing natural predators like ladybugs. Spider mites, which are often found on the undersides of leaves, can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Additionally, practicing proper plant care techniques, such as maintaining adequate soil moisture and providing sufficient nutrients, can help prevent pest infestations. Regularly inspecting plants for signs of pests and diseases and taking prompt action if any issues are detected can also help ensure healthy plant growth.
